Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: Drake Hunter

Devotional: Embracing red, white and true authenticity beyond politics
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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...
Devotional: A historical reflection on blood, violence and compassion
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Devotional: A historical reflection on blood, violence and compassion

By Drake Hunter | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice July 13, 2024: This day marked a distressing moment in history — an assassin's attempt on President Donald J. Trump's life that reverberated globally, evoking echoes of past events where seemingly insignificant details held immense significance. It felt as though we were bearing witness to the unfolding of history, and the blood on the President's ear marked a transformative juncture in time and the annals of history. For those familiar with literature, particularly the Bible, the symbolism of blood as representative of life, sacrifice and atonement, and the connotation of the right ear as a symbol of attentive listening and obedience to God's voice, are familiar themes. When such significant events occur, it is natural for people...
Devotional: A deeper understanding of freedom, and the true essence of independence
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Devotional: A deeper understanding of freedom, and the true essence of independence

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice As we celebrate another Fourth of July, a day that symbolizes the very essence of freedom and independence, it's crucial to reflect on the deeper meaning of this cherished value. Some may view "Freedom" as the ability to do whatever we please, but upon closer examination, this perspective is flawed. True freedom goes beyond mere self-indulgence; it encompasses a responsibility to serve and uplift others. As we celebrate our nation's freedom and independence on this significant day, let's not lose sight of the profound significance of freedom, and let’s just believe in freedom correctly. The Bible emphasizes the importance of freedom and reminds us that we are called to be free. It states, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called...
Devotion: Truth is the language to restore greatness
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Devotion: Truth is the language to restore greatness

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice I vividly recall the day I sat in a large Bible class at a church my wife and I visited during a sabbatical from the church I pastor. The question arose: "What language does God speak?" As a visitor, I chose discretion and remained silent. Answers flew across the room, ranging from Hebrew and Greek to "Tongues." Then, with a dramatic pause, someone across the room exclaimed, “What does the Pastor say?!” All eyes turned on me, and in a meek but firm manner, I responded, “TRUTH.” Truth, in its purest form, is what “IS.” It aligns with reality, free from distorted perceptions, presumptions, and perspectives (Proverbs 29:18). It's a reliable guide for making sound decisions. As Christians, truth should be our highest value. Proverbs 2...
Devotional: Where did God come from?
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Devotional: Where did God come from?

By Drake Hunter | Contributing Commentator, Rocky Mountain Voice Have you ever found yourself captivated by God's existence? It's a question that has intrigued and perplexed many, regardless of their religious beliefs. Let's momentarily set aside religious texts and embark on a journey of contemplation. Whether you are a devout believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, I invite you to delve into a fresh perspective on this timeless question. Imagine this – a serene drive through the Fort Morgan, Colorado, cemetery, with my curious granddaughter Lilly in the backseat. At this moment, she asked, "Papa, where did God come from?" This poignant question led me to a thought-provoking insight I hold dear – a perspective inspired by Dr. Kent Hovind in my journey of love, faith, and ho...
Devotional: What type of dog are you?
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Devotional: What type of dog are you?

By DRAKE HUNTER | Special Contributor Using your imagination and curiosity is one of life’s greatest joys when used in a healthy way. I invite you to think about something fun: "What type of dog are you most like?" It's interesting how our behavior and personality often reflect those of our furry friends. This exploration might help you learn something new about yourself and make you more faithful and trusting in life as we "Watch Them Dogs!" Over the nearly four decades I’ve been a believer and follower of Christ, I've heard and delivered countless impactful and meaningful sermons. But one stands out more than others, and I want to share it with you. In August 1988, when I became a Christian, I heard a message that made a lasting impression. It was called "Watch Them Dogs!" and w...
Devotional: What the Old and New Testament have to say on immigration
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Devotional: What the Old and New Testament have to say on immigration

By Drake Hunter | Special Contributor The contributions of immigrants have enriched our country's strength and diversity, a fact that we should all appreciate. The treatment of immigrants, whether they are legal or illegal, has been a topic of discussion throughout history, including in modern times. Even the Bible has references to this topic. In the Old Testament, Moses instructs the Israelites on how to treat immigrants, emphasizing the importance of protecting and treating them fairly and compassionately. His words provide a blueprint for treating strangers justly, mentioning their concerns over 35 times and offering specific instructions about citizenship rights, land ownership and immigrant guidelines. The Old Testament favors the justice side of the discussion. Neverthel...
Devotional: ‘It’s not dying I’m talking about, it’s living’
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Devotional: ‘It’s not dying I’m talking about, it’s living’

By Drake Hunter | Guest Columnist Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences in life, especially when it happens in tragic circumstances. My friend, Delilah Maly, knows this pain all too well, after losing her son and my dear friend, Ethan Dow, on April 20, 2024. Ethan was only 22 years old and had so much potential, but he struggled with many issues in life. However, rather than dwelling on the problems up front, let's honor Ethan's memory with compassion and learn from his story. Doing so can create a world where people like Ethan find hope, healing and support to overcome challenges and discover renewed purpose in life. Remember that with enlightened, rather than misguided, faith, we can find a good reality for everyone through those who “Just Believe” in Life. ...
Devotional: Believe to understand, never the other way around!
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Devotional: Believe to understand, never the other way around!

By Drake Hunter | Guest Columnist Living life is a journey that can be challenging at times; understanding it can be pretty mind-boggling. It requires belief and faith to guide us through the ups and downs of reality, especially in the worst times. To truly understand, we must first have a belief system that allows us to see the bigger picture and its deeper meaning. Instead of just relying on logic, reasoning, and Intelligence Quotient (IQ), we must have faith in something greater than ourselves to guide our actions and decisions. This way, we can live in profound truth and use and experience Spiritual Quotient (SQ). Remember, it's not always about understanding everything; instead, it's about believing and having faith in something that can help us navigate anything that comes o...
Devotional: Where does strength come from in trying times?
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Devotional: Where does strength come from in trying times?

By Drake Hunter | Guest Columnist On January 3, 2024, my wife, Sherrie, received a diagnosis that turned our reality upside down and changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and the news was devastating and incredibly difficult to process. We now face a testing journey of love, resilience, and faith in ways we never imagined. Many have asked how we cope with such a dreadful experience, and the answer is simple: strength. This strength comes from our belief in God, who is forever strong and gives us the courage to face any challenge. We believe in the Mighty God (El Gibbor, Isaiah 9:2-7), who is strong yesterday, today, and forever. Like Sherrie and me, this strength is available to anyone who "Just Believes!" As I write these words, my wife is go...