Because He Was Faithful

Because He Was Faithful by Kirk Hunt

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:4 NKJV
Please also read Daniel 6:1–24

The conspirators spent time, money and effort, but came up empty.  Daniel continued to conduct his affairs in a carefree manner, with a joyous spirit.  The shadowy and sinister men who sought his downfall were defeated by his clean record.  When you are righteous and faithful, you are protected beyond reasonable measure.

Scripture says Daniel (and his friends) were smart, wise and clever.  Clearly, Daniel knew the honest play is always the smartest play.  A long record of clean and honest work is its own protection. 

Do not confuse Daniel’s clean record with a lack of hard work.  It takes longer and costs more to do it right the first time.  But when you are done, there is nothing to do but the next task.  It is difficult to threaten an honest man or woman with the honest facts and figures.

Daniel’s record, transcripts and witnesses told a consistent story of fair dealing and honest work.  The men who wanted to bring him down had to look for a different path.  How you do the work is just as important as the outcome.

How do you do what you do?  Are you faithful to God through your work?  Do you play fair and straight, or will there be a problem when we read your transcripts or call the witnesses?

Think:      A righteous, faithful lifestyle is its own protection.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to be Your righteous and faithful servant before all men and women.”

 

Copyright © April 2019, 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.

Yet He Passed Away

Yet He Passed Away by Kirk Hunt

I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psalm 37:35-36 NKJV
Please also read Psalm 37:1–40

Too often, I despair that the wicked are winning.  I have caught myself fretting that the ruthless and unscrupulous are being established, never to be dislodged.  Then, suddenly, they pass away and can not be found, even if you wanted to see them. 

I am not the first God-follower to think so.  Psalm 37, written by David, speaks to my own concerns.  The wicked may indeed prosper for a season, but not they shall not triumph.  No matter how it looks now, God’s justice is on the way.

In my own life, I have seen men and women suddenly receive justice.  Before, it seemed the wicked ones were immune to the laws of God and man.  After, I trembled at the thoroughness of God’s sovereign and merciless justice. 

On bended knee, I pray that I live in obedience to His Word and law.  I never want to be the one that God’s people cry out against.  I want always to be found, doing Kingdom work the way God wants it done.

Play it straight, since God is watching.  Follow God’s Word and law, the way you know it should be done.  His sword of justice is quick, terrible and not to be denied by mere humans.

Think:      The wicked will receive justice, sooner and more thoroughly than you think.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to be found at all times as Your obedient servant.”

 

Copyright © April 2019, 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.

Who Can Forbid?

Who Can Forbid? by Kirk Hunt

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.  Then Peter answered,   “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acts 10:46 – 47 NKJV
Please also read Acts 10

I am always stunned by those who forbid what God is doing.  They do not seem to care for the numbers, depth or level of impact of God’s move.  They always seem to have some man-made rule that counters the very Word of God.

Despite Jesus’ Great Commission, there were early Church leaders who insisted that only Jews could become Christians.  Despite Jesus’ healing of the Canaanite and the Centurion’s faith, some of the Disciples maintained a narrow, elitist, judgmental view of who could, or should, be accepted by God.  With the ongoing evidence of God’s choices before their very eyes, Peter still had to challenge the circumcised Christians to accept non-Jewish believers and disciples.

Too often we ask God to bless what we are doing.  Far more often, we should seek to do what God is commanding.  Our obedience to His Word and instruction cannot help but be blessed.

Human rules can sometimes be helpful, but we should never let them stand against what God commands or is doing.  God commands His people to reach into all the world and make disciples.  Anyone, or anything, that forbids the advancement God’s Word of Kingdom cannot be a good thing.  Do not, as a follower of Jesus Christ, try to forbid what God is busy doing.

Think:      Am I following God and His divine Word, or something else?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to not to forbid what You command.”

 

Copyright © March 2019, 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.