We Call Her Blessed

We Call Her Blessed By Kirk Hunt

Her children rise up and call her blessed

Proverbs 31:28a

 

The church was large and full. Any one you asked would claim to be Mother Hunt’s son or daughter, regardless of age or family-line. Certainly, we all call her blessed.

 

At first, she would convince you she was the most fragile and delicate creature you ever met. Eventually she would target you, for your own good, with her iron determination and steely strength of character. Still, you would love her and call her blessed.

 

Momma always appreciated what you did for her. Then she would tell you how you could have done it better. You might roll your eyes, but you would call her blessed.

 

She beamed with delight and pride over her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the fifth generation she held in her arms. No matter how large the crowd near her, she concerned herself with who was far away. We would sigh, then call her blessed.

 

Her work in God’s Kingdom generated a host of spiritual sons and daughters. Everyone close to her understood the demands and privileges of being one of her children. And when they rose up, they call her blessed.

 

Momma spent her life trying to lead others to Christ and Christ-like living. Her love could be fierce and severe, but was always from the deepest part of her. The part of her that taught and corrected loved you, and more importantly, loved God. No wonder we call her blessed.

 

Think: The children of a true Mother rise up and call her blessed.

 

Pray: “Lord, thank you for providing true Mothers for Your earthly children.”

 

Copyright © May 2017, 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.

He Cried Out

He Cried Out By Kirk Hunt

And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?”

1 Kings 17:19-20 NKJV
Please read 1 Kings 17:14-21

 

She confronted him with the boy’s cold, limp body. Elijah took the boy’s body from his mother and went to the presence of God. Alone with all-powerful Jehovah, Elijah used the only tool available to him: He cried out.

 

Elijah did not understand any more than the widow. He had no more power over the situation than the grieving mother. All he could do is ask God for His intervention. And he did so with force and abandon.

 

The facts are what they are, even to God’s people. No amount of wishful thinking or force of personality will change the laws of nature. No matter the circumstances, we can appeal to our heavenly Father.

 

God always answers prayer. He loves us enough to say “no” when we ask for the wrong things. He loves us enough to say “wait” when the circumstances are difficult to us. He loves us enough to comfort us through whatever we are experiencing.

 

His power is absolute. His will is sovereign. His love for you is constant and unending. Cry out to Him, wherever you are.

 

Think: I can appeal to God in every circumstance.

 

Pray: “Lord, I cry out to you because You have the power.”

 

Copyright © April 2017, 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.

Remembrance Of Chains

Remembrance Of Chains By Kirk Hunt

Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?”

1 Kings 17:17-18 NKJV
Please read 1 Kings 17:14-18

 

Keening in grief, she rocked her son’s cold, limp body in her arms. It turns out even a poor widow a precious valuable to lose. Her heart was dominated by remembrance of past sin.

 

When Elijah entered the room, she immediately questioned the great prophet. Do you wonder about her tone? Bitter? Heartbroken? Angry? All of the above?

 

Of all the emotions that surged through her heart and mind, guilt pushed to the front. “Are you here to remind me about my sin?” Her son’s life was a price for her past transgression(s).

 

You should remember from time-to-time. What chains of sin or circumstance used to weigh down your soul? How did God save you?

 

It is too easy to forget. Human memory does not always remember God’s past salvation during a new crisis. If He brought you through then, He will bring you through now.

 

God restored her and the boy, even when giving up seemed the only response. The crisis called for more faith, not panic. God specializes in hopeless cases and unbreakable chains.

 

No matter what you were then or now, He would love to break your chains today. Are you willing to offer your situation to Him? Can you trust Him, for the first time, or one more time?

 

Think: God will not abandon me now.

Pray: “Lord, help me remember all that You have done, and will do, for me.”

 

Copyright © April 2017, 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.

 

Rejoice. He Is Risen.

Rejoice. He Is Risen. By Kirk Hunt

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Matthew 28:9–10 NKJV

 

Mary Magdalene and the other disciples intended to complete the sorrowful work of Jesus’ burial. Instead, they found the tomb empty. Then Mary had conversation with the risen Jesus.

 

When the founders of other religions (such as Bahá’u’lláh, Buddha, or Mohammed) die they are buried then remain in the grave. They are no longer available for a personal relationship. Their direct influence and wisdom is no longer available.

 

The truth of Jesus is revealed by the empty tomb. The power of Jesus is undeniable because of the empty tomb. Fresh from overcoming death, Jesus wanted relationship with His Disciples.

 

The risen Jesus is available to anyone who wants Him. He is available to anyone who seeks Him for a personal relationship. New wisdom is available to anyone who asks. His influence is direct and unending.

 

The relationship between Jesus and the Disciples was disrupted, but restored. To the power of Jesus, death was an inconvenience, overcome on the first Easter morning. His power, and direct relationship, are available to you. Will you seek Him out?

 

His sacrifice made salvation available. His resurrection proved his power over all aspects of creation. Will you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus?

 

Think: Jesus is risen from the grave. What could limit Him?

 

Pray: “Lord, thank You for the sacrifice and resurrection of Your Son.”

 

Copyright © April 2017, 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 Own Desires

Their Own Desires By Kirk Hunt

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

 

The classic strategy of a swindler is to promise “something for nothing.” The desires and lusts betray the “victim” more powerfully than the confidence man or woman. Unfortunately, this applies to God’s people as much as anyone else.

 

If you want anything more than God, it is a lust. If you want something enough to alter or deliberately misinterpret God’s Word, it is a lust. The desires for control, ego or status can be lusts, just like money, sex or power.

 

And there is always someone out there who will tell you what you want to hear. False teachers (read: con artists) will gear their lessons to the biggest paychecks, not your well-being or Godliness. Local or national, near or far, the false teachers we heap up for ourselves preach false stories that lead to destruction.

 

Why do you want what you want? What does the Bible say about what you want? What does the Bible say about how you are working to get what you want? The honest answers to these questions will tell you what you need to know about your desires.

 

Read and study the Bible yourself. Compare every “teacher” you hear to the Bible, our one true source. Do not let your own desires lead you astray.

 

Think: My own desires and lusts will lead me astray, if I let them.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me keep my desires on You.”

 

Copyright © April 2017, 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.

They Shall Flee

They Shall Flee By Kirk Hunt

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 NKJV

 

Sometimes, it appears that the bad guys have won. Still, often at the last moment, God makes you victorious. You watch in wonder as the villains flee in seven different directions.

 

Deuteronomy 28:2 holds the not-so-secret key to God’s intervention on your part: obedience. Obedience to Him, not your overwhelming firepower, will save you. Obedience to Him, not your backroom maneuverings, will promote you. Obedience to His commands in Scripture and the authoritative direction of the Holy Spirit will advance you.

 

Consider the example of Daniel: He landed in the lion’s den because of his obedient devotion to God. Daniel walked out of the lion’s den, unscratched, because of his obedience to God. Daniel’s enemies did not fare quite so well.

 

We all want control of our circumstances. Our human nature wants to have the ways and means of enforcing our will on everything around us. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we follow a different path.

 

There will likely be hard work and long hours in front of you. You may have to exercise severe restraint on what you say and what you do. There may even be the inconvenience of being thrown into a (modern) lion’s den.

 

Stay strong, courageous and obedient to Father-God. You will see the defeat of your enemies. You will witness them fleeing on multiple paths.

 

Think: My obedience to God causes the defeat and scattering of my enemies.

Pray: “Lord, show me how to be more obedient to You.”

 

Copyright © March 2017, 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.

Love One Another

Love One Another By Kirk Hunt

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11 NKJV

 

“Love one another.” Too often, even God’s people make it more complicated than it needs to be. Care for each other. Make sure folk have enough. Inconvenience yourself (if a little) for someone struggling just to survive.

 

John did not invent this commandment on his own. Jesus Himself ordered us (see John 13:34) to love one another. After telling us to care for, minister to and support others, Jesus did not fold His hands. Instead He went to the Garden of Gethsemane and started His walk to the Cross.

 

Out of care for our future, Jesus endured His trial by Pilate. Because of His concern for men, then and now, Jesus allowed His public scourging. Out of love for generations yet to be born, Jesus died on the Cross. Perhaps you could pay just a little bit more for those who have little or nothing?

 

Will some of the folks you care for only take advantage? Probably. Will some of the people you love reply with hate or disdain? Again, probably. Does Jesus’ command to His faithful disciples stand? Absolutely.

