Month: June 2019

But Not Destroyed

But Not Destroyed by Kirk Hunt

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;   persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NKJV

God’s people sometimes find themselves flat on the canvas, questioning the value of continuing the contest.  We may the sons and daughters of the King, but we are not exempt from life’s hardships.  Despite the hurt and pain, we are not destroyed.

Like Job, we wonder why God allows difficulty and hardship into our life.  There is a special value in survivors.  The mere presence of those who have lived through it can bring comfort and confidence.  We all want that kind of weight and gravitas, but no one wants that experience.

One day your testimony, “God brought me through,” will be a valuable guide and comfort to those listening.  They will marvel at your scars.  They will question why you do not limp, or do not limp worse. 

As you speak, remind them that God always cares for us, even in the middle of our worst circumstances.  No matter how dark the day, God’s power brings life and His peace defies understanding.

Scars are proof of both survival and more importantly, healing.  Men and women are comforted by the truth of survivors.  You are proof that no circumstance is always fatally final.   Remind them that even when God lets you experience difficulty, He never lets you do so alone.

Think:      The experience may be difficult but you are not destroyed.

Pray:         “Lord, bring me through, according to Your promise.”

 

Copyright © June 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.

A Sound From Heaven

A Sound From Heaven by Kirk Hunt

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  

Acts 2:2 NKJV

The gruesome execution of their leader had crushed them.  In the bleakest of dark days they clung desperately to each other, afraid to leave and terrified to stay.  Yet even death could not hold their Messiah.  Jesus returned from the grave and completed His promise of hope and power.  On Pentecost Sunday, a sound from heaven delivered Jesus’ promise, just as He said.

To the untrained eye, it appeared that the High Priest and his cronies had won.  They thought they had killed the troublesome backwoods preacher who dared to disrupt their careful schemes.  Instead, Jesus was resurrected from the dead, fulfilling all of the law and prophets. 

Perhaps something has gone wrong in your world.  To the untrained eye, it looks like the villains are the victors and God’s people have been beaten for the final time.  Keep your hope and stay on His path.  After a few days, you will hear the sound of victory from heaven.

The Holy Spirit gives you the power to live the Christian life.  God’s power and presence, dwelling within you, gives you the ability to live in victory through any circumstance.  Do not be confused by the difficult days.  A sound from heaven is on its way.

Study His Word.  Continue to pray.  Work hard at your mission.  His final victory will arrive like a hurricane.

Think:      I will hope and trust in Jesus, knowing I will hear a sound from heaven.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to wait patiently for my Pentecost sound.

 

Copyright © June 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.

Does Your Love Endure?

Does Your Love Endure? by Kirk Hunt

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.   But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13 NKJV

Love is something you choose.  Love-in-feeling comes and goes, but love-in-action is the result of your choices.  Does your love endure despite the climate around you?  Your salvation, and likely the salvation of others, depends on your individual choice to continue loving God then men.

The worst version of lawlessness is the lack of compassion or caring for fellow human beings.  Too many violate the law of love and use the secular legal code only as a way to inflict vengeance or retribution.  The concept of forbearance or even mercy seems to have fled our national borders. 

There are those who choose to love anyway.  Despite the climate of resentment and callousness, they fight to endure in the love and grace that comes through Jesus Christ.  Who or how many will benefit by the determined effort to bless the least of these?  Only heaven knows.

The law of love does not allow anarchy, sin or injustice.  Jesus did not condemn the adulterous woman (or missing man) but He commanded her to stop sinning.  Jesus loved her enough to endure the pressure of the Pharisees and still extend grace to the woman.

You have a choice today.  You can choose to give into the current environment and punish and persecute those around you.  You can also choose to endure to the end and love God’s children, extending the love and grace He has already given you.

Think:      Does my love endure, despite the climate around me?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to endure in my love for You and Your children.”

 

Copyright © May 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.