Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Is the Cross a Bridge?

Prayer – Lord, please give me wisdom to see You working in my life and to tell others about my relationship with You. You are an awesome God—and You are my Lord, Savior, and my God.

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. Colossians 1:28 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Can you teach “Relationship”?

Read the whole chapter of Colossians 1. No matter where you are studying in the Bible, it is good to remember not to take verses out of context. We need to see and understand the big picture—and the only way to do that is to know the whole Bible. That is a little much to do in one sitting—but you can easily read a whole chapter and see where the verse or passage that you are trying to understand fits in. Here in this portion, where I was focusing on the relationship to Christ, Paul was encouraging the church at Colosse giving hope to the Gentiles that this secret that had been kept for centuries was that Jesus Christ was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. The same goes for us—a couple of thousand years later. Jesus is for us—He loves us and He died for us. That is love. Paul also revealed in this first chapter of Colossians that Jesus Christ is the visible form of God. This is really a dramatic portion of the whole Bible laying out a deep theological truth. Jesus is God.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20

So—the world is reconciled to God through the redeeming blood of Christ. That lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We think of lambs as sweet cuddly animals—but Jesus is more than that. He is the lamb that was given in the Passover sacrifice thus the cross provided a bridge between sinful man and the perfectly pure God Almighty.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

What are you doing today to build your relationship with the Lord God?

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, January 23, 2023

Bridge to Eternal Life

Prayer – Lord, teach me about God’s wonderful grace and how Your obedience will bring me, my family and friends and all mankind who believe in You, into a right relationship with God the Father.

Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate on grace—unmerited favor.

One Adam spoiled life for everyone…and God’s plan has given mankind the opportunity for restoration, for a relationship with God set back into perfection. God intended for people to live with Him in that beautiful Garden of Eden—but temptation and then sin got in the way. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be a sacrifice for that sin Adam and Eve committed. Jesus was that one other person who obeyed that Paul wrote about in his letter to the Romans that we’re reading today. Paul continues to tell us that God’s grace in this situation will give us right standing…and result in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This eternal life is a result of God’s wonderful abundant grace. It is ours, if we believe in Jesus Christ as our savior.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Rainbow bridge to heaven.

Just as a bridge gives us a safe crossing—a restored relationship with God provides security, hope, and peace into timeless existence.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, January 22, 2023

How Can You Be Released from Sin?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes and my heart to Your truth and sacrifice for me…for my sin. Thank you for Your obedience. I am helpless without You.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

Meditate. When is the “right time?”

Footbridge at Leavenworth, Washington
Hidden amongst the trees.

Do you…or have you…ever feel utterly helpless? Is that bridge that you need to cross to meet God wobbly or in need of repair? Is it hidden from plain sight?

You only have to look to the Lord Jesus Christ for safety, security, and hope. By His obedience we are saved, thus securing protection from evil forces that try to attack us—a constant threat on our spiritual life.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

It is likely that those evil powers are the ones making us feel utterly helpless. So Paul’s letter to the Romans in this scripture passage today can give us confidence in our future, if we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. He gave up a lot—His home in Heaven and His relationship with His Father, temporarily, to take our sins to the cross—so we could be forgiven and pure once again—like the first Adam before the he ate that forbidden fruit and like Jesus. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

How Can You Be Released from Sin? Just believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Verse of Salvation ~ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. Romans 5:10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, January 21, 2023

Right Relationship

Prayer – Lord, help me be obedient to You—because You are worth it.

Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. ... Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans 4:13-14, 20-25 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider God’s promise to faithful Abraham.

This strong bridge shows us
strength. Like the faith it takes
for a strong relationship with God.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
over the Cooper River
Charleston, SC

A right relationship with God comes by faith…Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise in believing Gpd’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger …. God’s promise wasn’t just to Abraham, or even just to the Jewish people…it was made for all mankind. God always makes good on His promises. Then if we believe in Him, since He raised His own Son, Jesus, from the dead, we can be just like Abraham. Counted as righteous. Righteous—living right. We can be right with God. We can be…we are. Hopefully, we can say—we ARE right with God. Jesus died for us…yes, for all mankind. We just believe…and we are not only counted as righteous, but are part of God’s family. Ah, that security makes us related to God Almighty. Related, with a strong, pure connection. A strong bridge between us. That secures a right relationship.

Verse of Salvation ~ Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the LORD loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. Psalm 37:27-29

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, January 20, 2023

Don’t Be Foolish

Prayer – Lord, let’s strike it rich in our relationship! Give me wisdom to understand You, Your word—and especially Your timing. Help me to make good decisions…and not to be deceived by people providing wrong teaching about these end times.

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:21

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

No one wants to be a fool! Jesus tells us in His Sermon on the Mount not to store up treasures here on earth.

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21

Job and Solomon had wise words about fools.

Let them no longer fool themselves by trusting in empty riches, for emptiness will be their only reward. Job 15:31

Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. Proverbs 10:14

Is this a bridge?
Sunset at the Richland Yacht Club Marina.
Near the Columbia River
No yacht or speedboats for me.
Only treasures in Heaven--starting with
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control.

I’ve often heard it said people by talking about “organizing” their house or downsizing that we spend half of our lives accumulating stuff and the other half getting rid of stuff. I’m in that latter half group—time to discard all the junk and collectables I’ve accumulated! I find it challenging to go through the clutter and make decisions on each and every item. I’d much rather have treasures that I store up in heaven! I certainly don’t want earthly materials to keep me from building bridges in my relationship with the Lord God…and I certainly don’t want to be foolish.

