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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 4^th 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.”

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.

Free In The Truth

“Free In The Truth” By Kirk Hunt

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:31–32 NKJV

Lots of folks try to sell you the “secrets” of freedom. There are other folks who claim that they alone know the truth. Only Jesus and the Word of God have the truth, or can truly set you free. Everything else is either an error or a con.

The truth is not free. The price of truth is a lifetime of reading (studying) and thinking about (meditating on) God’s Word. Knowing God’s Word, even imperfectly, leads to more and greater freedom than you can imagine. Jesus wants you to abide in God’s Word.

Do not be intimidated by Scripture. Set aside a regular time (preferably daily) and read your Bible. Then think about how it applies to your life. You do not need a Theology degree to begin hearing everything God wants to say to you.

Suggestion: For a week, spend 10 minutes a day less on social media, and 10 minutes a day more on Scripture. You will be shocked at the difference it will make in your understanding of God’s Word and His truth.

Jesus’ words (in red) are simple. “Study my Word…the truth shall make you free.” No one with a Bible is locked out of real truth.

Real disciples abide in God’s Word (Scripture). Knowing God’s Word gives you the truth. The truth makes you free.

Are you free yet?

Think: God’s Word makes me free. Do I seek His Word?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love Your truth and righteousness.”

Believe The Truth

“Believe The Truth” By Kirk Hunt

And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NKJV

Apostle Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to warn God’s people to love the truth and reject lies. The truth is often simpler and less complicated than the lie. The problem is that the lie appeals to something sinful in us.

All too short a time after the establishment of the Church at Thessaloniki, someone was teaching that Jesus had already returned and raptured His Church. Paul spoke against this apostasy but then addressed the deeper issue of loving the truth.

Paul states it is important for God’s people to cultivate a love for the truth. He states just as clearly that men and women can take “pleasure in unrighteousness.” Which do you choose; truth or unrighteousness?

Addicts believe the drug is a benefit. Adulterers believe in their reasons to lie and betray. Swindlers believe the money in your account is theirs, rather than yours. Of course, there are subtler ways to believe a lie, rather than the truth.

Do you love the truth, rather than a lie? Are you willing to believe a lie and be damned? The choice is binary. Either you seek God’s truth or you love the enemy’s lies. Believing the lie means accepting a delusion that leads to condemnation.

Believing the lie requires that you set aside the facts and data. Loving the truth makes it easier to spot the lies. Seek His righteousness. It is easier in the long-run.

Think: Do I really seek the truth, or do I prefer unrighteousness?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love Your truth and righteousness.”

Honor Your Birthright

“Honor Your Birthright” By Kirk Hunt

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 25:34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 25:29-34.

Too often we put all the blame on Jacob. Scripture clearly states that Esau despised his birthright. In exchange for a simple meal, Esau rejected the blessings of God and his earthly father.

You have a birthright in God. Rich or poor, workhouse or jailhouse, God’s blessings, legacy and heritage are yours. All you have to do is honor what God has guaranteed for you, despite today’s difficulties.

A birthright is a future benefit. To receive it, I must not despise it or my present. Easily said; not as easily done.

A moment’s inconvenience led a mighty man to disdain what was not immediately at hand. Esau was so shortsighted and immature that he cast aside his legacy and heritage for a bowl of soup. The worst part is I recognize this same attitude in myself.

From time-to-time, we all want immediate fulfillment. Delayed gratification can sometimes be a hard path. Going without today, even for a great tomorrow, has its difficulties.

Esau was having a tough day. His twin brother should never have considered making the sales pitch. Esau should never have considered selling out.

Do not let a difficult day (or season) sway your faith. Keep your faith though the rough spots. If you do not sell out, God will deliver your birthright at the right time.

Think: Do I honor the blessings, legacy and heritage I have in God’s Kingdom?

Pray: “Lord, I honor the birthright I have in You.”

Face Of Glory

“Face Of Glory” By Kirk Hunt

And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

Exodus 34:38 NKJV
Please also read Exodus 34:29–35

Moses came out to the people and they retreated in panic and fear. The face of their Lawgiver glowed with an unworldly light. Moses’ time with God literally changed how the followers saw and reacted to their leader.

God’s people, especially pastors and leaders, should consider their approach to others. How you preach, teach or minister should be done to meet your audience where they are. Moses did not change his message, but he did help Israel to hear what God spoke. He just had to shade the light of his face some (or a lot).

Do not get me wrong; I would that every saint of God, fresh from prayer, had a shiny face. Still, our purpose is to build His Kingdom. What does not make the message effective in reaching and changing hearts is a distraction. Our job is not done until their faces are also bright with His glory

Your audience likely comes in fresh from the streets, rather than the prayer closet. Meet them where they are, but help them get to where you are. And where you are should reflect the glory of God.

Think: Does my ministry reflect God’s glory? Is it effective in reaching my audience?

Pray: “Lord, help me to reflect the glory of Your Face .”

Hope In The King

“Hope In The King” By Kirk Hunt

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:24 NKJV

I pray that in this New Year you will build God’s Kingdom. Of course, it would be better (and easier) to do so from a place of great provision and extraordinary favor. Your circumstances, rich or poor, renowned or reviled, do not define your hope. Your hope rests in God.

The Book of Lamentations was traditionally written by Jeremiah, at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon. In the figurative or literal smoke of the burning Temple, grief is easy. Still, Lamentations points to hope. No matter what our circumstances are, we can rely on God.

Lamentations correctly points out the errors of Judah and her kings. If anything, God’s judgment was overdue. Still, there was mercy and grace for the Jewish people, despite God’s discipline.

Regardless of our circumstances, we are in the hands of a loving God. Even when we are in rebellion against Him. Even when we are disciplined by Him. No matter your current circumstances, you can move forward with hope in God.

Today, you are living in the love, mercy and grace of God. God has not given you up or turned His heart from you. No matter what circumstance you are in, you are still loved by Him.

We can rely on God. He cares for and nurtures us in all of our situations. In this New Year, and every other moment of your life, Your hope in Him is never misplaced.

Think: Do I put my hope in God, instead of my circumstances?

Pray: “Lord, I choose to hope in You.”

Abide With The King

“Abide With The King” By Kirk Hunt

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalms 91:1–2 NKJV
Please also read Mark 4:35-41

Where you trust, you abide. Do you abide under the authority, power and influence of God Almighty? Consider how safe, secure and dependable you will be, living with God.

His safety does not mean you are free from concern. God’s security will not excuse you to make poor decisions. His dependability does not mean you go without tasks and duties.

God’s shadow is a place of light, warmth and peace. Under God’s authority, you are enabled to fully be His child. Living in His influence will free you to follow your calling in His Kingdom.

The next season of your life will come. Storms may batter your life. Do not let your concerns become fears. Make your decisions in light of His Word. Carry out your tasks and duties in the light of His promises.

Overcome your fears. Keep your faith. Abide in His shadow.

Consider carefully your opportunity. You can choose to continue or renew your relationship with the all-powerful (omnipotent), always everywhere (omnipresent), all-knowing (omniscient), God. Except for your uncertainties, what do you have to lose?

All you have to do is choose to live close to Him. Dwell near His side and heart. He has reserved space there, where He wants you to dwell.

In safety. With security. Enjoying peaceful joy.

Think: Do I choose to abide under the shadow of the Almighty?

Pray: “Lord, help me to choose Your influence for my life.”

The King’s Purpose

“The King’s Purpose” By Kirk Hunt

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 NKJV

Mankind, through Adam, had caused the separation from God. As any loving Father would, God made a way to mend the breech. “God with us,” is both purpose and outcome.

Jesus willingly gave up the eternity and splendor of heaven to walk among us. Not just for proximity but to give man back what had been lost. Jesus restored direct access to, fellowship with, God.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifices, we can once against speak directly with God. Because of His dedication to God’s purpose, we have been restored as God’s sons and daughters. Jesus has restored walking with God in the garden.

Perhaps your garden is soft and grassy. It could be that your garden is hard and rocky. What is important is that you know you have a garden, and that God walks there with you.

We work, live and play in the garden where God has placed us. Consider this Christmas that God with us is truer now, than it has ever been. He came and restored the connection. Now He calls to you, “Come walk with Me.”

You are part of His plan and strategy. No matter how much you have surprised others, He saw everything about you, long ago. Take time this season to simply walk with Him. He has a purpose He wants to reveal you.

Think: God’s purpose is to walk with me. Do I walk with Him?

Pray: “Lord, as I build Your Kingdom, help me to enjoy walking with You.”

The King’s Announcement

“The King’s Announcement” By Kirk Hunt

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13–14 NKJV
Please also read Luke 2:1–20

Humble shepherds witnessed a celebration by the King. Literal angels sang of the birth of Jesus, our Messiah. Scripture does not mention an angelic worship band or praise dancers, but my imagination likes to add them to the scene.

After millennia, evidence of the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 could be seen by mere men. Since the fall in Eden, sin kept mankind from full reconciliation with God. Jesus’ birth was the (earthly) beginning of the process of restoring the fellowship on humanity with God.

And God celebrated. The long separation of man from God would soon end. Adam’s breech would be repaired by God’s own son.

Like Jesus, you were born for purpose. God has a plan for you and your life. And He will celebrate you in fulfilling the purpose He ordained for you.

The shepherds were not just passive witnesses. The found their way to Jesus and joined the angels in celebration and worship. God’s celebrations are open to any with a heart open to Him.

You too can be an active participant in God’s celebrations. Find your purpose in the Kingdom and begin fulfilling it. Join in with others who are completing the work for which they are ordained.

Follow your calling. Fulfill your purpose. You may not see or hear a choir of literal angels, but you will feel His joy in your heart, nevertheless.

Think: God celebrates the fulfillment of His purpose in my life and others.

Pray: “Lord, as I and others build Your Kingdom, I look forward to celebrating with You.”

The King’s Announcement

“The King’s Announcement” By Kirk Hunt

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”

Luke 1:30–31 NKJV
Please also read Luke 1:5–38

In Scripture, Gabriel is only called an angel. Still, he appears in Scripture giving important messages from God. Announcement of the coming Messiah and Savior surely qualifies as significant.

The announcement of Jesus was not made from the housetops or palaces. The message was given in private to a young (probably teenage) woman. The true King’s statement came quietly, but nevertheless with all of God’s authority.

Never confuse fury or decibels with significance and authority. When the King makes an announcement about your life, you will know. Do not worry about who else hears Him at the time.

Did Mary completely understand the significance of Jesus’ human birth? Was she completely aware of her and His part in the reconciliation of man to God? Two millennia later, scholars still wrestle with Jesus’ redemption of mankind.

Alone, in the quiet, God announced His purpose for Mary’s life, and all of mankind. There would be glory and wonder, heartache and dismay, in fulfilling her purpose. With full faith, if not full knowledge, she responded to God’s messenger with humility and obedience.

God has a purpose for you in His Kingdom. Continue to seek Him until His announcement regarding you. I pray you respond to His announcement with, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.”

Think: How will I respond to God’s announcement of His purpose for my life?

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill Your purpose for my life in Your Kingdom.”