Month: July 2019

Wait Patiently For God’s Justice

Wait Patiently For God’s Justice by Kirk Hunt

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Psalm 37:7 NKJV

King David would understand how you feel.  It can seem that folk like Nabal, King Saul and even David’s son Absalom seemed to be getting away with all the sin and wickedness.  Wait patiently.  God’s justice will arrive for all concerned.

Consider Nabal, the man who accepted David’s protection and support.  Given a polite request for provisions Nabal not only selfishly refused but was insulting and rude.  Protected from David’s rage, Nabal was not protected from God’s justice.  God Himself struck Nabal and he died.

King Saul, David’s king and father-in-law, unjustly hunted David across hills and fields.  Still, given more than one opportunity to kill his tormentor, David righteously withheld his hand and that of others.  In 1 Samuel 26:10, David prophesied Saul’s ending, orchestrated by God.  And it was so.

Even David’s own son, Absalom, tried to murder him and steal the Kingdom.  Even as he out maneuvered the mutiny and crushed the opposition, David was desperate to save Absalom’s life.  David wept bitterly at his son’s death, despite his own danger.

In each episode, it seemed that wicked folk were winning against David.  In each case, David did the right thing and God gave him victory.  David’s righteous actions and patience made the difference.  God is love, but He is also justice.  It is just a matter of time.

Think:      God’s justice will come.  Am I doing the correct things while I wait?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to be patient but steadfast in waiting for Your justice.”

 

Copyright © July 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.

The Greatest Among You

The Greatest Among You by Kirk Hunt

“But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”

Luke 22:26 NKJV

Just a few hours (at most) before Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane the Disciples bickered.  All of them wrestled with each other for supremacy.  All of them thought they should be called the “greatest” Disciple.

In later days, the Disciples would be the selfless saints who advanced the Kingdom until death itself stopped them

Jesus’ rebuke is less than fierce.  He carefully calls His men to give meaningful service to others instead of demanding conspicuous glory for themselves. Jesus points them to reverent humility rather than ego and self-aggrandizement.

I have too often seen men and women push to be recognized for minimal or trifling achievements.  Not often enough, men and women with extreme or extraordinary levels of accomplishment do not get the recognition they deserve.  The greatest among us know who they are and do not need to elbow their way to the front.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you focus is supposed to be on building God’s Kingdom not your own ego.  If your motivation is self, you can far too easily be let by your lust to satisfy yourself.  The first check on a runaway ego is a relentless focus on Jesus and the things of God. 

By all means, be great in God.  Seek to be the servant who faithfully builds the Kingdom, even if no one sees.  You are not hidden from God and He is far too faithful not to reward you.

Think:      Am I obedient to Christ’s command to achieve much and demand little?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to be the greatest in Your Kingdom by being the greatest servant.”

 

Copyright © July 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.

Gathered In His Name

Gathered In His Name by Kirk Hunt

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Matthew 18:20 NKJV

God’s people must gather.  Perhaps, they are gathered by a cause.  Perhaps they are gathered by the call to worship.  Or service.  Where a small number of men and women who are true Christ disciples gather, Christ also is present.

We gather for strength of numbers.  Even if that is only or two.  Leviticus 26:8 promises that God’s faithful people will have an impact out of proportion to their numbers. 

We gather for accountability.  James 5:16 directs us to confess our errors to each to fellow believers.  Who better understands the successes and failures of the Christian life than faith Christians?

We gather for fellowship.  1 John 1:7 reminds us that we walk in the light with other believers.  Since we are going the same way, would it not be better to walk together in friendship and mutual aid?

We gather for joy.  Acts 2:46-47 prove God’s people know how to have a good time and not be hung over the next day.  God’s presence among His people adds, if not multiplies, our joy, peace and comfort. 

If you are one of God’s people, you should gather with us.  If you are not one of God’s people, you should come and see what we are talking about.  After all, there even two or three Christians are, Jesus is there also.

Think:      I must gather together with men and women of Christ.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to find my place among Your faithful people.”

 

Copyright © July 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.