Now, With Profit

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“Now, With Profit” by Kirk Hunt

 

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: (Philemon 1:10-11 KJV)

Philemon 1:10–11 KJV

The relationship between Onesimus and Philemon clearly had problems. Onesimus was an escaped slave and a thief. Onesimus had a lot of nerve, walking back in Philemon’s door.

 

Still, the two men came back into each other’s lives. Apostle Paul insisted that the two men reconcile with each other. Paul must have sensed that there would be profit in their relationship.

 

Onesimus returned to his owner, prepared to answer on two felony charges. Philemon suddenly had to re-prove his reputation regarding generosity and compassion to Christians.

 

The call to profitable relationships is not always easy. The call is rarely with risks. Still, the call rings out, today.

 

You have a choice. You can leave the relationship the way it is, or you can re-build. You can write off the loss, or you can go for the profit.

 

God is always honored when His sons and daughters work it out. No one said that is easy. But he is honored.

 

Think: The call to profitable relationships is not always easy, but it is worthy.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in grace with others, especially believers.”

Copyright © October 2011, Kirk Hunt

React to Respond to React

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“React to Respond to React” by Kirk Hunt

 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 KJV

 

Most Christians understand that they should not react like the world. Normally, we say we should respond the way Christ would. I’m no longer convinced this goes far enough.

 

Martial artists, law enforcement and medical professionals are all trained to react. A response may be too slow. So they laboriously train to react the right way.

 

Their training is often old-school drills and repetition. Sooner or later, their minds and bodies ingrain the lessons. They stop having to think about what to do, and their minds and bodies simply do what must be done.

 

Christians can learn how to react, just as Christ would. Study and meditate on Scripture until your instinctual reaction is one of grace and love. As we grow closer to Christ, we can trust our thoughtless reactions to be from His heart.

 

You know the drill. Bible study. Prayer. Fasting. Over time, your godless reactions will change into saintly responses, but finally end in Christ-like reactions. You too can learn to react like Christ.

 

Think: I must move from a worldly response, to a Christ-like reaction.

Pray: “Lord, help me to react like You, every day, in every way.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

Prototype

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“Prototype” by Kirk Hunt

 

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 8:29 NIV

 

Prototypes are common in engineering, science and manufacturing. The more radical the design or concept you want to prove, the more likely you spend the time and money to build a complete working example. Aircraft, automobiles, and even appliances get prototypes.

 

Prototypes are like, and not like, the production models that will eventually follow. The sample model is usually fabricated, by hand, by the lead scientists and engineers. Prototypes are never quite standard, but they are of the highest quality. You can always tell a prototype from a regular production model.

 

Christ Jesus was as radical and revolutionary as they come. His doctrine and truth disrupted the fabric of ancient Israel and His teaching has not yet stopped changing the world. He proved that men and women could live a new, different life of freedom and power.

 

Jesus proved that mere men and women can live the Christian life. He came not as a one-of-a-kind man, but the first of a large number of siblings. He came as a first-among-many. Are you His brother or sister?

 

 

Think: Jesus proved Christianity can be done. All I have to do is live life in His Way.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become more like You as I live every day.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

When It Is Still Raining

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“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

 

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

 

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

 

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

 

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

 

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

 

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

After The Mountaintop

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“After The Mountaintop” by Kirk Hunt

 

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. (Luke 9:37 KJV)

Luke 9:37 KJV

Please read Luke 9: 28 – 37

 

I am in favor of mountain top experiences. Above the timberline you can see breathtaking vistas. In the thin air at the top, you can better see God’s visions and His glory. It is all good up there.

 

Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with wonder and awe. It is no surprise they wanted to stay on the mountain. Still, Jesus’ purpose, and theirs, was someplace else.

 

The moment of glory and ascendance was important. The ministry of the Disciples changed the world as we know it. But their ministries happened away from the mountain.

 

As much as we need mountain tops, our work is in the plains and valleys. Jesus stepped down from His glorious transfiguration and stepped into a sea of humanity. Off the mountain, He ministered to the hearts and minds of people.

 

Climb up and see His glory. Enjoy your episode on the mountain top. Just remember, your purpose is on the plains and in the valleys.

Think: I climb the mountain so I can minister when I climb down..

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to experience You in all Your glory, so I can serve and minister.”

 

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

Quiet Talk

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“Quiet Talk” by Kirk Hunt

 

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19: 12 – 13 KJV

Please read 1 Kings 19:11 – 18

 

Elijah sat in the cave while waves of catastrophe rolled over the mountain. Winds, lashed and shattered the stone of the mountain. An earthquake further broke the shredded rock. Finally, a wildfire scrubbed the remaining landscape.

 

Elijah, familiar with the things of God, knew noise when he heard it. The fury, heat and shaking were events, but not notable. God’s whisper brought the prophet to his feet. In reverence, Elijah covered his face and walked from darkness to the shekinah glory-cloud.

 

God is speaking today. Not with clamor and cacophony, but in calm and tranquility. You can hear Him. Hold still a few minutes. Turn everything off for a while.

 

When were you last in silence and stillness? Quiet, not just physically but mentally, allows you to hear His Voice. He has a message for you.

 

Think: I can hear God best in quietness.

