Payout In The Workhouse

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“Payout In The Workhouse” by Kirk Hunt

 

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Genesis 41:52 KJV

 

Zaphnathpaaneah served as Chancellor or Prime Minister to Pharaoh. His position and title delivered a life of wealth, power and privilege. It’s easy to imagine he announced the birth of his second son, to the Egyptian elite, at a stylish and expensive party.

 

In the quiet and empty mansion, a different man appeared in the mirror. Under the expensive robes were marks from slavery’s chains. Hidden by extravagant jewelery and the tokens of office, lay scars from the jailor’s whip.

 

Joseph had no illusions about Egypt. Egypt had hurt him. Still, a faithful and blessing God ensured that he prospered, despite it all.

 

The precious newborn son in his arms told a story of care, provision and protection. God stood near. Hurt never became harm. “Ephraim, my payout.”

 

Maybe your circumstances have hurt you. Perhaps your road has seemed hard and harsh. God had a plan to preserve whole nations through Joseph. God has a plan for you.

 

Your barren patch will bloom and feed thousands. Your hurts will become healing for you and others. The God of heaven has a payout for you, right where you are.

 

Think : God has a payout for me, no matter my current circumstances.

 

Pray: “Lord, I thank You, in advance, for my coming payout.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2010, Kirk Hunt

God’s Back Pay

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“God’s Back Pay” by Kirk Hunt

 

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

Genesis 41:51 KJV

 

The birth of a son is normally cause for celebration and joy. Like any first-time father, I’m certain Joseph whooped with joy and pride. Still, the memories of the last 13 years brought some gravity to Joseph’s heart and mind.

 

“God has caused me to forget.” First, betrayal by his brothers. Then, years of slavery. Finally, false accusation and years of unjust imprisonment. In the glow of his back-pay, Joseph forgot about the prior years.

 

Perhaps you have been laboring long, hard and without just wages. God has been watching over you the entire time. Recording the hours. Banking your pay.

 

To others, it will seem you are an over-night sensation. It doesn’t matter how it looks to them. You know that God is simply delivering your back pay.

 

Just when they thought you were dead, God will deliver your best life yet. Even though you thought you were forgotten and cast aside, God will set you out front and in charge. No one delivers back-pay like God.

 

Stay faithful. Work to build His Kingdom. Trust that God has your back-pay. At the right time, in the correct place, God will make you forget all that happened before. In joy. With delight. Through blessing.

 

Think : God rewards the faithful.

 

Pray: “Lord, I thank You, in advance, for Your Kingdom blessings.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2010, Kirk Hunt

The Prince Gets A Princess

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“The Prince Gets A Princess” by Kirk Hunt

 

And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 KJV

 

There is a saying, “God does not always call the equipped, but He always equips the called.” To fulfill his purpose in God’s plan, Joseph needed to look, sound and live like a high-born Egyptian. Against expectation, Joseph’s years as a slave, then a convict, equipped him to serve as Pharaoh’s Chief Executive.

 

Perhaps you feel you have been denied the good things of life. Maybe you feel that the positive outcomes have been kept from you. God has a royal blessing in store for you.

 

Probably not a literal royal bride (or groom) but an excellent place in purpose. With an extraordinary space for blessing. God will inflict His best on you, as if from ambush.

 

His blessing will catch up to you. No matter where, or how far, you have traveled. The right time and place is where God says it is.

 

As prince Joseph entered his palace, God arranged for everything. Even a princess. As you enter your purpose in God’s Kingdom, God will arrange for everything.

 

Think : God equips His servants for their call.

 

Pray: “Lord, equip me for Your purpose, in Your Kingdom.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2010, Kirk Hunt

Disruptive Grace

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“Disruptive Grace” by Kirk Hunt

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Luke 7:14 KJV

Jesus interrupted the funeral proceedings. He interfered with a solemn ceremony. Jesus deliberately intruded on the widow’s grief and sorrow.

It’s not hard to imagine the results. The mourners suddenly became dancers. The weeping widow instantly became a joyous mother. The young man sat up, wondering why he was in a coffin in the middle of the street.

Jesus’ grace is all-powerful and undeniable. When He touches a situation, nothing can remain the same. The grace of Jesus is disruptive. God doesn’t fit in a box. The master of eternity doesn’t worry about schedules.

Too often, we object to God’s grace. His Presence comes at inconvenient times. His power and provision manifests in inconvenient ways.

Think for a moment.   Do you really object to what God is doing for you and in you?  However inconvenient, will you refuse the grace He is pouring into your life?

Seek Him, but be prepared. He may come in an unexpected and unanticipated way.   Be open to disruption.  Embrace the chaos and confusion that can follow God’s blessing and provision.

Think: When His grace falls, everything is disrupted.

Pray: “Lord, disrupt my life with Your grace.”

Copyright © February 2010, Kirk Hunt

Your Year of Release

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“Your Year of Release” by Kirk Hunt

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

Deuteronomy 15:12-13 KJV

Perhaps you made some mistakes. Maybe your start in life was less than ideal. Keep right on working for Him. Your circumstances will be transformed by His Grace.

During the sabbatical year, debts are forgiven. At the year of rest, freedom is restored to the captive. The weariest soul receives rest and restoration during the year of freedom.

God is a God of second chances. He knows that men and women often need to start again. For ancient Israel, freedom came in the form of the sabbatical year.

For us, redemption comes through the Cross and the blood of Christ. He died so you could go free. Even now, He is your advocate in heaven.

God knows our hearts and minds need rest. He sees our unspoken needs and hidden desires. Sooner, or later, He always rewards the faithful.

His freedom is more than release from bondage. He will load you down with benefits and blessings. You will walk, free and full, into a new life and opportunity.

