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.

Peter’s Sword

Peter’s Sword By Kirk Hunt

 

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

 

John 18:10 NKJV

 

There were two weapons among the Disciples (Luke 22:38), but Scripture records only one sword being used: Peter’s. Did the swing come from skillful training or hard-bitten experience? Scripture does not say.

 

From the comfort of an arm chair, with the New Testament readily available, modern-day Saints criticize Peter. So did Jesus, in the moment (v. 11). Still, Peter’s sword teaches modern saints important lessons.

 

Peter thought ahead and equipped himself. Peter had the means, knowhow and willingness to protect Jesus and the other Disciples from the violent thieves of the era. You cannot choose if you do not have the means to change (or at least impact) the situation.

 

Peter was close and committed enough to take action. Too many stand at a distance from the lives of saints or sinners, or refuse to get deeply and personally involved. Presence and action are proof of caring.

 

Peter’s sword stroke was full of good intentions and sincere motivation. It was still the wrong act, at the wrong time. Right actions must be based on right thinking, not just right hearts. Peter made matters worse. Has that ever happened to you?

 

You are God’s agent for change. You will have to get close, have the right tools and take the right actions. I pray you are God’s wise, not just strong, instrument in the world.

 

Think:             I cannot help if I do not have the means, willingness and wisdom to effect change.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to be Your effective change agent.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

Better Marks For Peter

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Better Marks For Peter By Kirk Hunt

 

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18 NKJV

 

Simon, son of Jonah, gets a lot of press among Christians.  Most of that press is bad.  Worse, some of it has come from me.  Peter deserves better marks than he generally gets.

 

Make no mistake.  Simon, called Peter by Christ, was a man of unique strength and capability.  Jesus had good reasons to select him to lead the Church after His ascension.  The reasons are not too hard to figure out.

 

When Peter did not understand, he asked.  That marks Peter as discerning and teachable.

 

When they came to arrest Jesus, Scripture records only Peter attempted a defense.  That marks him as courageous, loyal and willing to swing a sword.

 

When Peter declared Jesus as Messiah, Jesus commended Peter for being spoken to by God.  That marks Peter as pursuing a deeper relationship with God.

 

Peter earned high marks for being a man of character who pursued a personal relationship with God.  We laugh at his imperfections, but we should admire his strengths.  We should also follow his example in our pursuit of God.

 

Let them laugh, if they must.  You can pursue God and become the man or woman you see in your dreams.  Chase after high marks in Jesus, and they will come.

 

Think:            What marks do I get as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Pray:              “Lord, help me to seek high marks from You.”

 

 

Copyright © February 2014, Kirk Hunt

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

In Whose Timing?

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In Whose Timing? by Kirk Hunt

 

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.  

John 13:36 KJV

To his credit, Peter meant his loyal words and actions.  He would follow Jesus, even at hazard to his life.  Peter did, by all traditions, follow Jesus to crucifixion.  Just not that night.

 

The problem lay not in Peter’s intention, but his timing.  His timing did not match Jesus’ timing.  Peter would understand his out of step condition, before the night was over.

 

Jesus knows your heart and intention.  Thankfully, He sees further, and better, than you.  Intention is not enough.  The timing must be the correct timing.

 

Peter made mistakes that night.  Jesus even had to fix (see John 18:10-11) some of them.  Operating in his own timing, Peter made things worse.

 

If you are anything like me, you think you know the right timing for your actions.  If you are anything like me, God has fixed some of your mistakes.  You meant well, but your timing was just a little off.

 

Jesus leads where we follow.  Through His power.  In His righteousness.  With His grace.

 

Base your actions on Bible study and prayer.  Be patient in His process.  Stay obedient.  Let Him lead you in His perfect timing.

 

Think: God’s timing for my life, unlike my own, is perfect.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to operate in Your timing, not mine.”

 

 

Copyright © April 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