Grow Good Not Weary

Grow Good Not Weary by Kirk Hunt

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Please read also, Galatians 1:7-10

Doing good costs time, money, and effort. There is always the risk that you may grow weary in your efforts. Stay with it until your harvest arrives.

Weary is not just a reference to the physical body. A mind can grow weary also. A heart can become tired of the exertion.

Scripture promises you will reap a harvest. But you have to stay the course. Good things come to those who continue to work while they wait.

It is too easy to become discouraged when it seems you are always giving and never getting. Guard your emotions. Protect your mind. The enemy of your soul is not above a cheap shot.

There are souls and lives hanging in the balance. Your work makes it better today, tomorrow, and for seasons to come. Men and women, boys and girls, need you to stay with it.

They may never know your name. You may not meet them before heaven. Still, they need you to grow good, right where you are.

Creating good outcomes is hard work. You must invest attention, resources, and a caring heart. If it was easy, everyone would.

Think: God promised that my good work will create a harvest one day.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to grow good and not weary.

Copyright © October 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.

You Are A Great People

You Are A Great People by Kirk Hunt

And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Joshua 17:17-18 NKJV
Please also read Joshua 17:14-18

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh saw themselves as a powerful and numerous folk. As a great people, they felt they deserved more land than they had been assigned. Joshua immediately gave them an additional plot of valuable land. All they had to do is remove the occupants and possess the land.

Has God blessed you? Then you are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Of course, there is the challenge of clearing the land of obstacles and adversaries. There is the risk of battles with the enemies. There is the hard work of making the land productive.

Delay and difficulty are not denial.” Great stature and high position requires great tasks and challenging assignments. God makes His men and women great so He can give them extraordinary assignments.

He has made you powerful and blessed. All you have to do is use His blessing for His assignment. Take possession of your assignment.

Think: You are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Pray:Father-God, give me the strength and skill to possess my assignment.”

Copyright © May 2022, 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.

Strength, Courage and Salvation

Strength, Courage and Salvation by Kirk Hunt

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV

Godly men and women have enemies and foes, just like everyone else. What is different is that we live in the grace and protection of our all-powerful God. God is our strength. Always.

Can God’s people be battered and bruised? Perhaps. Can God’s people be beaten and defeated? Not until after they beat and defeat God. But we must operate in God’s strength, not our own.

King David, experienced and understood unjust treatment and persecution. Yet, here in this Psalm, he sang in victory about the light and salvation of God. Whether hiding in a cave or living in a palace, David understood that God was greater than his enemies.

David fought battles. More than once, his life was at risk. Still, his courage came from the source of his strength. He found grace and protection in all-powerful God.

Whatever you face today, consider where you find strength. No matter how battered and bruised you feel, you are not beaten. Not if you operate in the strength, light, and salvation of God. Find your courage in His strength.

Think:God is my strength and salvation, therefore I can have courage.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember my courage comes from Your strength.”

Copyright © March 2022, 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.

Gentle To All

Gentle To All by Kirk Hunt

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth

2 Timothy 2:24-25 NKJV
Please also read 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Gentle to all.” Somewhere along the way, Christians forgot, or decided to ignore, this commandment in Scripture. Too often, God’s people are the brawlers and persecutors. When did we decide that a brutal approach is the best way to win people to Jesus?

Gentle is defined as ”free from harshness, sternness, or violence.” A gentle man or woman may be the strongest and toughest soul in the room. It is a matter of keeping your great strength under skillful control.

No one was more persecuted than the 1st Century saints. Crucifixion, burning alive, fed to lions and worst were inflicted on early Christians. For all their brutality, the Roman persecutors were converted to faith in Christ.

In contrast, the various Catholic Inquisitions, especially the Spanish Inquisition, served only to give Catholicism a notorious and negative reputation. Centuries later, the damage lingers. The brutal approach of the Inquisition generated terror, but no converts.

God’s Kingdom has never been advanced by thugs and brutes. The Kingdom of God has always been grown by men and women who invest their blood, sweat and tears in their God-given calling. A calling they pursue with strength, gentleness and holy means.

Think: It takes real strength to be gentle.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be gentle as I work to build Your Kingdom.”

Copyright © June 2021, 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.

Going With You

Going With You by Kirk Hunt

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”

They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

John 21:3 NKJV

Peter and the Disciples had seen the risen Savior, but still did not know what to do with themselves. Men and women, when faced with the unknown, often return to the last thing they know worked. Peter returned to his profession of fishing. The other Disciples said, “We are going with you.”

Maybe you feel battered or beaten. Since all humans have limits, being overwhelmed does not mean you are weak. And you might still be the strongest one in the room.

Do the smart thing. Do the strong thing. Do the right thing. Return to Jesus. Others may go with you.

They are going with you because you are strong. Or at least the strongest in the room. Go back to the real source of strength. Your risen Savior, Jesus Christ, has fresh strength and clear instructions for you.

