Month: November 2013

Thankfulness In Advance

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“Thankfulness In Advance” By Kirk Hunt

 

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

 

There is always joy and thankfulness in the victory lap.  When last did you dance a happy jig in the middle of the grueling drills?  Where you laughing and singing in the middle of the bitter battles?  Just as I suspected.

 

God’s people are always thankful for the victory, but we must remember to be thankful during the tests and trials.  Our joy should be visible, and contagious, even in the middle of difficult circumstances.  We can afford it, and are obligated, since we know the outcome.  Just as you suspected.

 

Still, in the middle of dirty, dangerous and difficult, we have to choose thankfulness.  Even though victory is assured, we remain human.  Our joy and thankfulness should be most evident, and authentic, in the heat of our toughest battles.  Just as they suspected.

 

Pay no attention to the little inconveniences of living through the battles, labors and incidents.  The heartaches and hardships will be worth it.  God has guaranteed our wins, so we love Him even more.  Just as He said.

 

Think:            “Flip to the back of The Book.  We win.”  -Various Saints of God

Pray:              “Lord, help me have joy and thankfulness since You have assured the outcome.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

The Courage of Retreat

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“The Courage of Retreat” By Kirk Hunt

 

So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

2 Samuel 15:14 NKJV

 

Absalom’s mutiny obviously threatened David.  The conspiracy also threatened the city of Jerusalem.  David had the courage to retreat to protect the precious city of Zion.

 

David could have made a stand against the usurper in the Capitol.  The mutiny could not end without bloodshed, regardless.  Still, the battle site makes a difference.  There would be less collateral damage, human and structural, if David fought Absalom outside of the city.

 

Grieved but calm, David retreated.  Absalom took Jerusalem without a fight, because of the king’s strength of mind and heart.  The battle would involve fewer innocents in the open countryside.  The city of Zion would not see fire or demolition if David retreated.

 

A single retreat is rarely the end of the story.  The usurper quickly began to think himself the victor through conspiracy.  David just did not want to make a mess in God’s city.  The king’s courage during retreat, and Absalom seeing strength as weakness, helped set the stage for David’s victory.

 

Perhaps you are facing a battle in your life.  A retreat may be the more courageous route.  What action protects others?  Seek God’s counsel in His Word and prayer.

 

Think:            Retreat is sometimes the courageous route to victory.

Pray:              “Lord, give me the courage to retreat to safeguard others and obey You.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Jesus Always Has Impact

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“Jesus Always Has Impact” By Kirk Hunt

 

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Mark 4:41 NKJV

 

Jesus got up from sleep and faced the storm.  Without hesitation or preamble, He spoke His power over the storm.  His words had impact.  A great calm followed.

 

The Disciples were awestruck by Jesus’ power.  Wind and waves obeyed instantly.  This came as a shock to them, despite all of the miraculous healing they had seen Jesus perform.

 

Perhaps their confusion comes from the duality, the two-part nature, of Jesus.  Yes, He is fully man.  Yes, He is fully God.  Both are true of Him, at the same time.

 

That is why Jesus will always have impact in your life.  Jesus, fully human, knows and understands the human condition.  Jesus, fully God, has the power to impact your life.

 

His impact may not come the way you think it should.  His grace and provision can be one of the most disruptive forces known to man.  Still, at the end, you have a better answer than you imagined, and joy in knowing that He is part of your life.

 

His impact can be felt in how He calms your storm.  His impact can be felt in how He calms you, despite the storm.  However He moves in your situation, He will have impact.  Brace yourself.

 

Think:            Jesus always has impact on the real situations of life.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be confident in Your impact on my life.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.