Because, Of Course, He Cares

Because, Of Course, He Cares 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?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:38-39 NKJV

The Disciples had faith enough to believe Jesus could save them. They had witnessed, or experienced, His many miracles of healing, provision, and restoration. Still, panicked and afraid, they woke Jesus and accused Him of not caring. Jesus stood and spoke peace to the situation. Because, of course, He does care.

Perhaps it feels like Jesus is asleep in the middle of your circumstances (your boat). God is always present in your affairs. He always knows your situation. And at the right moment, He will speak peace in your life. Be patient and keep bailing.

Wave-tossed and storm-battered are true, if inconvenient, facts and data. Remember that faith involves seeing what does not yet exist. Faith is the physical fabric of a future circumstance. He cares. He will act.

Our inconvenience or impatience do not impact His timing. His care and love for us will always settle the matter. Your faith is based on the absolutes of His love and care for you. In the meanwhile, keep bailing.

Think: He is present. He cares. At the right time, He will act.

Pray: “Lord, help me to keep my faith in Your love and care for me.”

Copyright © April 2022, 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.

Not Troubled Or Afraid

Not Troubled Or Afraid by Kirk Hunt

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 NKJV

Have you obeyed this command from Jesus in recent days (or months, or years)? I must confess that I have not done a good job of it, myself. God’s people should never be troubled or afraid. Jesus has left His peace and care for us.

In case you missed the memos, there is a lot of difficulty and trouble in the world these days. You should be concerned and working hard to live your life and keep a good Christian witness. Still, your concerns should not lead you to be troubled or afraid. His peace is a free gift, if you will accept it.

Peace that passes all understanding is His part, living in that peace is our part. That means we have to focus on the good and the positive and His grace. If we seek Him, His peace will follow.

The turmoil in the world will not magically lessen. The heartaches and hardships that strike us will not suddenly go away. But with God’s peace you will live in the joy and security that only He can provide. You can trade some obedience and a little work for a lot of comfort and joy.

Think: God’s peace is a free gift from Jesus, but will require work to maintain it.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be at peace in You.”

Copyright © April 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.

Faith In The Storm

Faith In The Storm by Kirk Hunt

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

Mark 4:39-40 NKJV

Did Jesus need to calm the storm? Since the boat was sinking, His interference in the natural course of events was welcomed by the Disciples. Still, the need or desire for God to intervene in circumstances is not an excuse to lose (or set aside) your faith.

God is God, all of the time. Not even a series of circumstances can exceed God’s sovereignty or mastery of creation. You might be in over your head, but God remains above everything. He is the final authority of all time, space and situations.

Keep and guard your faith, no matter how fierce the storm. Since God is always omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent, your inconveniences are never an issue for Him. Your faith should be based on Him, not what is going on around you.

Jesus rebuked the storm. Then He rebuked the Disciples. Their concern about the storm was reasonable and to be expected. Their sudden loss of faith was a failure to think and act on their understanding of God and the presence of Jesus.

No matter how difficult the situation, God is your source. Keep your faith strong. The Master is more than equal to your storm.

Think: In the middle of the storm, my faith remains in God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to keep my eyes and faith on You.”

Copyright © March 2020, 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 Storm

In The Storm by Kirk Hunt

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 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 4:37-38 NKJV

Simon, Andrew, James, and John were not rookies, afraid of a strong breeze.    They were professional fishermen who earned good livings, with this kind of boat, on this very body of water.    They were expert, seasoned sailors and knew watercraft well.    They had all been through storms before. This storm was different.

They did not panic, at first.    They did what they knew to do.    They used their professional skills and extensive experience to weather the storm.   

They bailed water.    They shortened the sails.    They lightened the ship.    All to no avail.

The Disciples woke Jesus.    Big, burly men who, until now, had seen everything the Galilee could throw at them.    Strong, tough guys, who were way past their limits. And knew it.    They could do nothing, but they knew someone who could do anything.

In the middle of the crisis, the Disciples turned to the Master of Storms.   

Do what you know to do, but call out His Name.    Use your skills and abilities, but look to Christ for the solution.    Act, but rely on Jesus.    When we reach our limit, God’s Power begins.

The wind will howl.    The waves will crash.    Is the Master of Storms in your boat?

Think: In the middle of the storm, Jesus is my safety and comfort.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for how You protect and preserve me.”

Copyright © January 2020, 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.

…And Worshiped Him

…And Worshiped Him by Kirk Hunt

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11 NKJV

They spent months trekking across hundreds (or thousands) of miles.  They braved dangers from violent weather, wild animals or armed marauders to find Jesus.  Then, despite their wealth, education, wisdom and stations, they threw themselves on the stable floor, before the newborn King of Kings.  And worshiped Him.

They came.  They saw.  They worshiped.”  At great cost.  At great inconvenience.  At great risk.  The Wise Men lived out a lifestyle of worship.

