He Would Not Drink

He Would Not Drink By Kirk Hunt

And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”   So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord.

2 Samuel 23:17–18 NKJV
Please also read 2 Samuel 23:15–19

 

In a moment of human weakness, David wished out loud for something he knew he could not have.  Through cunning, skill and boldness three of David’s finest soldiers risked their lives to bring David a canteen of water.  In humility and reverence, David would not drink.

Once these three men had been losers.  Or whiners.  Or deadbeatsAfter their time with David they had been transformed into mighty men.  Their hard-won heroism, skill and courage had transformed mere water into an offering fit only for God. 

To the untrained eye, the canteen was full of water from a specific well.  To spiritual eyes, the precious vessel was full of the blood of living champions.  David instinctively knew only God was worthy of their offering.

As leaders in God’s Kingdom, we are privileged: we get to help men and women become champions for, and in, God.  And when they are so much more than anyone expected, there is a temptation to think more of ourselves than we should.  Like David, we must keep our awe of God’s power and humility regarding our role as God’s instruments.

Fulfill the role God has given you.  Be pleased when the “least of these” become mighty men and women.  Remember it is His power that transforms souls.

Think:        They become champions because of God’s power, not mine.

Pray:           “Lord, thank you for guiding me to help others.”

 

Copyright © January 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

At All Times

At All Times By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I hate the need for “at all times” calls.  “I know it is short notice, but…?”  “Can you come, now, then…?”  “I hate to ask but we are at the emergency room, so…”

I may grumble and grouse as I get off of the couch.  I do not always think the kindest thoughts on the way over.  Still, when I get there, I do all I can to be cheerful, joyous and helpful.

Love is not a feeling.  Love is a choice, followed by action.  Especially during 2 AM crises.

Being a friend, a Gospel brother or sister, can be inconvenient at times.  Godly men and women find themselves helping at the strangest times and oddest places.  Worse, you could be the one being assisted. 

I know what it is like to be the giver.  I also know what it is like to be the receiver.  Sooner, or later, you will know both sides.  It is part of the human condition and being part of God’s family. 

When you share your strength and patience, especially with a Gospel brother or sister, you are building God’s Kingdom.  As your Godly friend comes to help you, he or she is building into your life.  Either way, God is pleased.

One day, stuff will happen.  A night will come when your brother or sister will need you.  This is why God gave them to you, and you to them.

Think:        Real brothers and sisters help others, especially within the Gospel family.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be a true brother or sister during adversity.”

 

Copyright © December 2017, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Next To You

Next To You By Kirk Hunt

And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.”

1 Samuel 23:17 NKJV

Jonathan, the Crown Prince of Israel, declared he would never be king.  Despite his age, position and lineage, Jonathan openly stated that David would be the next king.  Jonathan freely declared “I shall be next to you” as good news to his friend and protégé.  

Deep down, we all want to sit the “big chair” somewhere in our life and work.  Do you know the will of God enough, and have self-control enough, to say, “You, not me.”  Are you man or woman enough to be glad for your friend, despite their jump in line?

Deep in the woods, where David hid from a death warrant, Jonathan spoke gladly of David’s coming dynasty.  Jonathan would stand, or kneel, next to David’s throne and be glad of the privilege.  Only a Godly man or woman can be so pleased to be “passed over” for promotion, even for a friend.

The common wisdom is that Jonathan should have led the bounty hunters to David’s hiding place.  He could have executed David himself.   Instead he encouraged his friend, the outlaw.  Jonathan cheerfully pointed to a time when he would no longer be Crown Prince. 

Do you love God’s plan more than the big promotion?  Are you willing to push God’s choice to the position that should be yours?  Are you glad in your heart?

Think:        Do I know my place?  Am I willing to be glad, despite not getting the top spot?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to know, and be glad of, my place in Your Kingdom.”

 

Copyright © September 2017, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

In The Woods

In the Woods By Kirk Hunt

Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.

1 Samuel 23:16 NKJV

Jonathan, the Crown Prince of Israel snuck out a side door and traveled across the miles.  There, in the woods, he found the outlaw the King wanted dead.  Knowing his own father wanted this criminal executed; Jonathan embraced his friend and strengthened David’s Godly faith and hope.

Maybe you are the man everyone turns to for strength.  Perhaps you are the woman others rely on for courage.  No matter your standing or track record, you will eventually need encouragement “in the woods.”

Unjustly a fugitive, and hunted for his very life, David fled alone into the wilderness.  At first only castoffs, deadbeats and losers came to him, looking for a handout.  Despite his successes in turning those men into champions, David needed encouragement in the wilderness of Ziph.  Thankfully for him, and eventually us, Jonathan strengthened his hand in God.

Real men and women have limits.  You can only be so strong, so long, for others.  Sooner, or later, you need someone to come to a lonely, isolated place and pour at least a little help and encouragement on you.

Before David sat the throne he walked (or ran) the woods.  Before he became an ancestor of Christ, David’s soul cried out for an encouraging word and a moment of reassurance.   Jonathan appeared at a dark and cold moment in David’s life and brought light and warmth.

In your woods, let them come.  Accept the blessing they bring.  God is answering your need.

Think:        God will provide encouragement and reassurance in my difficult places.

Pray:           “Lord, I accept the encouragement and blessing You send.”

 

Copyright © September 2017, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Foreigners Defended

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Foreigners Defended by Kirk Hunt

 

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Acts 11:17 NKJV

 

Peter stood before the leadership at Jerusalem and explained himself.  He had to mount a significant defense for his actions in Joppa.  Effectively, these men wanted to know who authorized the Holy Spirit to empower Gentiles.

 

Too little age, credentials or background are reasons to reject you.  Too much age, credentials or background are also reasons to reject you.   To the self-appointed correct people, there is always a reason to reject you.  Somebody, somewhere, thinks you should not be allowed.

 

Peter’s vision and direct Word from God would probably not satisfy the “old school” sitting around the table.  Thankfully, Peter did not have to rely on clear-headed reasoning alone.  The Holy Spirit chose these Gentiles and manifested Himself, the same way He did in the Upper Room.

 

Thankfully, God does not ask the “correct” people whether you should be empowered.  The Holy Spirit gives access to those who seek Him in sincerity and truth.  His power, active in your life, is its own defense for why you have access to Him.

 

If God gives you His power, He will also defend your access to Him.  Accept your calling, purpose and power through the Holy Spirit.  Let God defend you against the naysayers.

 

Think:            God defends His people, even when they are foreigners.

 

Pray:              “Lord, thank You for defending my access to You.

 

 

Copyright © July 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Foreigners Empowered

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Foreigners Empowered by Kirk Hunt

 

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Acts 10:44 NKJV

 

Except for the foreigners, Peter had lived through this scene before.  The sound was the same.  The reactions were the same.  For the first time in Scripture, the Holy Spirit inhabited Gentiles believers.

 

Cornelius and the other Gentiles believers sought God with sincerity and devotion.   Heaven heard and responded.  The Holy Spirit took up residence in men and women who sought God with their whole heart.

 

They were goyim.  Per the Jewish laws, these men and women were not worthy to receive empowerment from God.  Still, there they were, full of the Holy Spirit.

 

God did not check the credentials, papers or passports of these believers.  He did not ask about their parents or seek recommendations.  God stepped close and used His omniscience to examine their hearts and souls.  The rush of power followed immediately after.

 

God chooses whom He will empower.  He is far less concerned about your history than your future.  Your pedigree will not come up, but the sincerity of your heart certainly will.

 

Do you want to be empowered?  Seek Him, with your whole heart, mind and spirit.  You are not so foreign that you cannot not be accepted and empowered.

 

Think:            God’s empowers foreigners, just like me.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to seek your power and grace, despite my history and background.

 

 

Copyright © July 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

Onesimus’ Courage

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And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)


I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.


Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.


Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.


Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.


Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.


Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.


Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”



Copyright © November 2010, Kirk Hunt

The Other Smart Ones

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“The Other Smart Ones” by Kirk Hunt

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV

Prayerfully, when you walk into the room, the average IQ goes up. Scripture is full of references to men and women of intelligence, wit and wisdom. In fact, there are instructions, in Scripture, on how to become smarter and wiser.

Clearly, God wants His people to be among the best and the brightest. Scripture is also very clear. Being among the smart ones doesn’t mean you are the only smart one.

