Month: March 2017

They Shall Flee

“They Shall Flee” By Kirk Hunt

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 NKJV

 

Sometimes, it appears that the bad guys have won.  Still, often at the last moment, God makes you victorious.  You watch in wonder as the villains flee in seven different directions.

 

Deuteronomy 28:2 holds the not-so-secret key to God’s intervention on your part: obedience.  Obedience to Him, not your overwhelming firepower, will save you.  Obedience to Him, not your backroom maneuverings, will promote you.  Obedience to His commands in Scripture and the authoritative direction of the Holy Spirit will advance you.

 

Consider the example of Daniel:  He landed in the lion’s den because of his obedient devotion to God.  Daniel walked out of the lion’s den, unscratched, because of his obedience to God.  Daniel’s enemies did not fare quite so well. 

 

We all want control of our circumstances.  Our human nature wants to have the ways and means of enforcing our will on everything around us.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we follow a different path.

 

There will likely be hard work and long hours in front of you.  You may have to exercise severe restraint on what you say and what you do.  There may even be the inconvenience of being thrown into a (modern) lion’s den. 

 

Stay strong, courageous and obedient to Father-God.  You will see the defeat of your enemies.  You will witness them fleeing on multiple paths.

 

Think:        My obedience to God causes the defeat and scattering of my enemies.

Pray:           “Lord, show me how to be more obedient to You.”

 

Copyright © March 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.

Love One Another

“Love One Another” By Kirk Hunt

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11 NKJV

 

“Love one another.”  Too often, even God’s people make it more complicated than it needs to be.  Care for each other.  Make sure folk have enough.  Inconvenience yourself (if a little) for someone struggling just to survive.

 

John did not invent this commandment on his own.  Jesus Himself ordered us (see John 13:34) to love one another.  After telling us to care for, minister to and support others, Jesus did not fold His hands.  Instead He went to the Garden of Gethsemane and started His walk to the Cross.

 

Out of care for our future, Jesus endured His trial by Pilate.  Because of His concern for men, then and now, Jesus allowed His public scourging.  Out of love for generations yet to be born, Jesus died on the Cross.  Perhaps you could pay just a little bit more for those who have little or nothing?

 

Will some of the folks you care for only take advantage?  Probably.  Will some of the people you love reply with hate or disdain?  Again, probably.  Does Jesus’ command to His faithful disciples stand?  Absolutely.

 

Love gives.  It also creates opportunities.  Men and women, boys and girls, are drawn to authentic love.  That positive attraction gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel. 

 

It will cost you something to show love to others.  Someone, somewhere, will find a way to exploit, mishandle or ill-use what you give.  However they respond, His command to you remains clear.  Are you obedient to His Word?

 

Think:        Real love requires action and pays costs. 

 

Pray:           “Lord, show me how to love others as You do.”

 

Copyright © March 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.

Being A Brother Or Sister

“Being A Brother Or Sister” By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

Too often folks use the labels “brother” or “sister” loosely.  To me, it is a very serious commitment.  You should be prepared to shoulder any adversity, hardship or risk for a real brother or sister.  That is what Scripture commands.

 

My friend called from two counties over.  I had to borrow a truck.  I paid a lot for gasoline.  He needed me.  Of course I was going to help him.

 

Do you stand with your kindred during difficulties and storms?  Do you go the extra mile to help or comfort your kith and kin?  Supporting from the living room couch is easy.  Supporting in the stinging rain and lashing wind is more difficult.

 

Real love is a choice.  Too often, that choice involves inconvenience, difficulty and sacrifice.  Are you ready to bring it where it is needed?  Being involved is not always enough.  Real love requires real commitment. 

 

Real commitment acts, despite the difficulties and obstacles.  Faithful men and women love enough to run in when everyone else is walking out.  Closeness matters most when the tears are falling and the hearts are breaking.

 

I pray you are the stand-up brother or sister that someone else can rely on.  Sooner or later, everyone needs the help and ministry of a brother/sister born for adversity.  You were born to help.

 

Think:        God does not always send angels.  Sometimes, He sends me.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me be a real friend and a true brother or sister in Christ.”

 

Copyright © March 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.

 

Born For Adversity

“Born For Adversity” By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I have complained that my siblings do not gather well.  A breakfast or lunch for the pleasure of their company is a labored exercise in logistics and scheduling.  On the other hand, they appear instantly if there is trouble or adversity.

I pray your life consists of smooth waters and gentle breezes.  I would prefer you never need help or assistance.  More likely, you know that even God’s favorites can experience raging storms and violent winds.

It is when adversity batters you hardest that true friends and faithful brothers are revealed.  You may have to pick up the phone and ask for their support.  Their response may start with an awkward silence.  Perhaps their response will begin with hesitant stuttering.

You will know before the end.  The fair-weather posers will disappear.  Your real kith and kin will be revealed, standing at your side.  Those who refuse to leave until they know you are okay are the best of the lot.

God does not always send angels.  Sometimes He sends folks you did not know were watching or cared.  Not even the pelting rain and howling winds of the worst circumstances can drive off true friends or faithful family.

Be certain that God has appointed men and women, boys and girls, to love you in sincerity and faithfulness.  They will not abandon you in adversity.  In the choice between the pleasant lunch or the difficult lurch, I’m certain you know when it is best that they show up. 

Think:        God has surrounded me with true friends and faithful family.

Pray:           “Lord, if You do not send angels, please send true friends and faithful family.”

 

Copyright © March 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.