In the hustle and bustle, have you carved out a place and space for worship?  When last did your worship of Jesus really cost you?  How long has it been since your worship of Immanuel (God With Us) was truly inconvenient?  How much risk has there been, or will there be, in the worship you give to the King of Kings?

The various services and ceremonies Christians use as worship are nice and good.  Unfortunately, they can become mechanical and rote.  If you are not careful, you may come to think that is all there is to your worship of Jesus.

Real worship comes from the depth of your heart.  True worship takes you out of your zone and into His.  The best worship involves risk as you invest the best of yourself in recognition of all that is Jesus, your Savior.

The wise men set aside their comfort, safety and dignity to worship Jesus.  When last did you do the same?  When next will you worship Jesus with your all?

Think:      Does my lifestyle truly worship Jesus?

Pray:         “Lord, help me to live in a lifestyle of worship of You at all times.”

 

Copyright © December 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.

They Worshiped Him

They Worshiped Him By Kirk Hunt

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11 NKJV

Waves of men crowded into the little barn to give reverence to a child cradled in a feeding trough.  The shepherds likely came first, especially considering they received divine declaration of the Savior’s birth.  The magi calculated His birth through the stars and prophecies, then came at great expense to recognize His importance.  However they learned of Christ’s birth, they came and worshiped Him.

The shepherds, lowly even among the common folk, likely gave gifts limited to sincere hearts, bowed in awestruck wonder.  The magi were able to add valuable and tangible gifts to their worship, but ultimately they worshiped Him just as the shepherds did.  Early or late, formally educated or practically trained, they worshiped Christ the same way.  Their hearts were humbled before the King of heaven.

As you consider Him this Christmas, think about the manger. Thank Him for a grace that would endure humble circumstances. God gave the ultimate Gift wrapped in literal rags.  Jesus surrendered the glories of Heaven to endure the human condition.

He lived as a mere man among common people, His royal lineage little more than a technicality.  By coming as the least of these, He ensured that all men gained complete and unhindered access to the throne of God.  Before He had a chance to reconcile men to God, wise men, shepherd or magi, worshiped Him. 

Like the magi, or the shepherds, I pray you have found Him and are wise enough to worship Him.  Understand that you do not come to Him empty-handed.  The most important gift He wants is a heart that rejoices in Him and adores His presence.

Give your gifts.  Mere goods do honor Him.  Your heart, on the other hand, delights Him.

Think:        No matter how I know, I know He is Lord and Savior.

Pray:           “Lord, accept the gift of my heart.”

 

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.

On The Mountain

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On The Mountain By Kirk Hunt

 

Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

 

Peter is my friend and brother. He does and says the things I would do, so I do not have to. There on the mountain, in the middle of one of the great mystical events of Scripture, he blurts out words. So there is no silence. Despite the obvious fact that God is speaking.

 

A mountain top experience is a time to hear God. It is an opportunity to hear Him speaking, in a deeper and often unique manner. It is an opportunity to listen. It is a chance to see what He wants you to see, farther and more precisely.

 

That does not mean you turn into a silent stone. Think clearly and deeply. Ask wisely and judiciously. Make the most of the opportunity. Being lead up the mountain is a special, not regular, event. God has decided He has something special to say. The experience may be mystical, but it will also be practical.

 

When you are on the mountain, get all that God is giving. Get all that you can while you are up there. You are going to need what He is saying.

 

Think:            When God speaks, do I listen clearly and completely?

 

Pray:               “Lord, reveal Yourself to me, and help me understand.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

He Loves Us Still

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He Loves Us Still by Kirk Hunt

 

Jesus wept.

John 11:35 KJV

Jesus is the eternal Son of our eternal God.  He has always existed.  He will go on for forever.

 

I agree with those who believe that Jesus involved Himself with God’s people long before His earthly ministry.  Many Bible scholars maintain that the “captain of the Lord’s host” in Joshua 5 was Jesus.  The 4th man in the furnace at Daniel 3 is widely said to be Jesus.

 

There were countless millennia and the untold millions who existed before His earthly ministry.  All that time and all those lives should have given Jesus a deep reserve about the lives of men and women.  The vast time and space from Creation alone should place a deep gulf between God and us.

 

Instead, the sight of Lazarus’ tomb brought our Savior to tears.  Even with His purpose to bring the man back to life.  Despite the limitless power at His command.  Christ cried.

 

He loves you.  He loves me.  In the most human and common sense of the word, He cares about us.  The master of all time and space is moved and impacted by our very human lives.

 

Never think for a moment that He does not feel toward and for you.  Your life matters to Him.  He feels for you.

 

Think:                        Jesus loves me fully, completely and affectionately.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live knowing Your love for me is eternal yet human.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Love Without Limits

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Love Without Limits by Kirk Hunt

 

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.   When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

John 11:5-6 KJV

Martha, Mary and Lazarus had the distinction of being close, intimate friends of Jesus.   You would think that hearing of Lazarus’ illness would have sent Jesus running to his side.  Instead, Jesus deliberately sat for two full days.

 

Verse 4 gives us the rationale for Jesus’ delay.  God would get glory from the situation.  Unfortunately, that meant that Lazarus would have to wait.

 

Missing the funeral was not enough.  Jesus did not arrive until days after the burial.  Jesus waited until the situation became really serious.

 

Perhaps you feel like Lazarus.  You know that Jesus loves and cares for you, but there seems to be a delay.  Despite your faith, you anxiously wait for Jesus.

 

Jesus’ power and love are without limit.  No matter how long He takes, His timing is perfect.  Unfortunately, that means you may have to wait.

 

It does not get more serious than dead and buried.  The living Word undid death for Lazarus.  Jesus does not love you less than Lazarus.

 

His perfect timing is His perfect timing.  No matter what you want, or when, Jesus will get the glory when His power works in your life.  Keep your faith in love that knows no limits.

 

Think: The love of Jesus knows no limits.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me trust your love, power and timing in my life.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Strengthen Your Folk

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Strengthen Your Folk by Kirk Hunt

 

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:32 KJV

Simon Peter, in the hours following this statement, would show his flaws.  Peter would hack off someone’s ear in rage.  He would then turn in the same moment and flee in panic.  Later he would deny he even knew Jesus.

 

Jesus saw all of this coming, in advance.  He took this moment, when perhaps he should have been preparing Himself for crucifixion, to prepare Peter.  He told his strongest man to strengthen those around him.

 

Peter would cry later, in remorse and guilt.  He would discover just how little he knew about Jesus.  Or Peter.  When this tough-guy fisherman “wept bitterly,” he had hit rock bottom.

 

For all of his demonstrated flaws and shortcomings, Peter remained the strongest of the Disciples.  At least he made the (misguided) effort to defend Jesus.  None of the other Disciples were close enough to be accused.

 

With his face rubbed in the worst of his failing, Peter clung to his faith.  With his soul tattered and battered, Peter refused to let go of his knowledge of Jesus.  When Peter got up, the others looked to him for strength and leadership.

 

If you are holding onto your faith, you have strength enough to share.  No matter what has happen in your past, you have what others need.  The kith and kin in your circle need what you have.  Strengthen your folk.

 

Think:                        Despite my flaws and shortcomings, I have strength to give.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to strengthen the folk around me.”

 

 

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

Prototype

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“Prototype” by Kirk Hunt

 

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 8:29 NIV

 

Prototypes are common in engineering, science and manufacturing. The more radical the design or concept you want to prove, the more likely you spend the time and money to build a complete working example. Aircraft, automobiles, and even appliances get prototypes.

 

Prototypes are like, and not like, the production models that will eventually follow. The sample model is usually fabricated, by hand, by the lead scientists and engineers. Prototypes are never quite standard, but they are of the highest quality. You can always tell a prototype from a regular production model.

 

Christ Jesus was as radical and revolutionary as they come. His doctrine and truth disrupted the fabric of ancient Israel and His teaching has not yet stopped changing the world. He proved that men and women could live a new, different life of freedom and power.

 

Jesus proved that mere men and women can live the Christian life. He came not as a one-of-a-kind man, but the first of a large number of siblings. He came as a first-among-many. Are you His brother or sister?

 

 

Think: Jesus proved Christianity can be done. All I have to do is live life in His Way.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become more like You as I live every day.”

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

Where’s Your Father?

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“Where’s Your Father?” by Kirk Hunt

 

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

Matthew 9:27 KJV

 

My brothers and I all have “Where’s your Father?” stories. The details are different, but the plot remains the same. Despite our own credentials, in spite of our own accomplishments, men and women looked us in the eye and asked, “Where’s Poppa Hunt?”

 

It took a while, but we all individually figured it out. It was not that the sons of William lacked skills, accomplishments or credentials. Poppa simply commanded a lot of respect. We all learned to live in the shadow of his influence.

 

As Poppa’s Hunt’s sons, we have all completed tasks Poppa could not. Yet, when folks saw them done, they asked, “When did he teach you that?”

 

The blind men of verse 27 wanted their vision restored. They appealed to Jesus at the top of their lungs. Jesus , the son of David. After all, only a true son of David, a son of Father-God, could heal blindness.

 

The restoration of sight flowed from Jesus’ hands, but the credit went to Jesus’ Father. The power flowed from Father-God. “Look at what God has done!”

 

As you build God’s Kingdom, men and women will look you in the eye and ask “Where’s your Father?” Father-God simply commands a lot of respect. “Look at what God has done!”

 

Think: Find your source in your Father’s power.

 

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live as Your son.”

 

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt