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

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Genesis 22:13 KJV

It is possible you know how Abraham felt.  Perhaps you have felt you were sacrificing something precious and irreplaceable.  Our hearts too often burn at the things we offer up in our Christian walk.

Abraham’s journey to Moriah must have been anguishing.  The God Abraham loved, directed him to sacrifice his promised son.  The beloved son he waited for through the years.

We work in, and for, His Kingdom.  We invest time, talent, treasure, and probably tears, in our callings.  Still, we must be motivated by our love for Him.  Do not let some “trinket” stand between your heart and His.

The sacrifice(s) you give demonstrates your love and commitment to God.  After all, what can you give God that He did not give first?  Is there anything He cannot give back?  Still, our too human hearts ache at the thought, yet alone the reality.

He is God.  Even our sacrifices were first given to us by Him.  It may be scary, but do not hesitate to trust Him.   He will provide a lamb for the sacrifice, just as He gave The Lamb.

Walk out your life in obedience and faithfulness.  The things you sacrifice were first given by Him.  Give to Him with an open hand and heart, even if they tremble as you do so.

Think:                        I love Him more than what He has given me.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live out my love for You.”

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 KJV

I am prayerful that this new year is different.  In every way.  For you, and all of yours.

Last year may have been good.  Perhaps you had great success and increase.  This verse still applies.

I pray this year is different for you.  I am praying this year is full of new depths in God and the Holy Spirit.  I want God to re-make you in His image.

God has a plan and purpose for you.  You have a high and powerful calling in His Kingdom.  Seek your new thing.

Of course, God will not kidnap you.  He calls to you.  He waits, in His mercy and grace, for you to answer Him.  With patience and loving kindness beyond human comprehension, God is eager to help you began your journey.

Your destination is a new and higher place in Him.  He wants to remake you in His image, stronger, richer and more gracious than ever before.  He has the means.  Do you have the will?

As you start this new year, consider that God has a place, plan and purpose for you.  If you have not yet, seek His will for your life.  If you are already following His call, press in and get the change you are seeking.

Welcome to a new year.  God is here, waiting to do a new thing in your life.  For you and yours.

Think:                        God’s power can work a new thing in my life.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live as a new creation, in Your image.”

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.   For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:22–23 KJV

The wind-driven salt water stung Paul’s face just like everyone else.  The Apostle suffered with nausea from two weeks of violent pitching, like everyone else.  The storm beat and battered everyone on the ship, without exception.

To the trained experts, the situation seemed forlorn of anything positive.  Still, Paul stood up in the middle of the group with words of hope.  Not because he was missing the storm, but because He was riding the storm.

We do God and ourselves a disservice.  We try to limit how He can act.  We set up rules that limit His salvation.

God’s angels can chat and visit with water-soaked believers.  Even in the middle of a typhoon.  His hope can shine through, even when rain and storm-clouds block the sun.  If you let Him, God can ride the storm with you as well.

God does not have to stop the storm to ride with you.  You can climb on to His hope at any time.  When the wind is howling at its loudest, God’s power shines brightest.

Everyone on the ship made it safely to land.  The angel did not lie to Paul.  Paul passed on what he knew was a true and complete message: God is riding the storm with us.

Think:             God’s power can shine in any circumstances.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live, knowing you ride the storm with me.”

Copyright © December 2011, Kirk Hunt

“Support Without Shame” by Kirk Hunt

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:16 KJV

Folks often talk a good game about giving their support.  What happens when helping is inconvenient?  Will they, or you, run risks, physically or otherwise, to help?

Onesiphorus traveled to Nero’s Rome to help Paul.  He brought money and goods to cover the Apostle’s (and guards’ expenses).  More importantly he brought spiritual encouragement and mental reinforcement.

Onesiphorus had to travel great distances only to be frisked by the guards.  Everything they said was heard by the Praetorian Legionnaire chained to Paul.  I doubt there was only one soldier in the room.

Risking arrest himself, Onesiphorus boldly delivered his load of hope, faith and encouragement.  He ministered grace and provision to the Apostle.  He delivered grace and brotherhood despite the jack- sandaled thugs in the room.  If anything, he may have intentionally included the watchers in ministering to the watched.

Who needs your support today?  Go there.  Do what needs to be done.  Ignore the clinking chains.  Try to include the menacing onlookers.

Think:                        Someone needs my support in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to give my support without fear or shame.”

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Acts 3:8–9 KJV

Watch “Hold My Mule” at <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHpSM0PXuAE>

The lame man at Beautiful Gate looked up, expecting cash.  Instead, decades of handicap and disability came to a sudden end.  His praise and thanksgiving disrupted the reverent atmosphere of the Temple.

Did someone ask him to hold his praise?  Maybe.  For all the good that did.  He paid his debt of gratitude.

“Shoutin’ John” of “Hold My Mule” expressed his gratitude.  He recognized how good God had been to him and his.  He did not care where, when or who saw his unrestrained praise.  All he needed was for someone to hold his mule during his shout and dance.

Grateful men and women are especially careful to thank their benefactor.  Wise men and women understand just how good God has been to them and theirs.  Consider how much God has done for you.  Do you not owe Him praise?

Carefully consider all of God’s benefits to you, and those around you.  You will probably realize you owe God a shout and dance of praise.  Ask the nearest person to hold your keyboard while you pay what you owe.

Think:             I have much to be grateful for.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to praise you for all the good things You do for me and mine.

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

“The Fellowship Demand” by Kirk Hunt

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:16 KJV

The Apostle Paul wrote more than once about the dangers, hardships and traumas of his Christian journey. He wrote of beatings, stonings, and miscellaneous murder attempts in an almost off-hand manner. He did not seek these attacks, but that he had learned to take them in stride.

