How To Heal

How To Heal by Kirk Hunt

And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”  But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’

2 Kings 5:10-11 NKJV

Naaman, and his personal security team, arrived at Elisha’s door in a chariot.  Most men (or women) would go out and greet the visiting general.  Elisha sent a messenger with healing instructions and did not see the man.

Naaman responded with anger.  After all, a man of his importance and combat record deserves more and better attention.  Certainly, Naaman’s mental image of his healing involved ceremony and dignity, not multiple dips in the muddy Jordan River.

Do you want God to heal you?  Then be obedient.  Do you want God to intervene in circumstance beyond your control?  Approach Him with humility.

God does not need to move or act because of your impulses or whims.  His power is absolute and sovereign.  You came to Him because of your needs, not His.  Trust His eternal wisdom for the answers and solutions you need. 

Consider His august majesty and the legions of angels at His beck and call.  Speak your request in humility, knowing the God of all creation has what you need.  When God speaks, respond in obedience, confident that His answer come from His love for you.

Think:      Your healing is going to require humility and obedience.

Pray:         “Lord, I come to You in humility and obedience for my healing.”

 

Copyright © March 2019, 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.

Obey The Voice

Obey The Voice By Kirk Hunt

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.   And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NKJV

The front-line versions of the F-16 Falcon, F-18 Hornet and A-10 Warthog (uh, Thunderbolt) are single-seat aircraft.  Still, before hotshot pilots get to be lone combat aces, they fly the two-seat version.  They learn their craft from the voice of the instructor in the back seat

The instructor guides, exhorts and corrects.  In the heat of action and danger, his or her echoing voice and lessons are often the difference between defeat and victory.  No one interested in returning home safely would ignore wisdom and guidance in such a moment.

Moses, on the verge of his death, urged the nation of Israel to continue to obey the voice of God.  Jesus, preparing the Disciples for His sacrifice, urged the same.  He also promised the Holy Spirit would live inside any believer who would welcome Him.  No one interested in correctly living the Christian walk would ignore the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit at any time.

Christian men and women face the heat and action of this modern life, every day.  In the constant give, take and turmoil it is all too easy to do badly or say wrongly, destroying your Christian walk or your righteous witness.  The Holy Spirit and God’s Word have voices and speak.  Are you listening?

Think:       Do I seek to live by the voice of the Holy Spirit?

Pray:         “Lord, give me the Holy Spirit and the heart to live by Your law.”

 

Copyright © June 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.

Who Is The Troubler?

Who Is The Troubler? By Kirk Hunt

Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”   And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals.

1 Kings 18:17–18 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–18

We see it a lot in modern America.  Problems and issues come up, and the chief troublemaker(s) lay the blame at the feet of others instead of themselves.  The real troubler, too often, is the very leader or administrator who is supposed to know better and guide better.

Yes, Elijah declared the drought that God sent.  It was Ahab’s deliberate leadership to idolatry, and repression of God’s true worship, that caused God to hold the rain.  In willful disobedience, Ahab remained defiant against God and His messenger, despite his own suffering and that of the nation.

Nearly three millennia later, men and women still try to shift the blame for their failings and wrongdoing.  Ahab fought against the very God of heaven, yet expected someone else to take the blame.  If common folk can see through your pretense, clearly God’s omniscience never sees anything but your error and wrongdoing.

King and prophet met in confrontation.  One represented error, heresy and rebellion against God.  The other represented the God of heaven in a call to contrition and repentance.  Where would you stand then?  Where do you stand now?

Think:        Godly men and women take responsibility for their errors or wrongdoing.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to take responsibility for the things I do or lead.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

Whom Do You Fear?

Whom Do You Fear? By Kirk Hunt

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth.

1 Kings 18:12 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–16

Obadiah feared God then.  I fear God now.  After all, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Many Biblical scholars and teachers ascribe cowardice to Obadiah for his reaction to Elijah in these verses.  A coward would not have attempted to hide the prophets from Ahab and Jezebel’s murderous purge.  Instead, Obadiah recognized his risk should God whisk Elijah away suddenly.

The Hebrew word used in these verses, yare, often translates “afraid,” but it also often translates “reverence.”  Obadiah respected the absolute and complete mastery of God over time and space, death and life.  After personally witnessing Ahab’s extensive international manhunt, Obadiah wanted assurance that God would let Elijah make the meeting.

God is, first and foremost, love.  God is also holy and righteous.  In an instant, God can issue verdicts and enact judgement over men and nations. 

I often run to Him, child to Heavenly-Father, but I also consider that His holy anger slew Uzzah, Ananias, and Sapphira for their less-than-righteous actions.  Obadiah refused to take God, or His true servant, lightly.  I seek to follow that same wisdom and prudence. 

Think:        God’s power over creation calls for a lot of reverence and at least a little fear.

Pray:           “Lord, Your power commands me in reverence and trepidation.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

Called To Integrity

Called To Integrity By Kirk Hunt

And Ahab had called Obadiah, who was in charge of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly.   For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.)

1 Kings 18:3–4 NKJV

King Ahab ranks as one of the most wicked leaders of ancient Israel.  Yet, as king, Ahab called devout Obadiah (writer of the Book of Obadiah) to serve as his majordomo.  While there was wisdom in Obadiah’s selection, there was wisdom in how Obadiah answered his call.

Serving a corrupt, pagan king, Obadiah maintained his faith and integrity.  At great personal risk, he cleverly hid God’s prophets from Ahab’s murderous purge.  His work for the king always took a back-seat to his absolute obedience to God.

As God’s people, our service should always be conditional.  If they watched closely, they would know: “No matter how good his/her work for me, he/she serves God first and absolutely.” 

In this modern age, too many appear to worship at the altar of self and greed.  God’s people should be found (or uncovered) completely and only sold to Father-God.  Now, more than ever, we need men and women who serve with unwavering integrity and devotion to God, no matter who signs their paychecks.

Is your integrity and devotion above reproach? I pray your service to men and women is excellent.  I pray more your life and conduct before God is excellent and pure.

Think:        My service is always first to God, then to men and women.

Pray:           “Lord, I am yours.  Help me to serve You, even as I serve men and women.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

“If It Is Your Will?”

“If It Is Your Will?” By Kirk Hunt

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,   saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Luke 22:41–42 NKJV

The enormity of His coming trial and execution fell heavy on Jesus.  Alone, He appealed to God, the only One who could change the course of events.  “If it is Your will,” proves that Jesus went humbly and obediently to the Cross.

Too often we expect men and women to face the worst of life with a beatific expression and wise words of faith and encouragement for others.  Instead, when the worst of circumstances decent on us, we can do what Jesus did.  He went to God, and asked to be excused.

“If it is Your will” is the request of a faithful and obedient son or daughter who knows (or suspects) just how difficult events are going to get.  A real saint, with Real Faith™, will follow God’s path, no matter where it goes.  Still, in humility and obedience, we are allowed to ask our loving Father-God if there is another way.

Maybe there is a different way to fulfill God’s will.  Perhaps, as with Jesus, events unfold as we knew they would.  It is okay to ask in either case.

Jesus went to the Cross and bought our salvation with His perfect sacrifice.  As you face your place in His will, be strong in your faith and obedience.  And your prayer for a different path may draw an angelic encourager to stay the course.

Think:        God’s will is not always easy, even though it is always best.

Pray:           “Lord, I will follow Your will. Help me have the strength to stay Your course.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

“Mother, Go with Me?”

“Mother, Go with Me?” By Kirk Hunt

And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!”

Judges 4:8 NKJV
Please read also Judges 4:4–9

Deborah sent for Barak, a leader and general of Israel.  She confirmed to him that God had already commanded him to fight Sisera’s army, and promised him victory.  Barak responded with “Mother, will you go with me?”

Barak faced a bigger, better equipped army with a history of brutally beating against Israel.  God told Barak to lead footmen against chariots (infantry against tanks) and promised him a win.  Barak, through faith, trusted God.  Still, who could blame him for wanting God’s woman to go with him?

If you are one of God’s people, you run a risk.  God, at any moment, may command you to face insurmountable odds with no assurance but His promise.  Barak faced the real risk of losing a battle that common wisdom said could not be won.  To his credit, Barak went in obedience and faith.

True saints with Real Faith™ follow God’s Word in complete confidence and trust.  Real saints, like me, might want a trusted man or woman of God to go along, just to keep repeating God’s promise.  Things are different when your life, legacy and liberty hang in the balance.

God, of course , delivered on His promises.  Barak went in with and trust.  Still, he kept a grip on Mother Deborah’s hand.  Your faith, like Barak’s, may not be completely perfect, but God always honors our obedience.  

Think:        Trust God Word in your life and purpose.  Take men and women of faith with you, to help.

Pray:           “Lord, my faith and trust is in You.  ”

 

Copyright © October 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.

And Marched Around

And Marched Around By Kirk Hunt

But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times.

Joshua 6:15 NKJV
Read also Joshua 6:15–20

To the untrained eye, Joshua was wasting everyone’s time and energy.  Israel marched around Jericho, 14 times in silence.  There were no shouts of triumph or defiance.  Only the sound of trudging feet could be heard, unless the people of Jericho were hurling insults and taunts from the top of the walls.

Israel built no siege engines.  Teams of sappers did not undermine the walls.  Instead, Joshua and Israel were obedient to God’s instruction.  “March.  Then march some more.”

Perhaps you are facing a Jericho wall in your life.  It is a circumstance that is big, blocks your way, and you see no way to overcome it.  I implore you: Keep marching.

God’s people obey God, whether or not it makes sense to us.  We insist on persistence.  We patiently keep doing what He said, until our change comes.  We compel ourselves to act out our faith in His Word.  No matter how many laps it takes.

Too often, we obey conventional wisdom rather than God.  We expect financial, political or numbers of people to carry the day.  While it is good to be prepared to do the hard word, it is better to follow God’s instructions.

Even if your feet are sore, continue marching per God’s instructions.  When God gets through, your Jericho wall will fall.  Be read for the hard work to follow your victory.

Think:        I will patiently persist at my God-given task until my Jericho wall falls.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to act my faith in Your Word for my life.”

 

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.

They Shall Flee

They Shall Flee By Kirk Hunt

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 NKJV

 

Sometimes, it appears that the bad guys have won.  Still, often at the last moment, God makes you victorious.  You watch in wonder as the villains flee in seven different directions.

 

Deuteronomy 28:2 holds the not-so-secret key to God’s intervention on your part: obedience.  Obedience to Him, not your overwhelming firepower, will save you.  Obedience to Him, not your backroom maneuverings, will promote you.  Obedience to His commands in Scripture and the authoritative direction of the Holy Spirit will advance you.

 

Consider the example of Daniel:  He landed in the lion’s den because of his obedient devotion to God.  Daniel walked out of the lion’s den, unscratched, because of his obedience to God.  Daniel’s enemies did not fare quite so well

 

We all want control of our circumstances.  Our human nature wants to have the ways and means of enforcing our will on everything around us.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we follow a different path.

 

There will likely be hard work and long hours in front of you.  You may have to exercise severe restraint on what you say and what you do.  There may even be the inconvenience of being thrown into a (modern) lion’s den. 

 

Stay strong, courageous and obedient to Father-God.  You will see the defeat of your enemies.  You will witness them fleeing on multiple paths.

 

Think:        My obedience to God causes the defeat and scattering of my enemies.

Pray:           “Lord, show me how to be more obedient to You.”

 

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.

The King’s Announcement

The King’s Announcement By Kirk Hunt

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”

Luke 1:30–31 NKJV
Please also read Luke 1:5–38

In Scripture, Gabriel is only called an angel.  Still, he appears in Scripture giving important messages from God.  Announcement of the coming Messiah and Savior surely qualifies as significant.

The announcement of Jesus was not made from the housetops or palaces.  The message was given in private to a young (probably teenage) woman.  The true King’s statement came quietly, but nevertheless with all of God’s authority.

Never confuse fury or decibels with significance and authority.  When the King makes an announcement about your life, you will know.  Do not worry about who else hears Him at the time.

Did Mary completely understand the significance of Jesus’ human birth?  Was she completely aware of her and His part in the reconciliation of man to God?  Two millennia later, scholars still wrestle with Jesus’ redemption of mankind.

Alone, in the quiet, God announced His purpose for Mary’s life, and all of mankind.  There would be glory and wonder, heartache and dismay, in fulfilling her purpose.  With full faith, if not full knowledge, she responded to God’s messenger with humility and obedience.

God has a purpose for you in His Kingdom.  Continue to seek Him until His announcement regarding you.  I pray you respond to His announcement with, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.”

 

Think:        How will I respond to God’s announcement of His purpose for my life?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to fulfill Your purpose for my life in Your Kingdom.”

 

Copyright © December 2016, 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 King’s Intent

The King’s Intent By Kirk Hunt

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

Matthew 2:13 NKJV

 

It turns out that King Herod had villainous intent.  He did not intend to worship Jesus.  Instead, he wanted to murder Jesus in the cradle, as a potential rival.

 

King Herod’s intent conflicted with God’s intent.  Despite his position and power, Herod was frustrated in His purpose and Jesus lived.  The King of Kings’ intent was realized. 

 

Today is no different than yesterday.  Men and women of power and influence try to frustrate the plans of God.  Now, as then, the true King’s purpose will come to pass.  The question is whether or not you will follow the true King’s intent.

 

God could have stationed literal angels around Joseph, Mary and Jesus, but He did not.  God could have caused earthly zealots to protect Jesus and His family, but He did not.  Instead, God told Joseph to take action.  Obediently, Joseph gathered his family and escaped into Egypt.

 

We are called to take action per God’s intent.  Too often we worry about what others will, will not or should do.  God’s people should be quick to obey their true King.  Follow God’s intent, especially when it means our actions are contrary to what we or others intend.

 

Think:        Do I follow God’s intent or someone else’s?

Pray:           “Lord, help me to have Your intent for everyone around me.”

 

Copyright © November 2016, 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.

Christians Do Not Hate

Christians Do Not Hate By Kirk Hunt

 

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

1 John 4:20 NKJV

 

I am always disappointed when someone, claiming to be a Christian, expresses hate for others.  Jesus told us the world would hate Christians.  Not once did He command us to hate sinners, even in retaliation.  Multiple times, He commanded us to love those who hate us.

 

Jesus said in Luke 6:27, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”  Perhaps the hearing part is the tricky part.  Perhaps the obedient to Christ part is a different tricky part.

 

Jesus could have called down fire on various sinners and adversaries during His earthly ministry.  He did not do so, even once.  Instead, He died for the Pharisees who hated him.  Jesus forgave His executioners during His execution.  He died for you and I, even though we were sinners.

 

The Christ I serve healed foreigners and aliens.  He proclaimed that He came to minister to sinners and tax collectors.  May I remind you that He personally refused to condemn an adulteress, caught in the very act?

 

Condemnation ends the conversation.  Conviction leads to restoration.  Christians are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) of all men and women.  We cannot hate the souls we expect and want to love Jesus. 

 

Think:                I cannot (effectively) share Jesus with someone I hate.

 

Pray:                   “Lord, help me to live out my love for You by loving Your (sinful) children.”

 

 

Copyright © June 2016, 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.

Read