Pray: “Lord, help me to listen, in stillness and quiet, to Your Voice.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Enough For You

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“Enough For You” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

 

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Leadership Prayer

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“Leadership Prayer” by Kirk Hunt

 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

2 Timothy 2:1—2 KJV

 

Christians are called to pray for leadership. Are they in civil authority over you? Then you are to pray for them.

Paul would have been directing Christian men and women to pray for the Roman Caesar. Would you follow the Biblical commandment to pray for Nero, the great Roman persecutor of Christians? Just as you should pray for your local, state (province) or national leaders.

The commandment is to pray for them so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable” life, here in the real world. They do not have to be believers. You do not have to be in agreement with their policy or decisions. It is God’s job to sort that part out.

There seems to be chaos and uncertainty through much of the world, these days. Do you really believe that regular men and women have the answers for so many difficult issues? We need unearthly intelligence and thinking to save our world.

As always, God is the answer. Pray that those who hold authority in the world get their orders from God. Only he has the solution that let us lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to pray for my leadership.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, through prayer.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

The Gold Door

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“The Gold Door” by Kirk Hunt

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

 

In my heart, there is a gold-plated door. The door has no lock and not much of a latch. That is because of the grace and beauty of the nation on the other side.

Elected officials lead with wisdom and a spirit of servant-hood. Business leaders act with humility and fairness, looking to build the nation at the risk of making a profit. Justice rules with kind words from noble hearts.

Beyond the golden door, men and women, act with grace and move in generosity. Hunger has been banished. Injustice has been exterminated. Peace and joy rule the hand. It is a place and space where Christ is King in the hearts of the citizens.

I know all too well what is on the other side of my real front door. That door has a lock. I have reinforced that door against intruders.

I refuse to believe the nation behind the golden door is impossible. I do, however know where the dream will start to become reality. It will appear first in the hearts of God’s people.

It is not impossible. First, Christians must first make Christ King of their own hearts. The nation will follow.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to remake the world around me in His image.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, here and now.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Haman’s Hate

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“Haman’s Hate” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:6 KJV

 

I am not surprised that Haman reacted with rage to Mordecai’s disobedience. Haman’s arrogance and contempt for others shines throughout Esther. Violating such a selfish and self-centered world view had to lead to anger.

It is Haman’s determination to commit genocide over a simple insult that I find monstrous. Anger does lead to hate. Hate leads to all manner of destructive acts.

Too many recent events prove that men and woman like Haman walk among us. They seek to destroy rather than build. They are willing to disrupt, or kill, rather than build or work. Haters always build gallows.

Haman’s hate represents the impact of unfettered rage on the lives of the hated, and the hater. Of course, the hater always blames the object of his or her hate. No matter how much they have to twist the facts and figures, haters always arrive at the same destination.

The tragedy is that destination is the gallows. For their own hanging. Sooner, or later.

Be the man or woman who reacts the way God would. In love. With grace.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to love even my enemies, not hate them.

Pray: “Lord, help me to respond in Your love, not my hate.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Mordecai’s Gallows

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“Mordecai’s Gallows” by Kirk Hunt

 

And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:2 KJV

 

Mordecai’s defiant and conspicuous act of disobedience does not match his lofty place in high profile politics. Why would an advisor to King Ahasuerus deliberately and pointedly break the king’s command? Mordecai’s unbent knees and straight back certainly made a powerful, and vindictive, enemy of Haman.

His character and integrity lead him to stand straight while others folded. “Consequences be hanged. I won’t do it.” Right on cue, Haman built a 75 foot tall gallows.

What around you needs to be challenged? Is there an injustice near you, crying out for correction? If there is, I suspect God has planted you there “for such a time as this.”

God does not always send angels. Sometimes, He sends saints. Mere men and women, just like you and I, who love God enough to be obedient. Obedient enough to stay while they build a gallows.

Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, because it was wrong. Legal doesn’t mean legitimate. Doing the right thing can be inconvenient. For them. For you.

God needs a man or woman, just like you, to stand against sin and wrong. Let His Grace give you the courage to stay the course. Trust Him to work out the details.

Think: Sometimes, as a Christian, I am called to challenge wrong.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to see the wrong and resist it, in obedience to Your Grace.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt

Use What You Get

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“Use What You Get” by Kirk Hunt

 

Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it [Manna] until morning.” However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Exodus 16: 19 – 20 NIV

 

Moses’ instructions were clear. Each household should gather only as much manna as would be eaten that day. No manna was to be stored.

Of course someone tried to hoard their manna. The heaven-sent food rotted overnight. Disgustingly.

God’s provision of manna to Israel is popularly seen as an allegory of God’s provision for modern-day saints. He gives us gifts and provision. God wants us to gather enough of what He provides, and not to hoard what He gives.

Your skills, education and credentials are a form of manna. They are a provision, ultimately from God, to nourish and benefit your household. Are you hoarding your manna?

There are men and women, ministers and ministries, that need the manna you hold. You have the ability to nourish and benefit other households. Are you willing to share, or will you hoard what God has given?

“…They kept part of it…” You have an opportunity to give from the riches that God has entrusted to you. What have you got to lose?

Think: I should not hoard what God has given.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to share with others what You have given.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt