Month: May 2018

Greater Love

“Greater Love” By Kirk Hunt

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.   Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:12–13 NKJV

Jesus taught, than demonstrated, the pattern of greater love.  Determine you love a group of people so much that you are willing to serve them.  If your love is great enough, even the threat of death will not stop you from giving your service.

On Memorial Day, Americans celebrate the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces of the nation.  Their great sacrifice for America is to be sincerely remembered and deeply appreciated.  Still, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for His “nation,” anyone who chooses to accept Him into their heart, sets the greater example. 

Jesus first gave up heaven to come to earth.  Then He agreed to live as a mere man, so that He would truly understand our lives.  Finally, He sacrificed His sinless life as the last and final payment for our sins.  

Jesus demonstrated His love for mankind on the Cross.  Men and women can freely kneel at the Cross and receive the salvation they so desperately need, from His willing sacrifice.  Jesus does not restrict the benefit of His service on race, nation or past behavior.  

The only restriction on salvation is your confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus as your Savior.  He has already proven His greater love.  Have you accepted His love?  Do you demonstrate His love in turn?

Think:       How am I demonstrating my greater love?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to love greatly for Your Name and people.”

 

Copyright © May 2018, 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.

Back Seat Companion

“Back Seat Companion” By Kirk Hunt

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

Acts 14:19–20 NKJV

The F-15 Eagle is a key component of the US military.  The Eagle’s complex and sophisticated targeting systems allow it to fly and fight with anything from simple air-to-air missiles to super-heavy bunker busters.  Only a team, a pilot and weapons system officer (WSO), team can fly the F-15 to victory.  Two companions, but one mission.

While the pilot “drives the bus,” the WSO works targeting, defense and offense from the back seat.  Both must be skilled and tough.  Neither alone are enough to win.

You need a man or woman who knows the real you.  A strong soul you invited to help you walk God’s Path.  You need a Gospel sibling, who asks hard questions and waits patiently and lovingly for your answers.

There ought to be a Christian man or woman in your life with permission.  If they ask, you have to answer.  If they say it, you must consider their words. 

Your back seat man or woman helps you avoid the missiles and bullets of the enemy.  His prayers form a covering for your soul.  Her Godly advice keeps you working in His will and way.  It is a comfort, knowing he or she is there.

The Godly voice from the back seat is on your side.  She knows what you want to accomplish and intends to help you.  He “gets it” and “gets you.”  Still, their only concern is that you are doing God’s work, God’s way.  Who is in your back seat?

Think:       A Godly companion is a treasure and a necessity.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to find and be a Godly companion.”

 

Copyright © May 2018, 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.

Left For Dead

“Left For Dead” By Kirk Hunt

Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.   However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 14:19–20 NKJV

Paul was not attacked by pagans or heathens.  The Apostle was stoned to “death” by pious, religious folk.  Their contempt and anger for Paul was so great that they did not bother with burying him.  They simply dragged his “dead” body outside of the city limits and left him for rot or wild animals.

Paul was nearly murdered for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by kith and kin, not strangers or foreigners.  Of course, Paul once had persecuted Christians in similar manner.  The saddest fact is much of the persecution against early Christians came from their own kinsmen, not the pagan Roman invaders.

Too often, modern, Western Christians blame the unchurched for difficulties or resistance in building God’s Kingdom.  Religious fratricide is the more likely reason saints and ministries struggle.  Outsiders are easier to blame but insiders are the more likely culprits.

Consider how you respond and are responded to, by fellow Christians.  Is there upset over differences of style or tradition?  How does your disagreement or conflict look to outsiders and unbelievers? 

You may not agree with other Christians.  Still, there are Biblical ways to work through our differences in grace and love.  Certainly, there are Nero-like folk (modern and ancient) who persecute Christians.  Make sure, my Gospel brother or sister, that you are not one of them.

Think:       Our greatest hindrances are too often religious folk, not the unredeemed.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to approach other Christians in Your grace and love.”

 

Copyright © May 2018, 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.