It seems that he never quite got the hang of being alone. “Brutal beating? If it’s for the Cross.” “No fellowship? Not that!”

Paul could pray and angels (Acts 27:23) would appear. Despite that level of connection with God, he avoided being alone. More than any other hardship of his ministry. In this verse, he pre-forgave those who did not stand with him. In other passages, he named names.

Fellowship is not just laughter and shared meals. Real fellowship is something deeper. All too often, it requires shared sacrifice and joint labor.

Fellowship is part of the Christian walk. It some times requires giving generously. Just as often it requires the humility to receive. Who do you fellowship with?

Think: Fellowship is part of the Christian walk.

Pray: “Lord, help me to connect with other Christians, to give and receive.

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 KJV)

Luke 15:20 KJV

He cringed when he saw his father running full-out toward him. As the older man came to a stop, huffing and puffing, he tried to start his speech. His father stopped him with a kiss.

Despite the stench of the pig-sty. On top of the putrid smell of disobedience. Without regard to who saw, or what they thought.

The father’s love had never wavered. His hope and expectation had yearned toward this day. All that was left was a way to express, joy, love and unrestrained welcome in one succinct act.

Perhaps the boy expected rebuke and recrimination. Instead, he received acceptance and affirmation. The joy of restoration outweighed every other consideration or concern.

Father-God’s love for you has never wavered. His divine providence and omnipotent preparation has worked for the day that you would return to Him. And he has joy, love and unrestrained welcome stored up just for you.

It does not matter what has gone before. His heart is ready to receive you. All you have to do is turn toward Him. He has a kiss for you.

Think: Father-God yearns to kiss me.

Pray: “Lord, remind me that You love me, no matter what.

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 16:25 KJV

Please also read Acts 16: 16 – 25

It had been a rough day in Thyatira. Paul and Silas had exorcised a young girl. This act of righteousness resulted in arrest, whipping and jail.

Their backs bled. Their feet were locked in stocks. They were alone against a hostile city. In this tough place and space, Paul and Silas worshiped.

The right time and location for worship is where you decide to worship. Paul and Silas prove that your heart and love for God is the only determining factor. In the silence and darkness of a tough midnight, you are free to worship.

Paul and Silas understood the temporary nature of their circumstances. They also understood the permanence of God’s love, provision and care-taking. Despite their aches and pains, they knew they could approach God’s throne. No matter who objected, only they could stop their worship.

Worship often happens on Sunday morning, with a singing team, backed by a hot-sounding band. That is good and nice, but it is not the only place and space. You are free to worship at anytime and any place.

Try worshiping when and where you are. Even if it has been a tough day. God always wants to hear from you.

Think: Worship is always an appropriate response. Especially on the tough days.

Pray: “Lord, remind me that I free to worship You.

Copyright © October 2011, Kirk Hunt

“Barzillai’s Provision” by Kirk Hunt

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

2 Samuel 19: 32 KJV

Barzillai possessed wealth, stature and longevity. At a critical moment of King David’s reign, Barzillai sent his provisions and supplies to what seemed like the losing side. Absalom would have retaliated viciously against Barzillai, had the mutinous conspiracy been successful.

Barzillai is not named in Scripture, until he supported David during the mutiny. We can only guess wildly at the relationship between the two men. All we know is that when it really counted, Barzillai put his name, money and life on the line.

Barzillai’s provision represents the support team that God has provided to you. To the enemy of your soul, it will seem that your support team winked into existence from nowhere. You may be amazed yourself.

How do you recognize your human backers? Even more, how do you get high level folks to commit their time, talent, treasure and even tears to your ministry? Be a man or woman after God’s heart.

David had his faults, but he always ended facing, and running toward, God. Be a God chaser. Your support team will find you.

Think: God has a support team for you.

Pray: “Lord, help me to follow my calling as You call those who will support me.”

Copyright © October 2011, Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

2 Samuel 17: 27 – 29 KJV

David and his loyal troops had escaped Jerusalem into the wilderness. They were cut off from provisions and equipment. Absalom’s mutiny was on the verge of success, without a sword stroke.

Valor cannot make food and water appear out of thin air. Courage can not provide equipment and gear. In this dark moment, David found himself and his men needing support.

Out of nowhere a tottering old man, a foreigner, and a backwoods farmer came to David’s aid. They brought food and provisions. They provided equipment and gear. Most of all, they brought hope and encouragement

God knows your circumstances. He sees your situation. God will not just abandon you.

God has arranged a support team for you. Men and women with a calling to support you. When you need it, they will bring it.

Think: God has a support team for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to lean on those you have called to support me.”

Copyright © October 2011, Kirk Hunt

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 19:9 – 10 KJV

This law made provision for the poor and foreigners. This law provided for Ruth and Naomi in Ruth 2. Call it welfare. The trick is that the recipients had to work for their provision.

Ruth was diligent and hardworking. She worked for the grain in the corners. What she did not know is her work would lead her. God’s provision led Ruth to a home, a husband, and a place in Messiah’s lineage.

God has provided for you. It may not be grain in a field, but it is valuable. God intends to bless you, yours and others. Of course, you will have to work your corner.

God has reserved treasure for you. Provision. Health. Blessing. All you have to do is work in faith and trust.

Search Scripture for the map. Listen carefully in prayer for the right time and season. Fast for the strength you will need for the tasks.

The treasure might be in the workplace. The bonanza could be in your ministry. Perhaps the cache is at your home. Wherever it is, God commanded it to be there. Just for you.

Think: God has reserved treasure for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to know Your provision is reserved for me.”

Copyright © October 2011, Kirk Hunt