Month: February 2017

Divine Direction

“Divine Direction” By Kirk Hunt

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths..

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

What do you hear when someone speaks of “God’s divine direction?”  Does the pillar of fire and smoke come to mind?  Do you think of the angel that led Peter out of prison?

God’s direction and guidance can be miraculous and mystical.  Scripture is too full of examples to say otherwise.  Still, the visitation of angels is not part of a typical day in an office cubicle.  A glory-cloud does not often appear while driving to the supermarket.

God promises to guide us, if we acknowledge that we need His direction.  He desires to lead us past, around or through every circumstance in our lives.  If God leads you, despite the difficulties, there will always be joy and delight in your journey.

Cultivate a heart that listens for Him.  You may not be the cleverest soul alive, but you can live that way.  Be determined to hear from Him.

Study Scripture, regularly and often.  In those moments of reverent quiet, He will speak with you.  Hidden in study, God will find you.  There is no faster or more secure route to His guidance.

If Bible study gives so much, why is it often missing in our lives?  We think we do not have the time.  We believe it is beyond us.  We look for less accountability.

Decide you want God’s direction in your life.  The only entrance fee is making study of His Word a priority for your life.  If you seek Him, He will find you.  His Word promises you that.

Think:        I can have God’s direction if I want it.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be guided by You.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, 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.

Troubled Yet Strong

“Troubled Yet Strong” By Kirk Hunt

Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
And you have strengthened the feeble knees;
But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;
It touches you, and you are troubled.

Job 4:4–5 NKJV

It is easy, from the comfort of your living room couch, to complain about what is or is not happening on the field of play.  It is different when you are the one troubled by difficult circumstances, coworker miscues and unfair criticism.  Stay strong, no matter how much this life batters you, and false-friends or intractable enemies bad-mouth you.

In the 4th chapter of Job, Eliphaz criticizes Job.  Eliphaz does not complain that Job’s prior support of others was poor or incorrect.  Instead, he condemns Job for experiencing grief at the loss of his children, misery in the midst of his illness and distress in the middle of devastating losses.  “Thanks for the support, Eliphaz.”

I pray you have a long and prosperous life building God’s Kingdom.  Still, no matter how clean your living, or wise your conduct, difficulties will come to your doorstep.  Still, through your strength in God, you can live through your troubles and emerge victorious.

Job did not dance and sing through his sorrows and distresses.  His first and second responses were to turn to God and continue to trust Him.  Job’s trust in God and grounding in His righteousness gave him the strength he needed. 

What God did for Job, He will do for you.  Despite your troubles, are you strong enough to rely on God?  I pray so.

Think:        Despite my difficulties I can live in victory through the strength of God.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be strong in You, despite my troubles.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, 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.

Free In The Truth

“Free In The Truth” By Kirk Hunt

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.   And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:31–32 NKJV

Lots of folks try to sell you the “secrets” of freedom.  There are other folks who claim that they alone know the truth.  Only Jesus and the Word of God have the truth, or can truly set you free.  Everything else is either an error or a con.

The truth is not free.  The price of truth is a lifetime of reading (studying) and thinking about (meditating on) God’s Word.  Knowing God’s Word, even imperfectly, leads to more and greater freedom than you can imagine.  Jesus wants you to abide in God’s Word.

Do not be intimidated by Scripture.  Set aside a regular time (preferably daily) and read your Bible.  Then think about how it applies to your life.  You do not need a Theology degree to begin hearing everything God wants to say to you.

Suggestion:  For a week, spend 10 minutes a day less on social media, and 10 minutes a day more on Scripture.  You will be shocked at the difference it will make in your understanding of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus’ words (in red) are simple.  “Study my Word…the truth shall make you free.”  No one with a Bible is locked out of real truth.

Real disciples abide in God’s Word (Scripture).  Knowing God’s Word gives you the truth.  The truth makes you free.

Are you free yet?

Think:        God’s Word makes me free.  Do I seek His Word?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to love Your truth and righteousness.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, 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.