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Observe And Do

“Observe And Do” By Kirk Hunt

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.”

Matthew 23:1–3 NKJV

Jesus observed and commented. He clearly and plainly told the majority of folk that their religious scholars and leaders preached one thing but clearly practiced a different thing. How is it possible to mess up, “Observe and do the right things”?

Was Jesus critiquing pagan Romans? No. Was Jesus rebuking Roman collaborators or prostitutes? No. Jesus criticized the very people who should have known better than anyone else.

The Pharisees preached righteousness and adherence to the law, but their motivations however were corrupt or self-serving (Matthew 23:5). Of course, these high minded religious experts were not above exploiting the poor or vulnerable in the name of profit (Matthew 23:14). In general, the Pharisees did the easy part of looking sanctimonious, but did not do the hard part of living righteously (Matthew 23:23).

Living righteously before God and man is easier said than done. That is why the Holy Spirit helps those men and women who seek Him. Religious law can only help you realize how sinful you are. It takes God’s spirit and grace to fulfill the law by living a sanctified life.

Take a good look at how you actually live. Does your life match what you preach (or say you believe)? Seek the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you live out what you say.

Think: Observe yourself. Are you really doing the hard work of living righteously?

Pray: “Lord, help me to live righteously, no matter the difficulty.”

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.

Are You A Brood Of Vipers?

“Are You A Brood Of Vipers?” By Kirk Hunt

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Matthew 3:7 NKJV

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the religious leaders and Scriptural (Torah) scholars of the era. John the Baptist, as the son of the Temple Priest, Zacharias, likely knew many of them personally. One must wonder why John deliberately called the religious elite “vipers.”

It is easy to criticize leaders, right or wrong. In too many cases, the revelation of bad behavior and villainous schemes of leaders is the source of the criticism. In too many other cases, the mismatch between the words spoken from the lectern, and the lives led in the streets, is the reason for disdain.

Consider the moneychangers (merchants) in the Temple. The violation of the Mosaic law, and the sanctity of that holy place, was tolerated because the High Priest and other Temple officials were being paid. A clear violation of the letter and spirit of the Law they claimed to love so much.

We associate snakes with sin, evil and deception. By calling them Vipers, John deliberately references the poison that some snake breeds use to better devour their prey. There is no subtleness in John’s message.

Consider the Christian life you live. Does it match the Christian Gospel you preach? I pray that men and women see you as a child of God and not as a walking snake.

Think: Does my life match the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Why or why not?

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in obedience to Your Word and Spirit.”

Mourning The Rejected

“Mourning The Rejected” By Kirk Hunt

Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV

At first, King Saul had been God’s man, in and through character, anointing and appointment. Even before sparing King Agag, Saul, son of Tish, had become rejected by God. Samuel grieved for the loss.

Saul chose to be rejected. It came one act of pride, arrogance or disobedience at a time. All too soon after his coronation, Saul decided he did not need to obey God or continue following His law.

Godly men and women rarely fall all at one. You just suddenly notice. Like David, Saul likely had multiple opportunities to repent and recover. Thick, thin, bright or dim, the king crossed a final line in God’s judgment and divine rejection..

God is a God of mercy and grace. He is also a God judgment and justice. Seek Him while He can be found.

God ordered Samuel to his feet and sent him to anoint the next king of Israel. Saul could have stayed close to God’s heart and purpose. Instead, he chose to reject God’s plan for himself and the nation. His choice became a tragedy for him and the nation.

Please do not confuse God’s love and mercy for indulgence. Your anointing can be lost. Your appointment can be forfeited.

It may not be “just one more thing.” It may be “the final straw.” Seek God now and seek His continuing acceptance.

Think: What path am I choosing and why?

Pray: “Help me to stay worthy of Your acceptance and approval.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

After The Petition

“After The Petition” By Kirk Hunt

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27–28 NKJV

Hannah’s petition received a favorable response. God placed Samuel in her arms, then stepped back. Hannah, in turn, stepped up.

She sacrificed her treasured son, just as she vowed. She brought Samuel to the Tabernacle and committed him to God’s service. Then, she turned and walked away, leaving her tender aged child with Eli, the High Priest. Samuel became a great Judge and Prophet because of Hannah’s faithfulness in doing her part.

Too often, we think that we are done after the request is granted. After God does His part, there is much more. We must do our part.

And the price of our part can be high. Ask Hannah. Ask Apostle Paul. Ask Jesus.

We are instructed to bring our prayers and petitions to God. Please, do so. God set His calling on your life and that prayer is part of it. When He answers your petition, you will have another part of your mission in hand.

Just remember that after God does His part, you need to step up and do your part. There will be labor. Sacrifice will be part of your portion. No one said it would be easy.

Flinch, if you must. Cry, if the pain is great. Refuse to leave your portion undone. Be faithful and do your part.

Think: After God grants my petition, my work begins in earnest.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

In The Process

“In The Process” By Kirk Hunt

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV
Please read 1 Samuel 1:1–22

Hannah accepted by faith Eli’s declaration (verse 17). She went on with the process of her life in expectation. In the process of her mundane life, a miracle came. Her miracle demanded much work and labor, for decades.

Too often we end the story on the high note of the miracle. Scripture records the addition work, effort and sacrifice demanded by receiving a God-given miracle. There had to be a day when Hannah was tired of changing diapers, nursing Samuel and keeping up with her part of the household. Work is not at all glamourous, but is absolutely a part of the process.

Where are you in the process of your miracle? Are you working your part of the process? Since you asked for the miracle, you asked for the work that goes along with the process.

Hannah cried out to God from the depths of her soul. God’s response, through Eli, was not definitive to my ear, but Hannah heard with ears of faith. She started the process, fully expecting Samuel.

Your breakthrough or miracle is part of a process. While God is the source, you have a part in the process, especially after the miracle happens. Faith sees it before it happens and faithfulness keeps you working long after you hold your breakthrough in your hands.

Think: My miracle requires working the process.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

See, Then Deliver

“See, Then Deliver” By Kirk Hunt

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.”

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

There was no time for a committee meeting or an appeal to the local animal control officer. David saw the bear preparing to eat one of his lambs and he acted. He delivered the lamb from certain death. The optional analysis and discussion phase came only after the work was complete.

Had David not acted, the bear would have eaten the lamb. Worse, she might have come to the conclusion that the flock would be a continuing source of easy meals. Stripped of her dinner, the bear tried to replace the lamb with the annoying shepherd that struck her.

Your God-given vision will remain intangible and unsubstantial until you act. Your vision is a distraction until start building it in the real world. People cannot see your vision as you do, but they can see the work you do.

You do not need to consult with a committee. You are the vision building officer. Men and women, boys and girls need you to deliver the vision God has already given you.

Act wisely. Act promptly. Act and deliver.

Think: Act on the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to deliver what I see in my vision from You.”

See, Then Go Out After It

“See, Then Go Out After It” By Kirk Hunt

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

As a shepherd, David saw and understood the situation. An apex predator was preparing to eat one of the sheep from his flock. David also saw with vision the dead lion, then went out after the lamb.

Sight is different than vision. Sight sees the current facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they are.

Vision is different than sight. Vision sees a future set of facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they will be.

I cannot tell you that your vision is without risk or effort. In fact, I can guarantee you that your God-given vision will require, at a minimum, figurative blood, sweat and tears. The Apostles and Prophets (almost all) lost their lives in fulfilling the vision they received from God.

You see a set of facts and data that do not exist yet. God has sent you that vision in order to guide the work He wants you to accomplish. The tasks you complete will change the situation and transform you. See your assignment, then go out after it.

Think: Go after the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to go after the vision You give me.”