They Could Find No Thing

They Could Find No Thing by Kirk Hunt

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:4 NKJV
Please also read Daniel 6:1-24 NKJV

They could find no thing to hang on him. Daniel lived his life in righteous purity and worked in faithful excellence. No errors, mistakes, or skeletons could be found in Daniel’s personal or professional life.

More than skillful, Daniel was diligent. He did the extra, little things. As valuable as excellence is, faithfulness improves technical perfection.

More than living clean, Daniel lived righteously. He lived more than the bare minimum of the Law. Daniel sought the heart of God and deliberately let his pursuit of heaven show to other men.

As a reward for living correctly and working diligently, Daniel was the victim of conspiracy and accusation. He went to the lion’s den, having done nothing wrong. See what being a good soul gets you?

At the bottom of the death trap, God awaited Daniel. God Himself halted the plot against his life. I imagine Daniel slept better than the king that night.

Be that guy or gal. Live your life in excellence and righteousness. No matter the situation, God will be your close companion.

Think: What could they find if they looked hard?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live and work in Your righteousness and excellence.

Copyright © August 2023, 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.

Are You Purged?

Are You Purged? By Kirk Hunt

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.   And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

“Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”

Isaiah 6:6–7 NKJV

Please also read Isaiah 6:1–10

 

Devout and educated in God’s Word, Isaiah understood his tainted and profane status.  In fact,it would be hard to not understand, standing in the very presence of our pure and holy God.  Still, the seraph does not move in condemnation or rejection. Instead, Isaiah is immediately purged clean of his sin.

God is holy while mankind is tainted by sin.  Thankfully, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to again have fellowship with God.  We could not come to Him, so He came to us.

Still, standing (or kneeling, or prostate) before a holy and infinite God we know our human limits. In His love and compassion for us, God reaches out to us in restoration and reinstatement.  We can never earn or deserve fellowship with God.  We can only accept His cleansing in humility and gratitude.

God is holy.  God will remain holy.  You are the one who must be cleansed and purified before fellowship is possible.  Like Isaiah, you must be purged of your sin before His purpose for your life can be completely fulfilled.

God has a purpose and calling for your life.  Before you can completely fulfill your assignment in the Kingdom you must be cleansed.  Like Isaiah, let God purge you.

Think:      Am I willing to let God purge me of my sin and impurity?

Pray:         “Lord, purge me of my sin so I can have fellowship with you.”

Copyright © December 2018, 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.

 

Spirit of Self-Control

Spirit of Self-Control By Kirk Hunt

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

 

Self-control is the act of deciding if or when you engage in a particular behavior. I say if, then when, I will eat a cookie. Fasting, an exercise in self-control, is the deliberate restraint of consuming food. Media fasting is a different example of voluntary restraint.

 

Do you really want power in your own life? How about the ability to easily resist the plots and plans of others? Develop your self-control. “More salad, fewer cookies.”

 

The ability to control your own actions is the first step to purity. Joseph demonstrated self-control when he refused Potiphar’s wife. Daniel was immune to political attack because of his impeccable personal and public life. Jesus was worthy of the Cross because of His sinless life. Purity (via self-control) gave them power, influence and impact.

 

I am not suggesting that you move into a convent or monastery. If anything, I encourage you to engage with your city. Just do so with self-control. “More grace, less (no) condemnation.”

 

All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” If I want to look better in the mirror I must eat more salads and fewer cookies. Do I want to impact my city for Jesus? I must act with increasing grace and forbearance.

 

I can stride confidently and peacefully through work and home. All I have to do is live with more grace and no sin. The spirit of self-control lets me decide my next act.

Think: Self-control is the act of deciding my own behavior.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have the self-control You want me to have.”

 

Copyright © October 2016, 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.