And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)

I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.

Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.

Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.

Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.

Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”

Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

Peace is not the absence of conflict or turmoil. Instead, it is the presence of assurance in God’s care and provision. I can be at peace in the middle of storm and conflict.

Thankfulness and peace are linked. Thankfulness is an attitude of appreciation and gratitude. It doesn’t mean I have all I want or everything looks good. It means that I recognize God sovereign place and space in my life.

I thankful because I have His peace. My thankfulness draws His peace. As you embrace the one, the other follows.

Christians should live in a state of peace. We should gratitude for the life and liberty that comes through Christ Jesus. He has given us the best, in eternity and this life as well.

Does that mean that all Christians live in great wealth or in serene circumstances? My bank account could use more zeros, to be sure. Still, I live in the wealth of God’s love and grace.

My circumstances are not themselves tranquil or calm at all times. Still, I rest in God. In the most violent of storms, I am confident in His care and provision.

Think: God’s peace and thankfulness are linked to each other and me.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust and rest all the more in You.”

Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Exodus 3:1 (KJV)

He had once been the grandson of a Pharaoh. He had once been a member of the ruling elite of Egypt. He had once been important and respected.

40 years of exile later, the wanted posters had faded to blank in the desert sun. Only the keeper of the cold case files in Egypt might have known of Moses’ name and death-warrant. No one sought after the forgotten fugitive on the backside of the desert.

It isn’t hard to guess that Moses felt forgotten and alone in the depths of the Midian desert. An exile? Definitely. Forgotten? Not by God. Alone? Not for a second.

There among the sheep, Moses had time to spend with God. Far from the bright lights of Egypt, Moses had the time and opportunity to deepen his relationship with Jehovah-Jireh. Exiled, does not mean alone.

Where ever you are, you are not alone. God is there with you. No matter what happened before.

He longs to develop a deep, rich relationship with you. He calls to you through the silence. What do you say?

Think: No matter where I am, God is there and wants to spend time with me.

Pray: “Father-God, I want to have a deep and rich relationship with You.”

Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

“Drawing Favor” by Kirk Hunt

The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 14:35 (KJV)

We all hope “the king” we work for is a diligent, moral statesman. Too many of us work for a selfish, corrupt despot. It does not matter what kind of man or woman employs you. You can have favor with anyone, if you first seek God’s wisdom.

God’s wisdom will lead you through, or around, every situation. No matter how it looks to mere logic and reasoning, there is a solution from God’s wisdom. A solution that builds His kingdom and advances His servants.

God’s solutions make you rich in goodwill, respect and influence. God’s solutions do not leave behind ill-will, broken relationships or sorrow. Of course, God’s solutions require God’s wisdom. Accept no substitutes.

You can draw the favor of men by first seeking the wisdom of God. Of course, if you seek after God, and His wisdom, you will find yourself drawing the favor of God. Having the favor of God in your life is a blessing beyond compare.

Wisdom is not reserved for the favored few. Wisdom belongs to any man or woman who seeks it from God. You can draw favor from the “kings” in your life. All you have to do is seek wisdom from the King of heaven.

Think: I can draw favor by seeking God’s wisdom.

Pray: “Father-God, develop Your wisdom in me.”

Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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 2:2-4 (KJV)

Firearms and artillery have one thing in common: the barrel. The barrel must be perfectly straight. The barrel must be perfectly round. Even the rifling, the twisted grooves within the barrel, must be cut, then finished exactly. Without these features, the firearm will not be accurate or a weapon of choice.

Gun drilling is the limiting factor in making a firearm. It is a unique process with extraordinary requirements. I know from experience it is not easily done. It requires an expert craftsman, and patience, to complete correctly. Too often, multiple passes on the same barrel are needed for a good outcome.

God intends to use you to deliver His Word and grace to a dying world. That means the barrel of your life and soul must be perfectly straight, perfectly round, then grooved just so. With these features, you will be able to accurately deliver God’s grace and Word to others.

In order to achieve the needed level of perfection, God will have to work and re-work your life. He is the ultimate Craftsman. You can count that He can do all of the cutting, drilling and grooving correctly. Are you willing to submit to His expert Hands?

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)

The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.

Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.

Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.

Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.

Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.

He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

I am a athlete. I became an athlete when I committed to pursue athletics. As I continue to pursue athletics, I remain an athlete.

My sore, tired muscles argue with me. They tell me that I’m not an athlete at all. An athlete would be able to do more, with greater ease.

My muscles lie. I may not be an Olympian, but I am an athlete. Every sweaty workout takes me closer to my goals.

I am a Christian. I became a Christian when I committed myself to Christ. As I continue to pursue Christ, I remain a Christian.

My faults and errors argue with me. They tell me I’m not a Christian at all. A Christian would be better and do better, with greater ease.

My faults and errors lie. I may not be perfected, but I am a Christian. Every spiritual exercise takes me closer to Christ.

Pursue Christ. Whatever takes. Stay at it. No matter what happens. Every workout, especially the sweaty ones, makes you more like Him.

Think: Every day, every spiritual exercise takes me closer to my goal: Christ.

Pray: “Lord, help me to work out my salvation in You.”

Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

“My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Psalms 121: 2-3 (KJV)

From time to time, I wake up in the small hours of the morning. In those restless, sleepless moments He is there. God has me surrounded with His love and power, even at 3:30 AM.

He is constant and steadfast in His vigil over my life and soul. While the rest of the world slumbers blissfully, God is focused on me. Most of all, He is keeping me.

I need a powerful, resource-rich authority to be responsible for me. I need the protection. I need the care and concern.

The creator of the universe is interested in my well-being. He is involved in every aspect and detail of my life. Nothing limits His authority, or power, in my life and safety.

God is your keeper as well. Every resource and authority is His. His is concerned for your well-being.

3:30 AM is not a choice time for me to be awake. For an infinite, omnipotent God, it is just as good a time as any other. Knowing that lets we rest in the loving arms of my keeper.

Think: God is my keeper, therefore I in safety and security.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember that I dwell in Your care and concern.”

Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

“Hope” by Kirk Hunt

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)

You are never quite ready for the death of kith or kin. A long, protracted illness lacks enough warning. A sudden tragedy always catches us unready.

Death does not ask. He does not negotiate. He simply comes. Even Scripture says so.

Death can force us to choose, but he can not control our choices. You can respond in faith. You can reply in strength.

The tears may fall faster and hotter than you like. That is because you are flesh and blood. The sorrow comes because you love and care. That is a good thing.

Grief is not weakness. Sorrow is the most authentic evidence of a life lived, with love, among men and women. Tears are the normal response to loss and permanent separation. Any relationship worth having extracts some grief at its end.

Still, after the waves of sorrow pass, you are left with the memories. Those stored moments of laughter, tears, brawls and embraces are precious treasure. As long as you remember, your friend or kinsman is just a thought away. Especially for those who live and die in Christ, it is never “goodbye,” just “see you later.”

Go on and live through this season. You will have to feel it all. Your real friends and remaining family will see you through the hurt and heartache.

Christians cry at the open grave or weep before the burning pyre. Still, we stand, triumphant through Christ. Death may force the issue, but Jesus has the final Word. “They are not dead, but sleep.”

You will live, love and laugh again. Sooner than you think. God’s grace will carry you. His peace will settle you. God’s power over death gives us our greatest strength: Hope.

Think: His power gives me hope.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember that You have already triumphed, even over death.”

Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:1 KJV

“Pack up. Move out. I’ll mail you directions.”

Abram’s obedience was an act of faith. Leaving home, hearth, kith and kin, for whereabouts to be determined, has no other rational explanation. At God’s command, Abram started flying on instruments.

Aircraft have long had the ability to fly on instruments. On instruments, a pilot doesn’t need to see out of the cockpit at all. The pilot trusts the instruments, and the instruments get the pilot (safely) to the destination.

The things God asks of us are sometimes too big for us. The ending is too far for us to see. Worse, we can see the goal, but the path to the goal seems impossible to us. The God of creation asks you and I to trust Him.

He sees farther and deeper than we can. His knowledge exceeds the total of all humanity. His power exceeds anything and everything.

God faithfully led Abram to Canaan, and established him as a father of nations. You can put your faith in God, just as Abram did. Your faith and obedience will land you safely in His purpose for your life.

Think: I can trust Him. Even through the instruments of faith.

Pray: “Lord, help me respond to You in faith and obedience.”

Copyright © September 2010, Kirk Hunt

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:   So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Genesis 12:1, 4 KJV

At 75 years old, you expect to be settled. At that age, your career should be completed or in the last stages. 75 years old is not when you expect to become a world traveling adventurer.

God’s Presence came close. His Word pierced every doubt and uncertainty. “I am not done with you, Abram.” Neon signs and spotlights could not make His message clearer.

You are where you are. You are what you are. God is not done with you.

He has places He wants you to go. He has things He wants you to accomplish. Your age, education, wealth or health are less important than your obedience.

If you go, He will provide. If you obey, He will bless tribes and nations through your life. Your name can become a modern byword for faithfulness.

He is not done with you. Embrace the adventure. Go where He sends you. Your faithfulness will build the Kingdom.

Think: He has special Kingdom work for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me be obedient to Your Call.”

Copyright © September 2010, Kirk Hunt

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9 KJV

Even the most faithful of us pause between labors and wonder: Am I doing the right thing? Am I getting the right result? It is good and correct to ensure you are still on the right path.

Don’t let that thoughtful pause work against you and your ministry. Double-check to make sure you’re doing it God’s way. Even if you have shift or correct, continue in God’s call on your life.

At the end of the day, press on. Keep doing His call. Continue working His tasks. And don’t get weary.

Webster’s dictionary defines weary as “having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.” This weary is in the heart and mind, not the body. This weary leads to surrender, not the end of the shift.

Find fellow laborers and encourage each other. Keep the focus on fulfilling God’s call on and in your lives. Keep their heads and hearts in the work. The hands will follow.

You are planting a harvest. A harvest of benefit and blessing ordained by God and nurtured by your faithfulness. Your harvest is rooted in God’s call on your life. Don’t surrender just before the crops roll in.

Think: God rewards those who stay the course.

Pray: “Lord, help me to continue Your work.”

Copyright © August 2010, Kirk Hunt