Month: October 2010

Weapon Of Choice – Swords

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“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt


But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)


The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.


Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.


Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.


Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.


Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.


He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.


Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice


Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”



Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

Workout

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“Workout” by Kirk Hunt


Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)


I am a athlete. I became an athlete when I committed to pursue athletics. As I continue to pursue athletics, I remain an athlete.


My sore, tired muscles argue with me. They tell me that I’m not an athlete at all. An athlete would be able to do more, with greater ease.


My muscles lie. I may not be an Olympian, but I am an athlete. Every sweaty workout takes me closer to my goals.


I am a Christian. I became a Christian when I committed myself to Christ. As I continue to pursue Christ, I remain a Christian.


My faults and errors argue with me. They tell me I’m not a Christian at all. A Christian would be better and do better, with greater ease.


My faults and errors lie. I may not be perfected, but I am a Christian. Every spiritual exercise takes me closer to Christ.


Pursue Christ. Whatever takes. Stay at it. No matter what happens. Every workout, especially the sweaty ones, makes you more like Him.


Think: Every day, every spiritual exercise takes me closer to my goal: Christ.


Pray: “Lord, help me to work out my salvation in You.”



Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

Your Keeper

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“Your Keeper” by Kirk Hunt


“My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Psalms 121: 2-3 (KJV)


From time to time, I wake up in the small hours of the morning. In those restless, sleepless moments He is there. God has me surrounded with His love and power, even at 3:30 AM.


He is constant and steadfast in His vigil over my life and soul. While the rest of the world slumbers blissfully, God is focused on me. Most of all, He is keeping me.


I need a powerful, resource-rich authority to be responsible for me. I need the protection. I need the care and concern.


The creator of the universe is interested in my well-being. He is involved in every aspect and detail of my life. Nothing limits His authority, or power, in my life and safety.


God is your keeper as well. Every resource and authority is His. His is concerned for your well-being.


3:30 AM is not a choice time for me to be awake. For an infinite, omnipotent God, it is just as good a time as any other. Knowing that lets we rest in the loving arms of my keeper.


Think: God is my keeper, therefore I in safety and security.


Pray: “Lord, help me to remember that I dwell in Your care and concern.”



Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

Hope

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“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