The Ending

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The Ending by Kirk Hunt

 

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Revelation 22:13 KJV

 

Welcome to the end of 2012.  The ancient Mayans were wrong.  Still, they had a valid point.

 

Men and women do not go on forever.  Our society will not go on, as it has, forever.  Only God endures from the beginning to the end.

 

Do you live your life in the knowledge that you will end?  Do your goals and actions reflect the fact that you will not personally live on, forever?  Are you planning for the time when you are no longer here?

 

Your finite life is not a gloomy truth.  Recognizing that there is a “there and then” does not mean misery in the “here and now.”  In fact, having a plan for eternity can give a lot of joy and safety to your daily life.

 

Your life is mortal, but your soul is eternal.  Your everyday actions tell the story of where you place your hope.  You can have impact for generations, if you choose. All it takes is choosing to act today in light of the One who will live forever.

 

Enjoy the festivities of this year’s end.  Face the coming year with hope, joy and anticipation.  This ending is in preparation for a new beginning.

 

Think about our eternal Father-God.  What has He called you to do?  Are you fulfilling your part in His eternal plan?

 

Think:                        Do my actions reflect my finite life, or His eternal plan?

 

Pray:                         “Lord, help me to answer Your calling on my life.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Keep Your Hope

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Keep Your Hope by Kirk Hunt

 

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.   It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:21–22 KJV

 

The Book of Lamentations is a grim and somber part of Scripture.  Jeremiah clearly and forcefully explains the plight and situation of Israel and Judah in Babylonian captivity.  In the center of the text, Jeremiah stops weeping and declares his hope in God’s love, mercy and compassions.

 

God issued the crushing cold and merciless darkness of His judgment against His people.  Still, in the middle of the gloom and pain is a place of light, warmth and joy.  The God who disciplines us is also the God who loves us.

 

His love for His people is so great that He restrains justice.  Mercy still has a hand in Israel’s punishment.  God’s grace, despite the captivity, remains part of Judah’s life.

 

Whatever you are facing, God’s love is still part of your life.  His grace is still at the core of your affairs.  His mercy still has a hand in your circumstances.

 

Despite the pain.  With the tears.  In the groaning.

 

His love is never ending.  His love for us is the source of our hope.  No matter how grim and somber our present is, we have hope because we have God.

 

Do not surrender.  Do not despair.  Despite it all, He loves us and therefore we have hope.

 

Think:            God’s love for me is the source of my hope.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to have hope in the love you have for me.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Who Calls For You?

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“Who Calls For You?” by Kirk Hunt

 

And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

1 Kings 7:13 KJV

 

When Solomon needed a craftsman for the Temple, he wanted, and could afford the best.  He called Hiram, a man of mixed heritage, from the nation of Tyre.  How Solomon heard of Hiram, Scripture does not say.

 

Selected and called by the king, Hiram took his place as the lead of all of Israel’s craftsmen.  Hiram had a hand in designing and building all of the decorations, fittings, implements and even furnishings of the Temple.  Quite a call to service.

 

God has a calling for you.  Your name may not be in the diplomatic messages of nations (see 2 Chronicles 2) but it will come up.  How will you answer?

 

Scripture says Hiram “was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning.”  How did Hiram gain all of these qualities and skills?  Scripture is silent on that point.

 

What matters is that when the call came Hiram answered.  God had seen to it that Hiram had the skills and abilities needed to fulfill his assignment.  When God’s call comes, you will have the qualifications you need.

 

Your willing head and hands are the main thing.  If your heart and mind are determined to serve Him, He will take care of the rest.  When the call comes, give the right answer.

 

 

Think:             Will I be obedient to God’s call on my life?

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to answer Your call.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Will You Go?

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Will You Go? by Kirk Hunt

 

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8 KJV

 

The call came at 6 am, Friday.  By 6 pm, that same day, I was making one-way flight reservations.  With 400 others, I flew to help with recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

 

Our jobs are mundane and unglamorous.   We walk for miles and knock on doors.  We repeat the same information, over-and-over.  We ask the same questions, time-and-again.

 

The purpose remains noble.  We concerned ourselves with the health and well-being of people we may never see again.  The long hours and cramped troop ship bunks are humbling.

 

Still, their faces will remain with me.  The husband concerned about his invalid wife.  The father, frantic about the sea wall, destroyed by the storm waters.  The mother, worried about food for her kids, and work for her husband.

 

God’s call is not always about the thousands and millions.  Sometimes, it is about the twos and threes.  And about being the one who is willing to go and serve.

 

Do not concern yourself with your qualifications, or your provision.  Be alert for His voice.  His hand will supply what is needed.

 

Your calling may be unremarkable and unseen, but it remains important.  Be willing to be sent.  “Send me.”

 

Think:            When God calls for servants, will I be obedient to the call?

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be an obedient servant who answers Your call.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

You Are Not Lunch

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You Are Not Lunch by Kirk Hunt

 

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

1 Samuel 17:37 KJV
Please, read 17:22–57.

 

Israel’s soldiers did not want to face Goliath.  Just his extraordinary size made him a formidable opponent.  His superior arms and armor, on top of known skill-at-arms, made battle with him a fearful proposition.

 

David had faced, and overcome, fearsome opponents before.  His faith and conviction swayed even King Saul, an extraordinary warrior in his own right.  Still, a mere boy without conventional weapons, or any armor, challenged the champion of the Philistines.  “I will feed you to the birds, boy.”

 

The hellhound is happy to see me.  It drools with the anticipation of a delicious lunch.  “I will feed you to myself, boy.”

 

I triple-check the buckles of my faith.  I rehearse the victories God has already given me.  I un-holster my Bible.  I run toward the stench of brimstone.

 

Here in the real world, circumstances arise that are too much for mere men.  As a son or daughter of the living God, victory has been promised.  No matter how formidable your hellhound seems, God has success planned for you.

 

Armor up in faith.  Wield your Bible.  In the Name of the living God, you are victorious.  Since God is with you, you are not lunch.

 

Think:            My victory comes through God’s power.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me remember that I am already victorious through Your power.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Going Old School

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Going Old School by Kirk Hunt

 

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

 

As I research strength training exercises (lifts) I have discovered two different viewpoints.  One camp searches for ever faster, more “efficient” routines and techniques.  The other guys focus on classic, “old school” lifts.

 

The “scientists” want a faster, smarter (less sweaty) way to results.  The “grunters,” argue that the classic methods are the smartest way, but you will have to be patient.  I have decided on a path.

 

Old school requires less equipment.  The focus on quality over quantity makes you less prone to injury.  Of course, you must take your time and focus on the process.

 

Jeremiah called out to Israel.  God called His people back to His love and covenant.  Of course, Israel had a choice.  They could continue on the pagan road and its results.  Or they could choose the old path with God.

 

God calls to you.  He offers the power, blessing and peace that can only come from relationship with Him.  Of course, that requires Bible study, prayer and fasting.  God’s path requires that you take your time and focus on the process.  I pray you decide on the old path.

 

Think:            The path to God is the smarter way, even if you have to be patient.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me choose the path that leads most securely back to You.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

“Keep Doing The Right Things”

Keep Doing The Right Things by Kirk Hunt

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9 KJV

 

I have been working out for a while.  Resisting the sugar cravings is no fun.  Despite all of the discipline, sacrifice and hard work, I am not advancing too quickly.  In fact, at times, my gains seem to have regressed.

 

Why do I continue?  Why sweat out so much effort for so little result?  Because, here and there, I see glimmers of the future.

 

There was the day I casually jumped ditches while carrying heavy loads.  There was the evening I man-handled stuff rather than suffer the inconvenience of looking for help.  My belly is not flat, but it is less round.

 

The diet and exercise could probably be better executed.  Still, they are much better than last year.  Next year will be better yet.

 

Consider your prayer, Bible study and fasting.  You are becoming more Christ-like, even if your growth is slower than you might like.  You are advancing, even when sometimes it feels like you are losing ground.

 

God honors your diligence and sacrifice.  Your old nature recedes.  Your new nature advances.  And here and there, you see glimmers of your future.

 

Do not trust your feelings.  Trust His Word.  The Holy Spirit is enabling your hard work.  Stay at it until you get your pay-out.

 

Think:            Keep up your spiritual disciplines, until you get your pay-out.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help to continue the disciplines that carry me to You.”

 

 

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

What Is Your Ambition?

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What Is Your Ambition? by Kirk Hunt

 

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. (Mark 10:37 KJV)

Mark 10:37 KJV

Please read Mark 10:35-40

 

They were up front and personal with their request.  “Make us your chief guys.”  Straight.   To the point.  There were determined to fulfill their own ambitions.

 

Neither James or John asked what Jesus wanted.  Scripture does not record their explanation or discussion about how they wanted to serve the coming Kingdom.  All they appeared to want was important positions.

 

Ambition leads men and women to take steps.  That may include accomplishing a particular task or goal.  It could be gaining a specific ally.  Perhaps it involves removing a particular hindrance.

 

What is your ambition?  Why is that your ambition?  What will you do to achieve your ambition?

 

I pray you have ambitions.  To serve His Kingdom.  To minister to the hurting.  To save the lost.

 

Ambition is all too easily a negative.  History and current events are full of examples of self-seeking, sometimes ruthless, ambition.  James and John are exposed in this example from the Gospels.

 

Life-saving discoveries have come into the world through ambition.  Ambition has been the source of violence and chaos across the globe.   What kind of ambition do you have?

 

Think:            Is my ambition Godly, or something else?

 

Pray:             “Lord, give me ambition to build Your Kingdom, for You.”

 

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

How Do You Use Your Power?

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How Do You Use Your Power? by Kirk Hunt

 

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Luke 9:54 KJV

 

The Disciples wanted to command (not request) fire from heaven to destroy an entire village.  Admittedly, providing hospitality was an important virtue in that culture.  Refusing to provide for Jesus and the Disciples was, at a minimum, a serious breach of etiquette.

 

Even if a deliberate insult, flash-frying an entire village must count as an overreaction.  Despite teaching and training from Jesus Himself, the Disciples missed the lesson on power use.  Power should never be exercised without wisdom.

 

Did they have the power?  James and John certainly thought so.  Still, Jesus rebuked them on their purpose and motivation: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”  Broiling folk for insults was not the lesson Jesus was trying to teach.

 

God gives His saints power and wisdom.  Every exercise of power by a Christian should be done in further building the Kingdom.  For His glory.  For His purposes.  Certainly not as a naked display of willfulness.

 

Our modern culture needs us to use His power.  To heal the wounded.  To comfort the distressed.   To unshackle the spiritually imprisoned.

 

Are you a Christian?  Then you have His power.  Always use His wisdom when you use His power.

 

Think:           God gives us power and wisdom.

Pray:             “Lord, help me to use the power You gave with, and in, Your wisdom.”

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

How Do You Use What You Have?

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“How Do You Use What You Have?” by Kirk Hunt

 

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:   For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Proverbs 22:22–23 KJV

 

Everything legal is not correct or moral.  Segregation was once legal in the United States.  Education and literacy is not legal for everyone in the world today.

 

What the oppressors do not seem to understand is the price they pay when they oppress.  God Himself guards the poor and helpless.  His omniscient eye sees.  Eventually, His omnipotent hand moves.

 

Wealth and power have their place.  I certainly want them.  1 Timothy 6:10 does not criticize money directly.  Instead, Scripture condemns loving money so much that you do the wrong thing(s).

 

Money, influence and capitalism will not soon be outlawed in the world.  Nor should they.  Scripture commands you to use your wealth and influence with justice and fairness.  Do you?

 

God watches.  His blood boils when His little ones are oppressed.   Eventually, He moves against those who perpetrate injustice.

 

The more you have, the easier it is to oppress and mistreat others.  The more you have, the easier it is to act to benefit those around you, and still make a profit.  What does God see when you use your wealth and influence?

 

Think:            Justice and fairness please God.  How do I use my wealth and influence?

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to use my wealth and influence with justice and fairness.”

 

 

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Does God Love You?

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Does God Love You? by Kirk Hunt

 

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:12 KJV

 

I could tell you stories about Momma and Poppa disciplining me.  They were likely to chastise me (or my siblings) at any time or place.  Not once did they ever say, “This hurts me, as much as it hurts you.”

 

Do I remember their discipline with fondness?  Not so much.   Do I appreciate their correction now?  Yes.   Do I doubt their love?  Not one iota.

 

God loves us so much he does not allow us to stay in our error(s).  He corrects us.  He guides us back to His Word and Way, when we stray.

 

When He corrects us, God denies justice.  We do not get all we deserve.  Instead of getting the full penalty of our sins, He guides us back to righteousness with mercy and kindness.

 

Of course, it is better to stay the straight and narrow.  Still, we mere mortals occasionally get out in the weeds.  It is then that His love for us shines most brightly.

 

He brings us back to the right path.  Through His full love.  In His grace.  And sometimes with a switch.  At least it is not with the sword we deserve.

 

He loves you.  More than you know or understand.  Accept His correction.  Even when it hurts a little (or a lot).

 

Think:                        Father, you love me too much to let me stay wrong.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to appreciate your love, even in correction.”

 

Copyright © September 2012, Kirk Hunt

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

Follow Your Leadership

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Follow Your Leadership by Kirk Hunt

 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1 KJV

Paul is writing to Christians leaving in pagan Rome.  The most likely Caesar or Emperor of the time?  The notorious Nero.

 

Why did not Paul tell the Christians of Rome to take up arms?  Because all governments are ordained by God.  Ordained is defined as invested officially, or appointed by authority.

 

Does being subject mean following every direction a secular leader gives?  Had the Roman Christians been more obedient to Nero, fewer of them would have been martyred.  Still, they lived and worked in a society with radically different beliefs and morals.

 

Modern day Christians live and work using beliefs and morals radically different from the society-at-large.  Like our ancient Roman brothers and sisters, we are called to live out our lives as light and salt.  Most Western Christians do so without the threat of real or serious persecution.

 

What should modern-day Christians do?  First, remain subjects of the King of heaven.  Second, be subject to the secular government God placed ordained for you.

 

Will you agree with everything?  I hope not.  Still, you must be a good citizen of two Kingdoms.  I am sure you know which has priority.

 

Think:             I am called to live and work as salt and light under the current government.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be a good subject first of You, then of the earthy leaders you ordain.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2012, Kirk Hunt

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