Proclaimed Throughout

Proclaimed Throughout by Kirk Hunt

Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:38-39 NKJV

Go home and tell your story of God’s power.” With those brief and simple instructions from Jesus, he went home and fulfilled his calling and assignment. In simple obedience, the former terror proclaimed God’s power through the city.

Too often, we make it complicated. Of course, the folks at home may have to be won over. They may not quickly believe your calm eyes and steady manner. A lot of your noisy testimony and loud proclamations may consist of you sitting there, quietly.

Still, you will have to speak eventually. Just tell the simple story in straightforward words. “God’s power came and changed everything. Then I had to borrow some clothes.”

The folks at home remember who and what you were. Now they see, with their own eyes, how you have been transformed. Your changed life is a proclamation.

Go home. Tell your story.” Such a simple assignment. Such a profound impact.

Think: Proclaim God’s power throughout your city. If needed, speak words.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to proclaim Your power to everyone around me.

Copyright © March 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 Testimony Of Scars

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The Testimony Of Scars By Kirk Hunt

 

The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print [scars] of the nails, and put my finger into the print [scars] of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

John 20:25 NKJV

 

Thomas wanted proof. Like the other disciples, he knew for certain Jesus had died on the Cross. Now, he wanted the same kind of certainty that Jesus again lived. He wanted to see and touch the scars of the living, breathing Jesus.

 

Enough hurt, pain and loss will rattle the confidence, or drain hope from, even those with iron wills and steel souls. Too often, the words of others mean nothing in those dark moments of distress. Only the testimony of scars can speak to those who seem to have lost everything.

 

“See? Jesus brought me through the same crisis.” “His Spirit carried me when I got the same late-night call.” “His grace healed me of the same illness.”

 

God’s people too often hide their scars. By hiding them, we also hide the evidence of God’s power and restoration in our lives. Only survivors have scars. Survivors speak with an authority that exceeds all others.

 

Thomas finally got his living proof of the resurrected Jesus. You also have proof of the resurrected Jesus. His power has brought you through. Your scars are irrefutable proof of His power and authority in the real world.

 

Think:                My scars are irrefutable proof of God’s power and supremacy in my life.

 

Pray:                   “Lord, help me to use my scars to testify of You.”

 

 

Copyright © February 2016, Kirk Hunt

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

Because You Live

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Because You Live by Kirk Hunt

 

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;  Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

John 12:10–11 KJV

Not just any Jews, but the High Priests, conspired to kill Lazarus.  Why?  The testimony of his simple existence helped to draw and convert the Jewish faithful to Christians.

 

Too often we overlook the simple truths that flow from this passage:  Your life is a testimony.  The power (or weakness) of your testimony flows from the truth you live.  All alone, truth has inescapable and undeniable power.

 

Scripture does not record that Lazarus ever preached or witnessed.  In his silence, the High Priests knew of him and started writing out death warrants.  Despite the silence of his mouth, Lazarus’ life trumpeted out the power and message of Jesus.

 

Too often, we try to bellow out the message of Jesus in order to win converts.  Not often enough, we let the simple power of His truth shine out of lives.  Lazarus’ silence drew men and women to Jesus.

 

People you have never met are hearing and watching your testimony.   God’s truth does not need your bullhorn or contrived phrases.  All that is needed is for you to eloquently live out your life in Him.

 

There is a time and place to speak your testimony for Jesus.  More often, you simply need to let your life testify for you.  What truth flows from your life?

 

Think: My life is a testimony.  What does my life say?

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out a testimony that honors You.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt