Because You Live

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Because You Live by Kirk Hunt

 

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;  Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

John 12:10–11 KJV

Not just any Jews, but the High Priests, conspired to kill Lazarus.  Why?  The testimony of his simple existence helped to draw and convert the Jewish faithful to Christians.

 

Too often we overlook the simple truths that flow from this passage:  Your life is a testimony.  The power (or weakness) of your testimony flows from the truth you live.  All alone, truth has inescapable and undeniable power.

 

Scripture does not record that Lazarus ever preached or witnessed.  In his silence, the High Priests knew of him and started writing out death warrants.  Despite the silence of his mouth, Lazarus’ life trumpeted out the power and message of Jesus.

 

Too often, we try to bellow out the message of Jesus in order to win converts.  Not often enough, we let the simple power of His truth shine out of lives.  Lazarus’ silence drew men and women to Jesus.

 

People you have never met are hearing and watching your testimony.   God’s truth does not need your bullhorn or contrived phrases.  All that is needed is for you to eloquently live out your life in Him.

 

There is a time and place to speak your testimony for Jesus.  More often, you simply need to let your life testify for you.  What truth flows from your life?

 

Think: My life is a testimony.  What does my life say?

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out a testimony that honors You.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt

He Loves Us Still

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He Loves Us Still by Kirk Hunt

 

Jesus wept.

John 11:35 KJV

Jesus is the eternal Son of our eternal God.  He has always existed.  He will go on for forever.

 

I agree with those who believe that Jesus involved Himself with God’s people long before His earthly ministry.  Many Bible scholars maintain that the “captain of the Lord’s host” in Joshua 5 was Jesus.  The 4th man in the furnace at Daniel 3 is widely said to be Jesus.

 

There were countless millennia and the untold millions who existed before His earthly ministry.  All that time and all those lives should have given Jesus a deep reserve about the lives of men and women.  The vast time and space from Creation alone should place a deep gulf between God and us.

 

Instead, the sight of Lazarus’ tomb brought our Savior to tears.  Even with His purpose to bring the man back to life.  Despite the limitless power at His command.  Christ cried.

 

He loves you.  He loves me.  In the most human and common sense of the word, He cares about us.  The master of all time and space is moved and impacted by our very human lives.

 

Never think for a moment that He does not feel toward and for you.  Your life matters to Him.  He feels for you.

 

Think:                        Jesus loves me fully, completely and affectionately.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live knowing Your love for me is eternal yet human.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Love Without Limits

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Love Without Limits by Kirk Hunt

 

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.   When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

John 11:5-6 KJV

Martha, Mary and Lazarus had the distinction of being close, intimate friends of Jesus.   You would think that hearing of Lazarus’ illness would have sent Jesus running to his side.  Instead, Jesus deliberately sat for two full days.

 

Verse 4 gives us the rationale for Jesus’ delay.  God would get glory from the situation.  Unfortunately, that meant that Lazarus would have to wait.

 

Missing the funeral was not enough.  Jesus did not arrive until days after the burial.  Jesus waited until the situation became really serious.

 

Perhaps you feel like Lazarus.  You know that Jesus loves and cares for you, but there seems to be a delay.  Despite your faith, you anxiously wait for Jesus.

 

Jesus’ power and love are without limit.  No matter how long He takes, His timing is perfect.  Unfortunately, that means you may have to wait.

 

It does not get more serious than dead and buried.  The living Word undid death for Lazarus.  Jesus does not love you less than Lazarus.

 

His perfect timing is His perfect timing.  No matter what you want, or when, Jesus will get the glory when His power works in your life.  Keep your faith in love that knows no limits.

 

Think: The love of Jesus knows no limits.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me trust your love, power and timing in my life.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Living On The Rock

Living On The Rock by Kirk Hunt

 

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;   The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.   I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

2 Samuel 22:2–4 KJV

For the first time, in years, there was no morning war council.  The scouts and surveillance agents had nothing to report.  Peace and quiet held sway over the kingdom.

 

How would you react?  David had spent many years, one step in front of various hangmen.  David’s enemies were not just Philistines, or King Saul and his family.  His own son, Absalom, had attempted to kill him.

 

The sudden absence of pursuers pulled a response out of David.  In gratitude and praise, he wrote a song to his God.  Given a chance to celebrate peace and security, David worshipped.

 

No matter the hardships of your life, you can rest easy.  God has protected you up until now.  The spiritual bedrock of God is your security and safety.   Today and tomorrow, He will save you from enemies foreign and domestic.

 

Think:                        No matter what is going on, God is the rock I live on.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to remember to live on the Rock of You.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Working Solo

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Working Solo by Kirk Hunt

 

And he [Benaiah] slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.

2 Samuel 23:21 KJV

Benaiah engaged in combat at a disadvantage.  He had a walking stick.  The unnamed Egyptian had a battle spear.  The phrase “goodly man” recognizes the Egyptian as a substantial opponent.  Benaiah’s one-on-one victory is not to be lightly dismissed.

 

As Christian men and women, we often have to work (or fight) solo.  We come face-to-face with substantial opposition in our work and lives.  We must not back down.  Instead we should overcome disadvantage(s) to gain victory.

 

Of course, we never really work solo.  We always have the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through our lives.  His Presence is too easily forgotten in front of a hostile executive committee.  The Holy One may not be our primary thought during a heated discussion with a coworker.

 

God will give you the resources you need to start.  Your preparation and His power will give you what you need to persevere.  All you need is the faith to start and the courage to stay the course.

 

Take what you have in hand.  Face the opposition.  Be gracious, generous and merciful in your victory.

 

Think: Even when physically alone, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me live in Your power and skill at all times.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Working For Laban

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Working For Laban by Kirk Hunt

 

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:41 KJV

Jacob ran to Uncle Laban for protection and support.  For the next 20 years, Laban kept the young man safe from outsiders.  Unfortunately, Jacob needed someone to keep him safe from Uncle Laban.

 

Honesty, fairness and loyalty are precious.  For two decades, Jacob learned and re-learned that lesson.  Jacob left wealthy, but he understood Brother Esau’s complaint against him.

 

Perhaps you are working for a modern day Laban.  It is difficult to work with someone who seems so intent on profiting only at your expense.  There are days you do not feel forgotten, you feel sentenced, to that place and space.

 

Jacob became wealthy and blessed working for Laban.  God fulfilled His promises to make a great nation of Jacob.  In the same way, God will fulfill His promises to you.

 

No matter how “Laban” schemes or maneuvers, God will see that you get what He promised.  No amount or level of human trickery can overcome God’s faithfulness.

 

There is a blessing in that place and those folk.  God will secure you.  Even more, He will enrich you.  Be faithful.  No matter how faithless they are.

 

Stay honest and loyal.  Do the right work, the right way.  You will leave ‘Laban’ with all that God has promised.

 

Think:                        God will deliver His promises to me, if I do my part.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be faithful, even to a ‘Laban.’”

 

 

Copyright © February 2012, Kirk Hunt

Strengthen Your Folk

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Strengthen Your Folk by Kirk Hunt

 

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:32 KJV

Simon Peter, in the hours following this statement, would show his flaws.  Peter would hack off someone’s ear in rage.  He would then turn in the same moment and flee in panic.  Later he would deny he even knew Jesus.

 

Jesus saw all of this coming, in advance.  He took this moment, when perhaps he should have been preparing Himself for crucifixion, to prepare Peter.  He told his strongest man to strengthen those around him.

 

Peter would cry later, in remorse and guilt.  He would discover just how little he knew about Jesus.  Or Peter.  When this tough-guy fisherman “wept bitterly,” he had hit rock bottom.

 

For all of his demonstrated flaws and shortcomings, Peter remained the strongest of the Disciples.  At least he made the (misguided) effort to defend Jesus.  None of the other Disciples were close enough to be accused.

 

With his face rubbed in the worst of his failing, Peter clung to his faith.  With his soul tattered and battered, Peter refused to let go of his knowledge of Jesus.  When Peter got up, the others looked to him for strength and leadership.

 

If you are holding onto your faith, you have strength enough to share.  No matter what has happen in your past, you have what others need.  The kith and kin in your circle need what you have.  Strengthen your folk.

 

Think:                        Despite my flaws and shortcomings, I have strength to give.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to strengthen the folk around me.”

 

 

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

A New Thing

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A New Thing by Kirk Hunt

 

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 KJV

I am prayerful that this new year is different.  In every way.  For you, and all of yours.

 

Last year may have been good.  Perhaps you had great success and increase.  This verse still applies.

 

I pray this year is different for you.  I am praying this year is full of new depths in God and the Holy Spirit.  I want God to re-make you in His image.

 

God has a plan and purpose for you.  You have a high and powerful calling in His Kingdom.  Seek your new thing.

 

Of course, God will not kidnap you.  He calls to you.  He waits, in His mercy and grace, for you to answer Him.  With patience and loving kindness beyond human comprehension, God is eager to help you began your journey.

 

Your destination is a new and higher place in Him.  He wants to remake you in His image, stronger, richer and more gracious than ever before.  He has the means.  Do you have the will?

 

As you start this new year, consider that God has a place, plan and purpose for you.  If you have not yet, seek His will for your life.  If you are already following His call, press in and get the change you are seeking.

 

Welcome to a new year.  God is here, waiting to do a new thing in your life.  For you and yours.

