Focus On Your Call
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“Focus On Your Call” by Kirk Hunt
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Matthew 14:30 KJV
Peter asked to be called. After being called, he climbed over the rail and starting walking the naked surface of the Sea of Galilee. For a season, Peter violated the laws of physics, and common sense, just like Jesus.
So what went wrong? Peter had shouted over the wind to Jesus, in the first place. The waves had tossed the ship, before, during and after Peter climbed over the gunwale.
Peter started focusing on the storm. While he focused on the Storm-master, everything went well. Peter started to sink after Jesus stopped being the center of his attention.
There you are, in the middle of building God’s Kingdom. The waves were crashing and the wind howling when the call came, but you answered. With your focus on Jesus, you walked the waves to success for His Kingdom.
It is too easy to be distracted. The cares and concerns of the real world have a way of getting our attention. Sick kids and painful accidents happen to Saints also. The best of us keep our focus on Him, despite the chaos around us.
Peter had courage to get out of the boat. For a time, Peter kept Jesus the focus of his water walk. He has the power you need to walk your waters. No matter what happens, keep your focus on Jesus.
Think: I have to focus on Jesus during my call.
Pray: “Lord, help me keep my focus on You, not my situation.”
Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt
Ask For The Call
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“Ask For The Call” by Kirk Hunt
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Matthew 14:28–29 KJV
By walking across the Galilee, Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over all creation. Peter understood that Jesus could freely violate the laws of physics. Still, he wanted to be at the Master’s side.
Courage is not the absence of wisdom. Peter understood the limits of his own authority and ability. If he wanted to walk the waves to his Master, he would need to be called. So, Peter asked to be called.
Courage is not impatient. Peter asked for his call. Then he stayed in the boat until he got an answer.
Courage requires action. When the call came, Peter climbed out of the boat. Peter walked in victory and confidence across the roiling Sea of Galilee.
There you are, in the safety of your “boat.” Still, you want to be at His side and in His purpose. Ask Him to call you.
Wait for His voice. Wait for your authorization and empowerment. After He calls, go in victory and confidence.
Think: I can ask to be called.
Pray: “Lord, call me to Yourself and Your purpose for me.”
Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt
In Whose Timing?
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“In Whose Timing?” by Kirk Hunt
Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
John 13:36 KJV
To his credit, Peter meant his loyal words and actions. He would follow Jesus, even at hazard to his life. Peter did, by all traditions, follow Jesus to crucifixion. Just not that night.
The problem lay not in Peter’s intention, but his timing. His timing did not match Jesus’ timing. Peter would understand his out of step condition, before the night was over.
Jesus knows your heart and intention. Thankfully, He sees further, and better, than you. Intention is not enough. The timing must be the correct timing.
Peter made mistakes that night. Jesus even had to fix (see John 18:10-11) some of them. Operating in his own timing, Peter made things worse.
If you are anything like me, you think you know the right timing for your actions. If you are anything like me, God has fixed some of your mistakes. You meant well, but your timing was just a little off.
Jesus leads where we follow. Through His power. In His righteousness. With His grace.
Base your actions on Bible study and prayer. Be patient in His process. Stay obedient. Let Him lead you in His perfect timing.
Think: God’s timing for my life, unlike my own, is perfect.
Pray: “Lord, help me to operate in Your timing, not mine.”
Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt
Because You Live
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“Because You Live” by Kirk Hunt
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
John 12:10–11 KJV
Not just any Jews, but the High Priests, conspired to kill Lazarus. Why? The testimony of his simple existence helped to draw and convert the Jewish faithful to Christians.
Too often we overlook the simple truths that flow from this passage: Your life is a testimony. The power (or weakness) of your testimony flows from the truth you live. All alone, truth has inescapable and undeniable power.
Scripture does not record that Lazarus ever preached or witnessed. In his silence, the High Priests knew of him and started writing out death warrants. Despite the silence of his mouth, Lazarus’ life trumpeted out the power and message of Jesus.
Too often, we try to bellow out the message of Jesus in order to win converts. Not often enough, we let the simple power of His truth shine out of lives. Lazarus’ silence drew men and women to Jesus.
People you have never met are hearing and watching your testimony. God’s truth does not need your bullhorn or contrived phrases. All that is needed is for you to eloquently live out your life in Him.
There is a time and place to speak your testimony for Jesus. More often, you simply need to let your life testify for you. What truth flows from your life?
Think: My life is a testimony. What does my life say?
Pray: “Lord, help me to live out a testimony that honors You.”
Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt
He Loves Us Still
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“He Loves Us Still” by Kirk Hunt
Jesus wept.
John 11:35 KJV
Jesus is the eternal Son of our eternal God. He has always existed. He will go on for forever.
I agree with those who believe that Jesus involved Himself with God’s people long before His earthly ministry. Many Bible scholars maintain that the “captain of the Lord’s host” in Joshua 5 was Jesus. The 4th man in the furnace at Daniel 3 is widely said to be Jesus.
There were countless millennia and the untold millions who existed before His earthly ministry. All that time and all those lives should have given Jesus a deep reserve about the lives of men and women. The vast time and space from Creation alone should place a deep gulf between God and us.
Instead, the sight of Lazarus’ tomb brought our Savior to tears. Even with His purpose to bring the man back to life. Despite the limitless power at His command. Christ cried.
He loves you. He loves me. In the most human and common sense of the word, He cares about us. The master of all time and space is moved and impacted by our very human lives.
Never think for a moment that He does not feel toward and for you. Your life matters to Him. He feels for you.
Think: Jesus loves me fully, completely and affectionately.
Pray: “Lord, help me to live knowing Your love for me is eternal yet human.”
Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt
Love Without Limits
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“Love Without Limits” by Kirk Hunt
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
John 11:5-6 KJV
Martha, Mary and Lazarus had the distinction of being close, intimate friends of Jesus. You would think that hearing of Lazarus’ illness would have sent Jesus running to his side. Instead, Jesus deliberately sat for two full days.
Verse 4 gives us the rationale for Jesus’ delay. God would get glory from the situation. Unfortunately, that meant that Lazarus would have to wait.
Missing the funeral was not enough. Jesus did not arrive until days after the burial. Jesus waited until the situation became really serious.
Perhaps you feel like Lazarus. You know that Jesus loves and cares for you, but there seems to be a delay. Despite your faith, you anxiously wait for Jesus.
Jesus’ power and love are without limit. No matter how long He takes, His timing is perfect. Unfortunately, that means you may have to wait.
It does not get more serious than dead and buried. The living Word undid death for Lazarus. Jesus does not love you less than Lazarus.
His perfect timing is His perfect timing. No matter what you want, or when, Jesus will get the glory when His power works in your life. Keep your faith in love that knows no limits.
Think: The love of Jesus knows no limits.
Pray: “Lord, help me trust your love, power and timing in my life.”
Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt
Obedience and Growing
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“Obedience and Growing” by Kirk Hunt
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Luke 2:51–52 KJV
Jesus the Messiah. He washed dishes. He swept floors. He assisted in the workshop.
Growing up does not always involve dramatic, one-of-a-kind actions. Usually, growing requires mundane, repetitive tasks. Most of growth comes from the unhip, unglamorous stuff of everyday life.
Jesus left the Temple in Jerusalem with his parents. They went home to the backwater of Nazareth. Jesus’ record in Scripture goes silent for the next 18 years.
Joseph spent 13 years in Egypt. Moses spent 40 years shepherding. They were obedient as they grow to the condition where God would use them.
You are not there on accident. God has a plan and purpose for you. You will do great things when you have grown up enough.
It was part of the plan that Jesus was subject to parents and others in His life. Just as human as you or I, He made himself obedient, so He could grow. If He can do it, so can you.
It may not be hip. It may not be glamorous. It is needful. Obey and grow.
Think: My growth comes through my obedience.
Pray: “Lord, help me to be obedient to Your path for my growth.”
Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt
Living On The Rock
“Living On The Rock” by Kirk Hunt
And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
2 Samuel 22:2–4 KJV
For the first time, in years, there was no morning war council. The scouts and surveillance agents had nothing to report. Peace and quiet held sway over the kingdom.
How would you react? David had spent many years, one step in front of various hangmen. David’s enemies were not just Philistines, or King Saul and his family. His own son, Absalom, had attempted to kill him.
The sudden absence of pursuers pulled a response out of David. In gratitude and praise, he wrote a song to his God. Given a chance to celebrate peace and security, David worshipped.
No matter the hardships of your life, you can rest easy. God has protected you up until now. The spiritual bedrock of God is your security and safety. Today and tomorrow, He will save you from enemies foreign and domestic.
Think: No matter what is going on, God is the rock I live on.
Pray: “Lord, help me to remember to live on the Rock of You.”
Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt
Working Solo
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“Working Solo” by Kirk Hunt
And he [Benaiah] slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
2 Samuel 23:21 KJV
Benaiah engaged in combat at a disadvantage. He had a walking stick. The unnamed Egyptian had a battle spear. The phrase “goodly man” recognizes the Egyptian as a substantial opponent. Benaiah’s one-on-one victory is not to be lightly dismissed.
