You Are A Great People

You Are A Great People by Kirk Hunt

And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Joshua 17:17-18 NKJV
Please also read Joshua 17:14-18

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh saw themselves as a powerful and numerous folk. As a great people, they felt they deserved more land than they had been assigned. Joshua immediately gave them an additional plot of valuable land. All they had to do is remove the occupants and possess the land.

Has God blessed you? Then you are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Of course, there is the challenge of clearing the land of obstacles and adversaries. There is the risk of battles with the enemies. There is the hard work of making the land productive.

Delay and difficulty are not denial.” Great stature and high position requires great tasks and challenging assignments. God makes His men and women great so He can give them extraordinary assignments.

He has made you powerful and blessed. All you have to do is use His blessing for His assignment. Take possession of your assignment.

Think: You are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Pray:Father-God, give me the strength and skill to possess my assignment.”

Copyright © May 2022, 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.

Not My Own Will

Not My Own Will by Kirk Hunt

And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.

But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.”

Numbers 16:28, 30 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Moses declared God’s Will, before witnesses. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ended with an abrupt, final, and unappealable act of God. Moses understood the mutiny of these men was not against a human leader, but directed at the sovereign God of the universe.

As a man or woman of God, it is not supposed to be about your feelings, vision, or thoughts. You are an instrument of Father-God. From the first gasp through the last sigh, it is supposed to be God’s Will that commands and controls.

Do we, and they, sometimes forget who is supposed to be in charge of the universe, yet alone local affairs? To our shame and peril, we sometimes forget that God is big and we are small. Korah, and his co-conspirators, paid for their God-directed rebellion with their lives.

Make very sure you are performing God’s will and not your own. Your blessing and safety lay in Father-God’s will. And trust that God will address the mutineers at His convenience.

Think: Whose will am I trying to enact?

Pray:Not my own will but Yours, Father-God.”

Copyright © May 2022, 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.

Respect Their Offering

Respect Their Offering by Kirk Hunt

Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”

Numbers 16:15 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Leadership is a tricky business. A faithful leader works to benefit the followers and the organization. He or she must work for the good of everyone, yet not harming any of them (or themselves). If you have a good leader, respect their offering.

The rebellion (mutiny) of Korah and others against the leadership of Moses is a prime example of disrespect for a leader. Despite witnessing the plagues against Egypt, they rebelled. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea, they challenged the leadership of Moses (and Aaron). Despite the miracle of God’s daily provision (manna) they were determined to take over for themselves.

Confident in his leadership and actions, Moses does not call out for God to smite them, only that God not respect or accept the rebels’ offering of incense. In the middle of peril and disrespect, Moses was thinking like a good leader. If only the mutineers had accepted Moses’ offering of service and God’s authority.

Will you face mutineers? Perhaps. Should you continue to offer your service and leadership to God? Yes, you should. If God respects your offering, He will see you through.

Think: Does God respect my offering of service? Does my leadership respect God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give an offering that You will respect.”

Copyright © April 2022, 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.

Because, Of Course, He Cares

Because, Of Course, He Cares by Kirk Hunt

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:38-39 NKJV

The Disciples had faith enough to believe Jesus could save them. They had witnessed, or experienced, His many miracles of healing, provision, and restoration. Still, panicked and afraid, they woke Jesus and accused Him of not caring. Jesus stood and spoke peace to the situation. Because, of course, He does care.

Perhaps it feels like Jesus is asleep in the middle of your circumstances (your boat). God is always present in your affairs. He always knows your situation. And at the right moment, He will speak peace in your life. Be patient and keep bailing.

Wave-tossed and storm-battered are true, if inconvenient, facts and data. Remember that faith involves seeing what does not yet exist. Faith is the physical fabric of a future circumstance. He cares. He will act.

Our inconvenience or impatience do not impact His timing. His care and love for us will always settle the matter. Your faith is based on the absolutes of His love and care for you. In the meanwhile, keep bailing.

Think: He is present. He cares. At the right time, He will act.

Pray: “Lord, help me to keep my faith in Your love and care for me.”

Copyright © April 2022, 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.

Through Faith

Through Faith by Kirk Hunt

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Hebrews 11:33-34 NKJV
Read also Hebrews 11:30-40

Hebrews 11, written by the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul, illustrates what happens when people act in faith. Through faith, men and women take action. Through faith, God’s people stand their ground, or go on the offensive, against hellions and hellhounds alike. And they win through God’s power.

Faith requires spiritual eyes. Faith requires you to act on what you know does not yet exist. People without faith will think your actions are insane or weak-minded. Some people with faith will think you have lost your way. You may wonder yourself, in the middle of the action.

The Holy Spirit will speak to you. Deep within your soul and spirit, God will reveal His plan and set you on your path. All that is left is for you to take actions that appear to have no rational basis in reality.

God’s people act to bring about a future, God-ordained reality. Always in hindsight, the rationality of saints is easy to see. Still, the first steps into the void can be difficult, even for men and women of the strongest faith. Trust God with, and for, your future reality.

Think:Faith is the substance and evidence of a God-ordained future reality.

Pray: “Lord, help me to take action based on my faith in You.”

Copyright © March 2022, 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 With Equality, Not Partiality

Love With Equality, Not Partiality by Kirk Hunt

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:8-9 NKJV
Read also James 2:1-13

God’s people are commanded to love with equality, not partiality. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. That includes the folks who look or sound different. Especially those souls who may never be able to benefit us.