 

Think:                        God’s power can work a new thing in my life.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live as a new creation, in Your image.”

 

 

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

Riding The Storm

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Riding The Storm by Kirk Hunt

 

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.   For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:22–23 KJV

The wind-driven salt water stung Paul’s face just like everyone else.  The Apostle suffered with nausea from two weeks of violent pitching, like everyone else.  The storm beat and battered everyone on the ship, without exception.

 

To the trained experts, the situation seemed forlorn of anything positive.  Still, Paul stood up in the middle of the group with words of hope.  Not because he was missing the storm, but because He was riding the storm.

 

We do God and ourselves a disservice.  We try to limit how He can act.  We set up rules that limit His salvation.

 

God’s angels can chat and visit with water-soaked believers.  Even in the middle of a typhoon.  His hope can shine through, even when rain and storm-clouds block the sun.  If you let Him, God can ride the storm with you as well.

 

God does not have to stop the storm to ride with you.  You can climb on to His hope at any time.  When the wind is howling at its loudest, God’s power shines brightest.

 

Everyone on the ship made it safely to land.  The angel did not lie to Paul.  Paul passed on what he knew was a true and complete message: God is riding the storm with us.

 

Think:             God’s power can shine in any circumstances.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live, knowing you ride the storm with me.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2011, Kirk Hunt

“Hold My Mule”

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“Hold My Mule” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Acts 3:8–9 KJV

Watch “Hold My Mule” at <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHpSM0PXuAE>

 

The lame man at Beautiful Gate looked up, expecting cash.  Instead, decades of handicap and disability came to a sudden end.  His praise and thanksgiving disrupted the reverent atmosphere of the Temple.

 

Did someone ask him to hold his praise?  Maybe.  For all the good that did.  He paid his debt of gratitude.

 

“Shoutin’ John” of “Hold My Mule” expressed his gratitude.  He recognized how good God had been to him and his.  He did not care where, when or who saw his unrestrained praise.  All he needed was for someone to hold his mule during his shout and dance.

 

Grateful men and women are especially careful to thank their benefactor.  Wise men and women understand just how good God has been to them and theirs.  Consider how much God has done for you.  Do you not owe Him praise?

 

Carefully consider all of God’s benefits to you, and those around you.  You will probably realize you owe God a shout and dance of praise.  Ask the nearest person to hold your keyboard while you pay what you owe.

 

 

Think:             I have much to be grateful for.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to praise you for all the good things You do for me and mine.

 

 

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

The Fellowship Demand

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“The Fellowship Demand” by Kirk Hunt

 

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:16 KJV

The Apostle Paul wrote more than once about the dangers, hardships and traumas of his Christian journey. He wrote of beatings, stonings, and miscellaneous murder attempts in an almost off-hand manner. He did not seek these attacks, but that he had learned to take them in stride.

 

It seems that he never quite got the hang of being alone. “Brutal beating? If it’s for the Cross.” “No fellowship? Not that!”

 

Paul could pray and angels (Acts 27:23) would appear. Despite that level of connection with God, he avoided being alone. More than any other hardship of his ministry. In this verse, he pre-forgave those who did not stand with him. In other passages, he named names.

 

Fellowship is not just laughter and shared meals. Real fellowship is something deeper. All too often, it requires shared sacrifice and joint labor.

 

Fellowship is part of the Christian walk. It some times requires giving generously. Just as often it requires the humility to receive. Who do you fellowship with?

 

 

Think: Fellowship is part of the Christian walk.

Pray: “Lord, help me to connect with other Christians, to give and receive.

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt

The Preparation Of A Kiss

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“The Preparation Of A Kiss” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 KJV)

Luke 15:20 KJV

He cringed when he saw his father running full-out toward him. As the older man came to a stop, huffing and puffing, he tried to start his speech. His father stopped him with a kiss.

 

Despite the stench of the pig-sty. On top of the putrid smell of disobedience. Without regard to who saw, or what they thought.

 

The father’s love had never wavered. His hope and expectation had yearned toward this day. All that was left was a way to express, joy, love and unrestrained welcome in one succinct act.

 

Perhaps the boy expected rebuke and recrimination. Instead, he received acceptance and affirmation. The joy of restoration outweighed every other consideration or concern.

 

Father-God’s love for you has never wavered. His divine providence and omnipotent preparation has worked for the day that you would return to Him. And he has joy, love and unrestrained welcome stored up just for you.

 

It does not matter what has gone before. His heart is ready to receive you. All you have to do is turn toward Him. He has a kiss for you.

 

 

Think: Father-God yearns to kiss me.

Pray: “Lord, remind me that You love me, no matter what.

Copyright © November 2011, Kirk Hunt