The Prize of Trust

The Prize of Trust by Kirk Hunt

Go and speak to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for adversity and not for good, and they shall be performed in that day before you.

For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 39:16, 18 NKJV
Please also read Jeremiah 39:11-18

Jerusalem fell, per God’s command. In the middle of the chaos and confusion, God stopped to speak reassurance and peace to a lone Ethiopian. Unlike the men and women around him, Ebed-Melech put his trust in God.

Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian, stood out among the Hebrew people. I am certain there were men and women who frequently reminded him that he was just a foreigner and proselyte, therefore not really one of God’s people. Still, he continued to worship Jehovah-God in sincerity and truth.

As death and destruction fell on Jerusalem, Ebed-Melech watched in peace and security. The Babylonian soldiers tramped around him. As the Hebrew captives were matched off at spear-point, the foreigner and proselyte watched from his God-appointed safety.

I want to think he wept as God’s people were punished for their unrepentant sin. Meanwhile, Ebed-Melech, stood firm and at peace in his child-like trust and obedience to God. I wonder who, or what, those other folks trusted.

Think: Is my trust in God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust in You alone.

Copyright © November 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.

Not Forsaken

Not Forsaken by Kirk Hunt

I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV

Quill, scratching on parchment, David remembered his long, eventful life. “The righteous are not forsaken. Ever.” I wonder if some of the ink was smudged by teardrops.

Do not confuse hard times with being forsaken. God’s people face difficult circumstances, just like everyone else. The difference is that we know that God Himself guards us, and our folk.

David, hunted like an animal by his own father-in-law: not forsaken. David, betrayed by his own son and fleeing for his life: not forsaken. David, offering an atoning sacrifice because of his own sin: not forsaken.

You may cry hot tears, or bleed profusely, or go desperately hungry, but you remain a son or daughter of God. And in all of that, you are not forsaken. God guards you and yours. Stay faithful to our God who has already proven His faithfulness to you.

David lived to appoint his son, Solomon, to the throne with peace and prosperity. Messiah, Jesus Christ, is a king in David’s dynasty. David was never forsaken.

Son and daughter of God, your children and grandchildren will live in the peace and prosperity God gives you. Others will live better and longer because of your generosity and kindness. And all of it because you are not forsaken. Ever.

Think:No matter how it looks, I am not forsaken.”

Pray:Lord, help me to remember I am never forsaken by You.”

Copyright © February 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.

Work For Good

Work For Good by Kirk Hunt

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

It is hard, from the middle of the chaos and confusion, to remember that God is working it out for good. Remember that “good” is not always “what I want or think.” God is always faithful to His Word, and to His fretful son (or daughter).

Events and circumstances happen to God’s people. Some, without doubt, hurt. Yet, God makes it work together for good. For mortal men and women, that can be hard to see, and harder to remember.

Sometimes we have to look past something. The legal decree is not the last word. The broken relationship is not the final chapter. The closed casket is not the end of the story. Tears, too often, are an ingredient of triumph.

No one wants to hurt, but aches and pains are part of the journey. Your heartache and soul cry are real and seen by God God’s love for you, and faithfulness in everything, is promised. No one (reputable) said we would understand on this side of eternity.

Are you fulfilling His purpose in your life? Are you pursuing your calling in His kingdom? Then it will be good. Keep working and trust how He works it out.

Think:If it has not worked out, this is not the end.”

Pray: “Lord, help my faith and trust that You will make it good.”

Copyright © February 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.

Healing In The Spit

Healing in The Spit by Kirk Hunt

When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

John 9:6-7 NKJV

Faced with a blind man, Jesus chose to make mud with His own spit then anointed the man’s eyes. Some would call Jesus’ actions humiliating. The blind man called those same actions healing. Too often, we are more concerned with the means rather than the outcome.

Healing the man’s blindness was the important part. The means of healing were far less important. So the blind endured having spit and mud rubbed on his eyes. He obediently followed Jesus’ instruction to wash his face in a specific location.

The blind man wanted to see. The indignity of his healing quickly gave way to the joy of vision. The price of God’s process is a bargain, considering the outcomes He gives.

Perhaps you feel that God has anointed your life with muddy spit. Maybe You feel humiliated as you follow His instructions to parade around in public before cleaning off the mud. God’s process does not always make sense to us, but His outcomes are always a blessing.

Follow His process and receive His ordained outcome. Your obedience is the price you must pay to receive His blessings. In the end, you will consider the whole process a bargain.

Think: Regardless of the means God chooses, it is the outcome that is important.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see what You doing, not how You are doing it.”

