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

“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

2 Kings 4:27-28 NIV

At daybreak, the Shunammite woman watched her little boy run and play. At noon, her dream lay cold and stiffening in an upstairs bedroom. The bitter reality of her situation called for action.

Common wisdom would call for a mortician. Instead, she sent for a driver. She put on her traveling clothes and her “game face.” She had work to do.

The facts and data said, “The dream is over.” Faith and hope said, “It shall be well.” To the driver, she said, “Go hard and fast.”

Sometimes, in the rough and tumble of life, a dream dies. Bitter distress is the normal reaction to such an event. As God’s people, we can respond with faith and hope. If God can bring a dream to life, He can give it new life.

At evening, the Shunammite’s little boy once again ran and played. Her faith had brought new life to her dream. What will your faith bring (back) to life?

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, twice.

Pray: “Father-God, life and power are in, and with, You.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

2 Kings 4:16 KJV

Her hands came off her hips and covered her mouth. Her dry, squinting eyes were suddenly wide and full of tears. Elisha’s prophecy released the hidden dream of her heart. The dream lurched from its dark cell into the bright sun of her life.

The tough, self-assured woman of verse 13 suddenly gave way to the tender, vulnerable girl of verse 16. Our dreams have power. Even our hidden dreams. Especially the dreams that should have died.

There you are, building the Kingdom. You have not asked, or expected, a reward for your faithfulness. God will select an unlikely place and space to fulfill your dreams.

God delights in bringing dreams to life. Probably the dreams you had forgotten. Especially the dreams you thought were long since dead.

Your season is coming. A season when you will hold something precious. A season you did not think possible.

Some dreams do not die. Some dreams linger, waiting for God’s power and the right season. Some dreams you did not ask for, but God gave you anyway.

Think: Nothing is impossible for God.

Pray: “Father-God, no dream is impossible with You.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

Matthew 9:27 KJV

My brothers and I all have “Where’s your Father?” stories. The details are different, but the plot remains the same. Despite our own credentials, in spite of our own accomplishments, men and women looked us in the eye and asked, “Where’s Poppa Hunt?”

It took a while, but we all individually figured it out. It was not that the sons of William lacked skills, accomplishments or credentials. Poppa simply commanded a lot of respect. We all learned to live in the shadow of his influence.

As Poppa’s Hunt’s sons, we have all completed tasks Poppa could not. Yet, when folks saw them done, they asked, “When did he teach you that?”

The blind men of verse 27 wanted their vision restored. They appealed to Jesus at the top of their lungs. Jesus , the son of David. After all, only a true son of David, a son of Father-God, could heal blindness.

The restoration of sight flowed from Jesus’ hands, but the credit went to Jesus’ Father. The power flowed from Father-God. “Look at what God has done!”

As you build God’s Kingdom, men and women will look you in the eye and ask “Where’s your Father?” Father-God simply commands a lot of respect. “Look at what God has done!”

Think: Find your source in your Father’s power.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live as Your son.”

Copyright © June 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

“His father saw him.” Dad’s heart for his son gave him sight and insight. A “great way off” was not just a reference to the physical distance.

Dad scanned the horizon every day, looking for his son. He saw the boy coming home, in his heart. With faith that strong, his physical eyes were compelled to look for the physical manifestation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) is a parable, but it teaches an inescapable truth: God loves you and wants you back. Separation from Him is not normal. Reconciliation with Him is natural.

Perhaps you have left your faith in Him for a time. His love for you has never wavered. His arms are open to you, even now.

Perhaps you have kept your faith, but have stumbled here and there. He loves you, even still. Run back to his open arms.

God loves you. His arms are open and extended to you. Your heavenly Father will see you when you turn back to Him.

Think: Godly loves me. God wants me back.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for Your love for me and Your open arms for me.”

Copyright © May 2011, Kirk Hunt

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 KJV

I recently walked a section of the Rillito River Trail. Caught between the the intense sun of the Sonoran Desert and the asphalt, the heat seemed to drain all energy and vigor. Still, there were moments of relief and even restoration.

At various places on the trail, trees or structures give partial shade from the sun. While the easing of the heat is appreciated, there is not much relief in a bridge trestle. The tunnels under the major streets are a different story.

It is much cooler in the Oracle Road tunnel. The breeze carried away heat, and brought the sweet smells of the desert blooms. In the shadows I could gather strength for another burst of speed under the Arizona sun.

The “secret place” of God is a space of spiritual protection and sanctuary. It is a place to rest and recover, no matter what is happening. No matter what anyone else is doing or saying. Best of all, that secret place is just a prayer away.

God loves you. Stand under His love. There. In His shadow, you can receive the strength you need.

Think: God will shelters me in His love, if I ask.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek the power and restoration that Your love gives.”

Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Job 2:6 KJV

Job lost his wealth in Chapter 1. The donkeys and oxen were rustled. The camels stolen. The sheep incinerated. Worst of all, his children died in a tornado.

I can not imagine Job’s grief, heartache and distress. Still, in the middle of loss and devastation, Job went in faith to God. Without hesitation. Without doubt.

In ultimate cruelness, the enemy of Job’s soul looked for more to take. He wanted to push Job past his limits. God, the lover of our souls, set limits on what Job would endure. In Chapter 2, Job lived through painful boils and scabs, on top of his other losses.

God, omniscient and sovereign, sets your limits. Believe it or not, this is good news. Even when it seems that you are beyond what you can endure, you are within what God allows for your life.

Often, that feels like the “scary version.” Do not be fooled. God has limited what will come. Even when it feels you can not endure more. Especially when you think the load is too much for any human, yet alone you.

We know the ending of Job’s story. He lived to raise a second set of children, and held even greater wealth. You may not know the ending of your story, but you know who writes your life. And it will be good news.

Think: God, who loves me, sets my limits.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust You and the limits You set for my life.”

Copyright © March 2011, Kirk Hunt

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7 (KJV)

Matthew 10:30-31 repeats this passage from Luke’s Gospel almost exactly. Anytime Scripture repeats, you can count on it being important. And what could be more important, than the fact that you are important to God?

You are significant. You are important. You matter to God.

God peers through fog, rain and darkest night for your face. Despite the noise and clatter of churning stars and whirling galaxies, He listens intently for your voice. With all the universe requires of Him, nothing commands God’s attention like you.

Perhaps things have not gone your way in recent days. It could be that you have found yourself feeling lost and ignored. Nothing could be further from the truth.

All it takes is a moment. A second or two of facing toward a loving God who longs to hear from you. What could be more comforting? What could be more reassuring?

No matter what has gone short, or missing, or wrong, God is there. His eternal Hands are around you. As much as He cares for sparrows, He cares so very much more for you.

Think: God is concerned for me.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have confidence in Your love and concern for me.”

Copyright © February 2011, Kirk Hunt

“God Loves First” by Kirk Hunt

We love him, because he first loved us.

I John 4:19 (KJV)

It does not get simpler. God loved us first. No qualifiers. No fine print.

We are in a no-risk position. We are free to love Him because we know. Not that He might, but that He already has.

It is reassuring to know that the Master of all creation has already committed Himself. I do not have to worry that my love to Him will be unrequited. I have no fear that my love will not be answered.

Patiently God waits for us. First, to realize that He already loves us. All he wants is for us to love Him back.

He knows your back-story and history, but He loved you first. He knows where you are and what you doing, but He loved you first. He sees your flaws, blemishes and imperfections, but He loved you first.

You do not have to worry He will not love you, since He already does. There is only one thing you can do about His love: love Him back.

There are no qualifiers to worry about. There is no fine print to read. There are just a pair of open arms ready to hold you with infinite affection.

Think: God loved me first.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have confidence and joy in Your love for me.”

Copyright © February 2011, Kirk Hunt

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

Exodus 34: 30, 33 (KJV)

The cowering men were the senior leadership of Israel. They individually commanded the respect and obedience of hundreds of thousands of men and women. They personally witnessed God’s miracles in Egypt. You would think they could hold their ground against one man.

Despite all of their experience and station, they were not ready. They were not prepared for Moses’ appearance. They were not prepared for Moses to be shiny.

Moses spent time with God. Alone on the mountain, Moses spent time face-to-Shekinah with God. The result should not have been a surprise to anyone.

There’s lots of excellent reasons for you to spend time with God. Worship. Prayer. Devotion. Empowerment.

Whatever your reasons for spending time with Him, one side-effect is that you will begin to reflect His glory. No one spends time with God and comes away the same. God’s glory can rub off on those who seek Him.

After 40 days in God’s Presence, Moses got some glory on him. Especially his face. Isn’t time you got shiny?

Think: God’s glory can reflect in my life, if I spend time with Him.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to spend time with You so I can reflect Your Glory.”

Copyright © February 2011, 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