Smarts is also different from integrity or faithfulness. Judas is traditionally the best educated of the Disciples. Solomon ended as an idolater.

Never assume you’re the only smart one in the room. Always assume that God has another clever and faithful soul near by. Reach out to the other smart saints in the room.

Somewhere, near by, are men and women who can help you expand God’s Kingdom. Ask graciously. Equip generously.

You aren’t the only smart saint in the room. Reach out. Then, reach up. Thank God, you aren’t the only smart one in the room.

Think: There are other saints capable of building the Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip others to build Your Kingdom.”

Copyright © March 2010, Kirk Hunt

Corner Men

[display_podcast]“Corner Men” by Kirk Hunt

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 KJV

The boxer stumbles back to his corner and falls heavily on the stool. The opponent is stronger than he imagined, and craftier than his looks should allow. Alone, the fighter won’t finish the next round.

Corner men climb through the ropes to assist and strengthen their man. They work quickly, considering their limited time. Every action strengthens and supports the man who fights in the ring.

The cut man makes the boxer flinch, but the wounds close and the bleeding stops. The corner man pumps fluids into, and over, the fighter. A trainer speaks (or yells) advice and direction into the face of the weary slugger.

A strong, sharpened combatant emerges from the corner. The corner men watch with pride and emotion as their man battles the opponent. Regardless of who gets the credit, the boxer’s victory will seem just like their own.

Where are you in this scene? As Christians we battle the culture every day. We need men in our corner.

We need brothers who patch our wounds and cuts with God’s Word. Every Christian man ought to have a spiritual warrior who pours prayer over his life and circumstances. Real men listen to the Godly counsel of a strong, Spirit-filled friend.

Look around you. There are men (and women) who need the strength and skill you can lend them. Eventually, you will need theirs.

Find your men and your corner. Get ready, the bell is about to ring. Come out swinging.

Think: Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give and accept service for the Kingdom’s sake.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

Provoke Each Other

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“Provoke Each Other” by Kirk Hunt

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:24 KJV

Given the opportunity to name a topic for one of these devotionals, my Gospel brother became gleeful. When he finally names a specific topic, it is supposed to be a challenge. A spur to good and Godly work.

Practitioners and experts are the most difficult audience. They appreciate the great displays of expertise, but they see the little slips of imperfection. They share your goals and aspirations, but they also know the craft you are trying to perfect.

Why should I bother with his challenge? Because he’s going to provoke me. To delve further into Scripture. Knowing his heart and expertise in the things of God, I’ll have to labor just a little better.

Ultimately, his challenge is for me to be more like Jesus. Knowing my friend, I can’t half-step. I will have to bring my best.

It is a kind of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, our heavenly Father has an infinite store of love and blessing for all of His children. No one loses the race for Godliness.

Who is challenging you? Who pushes you just a little further into the Arms of Jesus? What does an answer of “no one” say about you?

Think: My brothers and sisters help me get better in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, help me embrace the men and women who will provoke me toward You.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt

No Further Mention

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“No Further Mention” by Kirk Hunt

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Acts 9:39 KJV

This verse is the last mention of Barnabas in the Book of Acts. In separation. With broken fellowship.

We forget that we live and work with human beings. Even the saints filled with the Holy Spirit. Stuff will happen. Sometimes ugly, messy stuff.

Still, there can be more to the story. It may take weeks, or months, or years. There may have to be acts of serious remedial brotherhood.

Galatians 2 makes full mention of Barnabas. In fellowship. In unity. Even, in disagreement again.

Gospel family is a lot like actual family. There are episodes of fussing and fighting. There are chapters of reconciliation and reunion. “Fall out if you must, but don’t forget to fall back in.”

There is no further mention of Barnabas in Acts, but his story (and Paul’s) didn’t end there. Maybe there’s a chapter in your life with an awkward ending. How do you want the story to end?

The story can have a happy ending. Maybe there’s a brother or sister you need to call. I pray you will take their call, when it comes. Either way, let God continue to write the script of your life.

Think: How do you want your story of Gospel fellowship to end?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be the Gospel brother or sister who heals.”

Copyright © October 2009, Kirk Hunt