Month: November 2016

The King’s Intent

“The King’s Intent” By Kirk Hunt

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

Matthew 2:13 NKJV

 

It turns out that King Herod had villainous intent.  He did not intend to worship Jesus.  Instead, he wanted to murder Jesus in the cradle, as a potential rival.

 

King Herod’s intent conflicted with God’s intent.  Despite his position and power, Herod was frustrated in His purpose and Jesus lived.  The King of Kings’ intent was realized. 

 

Today is no different than yesterday.  Men and women of power and influence try to frustrate the plans of God.  Now, as then, the true King’s purpose will come to pass.  The question is whether or not you will follow the true King’s intent.

 

God could have stationed literal angels around Joseph, Mary and Jesus, but He did not.  God could have caused earthly zealots to protect Jesus and His family, but He did not.  Instead, God told Joseph to take action.  Obediently, Joseph gathered his family and escaped into Egypt.

 

We are called to take action per God’s intent.  Too often we worry about what others will, will not or should do.  God’s people should be quick to obey their true King.  Follow God’s intent, especially when it means our actions are contrary to what we or others intend.

 

Think:        Do I follow God’s intent or someone else’s?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to have Your intent for everyone around me.”

 

Copyright © November 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Freedom From Want

“Freedom From Want” By Kirk Hunt

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.   But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:8–9 NKJV
Please read 1 Timothy 6:3–10

 

You must breathe oxygen to survive.  The newest ultra-high definition television is far less critical to your continuing existence.  You can never be free from need, but you can be free from want.  And Scripture commands you to avoid lust.

 

A want is always optional and not crucial to your (immediate) survival.  Want, carried too far, is lust.  Lust is an excessive desire for sex, money, power, adoration or anything else.   God Himself should be the chief and only real desire of your heart, mind and soul. 

 

Paul wanted Timothy to avoid falling into error.  He cautioned his young protégée against allowing lust to nest in his heart or mind.  What was true then remains true now.  Avoid the siren songs that call us away from God and toward the rocks of unbridled hungers.

 

Men and women need food, clothing, shelter and fellowship.  Nor is there sin in having more than the bare minimum for survival.  However, past the point of needs, wants too quickly turn into lusts. 

 

Consider the things you intensely want.  Does your desire for them control you?  Please, do not give up your freedom for wants.

 

Think:        Do I control my wants, or do they control me?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be free from my wants, except for You.”

 

Copyright © November 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Freedom Of Speech

“Freedom Of Speech” By Kirk Hunt

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:4–5 NKJV

 

It is my prayer that the speech of every son and daughter of God is full of quality, eloquence and diction.  Still, more than mere excellence, I pray that what you say comes directly from the Holy Spirit.  I pray that your every word drips with God’s wisdom, shines with God’s grace and throbs with God’s power.

 

Americans are used to freedom of speech.  I suspect that too often we make use of the privilege without taking full responsibility for what is said.  Just because you can say something, does not mean you should say anything (1 Corinthians 8:9).

 

All freedoms consist of two parts, the privilege and the responsibility.  I have the privilege of driving an automobile and the responsibility to do so safely and courteously.  A car can be a weapon like any other, in the hands of the irresponsible.

 

The tongue, our speech, can bind wounds or start wars.  What you say can bless hearts or blast souls.  Your words are a destructive weapon or beneficial tool, depending on how skillfully and responsibly you use your privilege. 

 

You have the freedom to speak in your circles and spheres of influence.  I pray that you consider carefully what you say and why.  You are an authorized representative of Jesus Christ.  Consider your responsibilities as you exercise your privileges.

 

Think:        Do I use the privilege of speech responsibly?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to take responsibility for my free speech.”

 

Copyright © November 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Do You Persecute?

“Do You Persecute?” By Kirk Hunt

Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city

Matthew 23:34 NKJV
Read also Matthew 23: 31-36

 

Neither foreigners nor pagans persecuted any of the Old Testament prophets.  Their own supposedly devout countrymen and kinsmen tortured and murdered them.  Why?  The greater your sin, the harder it is to hear the truth.  Just ask Cheney, Goodman and Schwerner.

 

The prophets, scribes and others called God’s people back from sin and error.  Often they were met with violent opposition.  Even when Jesus walked the earth, men and women often met God’s truth with unrighteous responses.

 

James, Andrew and Michael left the safety of their homes to help register men and women to vote in their local elections.  Instead of being congratulated for their American spirit they were brutalized and murdered under the cover of darkness.  The very men (and women) charged with keeping them safe participated in the heinous act or protected the perpetrators.

 

The terrorists were American sons, born and bred on American soil.  Their targets?  Other Americans born and bred just as they were.  Sort of.

 

Jesus was sent to the Cross for healing the sick then preaching grace and truth.  Here in America, the land of my fathers, truth has also been met with violence and murder.  Still, many brave souls continue to speak out God’s truth. 

 

Roman hands may have swung the hammers, but it was Jewish priests and leaders who sought Jesus’ blood.  What is your response?  Do you persecute truth-tellers or do you respond in God’s grace? 

 

Think:        Do I encourage those who speak God’s truth, or do I persecute them?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to hear Your truth and respond with grace and humility.”

 

Copyright © October 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.