Month: January 2010

Your Year of Release

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“Your Year of Release” by Kirk Hunt

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

Deuteronomy 15:12-13 KJV

Perhaps you made some mistakes. Maybe your start in life was less than ideal. Keep right on working for Him. Your circumstances will be transformed by His Grace.

During the sabbatical year, debts are forgiven. At the year of rest, freedom is restored to the captive. The weariest soul receives rest and restoration during the year of freedom.

God is a God of second chances. He knows that men and women often need to start again. For ancient Israel, freedom came in the form of the sabbatical year.

For us, redemption comes through the Cross and the blood of Christ. He died so you could go free. Even now, He is your advocate in heaven.

God knows our hearts and minds need rest. He sees our unspoken needs and hidden desires. Sooner, or later, He always rewards the faithful.

His freedom is more than release from bondage. He will load you down with benefits and blessings. You will walk, free and full, into a new life and opportunity.

He has commanded your freedom. Your blessings and benefits have been reserved for you. Get ready for your year of release.

Think: God will give me a second chance and a season of restoration.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I receive Your freedom and restoration.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

Seek And Rely On The Lord

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“Seek And Rely On The Lord” by Kirk Hunt

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:1 KJV

Isaiah could only shake his head in distress and dismay. Judah had formed a military and political alliance with Egypt. They expected that Egypt’s appearent wealth and visible military power would be a help to them.

Assyria swept through Israel and Judah like fire through dry grass. Egypt’s help and assistance against the invading horde are conspicuously absent from Scripture. In the end, Hezekiah and Judah were forced to rely on God alone.

Who (or what) do you rely on? Is it a mighty looking earthly resource? A powerful man or woman?

Seek God. Rely on Him alone. Hezekiah, trapped inside Jerusalem by the invading Assyrians, learned to trust God. Unfortunately, he took the fast, crash course.

Don’t give into human perception or common wisdom. Relying on something means you have put faith in it. Who is more worthy of faith than God.

You have a choice. Seek the all-powerful. Rely on His power and sovereign authority. Put your faith in God.

Think: My sole reliance should always be on God, not any early power or resource.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I rely on You alone.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

Soul Building

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“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

Corner Men

[display_podcast]“Corner Men” by 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

Boaz and Jachim

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“Boaz and Jachim” by Kirk Hunt

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 KJV

The gold overlay of the Temple gleamed brightly in the Mediterranean sun. All of Jerusalem would have only been preparation for the Temple itself. A faithful pilgrim to the First Temple would have been impressed and humbled.

The door of the Temple was guarded. Not by images of animals, or even angels, but by two brass pillars. As if ornate pillars 27 feet tall and nearly 6 feet across were not significant enough, they had names.

The right-hand pillar, “Jachim” means “He will establish.” The left-hand pillar, Boaz means “In Him is strength.” Some Bible scholars state that they are symbolic of the Pillars of Fire and Smoke that led Israel through the wilderness. Clearly, they are a reference to God’s power and sovereignty.

For the worshiper entering the Temple, the message of these pillars may have been more internal than external. “God will establish a purpose within you.” “God will give you the strength to live for Him.”

God has established a purpose for your life. He has the strength you need to fulfill your mission. He is ready and willing to empower you.

Think: I have a purpose in God’s Kingdom, and God has all the power I need.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out the purpose You have given me.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt