Battered But Not Beaten

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“Battered But Not Beaten” By Kirk Hunt

 

Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep

2 Corinthians 11:25 NKJV

 

There is a big difference between battered and beaten.  History is full of stories about individuals, groups and nations that refused to be beaten.  Despite the odds, bruises or body counts, they stood in determination and defiance.  They won, despite the cost.

 

Paul was not itemizing his (mis-)adventures for pride or sympathy.  The Apostle was trying to illustrate his determination to build the Kingdom of God.  In defiance of the enemy of our souls, Paul refused to let little things like betrayal or brutality stop him from fully serving God.

 

They may be bigger or badder.  Still, imagine the frustration on their faces when they realize that however much they can batter your mind or body, they cannot beat you.

 

They cannot beat you because God’s favor and empowerment allows you to persevere.  It may get rough and difficult but He will carry you through.  Through God, your determination and defiance against the enemy of our souls will carry you to victory.

 

Despite His grace, do not lead with your chin.  Start out following the least costly route to success.  Just remember that He has your victory, no matter how licks you have to take.

 

Think:            No matter how I am battered, God will not let me be beaten.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to know Your victory despite the difficulties.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

You Will Not Burn

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“You Will Not Burn” By Kirk Hunt

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

 

The sheriff knocks on your door at 3 AM.  The doctor cannot look you in the eye as he announces your test reports.  The foreclosure court is final and the house now belongs to the bank.  You expect to burn from the heat of your hardships.

 

To those who understand physics and chemistry, that is how it works.  Heat anything high enough and it burns.  Except when God stands with you in the furnace.

 

The verse does not say “if.”  The verse says “when.”  God sees it coming.  God will be ready when it arrives.  You just have to keep walking.

 

Daniel 3 records the fire walk of three men, companions to Daniel.  Daniel 3:25 records the fourth man, “like the Son of God” walking with them in the fire.  Daniel 3:26-27 records that these men walked out of the fire smelling just like they went in.  Unburned.

 

Hardships are not pleasant experiences.  Still, we can come through them, unburned.  God will be there with you, in the middle of the furnace.  Trust Him that you are not kindling.

 

Think:            No matter how harsh the hardships, God will not let me be burned up.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to trust you in the most severe of hardships.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

You Will Not Drown

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“You Will Not Drown” By Kirk Hunt

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

 

You did not get the promotion and you are disappointed.  The woman will not even talk to you, so you are angry.  You approach the casket and you are grieved.  At times, your emotions are so strong, it seems you will drown in them.

 

Even for God’s saints, emotions are not always a positive experience.  Hurt, anger, disappointment and sadness invade our lives at times.  Still, we operate at an advantage.

 

God is with us.  No matter what happens, He is right there.  We are never alone.  Out of His love for us, He refuses to leave us, no matter what murky emotions swirl around us.

 

Do not make the mistake of thinking it will not happen to you.  Isaiah’s prophecy is that Israel will experience difficulties and heartache, still God will be there.  God is always God, especially when the tsunamis of your life strike.

 

We live in, and through, His power.  Tossed in the waves does not mean you will go under.  Trust in His empowering grace for your life.  He may let you get wet, but He will not let you drown.

 

Think:            No matter how deep the emotions go, God will not let me be overwhelmed.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to trust you, even when emotion threatens to drag me under.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Hear His Voice

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“Hear His Voice” 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.

1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV

 

Even the best of us sometimes look for the wrong thing.  We think God speaking must be in some huge, big thing.  Our expectations lead us to miss His voice.

 

If you survey Scripture, God often speaks softly.  He wants to talk with you.  Not as a frowning judge.  He wants a quiet personal chat, face-to-face (Shekinah) with a friend.

 

Elijah watched as wind, then earthquake, and finally fire battered the mountain.  While the storms were attention-getting, they were not God’s voice to His prophet.  A gentle whisper announced God’s presence.  Elijah left the cave and stepped into the powerful presence of God.

 

There was a lot going on around Elijah.  God wanted His prophet to appoint kings and settle nations.  But before Elijah went out, God wanted to just sit and talk.  So God whispered and Elijah answered.

 

Does God speak through cryptic dreams or mysterious visions?  Sure.  Scripture says so.  Does He whisper in quiet stillness?  Scripture says yes, absolutely.

 

Make time in your life to listen.  Let the violent winds, blow past.  Steady yourself while the earth quakes.  Let the raging fires sweep through.  Then go out, into His presence, when you hear His whisper.

 

He wants to speak with you.  Quietly.  Gently.  Personally.  Respond to His whispering voice.

 

Think:            God’s voice is very often heard as a quiet whisper.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to hear Your Voice and spend time in your presence.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

God Provided Sufficiently

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“God Provided Sufficiently” By Kirk Hunt

 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

 

Debra was doing the best she could with a small, weak budget.  The shirts were new but on clearance.  All-but-donated-to-charity clearance.  They were last year’s style, and the colors that no one else wanted.  I could barely afford the loud, garish, turn-down-the-volume colors.  Still, God provided sufficiently.

 

I got jokes and amused comments about my shirts from everyone.  It was tolerable until a snide comment from one of my students set me off.  After that I insisted that the next purchase be more sedate colors.  Even at the cost of fewer shirts.

 

I wore the first of my “calmer” shirts and immediately got complaints.  The wild colors were a welcome sight in the Seattle gray.  The students looked forward to the bright, happy shirts that greeted them at early morning classes.  My night students appreciated the eye-opening colors that helped them stay the course through long days of work and school.

 

The loud, raucous shirts were provision and grace.  First for my budget, and then for my students.  Not for the first time, what I thought an embarrassment was really a blessing from God.

 

See His provision through spiritual eyes.  What He has provided is probably not just for you.  Your weak spot is just the place for His provision to shine.  Enjoy the bright colors.

 

Think:            God provides with purpose.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to see and understand your provision.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Thankfulness In Peace

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“Thankfulness In Peace” By Kirk Hunt

 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

 

Unity.  Peace.  Thankfulness.  All three concepts are bound together.

 

Keep in mind that unity is not the same thing as uniformity.  Unity is when the rough-looking biker-type is serving the vegetables right next to the skinny nerd dishing out the entrée.  And everyone in the food line is thankful they work together.

 

Spike and Specs work together they are both Christ-followers.  Since they are at peace within themselves, they can be at peace with others.  They are grateful, not just for each other, but for the opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God, here and now.

 

Which comes first, the peace or the community or the thankfulness?  Pick one and work for the others.  Do not even think of apologizing if you have all three, just send me the secret formula for that state of affairs.

 

Be grateful your peace comes from God and enables you to have unity with others, especially saints.  Be thankful for your community of saints, which gives you the place and space for peace.   The saints around you are enabled by, and thankful for, the peace of God that has rule within you.

 

Think:            I am grateful for internal peace for myself and my local Church.

Pray:              “Lord, thank You for peace, community and unity.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Thankfulness In Advance

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“Thankfulness In Advance” By Kirk Hunt

 

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

 

There is always joy and thankfulness in the victory lap.  When last did you dance a happy jig in the middle of the grueling drills?  Where you laughing and singing in the middle of the bitter battles?  Just as I suspected.

 

God’s people are always thankful for the victory, but we must remember to be thankful during the tests and trials.  Our joy should be visible, and contagious, even in the middle of difficult circumstances.  We can afford it, and are obligated, since we know the outcome.  Just as you suspected.

 

Still, in the middle of dirty, dangerous and difficult, we have to choose thankfulness.  Even though victory is assured, we remain human.  Our joy and thankfulness should be most evident, and authentic, in the heat of our toughest battles.  Just as they suspected.

 

Pay no attention to the little inconveniences of living through the battles, labors and incidents.  The heartaches and hardships will be worth it.  God has guaranteed our wins, so we love Him even more.  Just as He said.

 

Think:            “Flip to the back of The Book.  We win.”  -Various Saints of God

Pray:              “Lord, help me have joy and thankfulness since You have assured the outcome.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

The Courage of Retreat

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“The Courage of Retreat” By Kirk Hunt

 

So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

2 Samuel 15:14 NKJV

 

Absalom’s mutiny obviously threatened David.  The conspiracy also threatened the city of Jerusalem.  David had the courage to retreat to protect the precious city of Zion.

 

David could have made a stand against the usurper in the Capitol.  The mutiny could not end without bloodshed, regardless.  Still, the battle site makes a difference.  There would be less collateral damage, human and structural, if David fought Absalom outside of the city.

 

Grieved but calm, David retreated.  Absalom took Jerusalem without a fight, because of the king’s strength of mind and heart.  The battle would involve fewer innocents in the open countryside.  The city of Zion would not see fire or demolition if David retreated.

 

A single retreat is rarely the end of the story.  The usurper quickly began to think himself the victor through conspiracy.  David just did not want to make a mess in God’s city.  The king’s courage during retreat, and Absalom seeing strength as weakness, helped set the stage for David’s victory.

 

Perhaps you are facing a battle in your life.  A retreat may be the more courageous route.  What action protects others?  Seek God’s counsel in His Word and prayer.

 

Think:            Retreat is sometimes the courageous route to victory.

Pray:              “Lord, give me the courage to retreat to safeguard others and obey You.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Jesus Always Has Impact

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“Jesus Always Has Impact” By Kirk Hunt

 

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Mark 4:41 NKJV

 

Jesus got up from sleep and faced the storm.  Without hesitation or preamble, He spoke His power over the storm.  His words had impact.  A great calm followed.

 

The Disciples were awestruck by Jesus’ power.  Wind and waves obeyed instantly.  This came as a shock to them, despite all of the miraculous healing they had seen Jesus perform.

 

Perhaps their confusion comes from the duality, the two-part nature, of Jesus.  Yes, He is fully man.  Yes, He is fully God.  Both are true of Him, at the same time.

 

That is why Jesus will always have impact in your life.  Jesus, fully human, knows and understands the human condition.  Jesus, fully God, has the power to impact your life.

 

His impact may not come the way you think it should.  His grace and provision can be one of the most disruptive forces known to man.  Still, at the end, you have a better answer than you imagined, and joy in knowing that He is part of your life.

 

His impact can be felt in how He calms your storm.  His impact can be felt in how He calms you, despite the storm.  However He moves in your situation, He will have impact.  Brace yourself.

 

Think:            Jesus always has impact on the real situations of life.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be confident in Your impact on my life.”

 

 

Copyright © November 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Jesus Knows The Impact

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“Jesus Knows The Impact” By Kirk Hunt

 

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:38 NKJV

 

The little fleet of ships (v. 36) was ambushed by the storm.  Peter and his brother Andrew, plus John and his brother James, were professional fisherman and skilled sailors.  They fished the Galilee, which means they had to be experts regarding that body of water.  Still, the impact of the storm threatened to sink them (v. 37).

 

Bad things happen to people.  Skill, expertise and preparation are not always enough to prevent not-so-good circumstances.  Sooner or later, unfavorable events will include you and yours.

 

Jesus, confident in the skill of His disciples, or exhausted from His ministry, fell asleep in the back of the ship.  Despite the water flooding over the gunwale or the howl of the wind, Jesus slept while His friends grew increasingly panicked.  Jesus woke up to desperate men and a violent, vindictive storm.

 

The disciples question is clearly driven by fear and distress.  Of course Jesus cares.  Yes, His completely human eyes were closed in sleep.  Yes, His complete God-power surrounded them.

 

It may seem that God is “asleep” during your circumstances.  The impact of the storm was not lost on Jesus.  The impact of your circumstances are known to God, and He cares.

 

He sees the impact.  He cares about you and yours.  Call on Him, in faith and confidence.

 

Think:            Jesus sees and cares about the impacts on my life.

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be confident that You know and You care.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2013, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com. 10282013Devo

The Impact Is Never Just You

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“The Impact Is Never Just You” By Kirk Hunt

 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.   And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

Mark 4:36–37 NKJV

 

Neither Jesus nor the Disciples asked for the other boats to join them.  Still, there they were, traveling along with Jesus.  The storm did not impact just Jesus.  The storm impacted a fleet of ships.

 

Your actions, or inaction, always impact someone.  It is never just about you.  No matter how alone you think you are, what you do takes someone else along.

 

You probably have an intensely personal relationship with some of the folks in your community.  You may be surprised to learn of the influence you have on folks you never imagined know of you, or care about what you do.  Your impact is never just you.

 

Your successes benefit others.  Your losses reduce some else.  Saint or sinner, your community is impacted because of you.  Choose the impact you intend to have.

 

Think through what you say or do.  You cannot be responsible for where others sail, but you can be responsible for your course. Make sure your actions, or stillness, build up God’s Kingdom.

 

Think:            My impact in God’s Kingdom is never just me.

Pray:              “Lord, help my impact to increase Your Kingdom.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Seeking Justice

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“Seeking Justice” by Kirk Hunt

 

Thus saith the Lord God; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 45:9 KJV

 

It is easy to question the justice of ancient Israel’s leaders.  Their error and injustice is recorded in Scripture.  What about leaders, including you, in the modern era?  Do you seek justice in the here and now?

 

“Let it suffice you.”  Injustice is almost always preceded by lust.  Greed is simply the money-focused version of lust.  Be content with what you have, or at least content to pursue more without cheating.

 

God does not forbid His people from having and acquiring.  In fact, Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life.  Still, wealth and advancement does not have to come at the unfair expense of those around you.

 

Pursue God.  He will add everything else to you.  His blessings never flow from swindling or oppressing someone else.  Do your part in righteousness and He will bless you more than you think or imagine.

 

You can win, acquire and live in the big house on the hill.  Just be sure you can face God with a clean record and unstained hands.  It may take a little longer, but His approval is worth the longer route.

 

Think:            Do I pursue justice through my own life and leadership?

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be an example of Your truth and justice.”

 

 

Copyright © October 2013, Kirk Hunt

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