Month: September 2011

React to Respond to React

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“React to Respond to React” by Kirk Hunt

 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 KJV

 

Most Christians understand that they should not react like the world. Normally, we say we should respond the way Christ would. I’m no longer convinced this goes far enough.

 

Martial artists, law enforcement and medical professionals are all trained to react. A response may be too slow. So they laboriously train to react the right way.

 

Their training is often old-school drills and repetition. Sooner or later, their minds and bodies ingrain the lessons. They stop having to think about what to do, and their minds and bodies simply do what must be done.

 

Christians can learn how to react, just as Christ would. Study and meditate on Scripture until your instinctual reaction is one of grace and love. As we grow closer to Christ, we can trust our thoughtless reactions to be from His heart.

 

You know the drill. Bible study. Prayer. Fasting. Over time, your godless reactions will change into saintly responses, but finally end in Christ-like reactions. You too can learn to react like Christ.

 

Think: I must move from a worldly response, to a Christ-like reaction.

Pray: “Lord, help me to react like You, every day, in every way.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

Prototype

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“Prototype” by Kirk Hunt

 

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 8:29 NIV

 

Prototypes are common in engineering, science and manufacturing. The more radical the design or concept you want to prove, the more likely you spend the time and money to build a complete working example. Aircraft, automobiles, and even appliances get prototypes.

 

Prototypes are like, and not like, the production models that will eventually follow. The sample model is usually fabricated, by hand, by the lead scientists and engineers. Prototypes are never quite standard, but they are of the highest quality. You can always tell a prototype from a regular production model.

 

Christ Jesus was as radical and revolutionary as they come. His doctrine and truth disrupted the fabric of ancient Israel and His teaching has not yet stopped changing the world. He proved that men and women could live a new, different life of freedom and power.

 

Jesus proved that mere men and women can live the Christian life. He came not as a one-of-a-kind man, but the first of a large number of siblings. He came as a first-among-many. Are you His brother or sister?

 

 

Think: Jesus proved Christianity can be done. All I have to do is live life in His Way.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become more like You as I live every day.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

When It Is Still Raining

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“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

After The Mountaintop

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“After The Mountaintop” by Kirk Hunt

 

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. (Luke 9:37 KJV)

Luke 9:37 KJV

Please read Luke 9: 28 – 37

 

I am in favor of mountain top experiences. Above the timberline you can see breathtaking vistas. In the thin air at the top, you can better see God’s visions and His glory. It is all good up there.

 

Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with wonder and awe. It is no surprise they wanted to stay on the mountain. Still, Jesus’ purpose, and theirs, was someplace else.

 

The moment of glory and ascendance was important. The ministry of the Disciples changed the world as we know it. But their ministries happened away from the mountain.

 

As much as we need mountain tops, our work is in the plains and valleys. Jesus stepped down from His glorious transfiguration and stepped into a sea of humanity. Off the mountain, He ministered to the hearts and minds of people.

 

Climb up and see His glory. Enjoy your episode on the mountain top. Just remember, your purpose is on the plains and in the valleys.

Think: I climb the mountain so I can minister when I climb down..

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to experience You in all Your glory, so I can serve and minister.”

 

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt