“Soul Building” by Kirk Hunt

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:3-4 KJV

I’m working out now. I’m eating better lately. I want to undo years of lounging and overindulgence with a few hours of sweat and reducing one meal a week. It’s not working out that way.

It’s going to take weeks and months of consistency to get to develop the fitness I want. Too much, too fast will only hurt, not help. I am putting fewer calories on my plate and burning more calories on the treadmill. There’s no “secret” formula, just consistency and persistence.

The things of God work the same way. Anyone can develop a intimate, rich relationship with Father-God. There’s no “mystery” formula, just consistency and persistence. I get up when I’d rather sleep longer.

Everyday, make sure you spend time in His presence. Don’t let a day go by without reading and studying Scripture. Never miss an opportunity to exercise your faith.

The word “trying” in Scripture can often be interpreted “exercising.” Consistent, persistent exercise will build muscles naturally and spiritually. All you have to do is get off the literal, or figurative, couch.

You can become perfect and complete in God. Just do what you need to do. Every day.

Think: Consistency and patience in prayer and Bible study will build my soul

Pray: “Lord, help me to exercise myself in You.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 KJV

The boxer stumbles back to his corner and falls heavily on the stool. The opponent is stronger than he imagined, and craftier than his looks should allow. Alone, the fighter won’t finish the next round.

Corner men climb through the ropes to assist and strengthen their man. They work quickly, considering their limited time. Every action strengthens and supports the man who fights in the ring.

The cut man makes the boxer flinch, but the wounds close and the bleeding stops. The corner man pumps fluids into, and over, the fighter. A trainer speaks (or yells) advice and direction into the face of the weary slugger.

A strong, sharpened combatant emerges from the corner. The corner men watch with pride and emotion as their man battles the opponent. Regardless of who gets the credit, the boxer’s victory will seem just like their own.

Where are you in this scene? As Christians we battle the culture every day. We need men in our corner.

We need brothers who patch our wounds and cuts with God’s Word. Every Christian man ought to have a spiritual warrior who pours prayer over his life and circumstances. Real men listen to the Godly counsel of a strong, Spirit-filled friend.

Look around you. There are men (and women) who need the strength and skill you can lend them. Eventually, you will need theirs.

Find your men and your corner. Get ready, the bell is about to ring. Come out swinging.

Think: Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give and accept service for the Kingdom’s sake.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

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“Provoke Each Other” by Kirk Hunt

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:24 KJV

Given the opportunity to name a topic for one of these devotionals, my Gospel brother became gleeful. When he finally names a specific topic, it is supposed to be a challenge. A spur to good and Godly work.

Practitioners and experts are the most difficult audience. They appreciate the great displays of expertise, but they see the little slips of imperfection. They share your goals and aspirations, but they also know the craft you are trying to perfect.

Why should I bother with his challenge? Because he’s going to provoke me. To delve further into Scripture. Knowing his heart and expertise in the things of God, I’ll have to labor just a little better.

Ultimately, his challenge is for me to be more like Jesus. Knowing my friend, I can’t half-step. I will have to bring my best.

It is a kind of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, our heavenly Father has an infinite store of love and blessing for all of His children. No one loses the race for Godliness.

Who is challenging you? Who pushes you just a little further into the Arms of Jesus? What does an answer of “no one” say about you?

Think: My brothers and sisters help me get better in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, help me embrace the men and women who will provoke me toward You.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt

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“Our Daily Bread” by Kirk Hunt

And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Exodus 16:14 KJV

Like clockwork, for over 40 years, the Israelites woke up to God’s provision. In the middle of a harsh desert environment, food (and dew) arrived every morning. Israel called it manna.

One translation of the word manna is “gift.” A different translation is the phrase “What is it?” God’s provision is always wonderful, but it can also be a mystery.

At least one lesson of manna is to interact with God daily. Excess collections of manna rotted or spoiled during the night. God wanted Israel to depend and interact with Him each day.

How about you? Do you interact daily with God? Is there fresh provision from God’s Word in your mind and heart every morning (or evening)? Do you speak with Him, every day?

We let the business crowd Him out. We choose to spend our time away from Him. Make a commitment for a few minutes a day. Create the habit. Gather your daily measure of God.

The habit and practice will make a difference in your life. It doesn’t need to take hours. It needs to happen daily. Gather your manna, daily. God is there, waiting for You.

Think: Prayer and Bible study are a Christian’s daily bread.

Pray: “Lord, help me not to skip my daily dose of You.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt