Month: May 2014

Hurt, Yet Handsome

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“Hurt Yet Handsome” By Kirk Hunt

 

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

 

Ruth 1:20 NKJV

 

Naomi left Israel with two sons and a husband. Three funerals later, she felt God had allowed her to be lashed with harsh, hard strokes. The pagan widow who walked with her, would have seemed as much a burden, as a benefit, back home in Bethlehem. Still, Naomi was a handsome figure.

 

Despite her staggering loses and injuries, Naomi’s spirit remained bright and beautiful. Her daughter-in-laws were drawn to the strength and dignity that no darkness could hide. Hurt, yet handsome, Naomi represented as much safety and comfort as their own families and country could provide.

 

Despite hard and harsh times, Naomi lived up to her given name. Despite her own woes and wounds, Naomi concerned herself with the well-being of others. Orpah (v. 4) and Ruth insisted on following their mother-in-law, a woman with a name meaning beautiful or agreeable.

 

Your circumstances may indeed be harsh and hard, but that doesn’t have to effect your mind or spirit.   Despite tough times, your heart can remain a beacon of God’s joy and grace to others. God’s strength can work through you, wounds, tears and all.

 

The God of heaven sees you and your circumstances. Continue to let His light and love work through you anyway. You may feel hurt, but you remain handsome in His Eyes and theirs.

 

Think:            Even in dark circumstances, God’s light can shine through me.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me remain an instrument of Your grace, despite my difficult circumstances.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

Peace In Your City

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“Peace In Your City” By Kirk Hunt

 

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

 Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV

 

How is the peace in your city? Is the place where you live quiet and tranquil like Mayberry? Or is your town a lot rougher around the edges?

 

Jeremiah was talking to the nation of Judah. Captive in Babylon, God’s people wanted freedom. Instead they received instructions from God to benefit their conquerors.

 

I pray your circumstances are much different, and exactly the same. God has set you where you are, to bring His Kingdom to that place. Not just through faithful prayer, but also through faith-fueled work.

 

Your “city” may be a municipality, but it could also be a workplace. Your neighborhood is a city that could use some peace. I suspect your (extended) family would cheerfully take all the peace you can bring inside its borders.

 

If your current place and space is not your natural culture, you will have to pray hard and work tirelessly. The more hostile the inhabitants, the more you will have to love then pray. God intends for you to be the change agent that place needs.

 

Your job is to transform everything around you. Pour His grace, power and light into your city until you have completely won it over. In doing so, His grace, power and light will benefit you in ways you have not dreamed.

 

Think:            God has assigned me to bring peace to my city.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to bring peace to my city.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

A Tender Mother

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“A Tender Mother” By Kirk Hunt

 

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV

 

The imagery in this verse is as tender as it is powerful. Paul had been tough and rough in other cities. In Thessalonica, the Apostle was gentle like a mother with her children.

 

Very often God’s people must be strong and tough. A significant part of the time, we must stand against the darkness, without expecting mercy or quarter. Too often, we must rebuke and chastise, even at the risk of being called harsh and judgmental.

 

There should be another side to Christians. God’s people should, in at least equal measure, have a deep and wide capacity for the gentle care of those around us. A steely backbone should not rule out the ability to be gentle and tender. In fact, it makes a gentle episode that much more effective.

 

When Paul needed an illustration of the capacity to be gentle, he did not have far to look. The nearest Mother fit the bill, nicely. No one, through the ages, would fail to understand the message.

 

If you are a Mother, (continue to) live up to the press releases and greeting cards. Have the capacity to be loving and gentle. If you are a Christian, you should be able to handle saints or sinners with tender, skillful strength. If you need an example, you know where to look.

 

Think:            Gentleness is a Christian trait. Mothers are the best example.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to have, and use, gentleness.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2014, Kirk Hunt

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