Tag: prayer

When It Is Still Raining

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

 

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

 

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

 

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

 

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

 

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

 

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

Quiet Talk

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Quiet Talk” by Kirk Hunt

 

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19: 12 – 13 KJV

Please read 1 Kings 19:11 – 18

 

Elijah sat in the cave while waves of catastrophe rolled over the mountain. Winds, lashed and shattered the stone of the mountain. An earthquake further broke the shredded rock. Finally, a wildfire scrubbed the remaining landscape.

 

Elijah, familiar with the things of God, knew noise when he heard it. The fury, heat and shaking were events, but not notable. God’s whisper brought the prophet to his feet. In reverence, Elijah covered his face and walked from darkness to the shekinah glory-cloud.

 

God is speaking today. Not with clamor and cacophony, but in calm and tranquility. You can hear Him. Hold still a few minutes. Turn everything off for a while.

 

When were you last in silence and stillness? Quiet, not just physically but mentally, allows you to hear His Voice. He has a message for you.

 

Think: I can hear God best in quietness.

Pray: “Lord, help me to listen, in stillness and quiet, to Your Voice.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Enough For You

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Enough For You” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

 

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Leadership Prayer

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Leadership Prayer” by Kirk Hunt

 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

2 Timothy 2:1—2 KJV

 

Christians are called to pray for leadership. Are they in civil authority over you? Then you are to pray for them.

Paul would have been directing Christian men and women to pray for the Roman Caesar. Would you follow the Biblical commandment to pray for Nero, the great Roman persecutor of Christians? Just as you should pray for your local, state (province) or national leaders.

The commandment is to pray for them so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable” life, here in the real world. They do not have to be believers. You do not have to be in agreement with their policy or decisions. It is God’s job to sort that part out.

There seems to be chaos and uncertainty through much of the world, these days. Do you really believe that regular men and women have the answers for so many difficult issues? We need unearthly intelligence and thinking to save our world.

As always, God is the answer. Pray that those who hold authority in the world get their orders from God. Only he has the solution that let us lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to pray for my leadership.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, through prayer.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

You Are Not Forgotten

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“You Are Not Forgotten” by Kirk Hunt

 

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Isaiah 49:15 KJV

 

Among the swirling galaxies and streaming pulsars, He listens for a single voice. Legions of angels come and go, but He anticipates a single face. Among the billions of souls that fill the earth, God is especially concerned with you, by name and fingerprint.

 

With all that calls to God, He has reserved a part of Himself for a precious child. Despite all that swirls through the infinite, He has a special focus on a single soul. No matter what else is happening, you have priority with God.

 

It doesn’t matter that someone else disappointed you. The track record of some mere human has nothing to do with Him. You are at the center of His love. You are an ongoing concern to eyes that never sleep or slumber.

 

Perhaps you are tired. Maybe you are hurting. You could be confused.

 

God has time to give rest to your soul. He will stop to sooth your hurts. Patiently, He will answer your questions.

 

You are not forgotten. He listens for your voice. He will be especially delighted to see your face.

 

Think : God loves me. He loves me more than even I can know.

 

Pray: “Lord, I accept the rest and restoration of Your love.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2010, Kirk Hunt

Wrong Kind, Right Faith

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Wrong Kind, Right Faith” by Kirk Hunt

 

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Matthew 8:13 KJV

 

The Centurion did not just come from the wrong side of the tracks.  He came from the wrong side of the planet.  He was no Peace Corps volunteer, but an officer of a hated, occupying army.

 

A stranger in a strange land, the Centurion did not have any claim or right to ask anything of Jesus.  Still, helmet under his arm, he asked in complete confidence.  The Centurion was the wrong kind of man, but he had the right kind of faith.

 

The Centurion walked away from Jesus with nothing but His Word. In the Centurion’s mind that is all it took. As a soldier, he understood power and authority. He saw both in Jesus.

 

Maybe you are the wrong kind of man or woman. What matters is your faith. You can ask in complete confidence, anyway.

