Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: Devotional

Devotional: Embrace the strength of meekness in your bearing
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Embrace the strength of meekness in your bearing

By Drake Hunter | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice What does it mean to have good bearing? It's more than just your posture or how you present yourself in a room — though, that matters. At its core, good bearing is about how you carry yourself through life, particularly in the face of challenges. It's about choosing your words wisely, enduring hardships gracefully and learning from the difficulties that come your way. These lessons, drawn from trials, help to shape us into healthier, wiser people. But, good bearing isn’t just for our benefit; it’s also about influencing others for the better through the example we set in our conversations, actions and relationships. Good bearing means carrying yourself with dignity, composure and confidence — especially in the Lord. It's about ...
Devotional: Look ahead for what is to come, not into the past
Approved, Commentary, Texas Scorecard

Devotional: Look ahead for what is to come, not into the past

By Michael Quinn Sullivan | Commentary, Texas Scorecard My high school track coach was of the opinion that the defining characteristic of a good runner was not physical agility but mental focus. His most severe critique was not of a runner’s time but their form. Get the form right, and the times will follow. I’m way past my running prime, but I’ve found that admonition holds true in a lot more than just athletic competition. All these years later, I can still hear Coach Hunt admonishing us. “Don’t look at the track, your feet will find it. Don’t look back; there’s nothing there to care about! Keep those eyes forward! That’s where you’re going!” We all have an almost irresistible desire to look backward. When running, the urge is to see how close the nearest competitor is. But, ...
Devotional: Refined through trials, the gift of suffering well
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Refined through trials, the gift of suffering well

By Drake Hunter | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice Suffering and flourishing may seem like opposites, yet they often walk hand-in-hand. Some of our deepest growth springs up from our darkest trials. Just look at Christian history: Jesus’ suffering wasn’t a detour, but a central part of His journey— and many of His earliest followers faced the ultimate cost for their faith. Their sacrifices remind us that we, too, share in Christ's suffering. When Jesus spoke of drinking of the same cup and being baptized similarly (Mark 10:39), He invited us to follow Him even through suffering, knowing that it has the power to transform us and resurrect us to a new life. So, when suffering hits, we shouldn't be caught off guard. Life inevitably comes with challenges that test us to our core. Stan...
Devotional: The power of words to transform and lift us up
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: The power of words to transform and lift us up

By DRAKE HUNTER | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice In recent months, we've been surrounded by a clamor of voices from entertainment, religion and politics. While some messages uplift and inspire, many can lead us astray. It’s crucial to remember that words might seem innocent on their own, but when woven together into thoughts, they can dramatically shape our world —- for the better or worse. Words are more than mere symbols; they carry the weight of thoughts that can transform our lives. If we truly seek healthy change, we must embrace God’s thoughts, which are thoughts of love, peace and hope, and can guide us toward a brighter future for all. This is why it’s essential to let impactful words enter our minds and shape our thinking. True transformation happens when we consciously...
Devotional: Demons, dragons and disease, it all can be found in the Bible
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Demons, dragons and disease, it all can be found in the Bible

By DRAKE HUNTER | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice As the veil between worlds thins and shadows creep into our lives, we are reminded that the Bible is a treasure trove of thrilling tales that ignite fear and faith. From the fearsome beasts of the land to the monstrous leviathans of the sea (Psalms 74:14), Scripture invites us into a realm of unimaginable horrors and divine truths. Terror lurks on every page, with demons, dragons and disease prowling in cemeteries and the darkness. Yet amidst this chaos, we are beckoned to "Just Believe" in the One true God, who offers refuge and strength against life’s most chilling trials. Many struggle to comprehend the nature of terror as depicted in the Bible. Some envision God as an evil puppeteer, crafting nightmares like a mad scientist or...
Devotional: Don’t be a rebel. Engage in the process and vote.
Approved, Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Don’t be a rebel. Engage in the process and vote.

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As we look ahead to our country's future, it's important to recognize the significant role that the government plays in shaping it. While there may be differing perspectives on this role, it's undeniable that the government holds substantial influence over our collective destiny. We must envision the future and assess how our personal governance and contributions impact the well-being of our country. In Christianity, there is a profound belief in the ultimate authority resting in the hands or work of God. There's a strong emphasis on the responsibility of followers to uphold the 'Goodness' of God, often referred to as 'Governance.' Governance works in tandem with preserving goodness; when functioning optimally, it's seen as the Pr...
Devotional: What is the trunk of who you are?
Approved, Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: What is the trunk of who you are?

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Living in the grandness of Colorado and traveling to the mountains often is like walking through a divine art gallery. Nature here doesn’t just sit still; it grabs you by the senses and shakes you awake. If you've ever bitten into a juicy Colorado Palisade peach, you know what I mean. That peach, sweet and perfect, didn’t just happen overnight. It started as a tiny seed, growing into a sturdy tree, nourished by the soil, rain and sun until it became something delightful — an actual work of art, and what a great picture of life itself. Think about it. That peach tree needed a solid trunk to support the weight of its branches and fruit. It couldn’t produce anything worth tasting, if its foundation were weak. The same goes for us. Li...
Devotional: Accountability? The buck really stops with you
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Accountability? The buck really stops with you

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice When discussing accountability as leaders, we often think about who’s accountable to us. But, hold up a second. What about you? Do you hold yourself accountable to life’s goodness, navigating it with integrity and grace? Or are you on a power trip, unsure of what accountability means? Let’s face it, many people confuse accountability with responsibility, or worse, they think it’s about being in tune with their feelings, intuitions and desires. Well, that’s part of it, but let’s break it down. Accountability is much deeper and is the secret sauce to living a meaningful and peaceful life. Yes, both. Here’s a powerful truth: life takes on a new dimension when you realize that the ultimate responsibility always rests with you. Pros...
Devotional: Embracing responsibility is a legacy to remember
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Devotional: Embracing responsibility is a legacy to remember

By Drake Hunter | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice A soul without a well-established aim (purpose) loses itself. That's who I was when I first met Richard G. Madsen more than 38 years ago. Richard, my father-in-law, passed away on July 6, 2024. It's challenging to capture the essence of Richard in a single word –- loving, caring, loyal and so much more come to mind. Yet, if I had to choose just one word, it would undeniably be “RESPONSIBLE!” He embodied responsibility in a way that transformed my life, guiding me from a sense of aimlessness to a place of purpose, allowing me to relish life alongside his remarkable daughter, Sherrie. Witnessing Richard's life provides a living example of responsibility and its practical application in everyday life. His exemplary conduct served ...
Devotional: Embracing red, white and true authenticity beyond politics
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: Embracing red, white and true authenticity beyond politics

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As a pastor, I often face pressure to align with a political party. People want to know if I lean toward the red or blue party. My response is simple but meaningful: "I don't align with red or blue, only with what is true!" This commitment to truth is the only loyalty that truly matters. It's a source of empowerment and confidence in our faith, knowing that we stand on the side of truth and integrity, regardless of political pressures. Defined in the Bible, white symbolizes purity, as seen in the "white robe saints" -- representing people of all cultures, genders (male & female) and ages in the Christian faith (Revelation 7:13-14). Therefore, as a Christian, I identify with red, white and blue, not just in a political sense bu...