He has commanded your freedom. Your blessings and benefits have been reserved for you. Get ready for your year of release.

Think: God will give me a second chance and a season of restoration.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I receive Your freedom and restoration.”

Copyright © January 2010, Kirk Hunt

Our Daily Bread

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“Our Daily Bread” by Kirk Hunt

And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Exodus 16:14 KJV

Like clockwork, for over 40 years, the Israelites woke up to God’s provision. In the middle of a harsh desert environment, food (and dew) arrived every morning. Israel called it manna.

One translation of the word manna is “gift.” A different translation is the phrase “What is it?” God’s provision is always wonderful, but it can also be a mystery.

At least one lesson of manna is to interact with God daily. Excess collections of manna rotted or spoiled during the night. God wanted Israel to depend and interact with Him each day.

How about you? Do you interact daily with God? Is there fresh provision from God’s Word in your mind and heart every morning (or evening)? Do you speak with Him, every day?

We let the business crowd Him out. We choose to spend our time away from Him. Make a commitment for a few minutes a day. Create the habit. Gather your daily measure of God.

The habit and practice will make a difference in your life. It doesn’t need to take hours. It needs to happen daily. Gather your manna, daily. God is there, waiting for You.

Think: Prayer and Bible study are a Christian’s daily bread.

Pray: “Lord, help me not to skip my daily dose of You.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt

God Provides

“God Provides” by Kirk Hunt

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

2 Kings 4:7 KJV

The widow’s sons likely moved with exaggerated caution. The borrowed vessels and pots brimmed full of valuable oil. Breaking something would create a double loss.

God’s provision is always extraordinary. God often gives more than enough. Ask the widow.

She probably ran to pay the debt that threatened her sons. Likely, for the first time since her husband’s funeral, she could spend a coin without an agonizing decision.  Because God provided.

God provided the single jar of oil she poured out. God touched the hearts of friends and neighbors who lent their vessels and pots. God gave the miracle increase of oil that provided for this faithful family.

God provided in their past, then the present and again for the future. She had never been uncared for at any time. Even when she didn’t know it or feel it.

No matter what’s going on in your life, God is there. He provided to get you here. He is providing to keep you here. God is placing in your hand what you need for the future.

God wouldn’t have brought you to this place to leave you now. His faithfulness is working for you at this moment. Get you and yours ready to live in His provision.

Think: God has provided, is providing and will provide for you.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for Your provision in my life; past present and future.”

Copyright © September 2009, Kirk Hunt

Pour Out

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“Pour Out” by Kirk Hunt

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

2 Kings 4: 5-6 KJV

I’d like to think there were dozens of different oil pots, jars and vessels everywhere. In my mind’s eye, I see the exaggerated caution of the boys, afraid to move without breaking a borrowed item. With a prayer, or a sigh, the widow started pouring oil.

As each jar, pot or vessel filled up, the sense of excitement grew. Oil continued to fill each vessel in turn. From little comes much. The empty is filled, through a miracle of God’s provision.

“I should have asked old Sarah for hers.” “I could have worked a deal with the potter for more of his.” The prepared capacity is filled. The miracle comes to an end.

God has a miracle of provision for you. Perhaps it’s a need you think could never be filled. Maybe you have a vision, but lack the resources to begin, yet alone finish.

Pour out what you have. Your faith, to use what you have, will draw Him close. Your obedience to Him, will be rewarded. His faithfulness will provide more than you have dreamed.

Think: God always provides. Pour out what you have.

Pray: “Lord, in obedience and faith, I will pour out what I have.”

Copyright © September 2009, Kirk Hunt

Sometimes, You Borrow

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“Sometimes, You Borrow” by Kirk Hunt

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

2 Kings 4:3-4 KJV

Elisha’s instructions violate common sense and the laws of physics. The one pot of oil, the only item of significance in the widow’s house, will fill empty vessels. Borrowed vessels at that.

Elisha is careful to tell her to borrow a large number of empty pots. God’s provision is endless. There really isn’t capacity to contain what God can give.

At each door, an urgent knock sounds out. “Can we borrow all of your empty oil vessels?” The unused capacity of the neighborhood, if not village, is collected as an act of faith.

The empty is about to become full. Where there is lack, there will be supply. More than the widow’s house could hold. More than the town can contain.

Sometimes, you borrow. And no matter how much storage, or expertise, or capacity, or capability you get in your hands, God will over-run what you have prepared. You won’t hold all that God will provide, but you want your share.

It’s an act of faith to prepare so outlandishly. Keep in mind, God delights in providing for His people. I’d borrow from one more neighbor if I were you.

Think: God always provides, more than we can hold.

Pray: “Lord, I accept Your provision.”

Copyright © August 2009, Kirk Hunt

What Is In The House?

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“What Is In The House?” by Kirk Hunt

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

2 Kings 4:1-2 KJV

Allow me to call this widow, unnamed in Scripture, “Beulah.” She came seeking miracle provision. She took proactive steps to resolve the debt that threatened her family.

Beulah didn’t expect Elisha to mystically learn of her situation. She didn’t expect God to send both revelation and resources from out of the blue. Violating the custom and mores of her time, she approached the prophet of God directly.

Despite her debts, she hadn’t come empty handed. God is a provider. He also sometimes multiplies His previous provision.

Elisha’s questions pointed past the obvious need to the miraculous solution. A solution that started in something Beulah already owned. Commonplace and mundane, a pot of oil would become a miracle of provision and supply.

No matter what you think you lack, God has already provided. Be open to to what God wants to do with what you already have. God provides; past, present and future.

Think: There is already provision and supply in your house.

Pray: “Lord, open my eyes to Your provision.”

Copyright © August 2009, Kirk Hunt