Copyright © March 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.

Flying On Instruments

Flying On Instruments by Kirk Hunt

Now the Lord had said to Abram:
Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.

Genesis 12:1 NKJV

Pack up. Move out. I will tell you where you are going, later.” Abram, later renamed Abraham, led his household into the wilderness on God’s Word, alone. At God’s command, Abram started flying on instruments.

Abram’s obedience was an act of faith. He left home, hearth, kith and kin, for whereabouts to be determined. Faith is the only rational explanation.

Aircraft have long had the ability to fly on instruments. On instruments, a pilot doesn’t need to see out of the cockpit at all. The pilot trusts the instruments, and the instruments get the pilot (safely) to the destination.

The things God asks of us are sometimes too big for us. The ending is too far for us to see. Worse, we can see the goal, but the path to the goal seems impossible to us. The God of creation asks you, and I, to trust Him.

He sees farther and deeper than we can. His knowledge exceeds the total of all humanity. His power exceeds anything and everything.

God faithfully led Abram to Canaan, and established him as a father of nations. You can put your faith in God, just as Abram did. Your faith and obedience will land you safely in His purpose for your life.

Think: I can trust Him. Especially through the instruments of faith.

Pray: “Lord, help me respond to You in faith and obedience.”

Copyright © November 2020, 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.

Not Ashamed

Not Ashamed by Kirk Hunt

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.

Psalms 31:1  NKJV

David fled from his father-in-law like a criminal.  King Saul viewed his loyalty, faithfulness and fidelity as crimes, fit only for death.  Still God never let David be ashamed.

Certainly, there is nothing like the fugitive life to teach you fear and paranoia.  Or perhaps the lesson David learned is faith and confidence in God.  God delivered David through His righteousness, at a time of His choosing.

Hunted as a fugitive, David did not despair.  Unjustly accused, David did not lose faith.  Despite these admirable responses, David remained human after all.  David cried out for deliverance and confirmation.

Christian saints, like all human men and women, are hurt and battered at times.  The storms and tempests of this life can stress and strain the best of us.  Despite those times our faith in God is never misplaced.

God’s faithfulness is unending and immeasurable.  No one who trusts in God will ever be disappointed.  Still, during a long, sleepless night, it’s too easy to wonder when His deliverance will arrive.

God is there.  You will not be left “holding the bag.”  God will not let your inconveniences be the end of you.

Put your trust in Him.  Stand and wait for His deliverance.  It may take a while, but God will not let you be ashamed.

Think:      Put your trust in God.  No matter how it looks, He is in control.

Pray:         “Lord, I choose to trust You.  You will not let me be ashamed.

Copyright © September 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.

A Son Trusts His Father

A Son Trusts His Father by Kirk Hunt

It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:8–9 NKJV

My toddler son came out of the 3rd floor apartment and launched himself at me.  He did not care about my 15-hour day, the rain slick stair steps, or the books and bags in my hands.  He put his trust in me to catch him and not let him fall.

He squealed in joy and delight as stuff tumbled down, or through, the concrete stair treads.  I clutched him to my chest in wild-eyed panic, my heart pounding.  In that moment the Holy Spirit asked me, “If he can trust you that much, why don’t you trust God that much?”

Father-God’s arms are so much stronger and longer than mine.  His power is so much greater than mine.  His knowledge is so much greater than mine.  I can always trust Him to catch me.

Years later, I still work to trust him.  No matter what leaders do, God is in control.  No matter how ill-behaved others are, I can have joy, safety and security in the arms of Father-God.

Do I trust God that much?  Of course I do.  My eyes may see the circumstances but my heart and soul never forgets that my loving Father will never let me fall. 

Men and women have let me down.  God has not and will not let me fall.  I will leap into His arms with joy and abandon.

Think:      God will not let me fall.  Why am I worried about what others do? 

Pray:         “Jesus, help me to remember to place all of my trust in You.”

 

Copyright © September 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.

Their Season In Your Life

Their Season In Your Life By Kirk Hunt

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 18:1-14

Abraham rushed around the camp getting dinner together for three men.  These men, often considered angels by Biblical scholars, came into Abraham and Sarah’s life for a very brief season.  They left behind the God-given promise of an infant born within twelve months to the venerable couple.  Abraham unwittingly entertained angels.  Have you, or are you now, doing the same? 

I am fond of the phase, “When God does not send angels, He sends men and women.”  You cannot know the impact a kind gesture has in someone’s life.  Conversely, who has helped you at key moments in your journey?  Your miracle may have been delivered by an obedient Gospel brother or sister.

