Month: July 2014

A Fresh View

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“A Fresh View” By Kirk Hunt

 

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

 

Isaiah 6:1 NKJV

 

King Uzziah had a long, eventful and influential reign. It is not unreasonable that even a devout and zealous young man might have his view of God influenced, or muddled, by a great leader. Isaiah still needed to see God directly and clearly. However he came to his vision, Isaiah experienced God in a fresh and direct way.

 

The Temple, a glorious edifice if ever there was one, was overwhelmed by something greater. God’s house, mere stone and timber, could not compare to the glory that flooded in. The holiest place on earth was suddenly re-sanctified by God’s presence.

 

Then, as now, no human leader is a worthy or adequate substitute for a direct relationship with God. Your experience of God needs to be direct and vital. No intermediary however anointed, or in tune with God, can have a relationship for you.

 

Did Isaiah have his vision before or after beginning his office as Prophet? Biblical scholars continue to debate the timing of Isaiah’s vision. First, or later, Isaiah saw God for himself. After seeing God for himself, neither Isaiah, nor his ministry, were ever the same.

 

Are you a seasoned saint, or just starting your walk with God? Seek a fresh view of God. See Him again, as if for the first time. You, and your ministry, will never be the same.

 

Think:            I need a fresh and direct relationship with God.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to see and know You for myself.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

Paul’s Annoyance

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“Paul’s Annoyance” By Kirk Hunt

 

This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

 Acts 16:17-18 NKJV

 

The girl was possessed by a foul spirit. She could supernaturally see the who of, and what of, Paul and his ministry team. To Paul’s annoyance, she followed them around and disrupted their ministry of the true Gospel. Paul, vexed by the situation, responded.

 

It was all wrong. The innocent girl should not be possessed by an unclean spirit. The foul spirit told the truth, but in a way deliberately intended to disrupt the life and true ministry of Paul and the other missionaries. Something had to be done. In the name of Jesus Christ, Paul exercised power against the enemy.

 

Paul did not start a crusade against divination or diviners. Instead, he cast out the nervy devil that sought to block the Kingdom of Heaven. In a single stroke, he set the girl free, and re-opened the door to ministering the Gospel.

 

Believe it or not, your annoyance with that opposing situation is a good thing. It tells you where you need to start in building God’s Kingdom. Respond as Jesus would, no matter how annoyed you are.

 

Think:           The object of annoyance and frustration may be where I should minister.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to use my annoyance for building Your Kingdom.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

Peter’s Sword

“Peter’s Sword” By Kirk Hunt

 

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

 

John 18:10 NKJV

 

There were two weapons among the Disciples (Luke 22:38), but Scripture records only one sword being used: Peter’s. Did the swing come from skillful training or hard-bitten experience? Scripture does not say.

 

From the comfort of an arm chair, with the New Testament readily available, modern-day Saints criticize Peter. So did Jesus, in the moment (v. 11). Still, Peter’s sword teaches modern saints important lessons.

 

Peter thought ahead and equipped himself. Peter had the means, knowhow and willingness to protect Jesus and the other Disciples from the violent thieves of the era. You cannot choose if you do not have the means to change (or at least impact) the situation.

 

Peter was close and committed enough to take action. Too many stand at a distance from the lives of saints or sinners, or refuse to get deeply and personally involved. Presence and action are proof of caring.

 

Peter’s sword stroke was full of good intentions and sincere motivation. It was still the wrong act, at the wrong time. Right actions must be based on right thinking, not just right hearts. Peter made matters worse. Has that ever happened to you?

 

You are God’s agent for change. You will have to get close, have the right tools and take the right actions. I pray you are God’s wise, not just strong, instrument in the world.

 

Think:             I cannot help if I do not have the means, willingness and wisdom to effect change.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to be Your effective change agent.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2014, Kirk Hunt

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