As Christian men and women, we often have to work (or fight) solo. We come face-to-face with substantial opposition in our work and lives. We must not back down. Instead we should overcome disadvantage(s) to gain victory.
Of course, we never really work solo. We always have the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through our lives. His Presence is too easily forgotten in front of a hostile executive committee. The Holy One may not be our primary thought during a heated discussion with a coworker.
God will give you the resources you need to start. Your preparation and His power will give you what you need to persevere. All you need is the faith to start and the courage to stay the course.
Take what you have in hand. Face the opposition. Be gracious, generous and merciful in your victory.
Think: Even when physically alone, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Pray: “Lord, help me live in Your power and skill at all times.”
Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt
Working For Ahab
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“Working For Ahab” by Kirk Hunt
And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
I Kings 18: 3–4 KJV
Rulers have always traditionally surrounded themselves with the best and the brightest. Obadiah (traditionally the prophet of the Old Testament Book) would be one of those elite insiders. “Governor of the king’s house” would be similar to a modern Chief of Staff.
Ahab worshipped Ba’al. He allowed Jezebel to attempt the extermination of the prophets of Jehovah. This king certainly helped in leading Israel (further) from God.
Obadiah worked directly, and closely, for this murderous, blasphemous king. It appears that he did more than maintain his integrity toward God. Obadiah protected the prophets of God, right under the nose of the king (and queen).
Christians in the workplace should be the best and brightest. We ought to be movers and shakers. Just remember your first loyalty.
The pressures to take down, give in or compromise are constant. Those pressures grow as you ascend the ladder. No matter how high you rise, do not break your covenant with God.
Be an Obadiah. Be one of the best and brightest. Be an insider. Despite it all, remain a faithful servant to your real King.
Obadiah, served Ahab faithfully, but God first. He kept his position and his integrity. It can be done. Trust God for the skills and wisdom to do both.
Think: I serve God first. Always.
Pray: “Lord, help me to be faithful to my employer, but first to You.”
Copyright © February 2012, Kirk Hunt
Working For Laban
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“Working For Laban” by Kirk Hunt
Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
Genesis 31:41 KJV
Jacob ran to Uncle Laban for protection and support. For the next 20 years, Laban kept the young man safe from outsiders. Unfortunately, Jacob needed someone to keep him safe from Uncle Laban.
Honesty, fairness and loyalty are precious. For two decades, Jacob learned and re-learned that lesson. Jacob left wealthy, but he understood Brother Esau’s complaint against him.
Perhaps you are working for a modern day Laban. It is difficult to work with someone who seems so intent on profiting only at your expense. There are days you do not feel forgotten, you feel sentenced, to that place and space.
Jacob became wealthy and blessed working for Laban. God fulfilled His promises to make a great nation of Jacob. In the same way, God will fulfill His promises to you.
No matter how “Laban” schemes or maneuvers, God will see that you get what He promised. No amount or level of human trickery can overcome God’s faithfulness.
There is a blessing in that place and those folk. God will secure you. Even more, He will enrich you. Be faithful. No matter how faithless they are.
Stay honest and loyal. Do the right work, the right way. You will leave ‘Laban’ with all that God has promised.
Think: God will deliver His promises to me, if I do my part.
Pray: “Lord, help me to be faithful, even to a ‘Laban.’”
Copyright © February 2012, Kirk Hunt
Strengthen Your Folk
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“Strengthen Your Folk” by Kirk Hunt
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Luke 22:32 KJV
Simon Peter, in the hours following this statement, would show his flaws. Peter would hack off someone’s ear in rage. He would then turn in the same moment and flee in panic. Later he would deny he even knew Jesus.
Jesus saw all of this coming, in advance. He took this moment, when perhaps he should have been preparing Himself for crucifixion, to prepare Peter. He told his strongest man to strengthen those around him.
Peter would cry later, in remorse and guilt. He would discover just how little he knew about Jesus. Or Peter. When this tough-guy fisherman “wept bitterly,” he had hit rock bottom.
For all of his demonstrated flaws and shortcomings, Peter remained the strongest of the Disciples. At least he made the (misguided) effort to defend Jesus. None of the other Disciples were close enough to be accused.
With his face rubbed in the worst of his failing, Peter clung to his faith. With his soul tattered and battered, Peter refused to let go of his knowledge of Jesus. When Peter got up, the others looked to him for strength and leadership.
If you are holding onto your faith, you have strength enough to share. No matter what has happen in your past, you have what others need. The kith and kin in your circle need what you have. Strengthen your folk.
Think: Despite my flaws and shortcomings, I have strength to give.
Pray: “Lord, help me to strengthen the folk around me.”
Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt
