Tag: fellowship

Going With You

Going With You by Kirk Hunt

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”

They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

John 21:3 NKJV

Peter and the Disciples had seen the risen Savior, but still did not know what to do with themselves. Men and women, when faced with the unknown, often return to the last thing they know worked. Peter returned to his profession of fishing. The other Disciples said, “We are going with you.”

Maybe you feel battered or beaten. Since all humans have limits, being overwhelmed does not mean you are weak. And you might still be the strongest one in the room.

Do the smart thing. Do the strong thing. Do the right thing. Return to Jesus. Others may go with you.

They are going with you because you are strong. Or at least the strongest in the room. Go back to the real source of strength. Your risen Savior, Jesus Christ, has fresh strength and clear instructions for you.

There, on the beach, Jesus met with Peter and the Disciples. They gained strength and clarity of purpose directly from Jesus, the only source. Peter was glad he went to Jesus. The Disciples were glad they went with Peter.

God’s strength flows to those who ask. Ask for strength to fulfill His calling on your life. Encourage those who are going with you to do the same.

Think: Jesus is the source of my strength and I will now turn back to Him.

Pray: “Lord, I need Your strength. Help me and those who come with me to You.”

Copyright © January 2021, 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.

Back Seat Companion

“Back Seat Companion” By Kirk Hunt

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

Acts 14:19–20 NKJV

The F-15 Eagle is a key component of the US military.  The Eagle’s complex and sophisticated targeting systems allow it to fly and fight with anything from simple air-to-air missiles to super-heavy bunker busters.  Only a team, a pilot and weapons system officer (WSO), team can fly the F-15 to victory.  Two companions, but one mission.

While the pilot “drives the bus,” the WSO works targeting, defense and offense from the back seat.  Both must be skilled and tough.  Neither alone are enough to win.

You need a man or woman who knows the real you.  A strong soul you invited to help you walk God’s Path.  You need a Gospel sibling, who asks hard questions and waits patiently and lovingly for your answers.

There ought to be a Christian man or woman in your life with permission.  If they ask, you have to answer.  If they say it, you must consider their words. 

Your back seat man or woman helps you avoid the missiles and bullets of the enemy.  His prayers form a covering for your soul.  Her Godly advice keeps you working in His will and way.  It is a comfort, knowing he or she is there.

The Godly voice from the back seat is on your side.  She knows what you want to accomplish and intends to help you.  He “gets it” and “gets you.”  Still, their only concern is that you are doing God’s work, God’s way.  Who is in your back seat?

Think:       A Godly companion is a treasure and a necessity.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to find and be a Godly companion.”

 

Copyright © May 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.

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

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