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Weapon Of Choice – Swords

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“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)

The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.

Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.

Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.

Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.

Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.

He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Keep Doing Good

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“Keep Doing Good” by Kirk Hunt

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9 KJV

Even the most faithful of us pause between labors and wonder: Am I doing the right thing? Am I getting the right result? It is good and correct to ensure you are still on the right path.

Don’t let that thoughtful pause work against you and your ministry. Double-check to make sure you’re doing it God’s way. Even if you have shift or correct, continue in God’s call on your life.

At the end of the day, press on. Keep doing His call. Continue working His tasks. And don’t get weary.

Webster’s dictionary defines weary as “having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.” This weary is in the heart and mind, not the body. This weary leads to surrender, not the end of the shift.

Find fellow laborers and encourage each other. Keep the focus on fulfilling God’s call on and in your lives. Keep their heads and hearts in the work. The hands will follow.

You are planting a harvest. A harvest of benefit and blessing ordained by God and nurtured by your faithfulness. Your harvest is rooted in God’s call on your life. Don’t surrender just before the crops roll in.

Think: God rewards those who stay the course.

Pray: “Lord, help me to continue Your work.”

Protected: Open Our Eyes

Report To The Battlefield

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“Report To The Battlefield” by Kirk Hunt

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 KJV

Just in case you didn’t notice, there’s a war for your soul going on. The enemy of your soul launches frequent attacks. Perhaps daily. It’s important that you report to the battle site and join in the fight.

The conflict is both close and far. The territory is simultaneously familiar and foreign. It is in the human mind where we fight to preserve our souls. It is in the twists and turns of our own personalities that the enemy seeks to defeat us.

The Apostle Paul gives us a simple command for the enemy’s defeat. Renew your mind. Transform yourself in God’s image and win the day.

Easily said. Not as easily done. Still, with God, nothing is impossible. “Let go and let God,” and victory is certain.

It starts with one step, report to the battle field. Your commander, the King of Kings is waiting to instruct and guide you. Are you ready for victory?

Think : The mind is the battlefield, but Christ is the General of generals.

Pray: “Lord, transform me in Your will and image. After that, the battle is won.”

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.”

The Prisoner Becomes A Prince

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“The Prisoner Becomes A Prince” by Kirk Hunt

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 41:39-40 KJV

(Read also Genesis 40:20 through 41:44)

Joseph, despite years in prison, spoke revelation and wisdom. He explained Pharaoh’s dream. He suggested a course of actions. Then he waited.

Maybe Joseph hoped for a pardon. It’s possible he thought he might get a new job as a slave-steward to the new Grain Administrator. Of course, you and I know Joseph had been set-up.

The forgotten man became a foremost minister. He traded his (orange) prison garb for royal robes. The prisoner became a prince in a single hour.

Only God can so suddenly change prisoners into princes. Only the King of the universe can so completely and rapidly reverse the situation of a man. Only God knows the set up he has in store for you.

You thought your unseen hours and unrewarded labors were for nothing? You thought you had been thrown away and forgotten? God has made plans concerning you and His angels are working that plan with care and precision.

You have been set up. All that remains is the pay off. What God promises, God delivers. With interest.

Think : God has set me up, and I am glad.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out Your set up with grace and joy.”

Ramp Yourself Up

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“Ramp Yourself Up” by Kirk Hunt

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Be skeptical of the press releases. Discount the glowing documentaries. Ignore at least half the criticisms. They worked hard for their success.

Every accomplished man or woman has a story of long hours of practice and study. Even the gifted and talented labor hard for their successes. Any one, who achieves any thing, leaves tears, sweat and even blood on the training floor.

I encourage you to ramp yourself up. His call on your life requires it. His Word promises you can do it.

Paul directed Timothy to improve his knowledge of Scripture. An accomplished pastor and teacher, Timothy already knew Scripture well. Still, Paul encouraged his protege to study himself up to the next level.

God has a high and mighty calling for your life. Perhaps you’re already living out that calling. To be what God wants you to be, you need to study Scripture as never before.

God calls you to become the best. Being first class requires hard work and long hours. Still, who wants to be second rate?

Think : God has called me to be the best, even though I have to work hard for it.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip myself to build Your Kingdom.”

The Other Smart Ones


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“The Other Smart Ones” by Kirk Hunt

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV

Prayerfully, when you walk into the room, the average IQ goes up. Scripture is full of references to men and women of intelligence, wit and wisdom. In fact, there are instructions, in Scripture, on how to become smarter and wiser.

Clearly, God wants His people to be among the best and the brightest. Scripture is also very clear. Being among the smart ones doesn’t mean you are the only smart one.

Smarts is also different from integrity or faithfulness. Judas is traditionally the best educated of the Disciples. Solomon ended as an idolater.

Never assume you’re the only smart one in the room. Always assume that God has another clever and faithful soul near by. Reach out to the other smart saints in the room.

Somewhere, near by, are men and women who can help you expand God’s Kingdom. Ask graciously. Equip generously.

You aren’t the only smart saint in the room. Reach out. Then, reach up. Thank God, you aren’t the only smart one in the room.

Think: There are other saints capable of building the Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip others to build Your Kingdom.”

Soldiers In The Real World

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“Soldiers In The Real World” by Kirk Hunt

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 KJV

The battle rages around us every day. Corruption infests a little deeper. Compromise becomes more blatant. Sin gets bolder. I’m sure you noticed.

The place of battle is where you stand: Front office or workshop, building site or sales counter, schoolhouse or jailhouse. You are deployed by divine purpose and heavenly intent. His Hands have placed you there to get the job done.

No matter how you came to be where you are, or why you stay, you are to stand and deliver. Stand as a light of right and hope in the darkness. Deliver the Gospel of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

Each day, the darkness encroaches on more of the world. Each day, more souls perish without knowing Him. Won’t you take your place on the battle lines?

The time for battle is now. The soldier is you. Your weapons are spiritual, not natural.

Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is Present, stands with His soldiers. Those who go in His Name are never alone or without His Power. Will you be the one to deliver God’s Salvation?

Think: I have been placed here and now for God’s Purpose.

Pray: “Lord, help me to carry out Your mission in Your way.”

Soul Building

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“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.”

Boaz and Jachim

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“Boaz and Jachim” by Kirk Hunt

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 KJV

The gold overlay of the Temple gleamed brightly in the Mediterranean sun. All of Jerusalem would have only been preparation for the Temple itself. A faithful pilgrim to the First Temple would have been impressed and humbled.

The door of the Temple was guarded. Not by images of animals, or even angels, but by two brass pillars. As if ornate pillars 27 feet tall and nearly 6 feet across were not significant enough, they had names.

The right-hand pillar, “Jachim” means “He will establish.” The left-hand pillar, Boaz means “In Him is strength.” Some Bible scholars state that they are symbolic of the Pillars of Fire and Smoke that led Israel through the wilderness. Clearly, they are a reference to God’s power and sovereignty.

For the worshiper entering the Temple, the message of these pillars may have been more internal than external. “God will establish a purpose within you.” “God will give you the strength to live for Him.”

God has established a purpose for your life. He has the strength you need to fulfill your mission. He is ready and willing to empower you.

Think: I have a purpose in God’s Kingdom, and God has all the power I need.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out the purpose You have given me.”

The Effect Of Dedication

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“The Effect Of Dedication” by Kirk Hunt

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 8:63 KJV

After the last workman finished, it was just a house. Was the building beautiful? Without a doubt. Was the cost high? Extravagantly so. Still, it otherwise remained commonplace.

Something happened during the ceremony. It was a shelter like many others, until it was assigned a special purpose. That mundane edifice in Jerusalem became The Temple during the dedication.

Solomon and the priests’ prayers and offerings didn’t suddenly transform the stone and timber. The joint recognition of Israel that the building would serve God did. Dedication is assigning a special purpose to a place, or even person.

The things, and lives, around you do not need to remain commonplace. You can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Dedication changes everything.

There is no minimum qualification value. No standard for appearance controls your selection. You choose what you dedicate to God. You pick what is reserved for the God of heaven. May I suggest something valuable and precious, like your soul?

Think: You can assign a special purpose in God to anything and anyone. Even yourself.

Pray: “Lord, help me to dedicate my things, and myself, to You.”

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