Perhaps God’s instrument of blessing and advancement is known to you.  Bless and honor them for their obedience to God and you.  Cherish the time you have and release them to their next assignment with (tearful) joy and singing.   

Even if you do not see them, God has put His powerful agents in your life.  God’s faithful ones are obediently doing their part.  Honor their sacrifice and do your part as well.

Isaac was born per God’s promise.  Were the visitors angels or mere men?  All that matters is their season in the life of Sarah and Abraham.

Some of God’s “angels” are flesh-and-blood, just like you.  Human or heavenly, they are only in your life for a season.  Work your mission and be grateful for those who bless you in God’s work as they pass through.

Think:       Who has God put in this season of my life, and why?

Pray:         “Lord, thank you for the help of angels or Gospel sisters and brothers in this season.”

 

Copyright © August 2018, 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.

Your Season In Their Life

“Your Season In Their Life By Kirk Hunt

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 NKJV

Children are born helpless and vulnerable. Without the care and nurturing of a parent (or two) they would not survive. Yet, that is only a season in their lives. If parents are successful, weak and dependent kids become strong and independent adults.

Parents are in the lives of their children, for a season. Saints are in the lives of other saints, seekers and sinners for a season. What impact do you have while you have them? What legacy do you leave when they are gone?

You are in the lives of people for a limited time. Often, your time of direct and personal influence and interaction is shorter than you think (or possibly want). Whether you are ready, or not, your offspring, students, colleagues, or protégés will move into a new season in their lives.

Have you fulfilled your God-given purpose for the time you had? How will they explain your impact and legacy to other people, or even themselves? God only loaned them to you. Are they better for their time with you? What will God say when you return them to Him?

You are not responsible for the choices they make, but you are responsible for your teaching and example. They may not understand at first, but you understand now. What impact did you have in their lives? Look past the empty cradle, classroom or work floor to the Kingdom impact.

Think: Am I fulfilling my God-given purpose in this season of their lives?

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in them, in this season.”

 

Copyright © August 2018, 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.

Changing Seasons

“Changing Seasons” 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

Would it be crazy if autumn did not follow summer? No matter how joyous and relaxing the summer, autumn will come. Whatever is happening now, a new season in your life will come. Hard work or ease, placid or chaotic, God loves you and is guiding your walk with Him.

No matter how difficult a season is, unless Jesus returns, there will be a better season in your life. Unfortunately, easy and pleasing seasons will give way to harder seasons. No matter the caliber of a particular time in your life, God remains unchanging and deeply involved in your journey.

Do not confuse your tears with God’s absence. He is there, no matter how much you sweat in your labors. Even when your blood is part of the sacrifice, remember that He gave His blood first.

Father-God remains with us, and loves us, no matter our place or space. The redemption Jesus bought for us remains ours through every celebration, grief or episode. The consolation and empowerment of the Holy Spirit is always with us. Disciples of Jesus Christ can face anything and be victorious.

The seasons will change. God remains the same. Rest assured, He has a loving plan for you in this season and the next. Go confidently in Him from where you are to where you are going.

Think: In every season, God is with me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in this season.”

 

Copyright © August 2018, 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.

It Shall Be Well

It Shall Be Well By Kirk Hunt

And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

2 Kings 4:23 KJV
Please also read 2 Kings 4: 18-37

“It shall be well.”  The Shunammite heard her little boy’s breathing rattle to a stop.  She felt the living warmth fade from his body.  She laid his cold, still form down to take the only action she knew could help.

“It shall be well.”  Her grim determination testified to her understanding of her situation.  She wanted a different outcome.  Her every word and action demonstrated her unrelenting hope.

“It shall be well.”  Her heart and mind likely swam in grief.  Her faith carried her over all-too-human reactions and feelings.  As she drove hard over the miles, faith kept her in her saddle.

“It shall be well.”  Whatever you are facing.  No matter how it looks to the natural eye.  Regardless of expert opinion.

“It shall be well.”  Speak the words, long before you can see the outcome.  Testify to your coming success, despite your present setbacks.  Use your faith to warm the cold reality of your situation.

“It shall be well.” These words do not prevent hot tears.  They are a prelude to hard work.  Despite all of that, they are still warm comfort and unyielding hope.  Speak the words with real faith™.

“It shall be well.”  God is there, with you.  He sees your entire situation.  He cares.  Do you have the faith to speak the words?

Think:       Faith stands and acts, despite the circumstances.

Pray:         “Lord, I declare, in Your Name, ‘It shall be well.’”

 

Copyright © April 2018, 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.