 

Love gives. It also creates opportunities. Men and women, boys and girls, are drawn to authentic love. That positive attraction gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel.

 

It will cost you something to show love to others. Someone, somewhere, will find a way to exploit, mishandle or ill-use what you give. However they respond, His command to you remains clear. Are you obedient to His Word?

 

Think: Real love requires action and pays costs.

 

Pray: “Lord, show me how to love others as You do.”

 

Copyright © March 2017, 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.

Being A Brother Or Sister

Being A Brother Or Sister By Kirk Hunt

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

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

Too often folks use the labels “brother” or “sister” loosely. To me, it is a very serious commitment. You should be prepared to shoulder any adversity, hardship or risk for a real brother or sister. That is what Scripture commands.

 

My friend called from two counties over. I had to borrow a truck. I paid a lot for gasoline. He needed me. Of course I was going to help him.

 

Do you stand with your kindred during difficulties and storms? Do you go the extra mile to help or comfort your kith and kin? Supporting from the living room couch is easy. Supporting in the stinging rain and lashing wind is more difficult.

 

Real love is a choice. Too often, that choice involves inconvenience, difficulty and sacrifice. Are you ready to bring it where it is needed? Being involved is not always enough. Real love requires real commitment.

 

Real commitment acts, despite the difficulties and obstacles. Faithful men and women love enough to run in when everyone else is walking out. Closeness matters most when the tears are falling and the hearts are breaking.

 

I pray you are the stand-up brother or sister that someone else can rely on. Sooner or later, everyone needs the help and ministry of a brother/sister born for adversity. You were born to help.

 

Think: God does not always send angels. Sometimes, He sends me.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me be a real friend and a true brother or sister in Christ.”

 

Copyright © March 2017, 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.

 

Born For Adversity

Born For Adversity By Kirk Hunt

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

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I have complained that my siblings do not gather well. A breakfast or lunch for the pleasure of their company is a labored exercise in logistics and scheduling. On the other hand, they appear instantly if there is trouble or adversity.

I pray your life consists of smooth waters and gentle breezes. I would prefer you never need help or assistance. More likely, you know that even God’s favorites can experience raging storms and violent winds.

It is when adversity batters you hardest that true friends and faithful brothers are revealed. You may have to pick up the phone and ask for their support. Their response may start with an awkward silence. Perhaps their response will begin with hesitant stuttering.

You will know before the end. The fair-weather posers will disappear. Your real kith and kin will be revealed, standing at your side. Those who refuse to leave until they know you are okay are the best of the lot.

God does not always send angels. Sometimes He sends folks you did not know were watching or cared. Not even the pelting rain and howling winds of the worst circumstances can drive off true friends or faithful family.

Be certain that God has appointed men and women, boys and girls, to love you in sincerity and faithfulness. They will not abandon you in adversity. In the choice between the pleasant lunch or the difficult lurch, I’m certain you know when it is best that they show up.

Think: God has surrounded me with true friends and faithful family.

Pray: “Lord, if You do not send angels, please send true friends and faithful family.”

 

Copyright © March 2017, 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.

Divine Direction

Divine Direction By Kirk Hunt

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths..

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

What do you hear when someone speaks of “God’s divine direction?” Does the pillar of fire and smoke come to mind? Do you think of the angel that led Peter out of prison?

God’s direction and guidance can be miraculous and mystical. Scripture is too full of examples to say otherwise. Still, the visitation of angels is not part of a typical day in an office cubicle. A glory-cloud does not often appear while driving to the supermarket.

God promises to guide us, if we acknowledge that we need His direction. He desires to lead us past, around or through every circumstance in our lives. If God leads you, despite the difficulties, there will always be joy and delight in your journey.

Cultivate a heart that listens for Him. You may not be the cleverest soul alive, but you can live that way. Be determined to hear from Him.

Study Scripture, regularly and often. In those moments of reverent quiet, He will speak with you. Hidden in study, God will find you. There is no faster or more secure route to His guidance.

If Bible study gives so much, why is it often missing in our lives? We think we do not have the time. We believe it is beyond us. We look for less accountability.

Decide you want God’s direction in your life. The only entrance fee is making study of His Word a priority for your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. His Word promises you that.

Think: I can have God’s direction if I want it.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be guided by You.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, 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.