The Coat Is Just a Symbol

The Coat Is Just a Symbol by Kirk Hunt

And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

Genesis 37:33-34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 37:31-35 NKJV

Jacob wept loud and long. His sons had convinced him Joseph was dead. As they watched the old man howl in grief and heartache, perhaps they realized, in that moment, that the tunic was only a symbol.

Joseph’s tunic (called a “coat” in the King James Version of the Bible) was a symbol of Jacob’s love and favor regarding Joseph. They could strip the coat off Joseph’s back, but they could not pull Jacob’s feeling off his son. Men and women can steal a symbol from you, but they cannot touch God’s feelings about you.

God gave you a calling or anointing. Do not confuse your title, certificate or badge with God’s love and purpose for you. A symbol is a poor substitute for the authentic article in your life.

The coat kept Joseph warm. The coat made Joseph stand out. The coat was just a symbol of Jacob’s love for Joseph.

I praise God for your title, office or certification. You worked hard. You earned it. Those outward things are just a symbol of Father-God’s love and purpose for you.

Think: Do I love the symbol or do I love God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me see the real article of Your love and purpose in my life.

Copyright © July 2023, 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 Purpose

The King’s Purpose By Kirk Hunt

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 NKJV

Mankind, through Adam, had caused the separation from God.  As any loving Father would, God made a way to mend the breech.  “God with us,” is both purpose and outcome.

Jesus willingly gave up the eternity and splendor of heaven to walk among us.  Not just for proximity but to give man back what had been lost.  Jesus restored direct access to, fellowship with, God.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifices, we can once against speak directly with God.  Because of His dedication to God’s purpose, we have been restored as God’s sons and daughters.  Jesus has restored walking with God in the garden.

Perhaps your garden is soft and grassy.  It could be that your garden is hard and rocky.  What is important is that you know you have a garden, and that God walks there with you.

We work, live and play in the garden where God has placed us.  Consider this Christmas that God with us is truer now, than it has ever been.  He came and restored the connection.  Now He calls to you, “Come walk with Me.”

You are part of His plan and strategy.  No matter how much you have surprised others, He saw everything about you, long ago.  Take time this season to simply walk with Him.  He has a purpose He wants to reveal you.

Think:        God’s purpose is to walk with me.  Do I walk with Him?

Pray:           “Lord, as I build Your Kingdom, help me to enjoy walking with You.”

 

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 Celebration

The King’s Announcement By Kirk Hunt

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13–14 NKJV
Please also read Luke 2:1–20

Humble shepherds witnessed a celebration by the King.  Literal angels sang of the birth of Jesus, our Messiah.  Scripture does not mention an angelic worship band or praise dancers, but my imagination likes to add them to the scene.

After millennia, evidence of the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 could be seen by mere men.  Since the fall in Eden, sin kept mankind from full reconciliation with God.  Jesus’ birth was the (earthly) beginning of the process of restoring the fellowship on humanity with God.

And God celebrated.  The long separation of man from God would soon end.  Adam’s breech would be repaired by God’s own son.

Like Jesus, you were born for purpose.  God has a plan for you and your life.  And He will celebrate you in fulfilling the purpose He ordained for you.

The shepherds were not just passive witnesses.  The found their way to Jesus and joined the angels in celebration and worship.  God’s celebrations are open to any with a heart open to Him.

You too can be an active participant in God’s celebrations.  Find your purpose in the Kingdom and begin fulfilling it.  Join in with others who are completing the work for which they are ordained. 

Follow your calling.  Fulfill your purpose.  You may not see or hear a choir of literal angels, but you will feel His joy in your heart, nevertheless.   

Think:        God celebrates the fulfillment of His purpose in my life and others.

Pray:           “Lord, as I and others build Your Kingdom, I look forward to celebrating with You.”

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.

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.

Up The Mountain

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Up The Mountain By Kirk Hunt

 

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

 

You cannot see everything you need to see in the valley. You cannot hear everything you need to hear in the middle of the clang and clack of regular life. Sometimes, you need to go up the mountain.

 

Christians often speak of a “mountain top” experience. Jesus’ transfiguration is the prototype event. It was a place and space where Jesus revealed more of Himself to his Apostles.

 

The extraordinary display had a practical purpose. Jesus wanted them to see and understand. Something they could not see, despite their close proximity to Jesus.

 

His glory is part of His divine nature. His continuing unity with Father-God is part of the redemption plan. Even the “inner circle” of Apostles were changed by the experience and revelation.

 

God wants to reveal Himself to you. He needs you to peer into His glory. He wants you to see and understand His purpose.

 

Maybe you need to find a special spot above the tree line. Perhaps you just need to sit still in a quiet spot. Either way, God is speaking to you. Are you listening?

 

Think:            God wants to revel Himself to me. Am I in the right place? Am I listening?

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me find the right place and space so you can reveal Yourself to me.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Proof Of His Love

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Proof Of His Love by Kirk Hunt

 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

 

No complex theological constructions.  No intricate philosophical weavings.  Just cold, hard facts.

 

God loved you first.  He proved his love, first.  His love for you continues, even now.

 

Paul is an especially good example of this proof.  He helped martyr Stephen.  At his conversion, Paul was actively (and effectively) persecuting the Christian Church.  Still, Christ died for Paul, also.

 

God loves you.  Always has.  Always will.

 

Christ died for you.  No matter what you did before.  Regardless of what you are doing now.

 

You can be reconciled to God.  Only you can say, “No.”  He has already spoken and proven his part.

 

How should you respond?  I suggest gratitude and relief.  His sacrifice makes salvation available to you.  All you have to say is, “Yes.”

 

Here is the catch: After you say “yes” to his love, you must return his love.  You will have to live differently.  Let his love help you change completely.

 

Start living out your love for him.  It is that easy.  God is already living out his love for you.

 

The idea is simple.  Do not make it complicated.  There is no tricky language in the verse.  He loved you first.  Respond to that.

 

Think:            God has already proven his love to me.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to accept the proof you have already given me.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

God’s Protection

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God’s Protection by Kirk Hunt

 

Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.

Genesis 37:18 NKJV

 

In another 5 verses, the sons of Jacob would betray their brother.  Murder would only be averted through greed.  Thankfully, the strength of God’s protection would exceed the strength of the threat. Joseph lived in, and through, God’s protection.

 

Joseph’s protection was not intended to avert all inconvenience or hardship.  Joseph would be separated from his father and brothers for 20 years.  He would serve as a slave, then convict, for 13 years.  Yet, in a day, he became the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt.

 

Perhaps you feel you are the focus of a hostile conspiracy yourself.  It may seem the only thing that anyone agrees on is that you are the target.  Their numbers and firepower do not matter.

 

God is your shield.  His protection will make sure you get to His purpose for you.  There may be inconvenience, or hardship, on the path.  At the end, you will fulfill your calling in safety and security.

 

God’s protection is deeper and stronger than their threat.  Your hardship or inconvenience will serve only to benefit you in fulfilling your purpose.  The conspiracies will not block your purpose, unless you let them.

 

Think:            God’s protection exceeds every threat.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be at peace as I live in, and through, Your protection.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2013, Kirk Hunt

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

A New Thing

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A New Thing by Kirk Hunt

 

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 KJV

I am prayerful that this new year is different.  In every way.  For you, and all of yours.

 

Last year may have been good.  Perhaps you had great success and increase.  This verse still applies.

 

I pray this year is different for you.  I am praying this year is full of new depths in God and the Holy Spirit.  I want God to re-make you in His image.

 

God has a plan and purpose for you.  You have a high and powerful calling in His Kingdom.  Seek your new thing.

 

Of course, God will not kidnap you.  He calls to you.  He waits, in His mercy and grace, for you to answer Him.  With patience and loving kindness beyond human comprehension, God is eager to help you began your journey.

 

Your destination is a new and higher place in Him.  He wants to remake you in His image, stronger, richer and more gracious than ever before.  He has the means.  Do you have the will?

 

As you start this new year, consider that God has a place, plan and purpose for you.  If you have not yet, seek His will for your life.  If you are already following His call, press in and get the change you are seeking.

 

Welcome to a new year.  God is here, waiting to do a new thing in your life.  For you and yours.

 

Think:                        God’s power can work a new thing in my life.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live as a new creation, in Your image.”

 

 

Copyright © January 2012, Kirk Hunt

After The Mountaintop

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“After The Mountaintop” by Kirk Hunt

 

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. (Luke 9:37 KJV)

Luke 9:37 KJV

Please read Luke 9: 28 – 37

 

I am in favor of mountain top experiences. Above the timberline you can see breathtaking vistas. In the thin air at the top, you can better see God’s visions and His glory. It is all good up there.

 

Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with wonder and awe. It is no surprise they wanted to stay on the mountain. Still, Jesus’ purpose, and theirs, was someplace else.

 

The moment of glory and ascendance was important. The ministry of the Disciples changed the world as we know it. But their ministries happened away from the mountain.

 

As much as we need mountain tops, our work is in the plains and valleys. Jesus stepped down from His glorious transfiguration and stepped into a sea of humanity. Off the mountain, He ministered to the hearts and minds of people.

 

Climb up and see His glory. Enjoy your episode on the mountain top. Just remember, your purpose is on the plains and in the valleys.

Think: I climb the mountain so I can minister when I climb down..

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to experience You in all Your glory, so I can serve and minister.”

 

Copyright © September 2011, Kirk Hunt

The Gold Door

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“The Gold Door” by Kirk Hunt

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

 

In my heart, there is a gold-plated door. The door has no lock and not much of a latch. That is because of the grace and beauty of the nation on the other side.

Elected officials lead with wisdom and a spirit of servant-hood. Business leaders act with humility and fairness, looking to build the nation at the risk of making a profit. Justice rules with kind words from noble hearts.

Beyond the golden door, men and women, act with grace and move in generosity. Hunger has been banished. Injustice has been exterminated. Peace and joy rule the hand. It is a place and space where Christ is King in the hearts of the citizens.

I know all too well what is on the other side of my real front door. That door has a lock. I have reinforced that door against intruders.

I refuse to believe the nation behind the golden door is impossible. I do, however know where the dream will start to become reality. It will appear first in the hearts of God’s people.

It is not impossible. First, Christians must first make Christ King of their own hearts. The nation will follow.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to remake the world around me in His image.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, here and now.”

Copyright © August 2011, Kirk Hunt

Mordecai’s Gallows

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“Mordecai’s Gallows” by Kirk Hunt

 

And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:2 KJV

 

Mordecai’s defiant and conspicuous act of disobedience does not match his lofty place in high profile politics. Why would an advisor to King Ahasuerus deliberately and pointedly break the king’s command? Mordecai’s unbent knees and straight back certainly made a powerful, and vindictive, enemy of Haman.

His character and integrity lead him to stand straight while others folded. “Consequences be hanged. I won’t do it.” Right on cue, Haman built a 75 foot tall gallows.

What around you needs to be challenged? Is there an injustice near you, crying out for correction? If there is, I suspect God has planted you there “for such a time as this.”

God does not always send angels. Sometimes, He sends saints. Mere men and women, just like you and I, who love God enough to be obedient. Obedient enough to stay while they build a gallows.

Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, because it was wrong. Legal doesn’t mean legitimate. Doing the right thing can be inconvenient. For them. For you.

God needs a man or woman, just like you, to stand against sin and wrong. Let His Grace give you the courage to stay the course. Trust Him to work out the details.

Think: Sometimes, as a Christian, I am called to challenge wrong.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to see the wrong and resist it, in obedience to Your Grace.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt

Use What You Get

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“Use What You Get” by Kirk Hunt

 

Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it [Manna] until morning.” However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Exodus 16: 19 – 20 NIV

 

Moses’ instructions were clear. Each household should gather only as much manna as would be eaten that day. No manna was to be stored.

Of course someone tried to hoard their manna. The heaven-sent food rotted overnight. Disgustingly.

God’s provision of manna to Israel is popularly seen as an allegory of God’s provision for modern-day saints. He gives us gifts and provision. God wants us to gather enough of what He provides, and not to hoard what He gives.

Your skills, education and credentials are a form of manna. They are a provision, ultimately from God, to nourish and benefit your household. Are you hoarding your manna?

There are men and women, ministers and ministries, that need the manna you hold. You have the ability to nourish and benefit other households. Are you willing to share, or will you hoard what God has given?

“…They kept part of it…” You have an opportunity to give from the riches that God has entrusted to you. What have you got to lose?

Think: I should not hoard what God has given.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to share with others what You have given.”

Copyright © June 2011, Kirk Hunt