Onesimus’ Courage

Read

And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)


I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.


Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.


Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.


Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.


Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.


Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.


Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”



Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

His Peace

Read

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)


Peace is not the absence of conflict or turmoil. Instead, it is the presence of assurance in God’s care and provision. I can be at peace in the middle of storm and conflict.


Thankfulness and peace are linked. Thankfulness is an attitude of appreciation and gratitude. It doesn’t mean I have all I want or everything looks good. It means that I recognize God sovereign place and space in my life.


I thankful because I have His peace. My thankfulness draws His peace. As you embrace the one, the other follows.


Christians should live in a state of peace. We should gratitude for the life and liberty that comes through Christ Jesus. He has given us the best, in eternity and this life as well.


Does that mean that all Christians live in great wealth or in serene circumstances? My bank account could use more zeros, to be sure. Still, I live in the wealth of God’s love and grace.


My circumstances are not themselves tranquil or calm at all times. Still, I rest in God. In the most violent of storms, I am confident in His care and provision.


Think: God’s peace and thankfulness are linked to each other and me.


Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust and rest all the more in You.”



Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

Not Alone In Exile

Read

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Exodus 3:1 (KJV)


He had once been the grandson of a Pharaoh. He had once been a member of the ruling elite of Egypt. He had once been important and respected.


40 years of exile later, the wanted posters had faded to blank in the desert sun. Only the keeper of the cold case files in Egypt might have known of Moses’ name and death-warrant. No one sought after the forgotten fugitive on the backside of the desert.


It isn’t hard to guess that Moses felt forgotten and alone in the depths of the Midian desert. An exile? Definitely. Forgotten? Not by God. Alone? Not for a second.


There among the sheep, Moses had time to spend with God. Far from the bright lights of Egypt, Moses had the time and opportunity to deepen his relationship with Jehovah-Jireh. Exiled, does not mean alone.


Where ever you are, you are not alone. God is there with you. No matter what happened before.


He longs to develop a deep, rich relationship with you. He calls to you through the silence. What do you say?


Think: No matter where I am, God is there and wants to spend time with me.


Pray: “Father-God, I want to have a deep and rich relationship with You.”



Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

Drawing Favor

Read

“Drawing Favor” by Kirk Hunt


The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 14:35 (KJV)


We all hope “the king” we work for is a diligent, moral statesman. Too many of us work for a selfish, corrupt despot. It does not matter what kind of man or woman employs you. You can have favor with anyone, if you first seek God’s wisdom.


God’s wisdom will lead you through, or around, every situation. No matter how it looks to mere logic and reasoning, there is a solution from God’s wisdom. A solution that builds His kingdom and advances His servants.


God’s solutions make you rich in goodwill, respect and influence. God’s solutions do not leave behind ill-will, broken relationships or sorrow. Of course, God’s solutions require God’s wisdom. Accept no substitutes.


You can draw the favor of men by first seeking the wisdom of God. Of course, if you seek after God, and His wisdom, you will find yourself drawing the favor of God. Having the favor of God in your life is a blessing beyond compare.


Wisdom is not reserved for the favored few. Wisdom belongs to any man or woman who seeks it from God. You can draw favor from the “kings” in your life. All you have to do is seek wisdom from the King of heaven.


Think: I can draw favor by seeking God’s wisdom.


Pray: “Father-God, develop Your wisdom in me.”



Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

Read

“Weapon of Choice – Firearms” by Kirk Hunt


My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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 2:2-4 (KJV)


Firearms and artillery have one thing in common: the barrel. The barrel must be perfectly straight. The barrel must be perfectly round. Even the rifling, the twisted grooves within the barrel, must be cut, then finished exactly. Without these features, the firearm will not be accurate or a weapon of choice.


Gun drilling is the limiting factor in making a firearm. It is a unique process with extraordinary requirements. I know from experience it is not easily done. It requires an expert craftsman, and patience, to complete correctly. Too often, multiple passes on the same barrel are needed for a good outcome.


God intends to use you to deliver His Word and grace to a dying world. That means the barrel of your life and soul must be perfectly straight, perfectly round, then grooved just so. With these features, you will be able to accurately deliver God’s grace and Word to others.


In order to achieve the needed level of perfection, God will have to work and re-work your life. He is the ultimate Craftsman. You can count that He can do all of the cutting, drilling and grooving correctly. Are you willing to submit to His expert Hands?


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

Weapon of Choice – Firearms