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

“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

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19: 12 – 13 KJV

Please read 1 Kings 19:11 – 18

Elijah sat in the cave while waves of catastrophe rolled over the mountain. Winds, lashed and shattered the stone of the mountain. An earthquake further broke the shredded rock. Finally, a wildfire scrubbed the remaining landscape.

Elijah, familiar with the things of God, knew noise when he heard it. The fury, heat and shaking were events, but not notable. God’s whisper brought the prophet to his feet. In reverence, Elijah covered his face and walked from darkness to the shekinah glory-cloud.

God is speaking today. Not with clamor and cacophony, but in calm and tranquility. You can hear Him. Hold still a few minutes. Turn everything off for a while.

When were you last in silence and stillness? Quiet, not just physically but mentally, allows you to hear His Voice. He has a message for you.

Think: I can hear God best in quietness.

Pray: “Lord, help me to listen, in stillness and quiet, to Your Voice.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

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 12:9 KJV

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

2 Timothy 2:1—2 KJV

Christians are called to pray for leadership. Are they in civil authority over you? Then you are to pray for them.

Paul would have been directing Christian men and women to pray for the Roman Caesar. Would you follow the Biblical commandment to pray for Nero, the great Roman persecutor of Christians? Just as you should pray for your local, state (province) or national leaders.

The commandment is to pray for them so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable” life, here in the real world. They do not have to be believers. You do not have to be in agreement with their policy or decisions. It is God’s job to sort that part out.

There seems to be chaos and uncertainty through much of the world, these days. Do you really believe that regular men and women have the answers for so many difficult issues? We need unearthly intelligence and thinking to save our world.

As always, God is the answer. Pray that those who hold authority in the world get their orders from God. Only he has the solution that let us lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to pray for my leadership.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, through prayer.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

“Job’s Release” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10 KJV

Job’s losses started in chapter 1. At the beginning of chapter 42, Job remained penniless, diseased and grieving his lost sons and daughters. Scripture aptly sums up these crushing and painful circumstances as “captivity.”

Job’s release or restoration didn’t start with care packages or emergency assistance. Job’s captivity ended when he followed God’s command to pray for the men before him. The wounded and devastated became whole and prosperous when he ministered to, and for, others.

Job’s journey through the dark and loss ended in the light of prayer and service. The very men who should have interceded for Job needed him to intercede for them. In the moment he blessed others, Job’s cell door fell out and his chains fell off.

Perhaps you’re journeying through a tough place. The solution to your circumstance may surprise you. It may lay in your blessing and benefiting others.

Job’s release represents the times and places where you bless and minister despite your own lack and hurt. Job ended chapter 42 playing with his grandson’s grandsons and granting endowments. All because he prayed and ministered for others.

You are called to bless and benefit others. What do you have to lose by being obedient? Perhaps, your captivity.

Think: God’s grace flows through your obedience, not your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, I am willing to be an instrument of grace, despite my own situation.”

Copyright © February 2010, Kirk Hunt

“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