Our modern world has given us many opportunities to demonstrate God’s love. Especially poignant are the refugee crises that impact every continent on Earth (except Antarctica). War, famine, and disaster have uprooted millions who seek only peace, safety, and the absence of hunger.

God’s people should reach out to the nearest souls who need to be shown God’s love. We are His instruments, not free-agents. We should act in His grace and power, and demonstrate His love and mercy.

God does not always send angels. More often, He sends men and women who love God enough to love His children. No matter how they look or sound.

To those in crisis and desperation, the help they receive is a godsend. The hands that receive bless the hands that deliver. In that moment, the difference between supernatural angels and mortal men and women can be hard to discern.

Think: “God loves all of His children equally. I should do the same.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to love all of Your children with equality and compassion.”

Copyright © March 2022, 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.

Not Separate From His Love

Not Separate From His Love by Kirk Hunt

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:35 NKJV

Paul survived savage beatings, death warrants, and unjust imprisonments. He knew he would face similar difficulties until his last moments on Nero’s chopping block. Yet he boldly speaks his absolute confidence in God. No one can come between God’s people and the love of Jesus Christ. No matter what injustice you face, no one can separate you from our Savior who loves and cares for you.

I will confess, that in the middle of the trials and difficulties, I wonder. Like Job, I must have confidence in my life before God, and complete faith in His grace and mercy. I may be the least of His children, but He loves me most of all.

Today, millions of men and women, boys and girls, suffer in difficulties beyond their control and power. They are still God’s children, no matter what you do or say. You can whip and abuse those who God loves, but that does not change God’s heart about them.

They may not look like you. They may not sound like you. They may not confess Christ. God loves them just the same.

Whatever is happening in your life today, God loves you. Remember that in the middle of your trials and difficulties. Let that knowledge color how you respond to others.

Think: “God’s love for me and His children is unstoppable.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember Your love for me, and others, at all times.”

Copyright © March 2022, 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.

Strength, Courage and Salvation

Strength, Courage and Salvation by Kirk Hunt

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV

Godly men and women have enemies and foes, just like everyone else. What is different is that we live in the grace and protection of our all-powerful God. God is our strength. Always.

Can God’s people be battered and bruised? Perhaps. Can God’s people be beaten and defeated? Not until after they beat and defeat God. But we must operate in God’s strength, not our own.

King David, experienced and understood unjust treatment and persecution. Yet, here in this Psalm, he sang in victory about the light and salvation of God. Whether hiding in a cave or living in a palace, David understood that God was greater than his enemies.

David fought battles. More than once, his life was at risk. Still, his courage came from the source of his strength. He found grace and protection in all-powerful God.

Whatever you face today, consider where you find strength. No matter how battered and bruised you feel, you are not beaten. Not if you operate in the strength, light, and salvation of God. Find your courage in His strength.

Think:God is my strength and salvation, therefore I can have courage.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember my courage comes from Your strength.”

Copyright © March 2022, 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.

Not Forsaken

Not Forsaken by Kirk Hunt

I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV

Quill, scratching on parchment, David remembered his long, eventful life. “The righteous are not forsaken. Ever.” I wonder if some of the ink was smudged by teardrops.

Do not confuse hard times with being forsaken. God’s people face difficult circumstances, just like everyone else. The difference is that we know that God Himself guards us, and our folk.

David, hunted like an animal by his own father-in-law: not forsaken. David, betrayed by his own son and fleeing for his life: not forsaken. David, offering an atoning sacrifice because of his own sin: not forsaken.

You may cry hot tears, or bleed profusely, or go desperately hungry, but you remain a son or daughter of God. And in all of that, you are not forsaken. God guards you and yours. Stay faithful to our God who has already proven His faithfulness to you.

David lived to appoint his son, Solomon, to the throne with peace and prosperity. Messiah, Jesus Christ, is a king in David’s dynasty. David was never forsaken.

Son and daughter of God, your children and grandchildren will live in the peace and prosperity God gives you. Others will live better and longer because of your generosity and kindness. And all of it because you are not forsaken. Ever.

Think:No matter how it looks, I am not forsaken.”

Pray:Lord, help me to remember I am never forsaken by You.”

Copyright © February 2022, 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.

Work For Good

Work For Good by Kirk Hunt

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

It is hard, from the middle of the chaos and confusion, to remember that God is working it out for good. Remember that “good” is not always “what I want or think.” God is always faithful to His Word, and to His fretful son (or daughter).

Events and circumstances happen to God’s people. Some, without doubt, hurt. Yet, God makes it work together for good. For mortal men and women, that can be hard to see, and harder to remember.

Sometimes we have to look past something. The legal decree is not the last word. The broken relationship is not the final chapter. The closed casket is not the end of the story. Tears, too often, are an ingredient of triumph.

No one wants to hurt, but aches and pains are part of the journey. Your heartache and soul cry are real and seen by God God’s love for you, and faithfulness in everything, is promised. No one (reputable) said we would understand on this side of eternity.

Are you fulfilling His purpose in your life? Are you pursuing your calling in His kingdom? Then it will be good. Keep working and trust how He works it out.

Think:If it has not worked out, this is not the end.”

Pray: “Lord, help my faith and trust that You will make it good.”

Copyright © February 2022, 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.