Verse of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Time to start planning your herb garden. Consider what herbs you use, since that will dominate your list of herbs to plant. There are different types of plants that are classified as annuals, which only last one year; biennials which have a two-year growing cycle; and perennials which live for many growing seasons. Examples of annuals are basil—including various varieties, cilantro, dill, chamomile, marjoram, fennel (unless it is grown in a mild climate), summer savory, and chervil. Perennial herbs include mint, oregano, caraway, catnip, chicory, chives, echinacea, horseradish, lemon balm, lemon grass, lovage, marjoram, sorrel, tarragon and winter savory. Some evergreen perennial herbs are bay, hyssop, lavender, rosemary, and thyme.

So what herbs are using or would like to try out? For now, you likely have just dry herbs to use, but consider that when you are using fresh herbs you’ll likely need three times as much as the dried version. Plan and plant accordingly. For quick starts to your herb garden, you can start with transplants. Seeds will take longer and obviously more patience. Consider what you actually use and if you have not had an herb garden before be adventurous and think outside the box. Now while it is still too cold to plant outdoors, you can dream of fresh herbs and the culinary flavors you will create this summer.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

What Do Pure Heart and Hands Give You?

Prayer – Lord, please give me pure heart and hands that I may have Your blessing and a great relationship with You.

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Psalm 24:1-6

Meditate. Consider who may stand in God’s Holy Place.

Did you know that EVERYTHING belongs to the Lord? I’ve heard that mover and over for many years…most of my life. Nothing belongs to anyone—well its our stuff and we really need to take care of the things and people with whom God has entrusted us—but it ultimately all belongs to Him. That car in your driveway…His. That ring on your finger…His. That child that you are raising…His. Your home, business, TV, books, clothes…yes, everything is His. But you knew that.

The Rainbow is a Bridge to Heaven.
A bridge of purity from your heart to God's.

Do you belong to the Lord? Can you climb the mountain of the Lord? The Psalmist tells us that only those with pure, clean hands and heart can have a relationship with the Lord. No lies or idol worship. That would be breaking a couple of the Ten Commandments, so it is no surprise. The only way to worship and stand in God’s presence is to have that purity. That will open the opportunity for building a relationship with the Lord—a bridge of purity from your heart to God’s heart.

Verse of Salvation ~ But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him. Job 13:16

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Bridges Take Work

Railroad Bridge across the Columbia River
at Kennewick, WA
Each section a new step in reaching the other side.
Building a bridge takes work and a good foundation.

Prayer – Lord, as I cross the bridge to You today—seeking to know You more and grow our relationship, I consider how much work it takes to build a bridge, whether it is a physical bridge or a spiritual bridge. Thank You for being a great foundation in my life.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil." In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:15-21

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

The LORD knows those who are his, and all who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil. Paul goes on to encourage Timothy to keep himself pure and his life clean. Good advice. Paul was a good example for Timothy and us, too. Clean lives reflect a good relationship with the Lord—by being obedient and keeping a short tally needing prayer, forgiveness is always right at hand. Paul gives a testimony of having a clean life himself when in Acts 23:1 he stands before the Sanhedrin and declares…"Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!" A clear conscience is
encouraging to not only to the person experience that, but also to those around them. No guilt—no running from the Lord, or anyone else. Peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will flow from the heart of that person. People with those qualities—that fruit of the Spirit—in their life are truly pleasing the Lord and are ready for serving Him. They have built a good relationship with the Lord and know that bridges take work.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9

Happy Birthday Mike!

Blessing on you…today and always!

Praise the LORD!

How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commands.

Psalm 112:1

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Why Do We Want to Please Others So Much?

Prayer – Lord, I find myself often doing things to please others. Why? I think I should be living to please You. Sometimes my thoughts, words, and actions can do both…but is this realistic?

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17-19

Meditate. Consider obedience to God.

Green Bridge to Nowhere
Originally built in 1922.
It crossed the Columbia River at Kennewick, WA.
Demolished in 1990 when it was replaced.

There are so many questions in life. One that has plagued me is “Why do I want to please others so much?” I’ve given it considerable thought over the years. What I’ve decided is that it is just human nature to want to be accepted which is an indication of love. By pleasing others, we strive to gain acceptance and thus love. To love and be loved is a basic human desire. I believe that it is actually created by God so that we will want to seek His love…and love Him. Can we build a bridge in our relationship with God if we are trying to please others?

Typically, people say…at least I do, “I don’t care what others think of me.” But in reality, I do care. I live to please my husband, family, friends and even my neighbors. I think that other people want to please those around them. Why else would people spend millions of dollars and squander their time on their clothes, make-up, perfect food, houses, home deco, and extravagant cars? We could all just dress alike, wear no make-up, all drive same color and type of car, and live in cookie cutter houses with no decorations. That would make life simple and cheap. But instead, we put creativity to the test and spend money to impress others—we care about what they think of us. Do we put others first before God? That is our own decision, but it ties in with the choice…why do we want to please others so much?

Verse of Salvation ~ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:10-13

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Banquet With The King

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Is the Cross a Bridge?

Monday, January 23, 2023

Bridge to Eternal Life

Sunday, January 22, 2023

How Can You Be Released from Sin?

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Right Relationship

Friday, January 20, 2023

Don’t Be Foolish

Thursday, January 19, 2023

What Do Pure Heart and Hands Give You?

Verse of Salvation ~ But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him. Job 13:16

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Bridges Take Work

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Why Do We Want to Please Others So Much?

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