Christian Living – Page 23

He First Loved

“He First Loved” By Kirk Hunt

We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 NKJV

In prayer, I step out of my mundane living room and into the august grandeur of His presence. Seated on His Throne, His full glory and holiness shines out, promising nothing but perfect justice and impeccable judgment. Instead, He first loved me.

Our infinite and all-powerful God is perfection, holiness and justice. Mankind should have been found guilty in judgment long ago. Instead, He first loved us.

Jesus chose to reconcile man to God in righteousness. Father-God allowed Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross to tear the veil and once again allow us free access to Himself. He acted because He first loved us.

Grace gives gifts we can never earn or be worthy to receive. Mercy blocks the results of our sin, despite the condemnation and judgment we have so richly earned and deserved. After all, He first loved us.

His love is not blind, yet we are precious in His sight. God moved heaven and earth to make provision for us. We should understand he did so because He first loved us.

We should return His love with all our hearts and mind. It should be easy, since He gave the first proof. He first loved us.

This New Year’s Day, consider the eight words of 1 John 4:19. Make your plans understanding how He loves you. Map out your strategies, understanding how much He loves them. Your work should be easy, considering He loved you first.

Think: God reached to me first. How will I respond?

Pray: “Lord, thank you for loving me first.”

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.

They Worshiped Him

“They Worshiped Him” By Kirk Hunt

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11 NKJV

Waves of men crowded into the little barn to give reverence to a child cradled in a feeding trough. The shepherds likely came first, especially considering they received divine declaration of the Savior’s birth. The magi calculated His birth through the stars and prophecies, then came at great expense to recognize His importance. However they learned of Christ’s birth, they came and worshiped Him.

The shepherds, lowly even among the common folk, likely gave gifts limited to sincere hearts, bowed in awestruck wonder. The magi were able to add valuable and tangible gifts to their worship, but ultimately they worshiped Him just as the shepherds did. Early or late, formally educated or practically trained, they worshiped Christ the same way. Their hearts were humbled before the King of heaven.

As you consider Him this Christmas, think about the manger. Thank Him for a grace that would endure humble circumstances. God gave the ultimate Gift wrapped in literal rags. Jesus surrendered the glories of Heaven to endure the human condition.

He lived as a mere man among common people, His royal lineage little more than a technicality. By coming as the least of these, He ensured that all men gained complete and unhindered access to the throne of God. Before He had a chance to reconcile men to God, wise men, shepherd or magi, worshiped Him.

Like the magi, or the shepherds, I pray you have found Him and are wise enough to worship Him. Understand that you do not come to Him empty-handed. The most important gift He wants is a heart that rejoices in Him and adores His presence.

Give your gifts. Mere goods do honor Him. Your heart, on the other hand, delights Him.

Think: No matter how I know, I know He is Lord and Savior.

Pray: “Lord, accept the gift of my heart.”

Do Not Condemn

“Do Not Condemn” By Kirk Hunt

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

John 8:10–11 NKJV
Please also read John 8:3-12

Why have modern Christians become so ready to condemn people? According to Jesus, we are called to save, not destroy, souls (Luke 9:51–56 NKJV). Christians should always be known to dispense grace and reconciliation.

Grace and reconciliation are not the same thing as indulgence or permissiveness. Jesus did not approve of the adulteress’ error, and He commanded her not to sin anymore. Still, He let her go back to her life, prayerfully convicted to make better choices in the future.

Please understand these definitions (Romans 8:1–2): Conviction is different from condemnation.

• Conviction is the act or condition of “convincing someone of error.”
• Condemnation is the act or condition of “assigning (especially final) punishment.”

Real strength, especially among Christians, is not harsh or heartless. It is not strength or righteousness to lash, batter or destroy anyone. The heart of Christ is to save the lost, not destroy them.

Jesus loves all of His children. Do you love all of His children? Consider how God would react to those who hate and attempt to destroy you?

Are you busy convincing others of the need for Christ’s salvation or just trying to punish folks? Even if they fight and slash at you, you are commanded to love them (1 John 4:20). Jesus rebuked His Disciples for wanting to destroy. Are you really a disciple of His?

Think: Do I really understand conviction is not the same thing as condemnation?

Pray: “Lord, help me to save not destroy souls.”

Go Disciple Nations

“Go Disciple Nations” By Kirk Hunt

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Matthew 28:16–20 NKJV
Please also read Matthew 28:16–20

The Great Commission is the instruction from Jesus, after His resurrection, to go and make disciples. While theologians might delve more deeply, for the rest of us, Jesus’ directive is obvious and simple: Go everywhere and turn all nations to Christ.

Consider that the great power of Jesus’ time on earth was Rome. Pagan and polytheistic, Rome spent a lot of money and manpower on a brutal campaign: openly killing Christians. The disciples responded to Rome’s blood-thirsty persecution by winning the nation to Christ.

Jesus did not promise ease or safety, then or now. Nor did Jesus ask for opinions or consensus. He gave direction and expected his faithful followers to carry that instruction out.

The early disciples conquered the most powerful and hostile foe imaginable. They marched in sandals, armed only with faith and Scripture. They overwhelmed a hostile nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your assigned “nations” may be far off or close in. You, may, or may not, have to learn a new language for faster results. Sincere disciples of Jesus already speak the languages of love and reconciliation. True disciples already have all the tools they need for disciple–making.

Modern-day disciples have the same choice as the early disciples. We are instructed, by Christ, to turn nations to Christ. Are you choosing to follow your instructions from Jesus?

Think: Jesus gave me an assignment. How am I fulfilling my assignment from Jesus?

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfil Your Great Commission.”

At All Times

“At All Times” By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I hate the need for “at all times” calls. “I know it is short notice, but…?” “Can you come, now, then…?” “I hate to ask but we are at the emergency room, so…”

I may grumble and grouse as I get off of the couch. I do not always think the kindest thoughts on the way over. Still, when I get there, I do all I can to be cheerful, joyous and helpful.

Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice, followed by action. Especially during 2 AM crises.

Being a friend, a Gospel brother or sister, can be inconvenient at times. Godly men and women find themselves helping at the strangest times and oddest places. Worse, you could be the one being assisted.

I know what it is like to be the giver. I also know what it is like to be the receiver. Sooner, or later, you will know both sides. It is part of the human condition and being part of God’s family.

When you share your strength and patience, especially with a Gospel brother or sister, you are building God’s Kingdom. As your Godly friend comes to help you, he or she is building into your life. Either way, God is pleased.

One day, stuff will happen. A night will come when your brother or sister will need you. This is why God gave them to you, and you to them.

Think: Real brothers and sisters help others, especially within the Gospel family.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a true brother or sister during adversity.”

They Cried Aloud

“They Cried Aloud” By Kirk Hunt

So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

1 Kings 18:28–29 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:18–30

The prophets of Ba’al did not stand a chance. They cried out to a lifeless idol. Their numbers, hysteria and blood-letting did not add to the chance of Ba’al appearing or answering. Instead, they received what a block of wood (or stone, or metal) could give: silence.

Who (or what) do you cry out to? Do you appeal to financial resources or political power when you need an answer? Do you appeal to aspects of a bygone era for a solution? Are you getting a response?

God’s people should cry out to God, not for financial resources. We should always make our first and only appeal to our Savior, Jesus Christ, not the ballot box. We should always cry out for His truth and righteousness, not our flawed memory or slanted histories of years past.

I guarantee He will respond. We may not immediately like His answers, but they are the loving responses of our faithful Father-God. Father-God is always listening for our voices. Are you listening to His voice?

Think: I do not appeal to heaven or elsewhere. I appeal to Father-God and His Son, Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, I cry out to You for Your help and salvation.”

Repent: Early And Often

“Repent: Early And Often” By Kirk Hunt

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Luke 13:4–5 NKJV

We live in a fallen world where thorns and scorpions grow. We live in a fallen society where men and women are willing to publicly repudiate God’s judgment. All kinds of pure evil and pure accidents are possible. When did you last repent?

Sometimes a tragedy is just a tragedy. As Jesus Himself comments: Were 18 folk killed by a falling building the only sinners in Jerusalem? He did not think so.

Approximately 7,855 people die in the United States, every day. That includes Sundays. Are they the only sinners in America? I do not think so. Do you?

God’s people should live ready to meet God. At any time, a random traffic accident or a murderous gun-wielder could send you into eternity. Are you ready for your final judgment and reckoning?

Could every bad incident in a church house be part of a sinister conspiracy against God’s Church? Unlikely. Could every bad incident in a church house be a reminder to live ready to meet God? Absolutely.

Do not be distracted or fearful. No matter what happens, nor when it happens, or how it happens, God is still in control. What always remains in your control is if you are ready to meet Him, face-to-Shekinah. You are ready, right?

Think: Am I really ready to meet God in judgment at every moment?

Pray: “Lord, help me to live ready for Your judgment at any time.”

Call On The Name

“Call On The Name” By Kirk Hunt

“Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”

1 Kings 18:24 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:18–24

How would you confront a murderous pagan heresy and wrestle your nation back to true and devout worship? With political maneuvering and power? Through economic dominance and manipulation? Elijah, a true and faithful prophet of God, chose to call on the Name of God.

Elijah did not seek a palace coup. Scripture does not record that he organized nationwide political or economic movements. Instead, alone and outnumbered, Elijah chose to call on the Name of God.

Too often it appears that God’s people confuse good human stewardship with God’s power. I encourage you to righteously and wisely gather, husband and make use of resources. Still, whatever financial, social or political assets come into your hands may be God’s provision, but they are not God’s power. God is infinitely bigger than anything mere men and women can control or manipulate.

Faith takes action. Choosing to appear before Ahab was an act of obedience. Calling for the showdown with the prophets of Baal was an act of faith in God’s guidance. Elijah placed himself in a situation far beyond any human means of rescue or retreat. God’s prophet was confident in God’s power and sovereignty.

Does God enjoy your trust and confidence? Are you willing to be His agent and instrument in this modern age? Call on the Name of God, then work and act in true belief and complete confidence in His power.

Think: We conquer the nations for God’s Kingdom through the Name and power of God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to daily work in obedience, belief, and faith in Your great Name.”

Who Is The Troubler?

“Who Is The Troubler?” By Kirk Hunt

Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals.

1 Kings 18:17–18 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–18

We see it a lot in modern America. Problems and issues come up, and the chief troublemaker(s) lay the blame at the feet of others instead of themselves. The real troubler, too often, is the very leader or administrator who is supposed to know better and guide better.

Yes, Elijah declared the drought that God sent. It was Ahab’s deliberate leadership to idolatry, and repression of God’s true worship, that caused God to hold the rain. In willful disobedience, Ahab remained defiant against God and His messenger, despite his own suffering and that of the nation.

Nearly three millennia later, men and women still try to shift the blame for their failings and wrongdoing. Ahab fought against the very God of heaven, yet expected someone else to take the blame. If common folk can see through your pretense, clearly God’s omniscience never sees anything but your error and wrongdoing.

King and prophet met in confrontation. One represented error, heresy and rebellion against God. The other represented the God of heaven in a call to contrition and repentance. Where would you stand then? Where do you stand now?

Think: Godly men and women take responsibility for their errors or wrongdoing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to take responsibility for the things I do or lead.”

Whom Do You Fear?

“Whom Do You Fear?” By Kirk Hunt

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth.

1 Kings 18:12 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–16

Obadiah feared God then. I fear God now. After all, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Many Biblical scholars and teachers ascribe cowardice to Obadiah for his reaction to Elijah in these verses. A coward would not have attempted to hide the prophets from Ahab and Jezebel’s murderous purge. Instead, Obadiah recognized his risk should God whisk Elijah away suddenly.

The Hebrew word used in these verses, yare, often translates “afraid,” but it also often translates “reverence.” Obadiah respected the absolute and complete mastery of God over time and space, death and life. After personally witnessing Ahab’s extensive international manhunt, Obadiah wanted assurance that God would let Elijah make the meeting.

God is, first and foremost, love. God is also holy and righteous. In an instant, God can issue verdicts and enact judgement over men and nations.

I often run to Him, child to Heavenly-Father, but I also consider that His holy anger slew Uzzah, Ananias, and Sapphira for their less-than-righteous actions. Obadiah refused to take God, or His true servant, lightly. I seek to follow that same wisdom and prudence.

Think: God’s power over creation calls for a lot of reverence and at least a little fear.

Pray: “Lord, Your power commands me in reverence and trepidation.”