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

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

“Some Dreams Tell The Story” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

2 Kings 8:5 KJV

The Shunammite woman and her household returned from Philistia. Unfortunately, she found her property occupied by squatters (or worse). Ironically, she now needed to speak to the King (see 2 Kings 4:13).

In between cases, King Jehoram (aka Joram) commanded Gehazi to relate the record of Elisha’s ministries and miracles. Elisha’s resurrection of the dead became a featured story. In the middle of the account, the Shunammite walked in.

Despite the fact that he was now a teenager, the boy remained a miracle. Twice, God had directly intervened in his life (and his mother’s). First, through the prophesy of his birth. Again, at his resurrection. With her hands on her hips, the Shunammite told the story of how God made her dreams come true.

Some dreams tell the story of God’s power, and more importantly, His love. It may be that you have lived your life just to tell God’s story. Put your hands on your hips and tell the story of how God brought your dreams to life.

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, so we can tell His story.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to tell Your story with my life and times.”

Copyright © June 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

“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

“Excluded From Miracles” by Kirk Hunt

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Matthew 9:25 KJV

Most of Jesus’ miracles were committed in public. The miracles served as His credentials that His Word came from God. Certainly, excluding witnesses was unusual.

Whether with gracious ushering, or with gruff insistence, the “mourners” found themselves outside. The other Gospel accounts (Mark 5:22-42 and Luke 8:41-56) emphasize the limited audience for Jesus’ raising of the girl. The miracle became famous, after the fact.

Scorn and disbelief are the enemies of Real Faith™. Faith are the acts you commit, in anticipation of what you do not see. Faith and disbelief cannot coexist in harmony.

Jesus’ told Jairus, multiple times, to believe. He did not rebuke his fear and grief. Faith is not the absence of hurt or concern, but is the presence of hope in God.

You can cling to faith, despite your circumstances. It is easy to understand a grieving father’s fears and doubts. I doubt your situation is easy or without issue. Regardless, you must put out your disbelief before your faith can work.

There’s a famous miracle in your future. If you’re willing to put out your disbelief. There’s the door of your heart. Who’s leaving?

Think: Disbelief and faith cannot coexist in your heart. One of them must leave.

Pray: “Lord, help my belief and faith in what You will do in my life.”

Copyright © March 2010, Kirk Hunt

“The Lost Recovered” by Kirk Hunt

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Luke 15:32 KJV

The parable of the Prodigal Son is told and taught often among Christians. It is a story of loss and hope. It is also a story of faith and attitude.

The father in the story spent his days (and nights) looking and searching. Not for a few coins, but for a misplaced son. I’m certain he would have spent the rest of his fortune to ensure the recovery of the son who wandered off.

The father didn’t console himself that a son stayed. Neither did he write-off the son who strayed. He prayed in hope and expectation. An expectation that led him to search the horizon for a traveler who might never come.

In his heart and spirit he had one expectation: The lost and misplaced would become the found and recovered. His attitude never wavered. His heart never faltered.

What is your hope and expectation today? Have you given up, or given in, about a misplaced life and soul? Keep your faith in our God who recovers the lost. Maintain an attitude of expectation by day and night.

Look to the horizon for a traveler. With hope. In expectation. Keep your party plans close by.

Think: God recovers the lost.

Pray: “Lord, help me to wait with expectation for the recovery of a misplaced son or daughter.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt