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Devotional: Beyond stolen valor, understanding true courage in leadership
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Devotional: Beyond stolen valor, understanding true courage in leadership

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Valor denotes boldness and determination when encountering great danger, reflecting courage and resilience in one's character amidst the most demanding and challenging situations, circumstances and people. With more than 20 years of active-duty service in the Air Force, seven of which were with the Wyoming National Guard, I honorably retired in 2005. The same year, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (Democratic Vice President Nominee) retired as a guardsman. Like Command Sgt. Maj. Walz, I was also a first sergeant who understood the victories and challenges of that particular role and responsibility. Be sure to catch Pastor Drake Hunter's podcast 'JUST SAYIN' here or through your podcast provider. My journey to understanding valor was n...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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. ...
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