After The Mountain

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“After The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

 

Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child.”

Luke 9:37-38 NKJV

 

They went up the mountain to hear God. There on the mountain they received revelation. As they came down the mountain, they considered what they could share. Still, a single day after the mountain, the Apostles were met, and stumped, by the needs of the people.

 

There is always that special time after your mountaintop experience. It seems the problems bred bigger and tougher while you sat at His feet. God’s revelation to you does not seem to have any relevance to what you are facing.

 

His timing is perfect. Too often, His rhythm seems out of step, and tempo, with events. Trust Him. Even when you are faced by throngs with extra difficult issues.

 

Your deep, powerful experience remains valid. The needs you must now meet, head on, are part of His plan and purpose for you. Stay the course. Be patient with His path for you.

 

The boy was healed. The people were ministered to. Just one day after the Apostles’ revelation at the mountain top.

 

His timing is sometimes a mystery. At first. Grip your revelation from Him with faith. Face forward and do the work. You will use your mountain top, in His rhythm and timing.

 

Think:            Your mountain top experience matters, no matter what you face now.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to be patient with the timing and rhythm of Your revelation.

 

 

Copyright © February 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Down The Mountain

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Down The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

 

Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17: 9 NKJV

 

Going up the mountain should be a prized opportunity. Seeing on the mountain should be a precious time of revelation and learning. Surprisingly, you should be cautious about what you say after you come down from your mountain top experience.

 

Jesus needed His inner circle, Peter, James and John, to see and understand more about Him. They were ready for the revelations at the mountain top. The rest of the Apostles, yet alone the main body of disciples, were not ready at that time.

 

The Transfiguration is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Yet, for a time, Jesus deliberately limited the audience to this glorious and powerful event. Trust His timing, no matter how much you want to share the extraordinary things you see at the mountain top.

 

Scriptural truth is never to be hidden. Still, Scripture speaks plainly to the idea that everyone is not ready for everything, all the time (Matthew 11:25, Luke 9:44-45, Colossians 1:25-27). All will be revealed to the saints of God. At the correct time, in the correct space.

 

What God reveals to you will be confirmed by Scripture. He reveals more of Himself to those who seek Him in Scripture and prayer. Trust Him when He limits the audience.

 

Think:            I should be circumspect in sharing from the mountain top.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to be wise with the knowledge You share with me.

 

Copyright © February 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

On The Mountain

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“On The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

 

Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

 

Peter is my friend and brother. He does and says the things I would do, so I do not have to. There on the mountain, in the middle of one of the great mystical events of Scripture, he blurts out words. So there is no silence. Despite the obvious fact that God is speaking.

 

A mountain top experience is a time to hear God. It is an opportunity to hear Him speaking, in a deeper and often unique manner. It is an opportunity to listen. It is a chance to see what He wants you to see, farther and more precisely.

 

That does not mean you turn into a silent stone. Think clearly and deeply. Ask wisely and judiciously. Make the most of the opportunity. Being lead up the mountain is a special, not regular, event. God has decided He has something special to say. The experience may be mystical, but it will also be practical.

 

When you are on the mountain, get all that God is giving. Get all that you can while you are up there. You are going to need what He is saying.

 

Think:            When God speaks, do I listen clearly and completely?

 

Pray:               “Lord, reveal Yourself to me, and help me understand.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Up The Mountain

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Up The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

 

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

 

You cannot see everything you need to see in the valley. You cannot hear everything you need to hear in the middle of the clang and clack of regular life. Sometimes, you need to go up the mountain.

 

Christians often speak of a “mountain top” experience. Jesus’ transfiguration is the prototype event. It was a place and space where Jesus revealed more of Himself to his Apostles.

 

The extraordinary display had a practical purpose. Jesus wanted them to see and understand. Something they could not see, despite their close proximity to Jesus.

 

His glory is part of His divine nature. His continuing unity with Father-God is part of the redemption plan. Even the “inner circle” of Apostles were changed by the experience and revelation.

 

God wants to reveal Himself to you. He needs you to peer into His glory. He wants you to see and understand His purpose.

 

Maybe you need to find a special spot above the tree line. Perhaps you just need to sit still in a quiet spot. Either way, God is speaking to you. Are you listening?

 

Think:            God wants to revel Himself to me. Am I in the right place? Am I listening?

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me find the right place and space so you can reveal Yourself to me.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

You Shall Lend

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“You Shall Lend” By Kirk Hunt

 

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Deuteronomy 28:12 NKJV

 

The promise of God (see verse 1) in this Scripture was originally for the people of Israel. They had not yet arrived in the Promised Land, but God was letting them know. Obey me and you shall always lend and never borrow.

 

I can tell you that if you fulfill the condition, God will fulfill the promise. Not just money, though that is an obvious possibility. There are a lot of things God’s people can “lend” to the “nations” around us.

 

The treasures of heaven are not just material things, like adequate food and shelter. Good physical and mental health is a treasure, straight from His throne. Peace of mind and spirit comes from God’s heaven, and cannot be purchased with mere money.

 

Obey God and follow his commandments. Before you know it, others will ask where you got all of your blessings. Lend those who ask the good things of God. The gratitude of those you bless is interest enough for the generous of heart.

 

Think:            His blessings are for me, and can be loaned to those around me.

 

Pray:               “Lord, thank You for Your blessings, especially the ability to bless others in turn.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

In The Morning

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS


“In The Morning” By Kirk Hunt

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16 NKJV

 

It is always better in the morning. You have survived the darkness of your troubles. The light of day is almost always a comfort after a difficult night.

 

Perhaps last year was not your best. Still, here you are, in a new year. God has defended you and protected you from your troubles.

 

No matter what happened in the night of the last year, you are here now. He has blessed you with new opportunities and possibilities. Be grateful and thankful.

 

Get yourself together for the new year. Assess where you are. Make plans based on your currently reality. Work your plans like a champion.

 

Scripture does not promise you an easy ride. Scripture does promise you God’s goodness, power and grace. Sing your song in gratitude and praise.

 

Even if you do not feel like it this minute, sing. God’s goodness brought you here. God’s power keeps you here. God’s grace will carry you there.

 

You have arrived in a new year. God continues to look out for you and watch over you. Bless Him for giving a new morning and a new year.

 

Think:            This is the morning of a new year. How will I use it for God?

 

Pray:               “Lord, thank You for Your continuing care and protection in a new year.”

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Thankful

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Thankful” By Kirk Hunt

 

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the Lord.

Psalms 116:17 NKJV

 

I approached the Western Wall, considering the place holy, if not by God’s true presence, then by the thousands of sincere prayers offered there. As I drew close, I could see that every crack and crevice in the stone was filled with prayer notes. I was thankful that my requests would go to God there.

 

I was, frankly, taken aback. My heart, mind and mouth could not form a request. The Holy Spirit stopped up my request maker. In its place, He unleashed my thanks giver. “Quit begging. Start thanking.”

 

So there I was, a lone goyim at the Wall, my heart crying out to God. The tears were of joy. I gave myself over to the thankfulness and gratitude that spilled out to my God. After all, He has been good to me in the past, is good to me in the present and will be good to me in the future.

 

Not that all of my days have been easy and bountiful. Still, even on the toughest days, He has been exceedingly good to me. Since I have already received so much from Him, my only reasonable response is to be grateful and thankful.

 

I am reminded that I should thank more and ask less. I am blessed by the sincere gratitude of my own sons. I owe God my gratitude, and I intend to pay what I owe.

 

Think:           I should be thankful for all God has done, is doing and will do for me.

 

Pray:               “Thank you, Lord.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Moving Forward

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Moving Forward” By Kirk Hunt

 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

 

What do you hear when someone speaks of “God’s divine direction?” Does the pillar of fire and smoke come to mind? What is the form and format of moving forward in God?

 

God’s direction and guidance can indeed be miraculous and mystical. Scripture is too full of examples to say otherwise. Still, the visitation of angels is not part of a usual day in an office cubicle. A glory-cloud does not often appear while driving to the supermarket.

 

Does God only speak to Biblical heroes? What about the rest of us? How do mere men and women like us receive guidance? Does God only speak to the high and mighty among us?

 

Your easiest and fastest route to God is His Word. Study Scripture, regularly and often. In those moments of reverent quiet, He will speak with you. Hidden in study, God will find you.

 

It is not that hard or difficult. You can seek God’s direction for your life, today. You do not have to be a spiritual giant to have His Word in your life. His guidance is not for a favorite few.

 

All you have to do is decide you want God’s direction in your life. The only entrance fee is your willingness to make study of His Word a priority for your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. His Word promises you that.

 

Think:            I can have God’s direction for my life through study of His Word.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to hear Your heart through Your Word.

 

Copyright © November 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Bring It

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Bring It” By Kirk Hunt

 

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10 NKJV

 

God rarely invites men and women to test Him. Knowing how fragile we are, He does not usually dare mere humans. Still, in this verse, He throws out a challenge: “Bring it.”

 

Look carefully. There is no fine print. This is not a limited offer.

 

Test to see if you can out-give the creator of the universe. Try to exceed His credit limit. Check to see if He has enough to more than match what you have.

 

It may not be cash. Your blessing could be good health. Perhaps you will dwell in utter peace and absolute security.

 

Of course, you should give as an expression of your love and gratitude to God. After all, He has already given you so much. Still, he wants the opportunity to give you more.

 

Take the challenge. Make it your goal to push God to the limit of His ability to give to you. What have you got to lose?

 

Think:            I may give first, but God gives best.

 

Pray:               “Lord, I want to honor You with my giving.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Obedience At All Ranks

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Obedience At All Ranks” By Kirk Hunt

 

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

1 Samuel 15:23 NKJV

 

Samuel delivered his somber news to Saul. The king’s (pitiful) excuses and justifications could not negate his responsibility to obey God. King Saul found out the hard way that obedience applies to all ranks.

 

The greedy, lazy, self-centered part of us wants it both ways. We want anyone and every one to do every little thing we say. We even want them to anticipate what we want done.

 

Of course, that part of us wants to be free to ignore or even alter any instruction. “Do as I say, not as I do.” “Rank hath its privileges.”

 

I freely admit I am aggravated when I experience this disobedient attitude in folks. I am more aggravated when I catch the same attitude trying to assert itself in my life. To my regret, it is a weed that grows back far too easily.

 

God expects you to obey Him and His Word. Your rank does not impact your obligation to obey. Not one little bit.

 

Obedience to God does not have rank or importance limits. It applies to me. It applies to you. Without exception.

 

Think:           I owe God my obedience, no matter what rank I hold.

 

Pray:               “Lord, keep my heart focused on obedience to You and Your Word.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Saul’s Hindrance

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Saul’s Hindrance” By Kirk Hunt

Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.”

1 Samuel 15:10-11a NKJV

 

Saul’s hindrance cost him the throne of Israel. There was no political maneuvering or mutiny. Instead, Saul got in his own way and ended his dynasty, practically before it started.

 

David’s name would appear in the next chapter of Scripture, but not this one. Samuel literally got mad, then grieved over the loss of Saul. The sitting king only had himself to blame for losing his throne.

 

Too often we want to blame others. We want some outside force to be at fault for our losses and problems. Stand still. Be honest.

 

Saul turned away from God. Saul decided to stop being obedient, all on his own. No series of pitiful excuses can fix the real problem.

 

Saul had God’s anointing. All he had to do was live it out. Instead, he caved under the pressure of continuing to be a man of God.

 

Saul’s hindrance was Saul. Not the Amalek nation he defeated. Not David, who was still out with the sheep. Not even Samuel who grieved for his error.

 

Perhaps you have hindrances blocking your way forward with God. Stand still. Be honest. Are you getting in your own way?

 

Think:            Am I the hindrance holding me back?

 

Pray:               “Lord, keep my heart focused on You and Your Word.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Prayer With The Saints

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Prayer With The Saints” By Kirk Hunt

 

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

 

Jeremiah the prophet had been jailed for speaking God’s truth.  At least this time, he was not in the mud and muck of the dungeon.  There in the prison courtyard, Jeremiah spent time in prayer with God.

 

Jeremiah had every reason to be depressed and broken.  The nation of Israel had taken to worshiping Baal and other idols, within Jerusalem itself.  Most of the other prophets of Jehovah God had been murdered.  The Chaldeans of Babylon were marching their armies straight to the city of Zion.

 

It is no surprise that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations.  What is surprising is that Jeremiah never gave up hope.  Jeremiah had hope because he never stopped speaking with God.

 

Too often, saints forget to sit and talk with God.  We rush from appointment, to event, to activity, without pause.  Then we lay awake at night, too upset or anxious to sleep.

 

A saint who prays develops a deeper relationship with God.  On the other hand, a saint who does not pray drifts away from God.  Which Christian saint do you want to be?

 

God may take you farther, and faster, than you want to go.  He might make you wait longer than you might like.  In either case, He will speak wonders in your ears and majesties in your heart.  Your soul will be awestruck, and satisfied, by speaking with Him.

 

Think:                        Prayer is a saint’s response to adverse situations.

 

Pray:               “Lord, remind me to speak with You at all times.”

 

 

Copyright © September 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.