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Buried With Honor By God

Buried With Honor By God by Kirk Hunt

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 NKJV

At 120 years old, Moses climbed Mount Nebo, alone. At the top of the mountain, he died with no one (human) to bury him. God Himself buried His servant, honoring a flawed man.

Moses always had an anger management problem. Anger led him to murder an Egyptian, break the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, and strike the rock. Even as a centenarian, the leadership of Israel hesitated to infuriate him.

For all his flaws, errors, and shortcomings, God referred to Moses as “His servant.” Scripture records that God spoke to him face-to-face, as a man speaks to his friend. Moses had a close and personal relationship with Father-God.

Never stop trying to overcome and minimize your shortcomings and flaws. Always consider how infinite God is, and how finite you are. Then go be the best servant of God you can.

God honored His servant by personally conducting his funeral. Never mind His gift to Moses of extraordinary age, health, and vigor. Like Moses, you too can be a friend of God.

Think: God loves and honors flawed men and women who serve Him in sincerity.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be Your servant.

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.

Not My Own Will

Not My Own Will by Kirk Hunt

And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.

But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.”

Numbers 16:28, 30 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Moses declared God’s Will, before witnesses. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ended with an abrupt, final, and unappealable act of God. Moses understood the mutiny of these men was not against a human leader, but directed at the sovereign God of the universe.

As a man or woman of God, it is not supposed to be about your feelings, vision, or thoughts. You are an instrument of Father-God. From the first gasp through the last sigh, it is supposed to be God’s Will that commands and controls.

Do we, and they, sometimes forget who is supposed to be in charge of the universe, yet alone local affairs? To our shame and peril, we sometimes forget that God is big and we are small. Korah, and his co-conspirators, paid for their God-directed rebellion with their lives.

Make very sure you are performing God’s will and not your own. Your blessing and safety lay in Father-God’s will. And trust that God will address the mutineers at His convenience.

Think: Whose will am I trying to enact?

Pray: “Not my own will but Yours, Father-God.”

Respect Their Offering

Respect Their Offering by Kirk Hunt

Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”

Numbers 16:15 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Leadership is a tricky business. A faithful leader works to benefit the followers and the organization. He or she must work for the good of everyone, yet not harming any of them (or themselves). If you have a good leader, respect their offering.

The rebellion (mutiny) of Korah and others against the leadership of Moses is a prime example of disrespect for a leader. Despite witnessing the plagues against Egypt, they rebelled. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea, they challenged the leadership of Moses (and Aaron). Despite the miracle of God’s daily provision (manna) they were determined to take over for themselves.

Confident in his leadership and actions, Moses does not call out for God to smite them, only that God not respect or accept the rebels’ offering of incense. In the middle of peril and disrespect, Moses was thinking like a good leader. If only the mutineers had accepted Moses’ offering of service and God’s authority.

Will you face mutineers? Perhaps. Should you continue to offer your service and leadership to God? Yes, you should. If God respects your offering, He will see you through.

Think: Does God respect my offering of service? Does my leadership respect God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give an offering that You will respect.”

Love With Equality, Not Partiality

Love With Equality, Not Partiality by Kirk Hunt

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:8-9 NKJV
Read also James 2:1-13

God’s people are commanded to love with equality, not partiality. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. That includes the folks who look or sound different. Especially those souls who may never be able to benefit us.

Our modern world has given us many opportunities to demonstrate God’s love. Especially poignant are the refugee crises that impact every continent on Earth (except Antarctica). War, famine, and disaster have uprooted millions who seek only peace, safety, and the absence of hunger.

God’s people should reach out to the nearest souls who need to be shown God’s love. We are His instruments, not free-agents. We should act in His grace and power, and demonstrate His love and mercy.

God does not always send angels. More often, He sends men and women who love God enough to love His children. No matter how they look or sound.

To those in crisis and desperation, the help they receive is a godsend. The hands that receive bless the hands that deliver. In that moment, the difference between supernatural angels and mortal men and women can be hard to discern.

Think: “God loves all of His children equally. I should do the same.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to love all of Your children with equality and compassion.”

A Life Of Peril And Calling

A Life Of Peril And Calling by Kirk Hunt

In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren

2 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV
Please also read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 NKJV

The Apostle Paul could have had tenure. He had the intelligence, education and connections to establish a Christian Academy and live comfortably. He could have taught and published with zero risk to himself. Instead, he lived a life of peril.

Paul lived a life of danger, risk and suffering for the Gospel. Paul’s history, and scars, gave him tremendous credibility among the Roman legions. Some traditions report that Paul single-handedly evangelized the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers and body guards of the Caesars.

Personally, I find more comfort in the scarred face of a veteran than the smooth skin of an academic. I like living proof that it can be done, or at least survived. I feel better knowing somebody else struggled, stayed with God, and overcame the same “little problems” I face.

Your scars are a blessing. They give you knowledge and experience you could never get any other way. They give you credibility with people you might not otherwise effect.

For someone, your scars are comfort and reassurance. Struggling folks often do not want to hear from someone smooth and polished. More often, they want to hear from a survivor. They want to hear from someone just like you.

Think: The scars, in service for God, are really a blessing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully persevere in Your calling on my life.”

These My Brethren and Sistren

These My Brethren and Sistren by Kirk Hunt

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

Matthew 25:37-40 NKJV

Some people see marauding invaders. Others see plague bearers. God’s faithful should see brothers and sisters. Jesus called them brethren (and sistren).

I have a sister and three brothers. I have been very annoyed at all of them, at one point, or another. Still, in the middle of our greatest disagreements, I would never let any of them go hungry or lack shelter. How could I even bear to think of Momma or Poppa if I mistreated one of my siblings?

God loves all of the men and women who cross over a border, regardless of the papers they do, or do not, carry. Whether fleeing a violent criminal gang or a devastating storm, a refugee is one of Jesus’ siblings. When you stand before God’s throne how will you explain your treatment of men and women that Jesus loves?

God’s people are commanded by Jesus himself. “Care for those in need.” Do not check their credentials. Refuse to look at how do, or do not worship. Comfort and support them because they are Jesus’ siblings.

Think: I am commanded to care for those in need by Jesus Himself.

Pray: “Jesus, help me to serve Your brothers and sisters.”

The Greatest Among You

The Greatest Among You by Kirk Hunt

“But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”

Luke 22:26 NKJV

Just a few hours (at most) before Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane the Disciples bickered. All of them wrestled with each other for supremacy. All of them thought they should be called the “greatest” Disciple.

In later days, the Disciples would be the selfless saints who advanced the Kingdom until death itself stopped them

Jesus’ rebuke is less than fierce. He carefully calls His men to give meaningful service to others instead of demanding conspicuous glory for themselves. Jesus points them to reverent humility rather than ego and self-aggrandizement.

I have too often seen men and women push to be recognized for minimal or trifling achievements. Not often enough, men and women with extreme or extraordinary levels of accomplishment do not get the recognition they deserve. The greatest among us know who they are and do not need to elbow their way to the front.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you focus is supposed to be on building God’s Kingdom not your own ego. If your motivation is self, you can far too easily be let by your lust to satisfy yourself. The first check on a runaway ego is a relentless focus on Jesus and the things of God.

By all means, be great in God. Seek to be the servant who faithfully builds the Kingdom, even if no one sees. You are not hidden from God and He is far too faithful not to reward you.

Think: Am I obedient to Christ’s command to achieve much and demand little?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be the greatest in Your Kingdom by being the greatest servant.”

At All Times

“At All Times” By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I hate the need for “at all times” calls. “I know it is short notice, but…?” “Can you come, now, then…?” “I hate to ask but we are at the emergency room, so…”

I may grumble and grouse as I get off of the couch. I do not always think the kindest thoughts on the way over. Still, when I get there, I do all I can to be cheerful, joyous and helpful.

Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice, followed by action. Especially during 2 AM crises.

Being a friend, a Gospel brother or sister, can be inconvenient at times. Godly men and women find themselves helping at the strangest times and oddest places. Worse, you could be the one being assisted.

I know what it is like to be the giver. I also know what it is like to be the receiver. Sooner, or later, you will know both sides. It is part of the human condition and being part of God’s family.

When you share your strength and patience, especially with a Gospel brother or sister, you are building God’s Kingdom. As your Godly friend comes to help you, he or she is building into your life. Either way, God is pleased.

One day, stuff will happen. A night will come when your brother or sister will need you. This is why God gave them to you, and you to them.

Think: Real brothers and sisters help others, especially within the Gospel family.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a true brother or sister during adversity.”

Whom Do You Fear?

“Whom Do You Fear?” By Kirk Hunt

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth.

1 Kings 18:12 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–16

Obadiah feared God then. I fear God now. After all, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Many Biblical scholars and teachers ascribe cowardice to Obadiah for his reaction to Elijah in these verses. A coward would not have attempted to hide the prophets from Ahab and Jezebel’s murderous purge. Instead, Obadiah recognized his risk should God whisk Elijah away suddenly.

The Hebrew word used in these verses, yare, often translates “afraid,” but it also often translates “reverence.” Obadiah respected the absolute and complete mastery of God over time and space, death and life. After personally witnessing Ahab’s extensive international manhunt, Obadiah wanted assurance that God would let Elijah make the meeting.

God is, first and foremost, love. God is also holy and righteous. In an instant, God can issue verdicts and enact judgement over men and nations.

I often run to Him, child to Heavenly-Father, but I also consider that His holy anger slew Uzzah, Ananias, and Sapphira for their less-than-righteous actions. Obadiah refused to take God, or His true servant, lightly. I seek to follow that same wisdom and prudence.

Think: God’s power over creation calls for a lot of reverence and at least a little fear.

Pray: “Lord, Your power commands me in reverence and trepidation.”

Called To Integrity

“Called To Integrity” By Kirk Hunt

And Ahab had called Obadiah, who was in charge of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.)

1 Kings 18:3–4 NKJV

King Ahab ranks as one of the most wicked leaders of ancient Israel. Yet, as king, Ahab called devout Obadiah (writer of the Book of Obadiah) to serve as his majordomo. While there was wisdom in Obadiah’s selection, there was wisdom in how Obadiah answered his call.

Serving a corrupt, pagan king, Obadiah maintained his faith and integrity. At great personal risk, he cleverly hid God’s prophets from Ahab’s murderous purge. His work for the king always took a back-seat to his absolute obedience to God.

As God’s people, our service should always be conditional. If they watched closely, they would know: “No matter how good his/her work for me, he/she serves God first and absolutely.”

In this modern age, too many appear to worship at the altar of self and greed. God’s people should be found (or uncovered) completely and only sold to Father-God. Now, more than ever, we need men and women who serve with unwavering integrity and devotion to God, no matter who signs their paychecks.

Is your integrity and devotion above reproach? I pray your service to men and women is excellent. I pray more your life and conduct before God is excellent and pure.

Think: My service is always first to God, then to men and women.

Pray: “Lord, I am yours. Help me to serve You, even as I serve men and women.”

Evidence Which Dorcas Had Made

“Evidence Which Dorcas Had Made” By Kirk Hunt

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Acts 9:39 NKJV

Dorcas’ life was on trial. There was no judge. No jury sat in a box. There were plenty of witnesses, giving evidence. Life and death hung in the balance.

Her life had impact. Her good works were tangible and presentable. The widows gave dramatic, emotional testimony of the life Sister Dorcas lived among them.

What will they say? Will anyone hold up examples of how you built God’s Kingdom, here and now? Will anyone speak, or cry, about how you impacted their life?

We know that God’s grace cannot be earned through works or purchased with gifts. We also know that an evidence of faith is works. So the tension is that God’s people should be engaged with good works knowing they are strictly the outward evidence of an inward condition.

As a saint of God, you are leaving behind a trail of evidence. Is your case file thick or thin? Does it point to a life of faith in God? Would anyone feel compelled to any action or conclusion after listening to the witnesses?

After hearing the case of Dorcas’ life, Peter prayed that she would be restored to life. God’s power raised her from the dead. The case of Dorcas’ life was compelling. Is yours?

Think: What is the evidence, and who are the witnesses, of my faith in God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to outwardly demonstrate my inner faith in You.”

Now Is The Time To Shine

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“Now Is The Time To Shine” By Kirk Hunt

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Please also read Matthew 5:1–20

Roman-occupied Israel was not quiet, placid or especially righteous. Despite the occupying pagans, and corrupt leadership, Jesus commanded His followers to shine out in acts of faith and service. Then, as now, Christians have a prime opportunity to put their salt and light to good use.

The darkness of this present age has inflicted pain and suffering. God’s people have been equipped and empowered to respond. Do we have a heart to bless? Do we have a mind to obey?

Salt preserves. Light guides. All of His true followers and disciples are simultaneously salt and light. Through Scripture, Jesus commands us to reach into the darkness and save the lost.

We are commanded to serve. We are to use our faith-fueled acts of service to show God to a dark and dying world. If there has ever been an opportunity to reach out to the lost and hurting, this is that time and place.

Reach out to the men and women around you who are wounded and confused. Regardless of their faith, creed or activities, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer. Prove, through faith-fueled acts of service, that the God you serve loves everyone, without exception. Pour out your salt and light until they see God.

Think: I can show God to men and women through acts of faith-fueled service.

Pray: “Lord, help me to obey You and Your commandments.”

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