 

Jesus’ Word is true and faithful. What he promised, He will do. All you need, here, there or then is the right kind of faith.

 

Think : All I have to do is ask in faith.

 

Pray: “Lord, Help me to have faith in You, regardless of where, or who, I am.”

 

 

Copyright © June 2010, Kirk Hunt

Job’s Release

[display_podcast]

“Job’s Release” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10 KJV

Job’s losses started in chapter 1. At the beginning of chapter 42, Job remained penniless, diseased and grieving his lost sons and daughters. Scripture aptly sums up these crushing and painful circumstances as “captivity.”

Job’s release or restoration didn’t start with care packages or emergency assistance. Job’s captivity ended when he followed God’s command to pray for the men before him. The wounded and devastated became whole and prosperous when he ministered to, and for, others.

Job’s journey through the dark and loss ended in the light of prayer and service. The very men who should have interceded for Job needed him to intercede for them. In the moment he blessed others, Job’s cell door fell out and his chains fell off.

Perhaps you’re journeying through a tough place. The solution to your circumstance may surprise you. It may lay in your blessing and benefiting others.

Job’s release represents the times and places where you bless and minister despite your own lack and hurt. Job ended chapter 42 playing with his grandson’s grandsons and granting endowments. All because he prayed and ministered for others.

You are called to bless and benefit others. What do you have to lose by being obedient? Perhaps, your captivity.

Think: God’s grace flows through your obedience, not your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, I am willing to be an instrument of grace, despite my own situation.”

Copyright © February 2010, Kirk Hunt

Soul Building

[display_podcast]

“Soul Building” by Kirk Hunt

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:3-4 KJV

I’m working out now. I’m eating better lately. I want to undo years of lounging and overindulgence with a few hours of sweat and reducing one meal a week. It’s not working out that way.

It’s going to take weeks and months of consistency to get to develop the fitness I want. Too much, too fast will only hurt, not help. I am putting fewer calories on my plate and burning more calories on the treadmill. There’s no “secret” formula, just consistency and persistence.

The things of God work the same way. Anyone can develop a intimate, rich relationship with Father-God. There’s no “mystery” formula, just consistency and persistence. I get up when I’d rather sleep longer.

Everyday, make sure you spend time in His presence. Don’t let a day go by without reading and studying Scripture. Never miss an opportunity to exercise your faith.

The word “trying” in Scripture can often be interpreted “exercising.” Consistent, persistent exercise will build muscles naturally and spiritually. All you have to do is get off the literal, or figurative, couch.

You can become perfect and complete in God. Just do what you need to do. Every day.

Think: Consistency and patience in prayer and Bible study will build my soul

Pray: “Lord, help me to exercise myself in You.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

Corner Men

[display_podcast]“Corner Men” by Kirk Hunt

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 KJV

The boxer stumbles back to his corner and falls heavily on the stool. The opponent is stronger than he imagined, and craftier than his looks should allow. Alone, the fighter won’t finish the next round.

Corner men climb through the ropes to assist and strengthen their man. They work quickly, considering their limited time. Every action strengthens and supports the man who fights in the ring.

The cut man makes the boxer flinch, but the wounds close and the bleeding stops. The corner man pumps fluids into, and over, the fighter. A trainer speaks (or yells) advice and direction into the face of the weary slugger.

A strong, sharpened combatant emerges from the corner. The corner men watch with pride and emotion as their man battles the opponent. Regardless of who gets the credit, the boxer’s victory will seem just like their own.

Where are you in this scene? As Christians we battle the culture every day. We need men in our corner.

We need brothers who patch our wounds and cuts with God’s Word. Every Christian man ought to have a spiritual warrior who pours prayer over his life and circumstances. Real men listen to the Godly counsel of a strong, Spirit-filled friend.

Look around you. There are men (and women) who need the strength and skill you can lend them. Eventually, you will need theirs.

Find your men and your corner. Get ready, the bell is about to ring. Come out swinging.

Think: Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give and accept service for the Kingdom’s sake.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt