Category: Uncategorized

Now Is The Time To Shine

“Now Is The Time To Shine” By Kirk Hunt

 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Please also read Matthew 5:1–20

 

Roman-occupied Israel was not quiet, placid or especially righteous. Despite the occupying pagans, and corrupt leadership, Jesus commanded His followers to shine out in acts of faith and service. Then, as now, Christians have a prime opportunity to put their salt and light to good use.

 

The darkness of this present age has inflicted pain and suffering. God’s people have been equipped and empowered to respond. Do we have a heart to bless? Do we have a mind to obey?

 

Salt preserves. Light guides. All of His true followers and disciples are simultaneously salt and light. Through Scripture, Jesus commands us to reach into the darkness and save the lost.

 

We are commanded to serve. We are to use our faith-fueled acts of service to show God to a dark and dying world. If there has ever been an opportunity to reach out to the lost and hurting, this is that time and place.

 

Reach out to the men and women around you who are wounded and confused. Regardless of their faith, creed or activities, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer. Prove, through faith-fueled acts of service, that the God you serve loves everyone, without exception. Pour out your salt and light until they see God.

 

Think: I can show God to men and women through acts of faith-fueled service.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to obey You and Your commandments.”

 

 

Copyright © June 2016, Kirk Hunt

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

 

Press On

“Press On” By Kirk Hunt

 

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Philippians 3:12 NKJV

 

From a Roman prison, Paul wrote a letter of instruction and encouragement to the Christian church at Philippa. Despite his evangelism work, and the resulting persecution, Paul understood that he remained a work-in-process. “I press on,” is a statement of faith, as well as fact.

 

Since Christians are imperfect, we work constantly to improve our own characters. At the same time, we also work to bring Jesus to the fallen world around us. We do not give up on them, because God has not given up on us. Given a new morning, we continue to push forward, for the world, and for ourselves.

 

Christians are not excused from life in the real world. Flat tires, bad medical reports and poor self-control happen to God’s people every day. The Christian walk exists in the nitty-gritty realities of here and now.

 

Understanding his own short-comings, Paul sought to build up others. He used an action verb to describe the internal and external work of his life and ministry. Paul made no apologies for being less-than-perfect. He only pointed out that he was working to that end, regardless.

 

So, like Paul, we press on. We are eager to win over hearts and minds to Jesus. Especially, but not exclusively, we labor to bring ourselves to Him.

 

Think: I push forward to build myself, and His Kingdom, here and now.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to press forward to You.”

 

 

Copyright © February 2016, Kirk Hunt

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