Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: Drake Hunter

Devotional: Refined through trials, the gift of suffering well
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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
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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
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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: Life’s enigma is a call to true wisdom
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Devotional: Life’s enigma is a call to true wisdom

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice What do all humans have in common? Death, time, and chance. Yet, we can also say life, eternity, and choice! Regardless of perspective, life is undeniably an enigma — a paradox much like trying to catch a cloud or a wisp of smoke. Attempting to grasp it often transforms it into something entirely different. However, if we can glimpse this mystery, many certainties of life come into focus, allowing us to enjoy each day and expect goodness—not just sometimes, but always. The Hebrew word for enigma, "Hevel," appears 38 times in the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature. Often translated as vanity or meaningless, it reflects life's fleeting, elusive nature. Yet, understanding "Hevel" beyond a Western lens reveals profound truth...
Devotional: Don’t be a rebel. Engage in the process and vote.
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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: Finding God’s design in the wonderment of Buc-ee’s
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Devotional: Finding God’s design in the wonderment of Buc-ee’s

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice In the early 1990s, I was introduced to a fresh and exciting concept within the military: Total Quality Management (TQM). This wasn't just a new way to lead, but a completely different approach to organizing and managing life in the service. The principles of TQM, such as quality, care and vision, were not just applicable in the corporate world, but also had a profound spiritual significance. They helped me understand Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Fast forward to my retirement in 2005. Living in a small town brought simpler pleasures, but I hadn’t encountered that same buzz of excellence in a long time — until last week when I vis...
Devotional: What is the trunk of who you are?
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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
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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: Which tree will you choose? Life or death?
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Devotional: Which tree will you choose? Life or death?

By Drake Hunter | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice Let’s chat about something that should be prioritized: getting in tune with God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3). Picture this: the world is like a sneaky influencer, whispering sweet nothings that can lead us astray without realizing it. But fear not (Matthew 10:28)! The remedy is as straightforward as this discussion. Those who embrace God’s wisdom are snacking on the divine delights of “The Tree of Life,” while those who get caught up in worldly wisdom are munching on “The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil”—a tree that, let me tell you, is not as innocent as it sounds (Tree of Death). It carries the weight of serious baggage, leading us to death. Let's be mindful of these dangers and choose our sources of wisdom wisely. If this tree ...
Devotional: Embracing a consistent faith to find true sanity
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Devotional: Embracing a consistent faith to find true sanity

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As I represented Rocky Mountain Voice at the Colorado State Fair, I was blessed to encounter a rich tapestry of perspectives and viewpoints. This experience prompted me to reflect on the importance of maintaining a rational and profound approach to life. Some individuals skillfully juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, while others constantly shift their perspectives to fit various situations. This contrast highlighted the distinction between wisdom and instability, or even foolishness. The idea of continually changing one’s worldview felt similar to switching heads instead of hats— an exhausting endeavor that reflects a desire to meet whims, the expectations of others or the world. This brought to mind the image of the seve...