Month: November 2017

At All Times

“At All Times” By Kirk Hunt

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

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I hate the need for “at all times” calls.  “I know it is short notice, but…?”  “Can you come, now, then…?”  “I hate to ask but we are at the emergency room, so…”

I may grumble and grouse as I get off of the couch.  I do not always think the kindest thoughts on the way over.  Still, when I get there, I do all I can to be cheerful, joyous and helpful.

Love is not a feeling.  Love is a choice, followed by action.  Especially during 2 AM crises.

Being a friend, a Gospel brother or sister, can be inconvenient at times.  Godly men and women find themselves helping at the strangest times and oddest places.  Worse, you could be the one being assisted. 

I know what it is like to be the giver.  I also know what it is like to be the receiver.  Sooner, or later, you will know both sides.  It is part of the human condition and being part of God’s family. 

When you share your strength and patience, especially with a Gospel brother or sister, you are building God’s Kingdom.  As your Godly friend comes to help you, he or she is building into your life.  Either way, God is pleased.

One day, stuff will happen.  A night will come when your brother or sister will need you.  This is why God gave them to you, and you to them.

Think:        Real brothers and sisters help others, especially within the Gospel family.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be a true brother or sister during adversity.”

 

Copyright © December 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.

They Cried Aloud

“They Cried Aloud” By Kirk Hunt

So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them.   And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

1 Kings 18:28–29 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:18–30

The prophets of Ba’al did not stand a chance.  They cried out to a lifeless idol.  Their numbers, hysteria and blood-letting did not add to the chance of Ba’al appearing or answering.  Instead, they received what a block of wood (or stone, or metal) could give: silence.

Who (or what) do you cry out to?  Do you appeal to financial resources or political power when you need an answer?  Do you appeal to aspects of a bygone era for a solution?  Are you getting a response?

God’s people should cry out to God, not for financial resources.  We should always make our first and only appeal to our Savior, Jesus Christ, not the ballot box.  We should always cry out for His truth and righteousness, not our flawed memory or slanted histories of years past.

I guarantee He will respond.  We may not immediately like His answers, but they are the loving responses of our faithful Father-God.  Father-God is always listening for our voices.  Are you listening to His voice?

Think:        I do not appeal to heaven or elsewhere.  I appeal to Father-God and His Son, Jesus.

Pray:           “Lord, I cry out to You for Your help and salvation.”

 

Copyright © November 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.

Repent: Early And Often

“Repent: Early And Often” By Kirk Hunt

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?   I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Luke 13:4–5 NKJV

We live in a fallen world where thorns and scorpions grow.  We live in a fallen society where men and women are willing to publicly repudiate God’s judgment.  All kinds of pure evil and pure accidents are possible.  When did you last repent?

Sometimes a tragedy is just a tragedy.  As Jesus Himself comments:  Were 18 folk killed by a falling building the only sinners in Jerusalem?  He did not think so.

Approximately 7,855 people die in the United States, every day.  That includes Sundays.  Are they the only sinners in America?  I do not think so.  Do you?

God’s people should live ready to meet God.  At any time, a random traffic accident or a murderous gun-wielder could send you into eternity.  Are you ready for your final judgment and reckoning?

Could every bad incident in a church house be part of a sinister conspiracy against God’s Church?  Unlikely.  Could every bad incident in a church house be a reminder to live ready to meet God?  Absolutely.

Do not be distracted or fearful.  No matter what happens, nor when it happens, or how it happens, God is still in control.  What always remains in your control is if you are ready to meet Him, face-to-Shekinah.  You are ready, right?

Think:        Am I really ready to meet God in judgment at every moment?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to live ready for Your judgment at any time.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

Call On The Name

“Call On The Name” By Kirk Hunt

“Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”

1 Kings 18:24 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:18–24

How would you confront a murderous pagan heresy and wrestle your nation back to true and devout worship?  With political maneuvering and power?  Through economic dominance and manipulation?  Elijah, a true and faithful prophet of God, chose to call on the Name of God.

Elijah did not seek a palace coup.  Scripture does not record that he organized nationwide political or economic movements.  Instead, alone and outnumbered, Elijah chose to call on the Name of God.

Too often it appears that God’s people confuse good human stewardship with God’s power.  I encourage you to righteously and wisely gather, husband and make use of resources.  Still, whatever financial, social or political assets come into your hands may be God’s provision, but they are not God’s power.  God is infinitely bigger than anything mere men and women can control or manipulate.

Faith takes action.  Choosing to appear before Ahab was an act of obedience.  Calling for the showdown with the prophets of Baal was an act of faith in God’s guidance.  Elijah placed himself in a situation far beyond any human means of rescue or retreat.  God’s prophet was confident in God’s power and sovereignty.

Does God enjoy your trust and confidence?  Are you willing to be His agent and instrument in this modern age?  Call on the Name of God, then work and act in true belief and complete confidence in His power.

Think:        We conquer the nations for God’s Kingdom through the Name and power of God.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to daily work in obedience, belief, and faith in Your great Name.”

 

Copyright © October 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.