Tag: friends

Greater Love

“Greater Love” By Kirk Hunt

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.   Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:12–13 NKJV

Jesus taught, than demonstrated, the pattern of greater love.  Determine you love a group of people so much that you are willing to serve them.  If your love is great enough, even the threat of death will not stop you from giving your service.

On Memorial Day, Americans celebrate the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces of the nation.  Their great sacrifice for America is to be sincerely remembered and deeply appreciated.  Still, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for His “nation,” anyone who chooses to accept Him into their heart, sets the greater example. 

Jesus first gave up heaven to come to earth.  Then He agreed to live as a mere man, so that He would truly understand our lives.  Finally, He sacrificed His sinless life as the last and final payment for our sins.  

Jesus demonstrated His love for mankind on the Cross.  Men and women can freely kneel at the Cross and receive the salvation they so desperately need, from His willing sacrifice.  Jesus does not restrict the benefit of His service on race, nation or past behavior.  

The only restriction on salvation is your confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus as your Savior.  He has already proven His greater love.  Have you accepted His love?  Do you demonstrate His love in turn?

Think:       How am I demonstrating my greater love?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to love greatly for Your Name and people.”

 

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.

Being A Brother Or Sister

“Being A Brother Or Sister” By Kirk Hunt

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

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

Too often folks use the labels “brother” or “sister” loosely.  To me, it is a very serious commitment.  You should be prepared to shoulder any adversity, hardship or risk for a real brother or sister.  That is what Scripture commands.

 

My friend called from two counties over.  I had to borrow a truck.  I paid a lot for gasoline.  He needed me.  Of course I was going to help him.

 

Do you stand with your kindred during difficulties and storms?  Do you go the extra mile to help or comfort your kith and kin?  Supporting from the living room couch is easy.  Supporting in the stinging rain and lashing wind is more difficult.

 

Real love is a choice.  Too often, that choice involves inconvenience, difficulty and sacrifice.  Are you ready to bring it where it is needed?  Being involved is not always enough.  Real love requires real commitment. 

 

Real commitment acts, despite the difficulties and obstacles.  Faithful men and women love enough to run in when everyone else is walking out.  Closeness matters most when the tears are falling and the hearts are breaking.

 

I pray you are the stand-up brother or sister that someone else can rely on.  Sooner or later, everyone needs the help and ministry of a brother/sister born for adversity.  You were born to help.

 

Think:        God does not always send angels.  Sometimes, He sends me.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me be a real friend and a true brother or sister in Christ.”

 

Copyright © March 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.

 

Born For Adversity

“Born For Adversity” By Kirk Hunt

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

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I have complained that my siblings do not gather well.  A breakfast or lunch for the pleasure of their company is a labored exercise in logistics and scheduling.  On the other hand, they appear instantly if there is trouble or adversity.

I pray your life consists of smooth waters and gentle breezes.  I would prefer you never need help or assistance.  More likely, you know that even God’s favorites can experience raging storms and violent winds.

It is when adversity batters you hardest that true friends and faithful brothers are revealed.  You may have to pick up the phone and ask for their support.  Their response may start with an awkward silence.  Perhaps their response will begin with hesitant stuttering.

You will know before the end.  The fair-weather posers will disappear.  Your real kith and kin will be revealed, standing at your side.  Those who refuse to leave until they know you are okay are the best of the lot.

God does not always send angels.  Sometimes He sends folks you did not know were watching or cared.  Not even the pelting rain and howling winds of the worst circumstances can drive off true friends or faithful family.

Be certain that God has appointed men and women, boys and girls, to love you in sincerity and faithfulness.  They will not abandon you in adversity.  In the choice between the pleasant lunch or the difficult lurch, I’m certain you know when it is best that they show up. 

Think:        God has surrounded me with true friends and faithful family.

Pray:           “Lord, if You do not send angels, please send true friends and faithful family.”

 

Copyright © March 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.

God Fights For Us

“God Fights For Us” by Kirk Hunt


For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV)


Jehovah-sabaoth is a name of God, and is often translated “The Lord of hosts.” Imagine God, in plate armor, in front of an endless army of war angels. Power incarnate, leads an unstoppable force.


Still, He commands His unbeatable army to stand still. He comes close, and points at the adversary. He asks you a single question: “Friend or foe?”


Is the problem in your life, whatever seems to be hindering or destroying you, a friend or foe? It is a simple question. Give a simple answer. Do not hesitate to give your answer.


Too many of us embrace an adversary as a friend. God will not strike down your friends. He will not move against what you welcome into your life.


Make a decision. Is that circumstance, condition or person a friend or an enemy? God will fight for you against true enemies. He will leave you to your (so called) friends.


Get real. Get serious. Whatever impacts your soul must line up as friend or foe. There is no third option. God’s army is waiting for you to decide.


Think: God will war against my enemies, not my friends.


Pray: “Father-God, help me to know who are the enemies of my soul.”



Copyright © February 2011, Kirk Hunt