Month: June 2009

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“Paul’s Bite” by Kirk Hunt

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

Acts 28:4 KJV

Consider the cast of characters in Paul’s traveling group: pagan sailors, heathen soldiers and criminals-in-custody. Surely, one of them “better deserved” a deadly, poison bite. Still, it is Paul’s hand that is injected with venom.

Paul’s bite represents the negative events and circumstances that happen, even to the most Godly men and women. The folks looking on may mis-understand why it happened to you. Unfortunately, other Christian saints can get it wrong as well.

Even the negative things in our lives happen with God’s permission. Perhaps He is correcting a weakness in you. Maybe He is building a strength into you. It’s possible you are an illustrated lesson for someone else. God has His purpose, even for this.

Whatever the reason, go through your circumstances with grace. Endure with patience. Measure the comments of bystanders with Scripture.

God has His reasons. Trust His all-knowing wisdom. Remember His unending love for you. Don’t forget to shake it off (v. 5).

Think: Jesus loves you no matter what is happening in your life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You and Your plan for my life.”

Copyright © July 2009, Kirk Hunt

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“Strong But Not Hard” by Kirk Hunt

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:10 KJV

The hard and uncaring approach to life is not a righteous one. Christian men and women may not be able to coddle everyone or everything, but there is a lifestyle of treating everyone and everything with as much grace as possible. There’s no good reason for harsh and heartless.

There’s a lot of difference between strong and hard. In fact, much of the time, hardness is a façade that tries to cover up weakness. Real strength delivers comfort and blessing.

Make no mistake, sometimes Christian men and women must take uncompromising stands. We sometimes choose to be unmoved and refuse every force that comes against us. That takes strength, but isn’t hard or uncaring.

Compassion can only be effective when there are the strength and resources to make a change. Grace can only flow through the hand of a servant who seeks to bless. Real reformers always offer an alternative, not condemnation.

Even a beast of burden deserves simple consideration. The ability to show compassion and mercy to the living souls around us stems from God-given strength. How strong are you?

Think: God gives us strength, not hardness.

Pray: “Lord, give me Your strength.”

Copyright © June 2009, Kirk Hunt

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“Jesus Loves Me” by Kirk Hunt

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 KJV

“Jesus loves me! This I know,

Because the Bible tells me so.”

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Loves_Me>

Many of us sang Jesus Loves Me as children. I’m certain more of us should sing it as adults. Perhaps constantly.

We make our relationship with Jesus too complicated. The complex theological terminology gets in the way. The simple truth is, Jesus loves you.

It doesn’t matter if your voice is high and squeaky or deep and rumbling. You could be strikingly slim or substantially sturdy. Jesus loves you.

Maybe your childhood wasn’t all that innocent. Perhaps your adulthood hasn’t been very pleasant. It does not matter. Jesus loved you then. Jesus loves you now.

Don’t let the events of your life or your past history confuse you. You are here because of Jesus’ love for you. He has a plan and purpose for your life that will astound you. A plan created out of His deep and limitless love for you.

What does the future hold? I wish I could tell you. All I can say for sure is that when you get to tomorrow, Jesus will love you then.

Think: Jesus loves you and me, but especially me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to always remember your love for me.”

Copyright © June 2009, Kirk Hunt

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“There Will Be Room” by Kirk Hunt

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 KJV

Sometimes, Christian men and women concern themselves with the relationship between giving and progress. “I have given so much. Where and how will I see the outcome?”

It’s only natural and human to be concerned. When you give of your time, talent and treasure, you want it to count for good. Even the most selfless among us want a good return on investment.

The word “gift” in verse 16 can be translated as “a present.” While Scripture condemns bribes, it encourages generosity. When is it a gift and not a bribe? What are the motives of your heart?

There will be room for you. In fact your generosity will place you in front of the important and influential. According to your gifts, not your bribes.

Give your gifts with all your heart. Be generous with your time, talent and treasure. God delights in rewarding those who sincerely and diligently serve Him.

Stand and deliver, right where you are. Bless and benefit those who are close to hand. If you are giving from your heart, God will ensure there is room for you.

Think: God rewards those who give themselves in His service.

Pray: “Lord, help me to give generously of myself.”

Copyright © June 2009, Kirk Hunt