Month: April 2023

Not A Lie, A Dream

Not A Lie, A Dream by Kirk Hunt

So he said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.”

And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!”

2 Kings 4:15-16 NKJV
Please also read 2 Kings 4:11-17.

Her hands came off her hips and covered her mouth. Her piercing and knowing eyes were suddenly wide and full of tears. Elisha’s prophecy released the hidden dream of her heart. The dream lurched from its dark cell, or crypt, into the bright light of her heart.

In verse 13, she was a strong, self-assured woman. In verse 16, she was a tender, vulnerable girl. Our dreams have power. Especially the dreams that should have died.

There you are, building the Kingdom. You have not asked, or expected, a reward for your faithfulness. Our omniscient and omnipotent God will select an unlikely place and space to fulfill your dreams.

You may have forgotten your dream. Perhaps you thought the dream was dead. In His timing and power, your dream will emerge and prosper.

Your season is coming. A season when you will hold something precious. A season you did not think possible.

Some dreams do not die. Some dreams linger, waiting for God’s power and the right season. Some dreams you did not ask for, but God gave to you anyway.

Think: Nothing is impossible for God.

Pray: “Father-God, no dream is impossible with You.

Copyright © April 2023, 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.

Dwell Among Your Own

Dwell Among Your Own by Kirk Hunt

And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ”

She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

2 Kings 4:13 NKJV

The Shunammite woman spent time, effort, and money on making a place of rest and restoration for Elisha. Elisha responded to her kindness and generosity with an offer of a favor. The Shunammite responded with “I dwell among my own people.”

In my mind’s eye, I see her response as annoyed or indignant. “I have what I need already. I do not need anything from an outsider.”

Her motives were pure. Her service and benefit to the prophet were intended to further the work of God, nothing more. She wanted nothing from Elisha but the opportunity to serve God and dwell quietly among her Issachar tribesmen.

Do you dwell among your people, or do you serve with an agenda? If your intention is to build God’s Kingdom, that is purpose enough. Also, consider that God has ways of rewarding his faithful servants. Sometimes, despite themselves.

Think: Is my service to God, or do I have an agenda?

Pray: “Father-God, I want to serve You with a pure heart and purpose.

Copyright © April 2023, 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 Have You Refreshed?

Who Have You Refreshed?  by Kirk Hunt

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

2 Timothy 1:16-18 NKJV

Paul was imprisoned in Pagan Rome. His only company, the rotation of Roman Praetorians chained to him. Onesiphorus shouldered his way into this difficult situation, and refreshed the Apostle.

Restoration is never an easy business. At times, it seems easier to start over from scratch. Men and women cannot be rebooted or restarted. You must meet them where they are and minister to them as they are.

Do not wait until you have some rare skill or unique capability. All you need is a sincere heart and an intention to leave someone better than you found them. You may have to shoulder past harsh-looking guards and circumstances to get there.

Perhaps you will need to lavish goods and services. More likely a kind word, followed by a silent but loving presence, means more than you can know.  No matter what, show up and do your best to restore a soul.

Think: Who has God called you to refresh and restore?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to refresh and restore one of Your beloved children.

Copyright © March 2023, 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.