There, on the beach, Jesus met with Peter and the Disciples. They gained strength and clarity of purpose directly from Jesus, the only source. Peter was glad he went to Jesus. The Disciples were glad they went with Peter.

God’s strength flows to those who ask. Ask for strength to fulfill His calling on your life. Encourage those who are going with you to do the same.

Think: Jesus is the source of my strength and I will now turn back to Him.

Pray: “Lord, I need Your strength. Help me and those who come with me to You.

Copyright © January 2021, 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.

Strengthen Your Faith

Strengthen Your Faith by Kirk Hunt

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Luke 22:31-32 NKJV

Mere hours before His crucifixion, Jesus had to stop and help his lead disciple. Simon Peter would weep in shame and heartbreak because of his denial of Jesus. Still, Jesus knew Peter would re-strengthen his faith. Then Peter would help the other Disciples restore their faith.

Strengthen your brothers.” Peter too easily could have felt disqualified and incapable by his error and flawed faith. Jesus directly instructed Peter to help others with their faith. Peter followed Jesus commands and helped the Disciples to re-grip their faith.

Imperfect faith is still faith. Your faith is still valid, despite your questions, doubts, or concerns. Not even mistakes nullify your faith. Real faith requires serious thought about what you believe and why you believe it.

Unthinking fanaticism is not faith. Unquestioning subservience to a dogma is not faith. Your faith should flow from your relationship with Christ Jesus.

Despite his time with Jesus, Peter had to restrengthen his faith. After his renewal, Peter was able to help his brothers and sisters. Now is a good time for you to draw closer to Jesus. Restrengthen your relationship, and faith, in Him.

Think: Is my faith in Jesus based on my relationship with Him?

Pray: “Lord, help me to deepen my relationship, and faith, in You.”

Copyright © January 2021, 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.

His Compassions Fail Not

His Compassions Fail Not by Kirk Hunt

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

In recent months I have been concerned by the general lack of compassion I see from my Christian brothers and sisters. Consider God’s compassions toward us, His people. Should we not follow the example of our heavenly Father and Jesus?

The Book of Lamentations was written at or after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity of the nation of Judah. For their great sins and open rebellion, God could have cast away the Jewish nation for good.

Instead, He was faithful to His people. His mercy spared their lives. His grace arranged their eventual restoration. Not for the last time, God proved both His strength and His character to His people.

The capacity for mercy exists only where there is a reservoir of strength. Only a man or woman of strong character can commit an act of grace. When you see displays of mercy and grace, know that the powerful and honorable are nearby.

Are you an adopted son or daughter of Father-God? Then you should have a measure of His strength and your character should be a growing reflection of Him. What acts of mercy or grace prove your heavenly pedigree?

Judah had death and destruction coming, but a loving God gave them mercy and grace instead. Look around you. Do you have enough of His strength to give them mercy? Is your character Christ-like enough to extend His grace?

Think: His compassions fail not. Do mine?

Pray: “Lord, help me to show Your compassions to those around me.”

 

Copyright © January 2019, 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.

Building To Destroy

Building To Destroy By Kirk Hunt

But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:6 NKJV

Based on an offense from one man, Haman sought to destroy an entire people.  His reaction is retaliation on a massive, disproportionate scale.  Vengeance is a blood-thirsty type of lust.  Haman was not the first man or woman to seek vengeance.  Unfortunately, he is clearly not the last.

Consider the men and women around you.  There is a very good chance that someone you know personally is vindictive and unforgiving.  Do not be fooled because their eyes do not glow red, nor do they froth at the mouth.  Vengeful is as vengeful does.

Haman spent time, treasure and talent on trying to destroy Mordecai and the Jews.  Haman could have focused on the duties of his office.  Haman could have indulged in the privileges of his high rank.  Instead he directed his mind to sinister and cruel thoughts.   

Vengeance is not noble, strong or clever.  Wise men and women seek righteous outcomes and avoid inflicting casualties, even on enemies.  As a man or woman of God, avoid the all too human lust to inflict vengeance on those who offend you.

Haman could have sanctioned Mordecai alone.  Instead, his lust for blood and dominance demanded no less than a gallows (Esther 5:14).  Even now, I flinch at the overreaction.

Haman had rank and privilege, wealth and fame.  Yet his lust for power and dominance ruled him.  What rules you?

Think:        Godly men and women flee thoughts of vengeance.

Pray:           “Lord, guide my thoughts in paths worthy of You.”

Copyright © July 2017, 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.

Come To Save Them

Come To Save Them By Kirk Hunt

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.   For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

Luke 9:55–56 NKJV

The Disciples were eager to use their power.  They wanted to indulge their lust for control and dominance.  Jesus reminded them He came to save lives.

I am distressed and saddened by the adversarial and vindictive words and actions of too many in our society.  I am especially upset by those who claim to be God’s people.  Even cursory examination of the Gospels reveals that Jesus is neither a brawler or spiteful.

He extended dignity, mercy and grace to adulterers, prostitutes and publicans.  He was silent before Pilate.  He did not call a host of angels to save Himself from the Cross.  Jesus demonstrated, in the flesh, that the truly strong understand how to restrain their strength.

By having control over His strength, Jesus was able to fulfil His purpose to save mankind.  He did not come to destroy men’s lives.  Nor did He allow His disciples to flame strike the Samaritan village, despite their rudeness and inhospitality.

Do you have self-control?  Do you understand Jesus’ purpose should be your purpose as well? God’s people are called to save men and women. 

We save others by being careful how we use the power that God entrusts to us.   Just because you can, does not mean you should.  Remember; Jesus saves.

Think:        As a disciple of Jesus, I am to save the lives of men and women, not destroy them.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to save the lives of those around me.”

 

Copyright © July 2017, 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.

Troubled Yet Strong

Troubled Yet Strong By Kirk Hunt

Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
And you have strengthened the feeble knees;
But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;
It touches you, and you are troubled.

Job 4:4–5 NKJV

It is easy, from the comfort of your living room couch, to complain about what is or is not happening on the field of play.  It is different when you are the one troubled by difficult circumstances, coworker miscues and unfair criticism.  Stay strong, no matter how much this life batters you, and false-friends or intractable enemies bad-mouth you.

In the 4th chapter of Job, Eliphaz criticizes Job.  Eliphaz does not complain that Job’s prior support of others was poor or incorrect.  Instead, he condemns Job for experiencing grief at the loss of his children, misery in the midst of his illness and distress in the middle of devastating losses.  “Thanks for the support, Eliphaz.”

I pray you have a long and prosperous life building God’s Kingdom.  Still, no matter how clean your living, or wise your conduct, difficulties will come to your doorstep.  Still, through your strength in God, you can live through your troubles and emerge victorious.

Job did not dance and sing through his sorrows and distresses.  His first and second responses were to turn to God and continue to trust Him.  Job’s trust in God and grounding in His righteousness gave him the strength he needed. 

What God did for Job, He will do for you.  Despite your troubles, are you strong enough to rely on God?  I pray so.

Think:        Despite my difficulties I can live in victory through the strength of God.

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be strong in You, despite my troubles.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, 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.

Spirit of Forbearance

Spirit of Forbearance By Kirk Hunt

And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?   Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:3–4 NKJV

 

Forbearance can be defined as the act of restraining an action, despite right or privilege.  The bank can choose not to start foreclosure.  The officer can choose not to write a speeding ticket.  They choose to restrain their right and capacity to act.  Jesus and the adulterous woman (John 7:53-8:11) is a prime example of the spirit of forbearance.

 

Jesus, sinless, pure and perfect, could cast the first store.  The Law said He ought to cast the first stone.  Instead, He refused to condemn her. 

 

Jesus was more concerned about her soul than the opinion of the Pharisees.  He had the power to act and the power to restrain Himself.  Graciously, He instructed her to give up sin then sent her back to her life.

 

Jesus held the right, the privilege and capacity to condemn her.  By restraining His action, the woman received an opportunity for repentance and restoration.  Jesus’ forbearance was a strong act of mercy, grace and outreach.

 

The spirit of forbearance is a sister of gentleness.  Forbearance and gentleness only matter where there is the ability to act.  Both require you to consider the impact on others, before yourself.  Do you choose to act against others at every opportunity?  Can you restrain yourself, sometimes?

 

Think:        Forbearance is the power to restrain yourself.  Can you?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to restrain myself in order to benefit others.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

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Spirit of Gentleness

Spirit of Gentleness By Kirk Hunt

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

 

Perhaps your mental image of gentleness needs adjustment.  Too often, men (and some women) associate gentleness with weakness or a lack of power.  In fact, only the strong and powerful can be gentle.  God’s love to us is the ultimate example of gentleness.

 

My favorite definition of gentleness is “strength or power with skillful control”.  Anyone who cannot restrain their own strength or power is a threat to all around them.  Worse, they may cause harm where they intended to help.

 

Without strength or power, you cannot have an impact in the world.  Without gentleness, your strength or power will tend toward harm and never help.  Who could you help, if you could skillfully apply your might and muscle on their behalf?

 

Gentleness is a fruit (characteristic) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).  The longer your walk with God, the more we should see evidence of all of these characteristics in your life.  You may not have perfected one or any of them, but we should see you growing in all of them.

 

Gentleness is arguably the most easily recognized of the fruit.  Regular folk easily see if you wield your power or strength to benefit others.  It is obvious to everyone if you leave wreckage or blessing in your wake. 

 

Think:        Gentleness is power with skill.  Do I help or hurt with my strength?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to live my life showing the same gentleness You show me.”

 

Copyright © October 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.

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