CadreMen Press Devotional » courage

Mordecai’s Gallows

Cadreman — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:01:52 +0000

“Mordecai’s Gallows” by Kirk Hunt

And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:2 KJV

Mordecai’s defiant and conspicuous act of disobedience does not match his lofty place in high profile politics. Why would an advisor to King Ahasuerus deliberately and pointedly break the king’s command? Mordecai’s unbent knees and straight back certainly made a powerful, and vindictive, enemy of Haman.

His character and integrity lead him to stand straight while others folded. “Consequences be hanged. I won’t do it.” Right on cue, Haman built a 75 foot tall gallows.

What around you needs to be challenged? Is there an injustice near you, crying out for correction? If there is, I suspect God has planted you there “for such a time as this.”

God does not always send angels. Sometimes, He sends saints. Mere men and women, just like you and I, who love God enough to be obedient. Obedient enough to stay while they build a gallows.

Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, because it was wrong. Legal doesn’t mean legitimate. Doing the right thing can be inconvenient. For them. For you.

God needs a man or woman, just like you, to stand against sin and wrong. Let His Grace give you the courage to stay the course. Trust Him to work out the details.

Think: Sometimes, as a Christian, I am called to challenge wrong.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to see the wrong and resist it, in obedience to Your Grace.”

Men Of Integrity

Cadreman — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:00:26 +0000

“Men Of Integrity” by Kirk Hunt

And Nathan departed unto his house.

2 Samuel 12: 15a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-15)

Nathan humiliated David, a warrior-king. In front of the royal court, the prophet spoke God’s truth without hesitation or restraint. Then he stood there, watching for David’s reaction.

Speaking truth to power is a display of integrity. It takes courage to accuse and confront a man with David’s warrior credentials and royal prerogatives. Nathan knew David could order his death and chose to obey God anyway.

Repenting after God’s rebuke is a display of integrity. It takes courage to confess and repent in front of a crowd. David chose to retain his relationship with God rather than impress the courtiers.

Being a man or woman of integrity is not easy. It requires tough choices. It requires choosing to do what is right rather than what is convenient. Or less humiliating.

“You are the man.” Nathan’s love for God led him to speak the truth, rather than compromise. A powerful display of integrity.

The prophet walked calmly home. David’s love for God protected Nathan from retaliation. An authentic display of integrity.

You have choices today: God’s way or something less. Your choice reveals your integrity. Display the integrity that honors God.

Think: Integrity is about doing the right thing, no matter what.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to respond per Your Word and Way, no matter what.”

Go With God

Cadreman — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:01:52 +0000

“Go With God” by Kirk Hunt

And she [Rahab] said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:9 (KJV)

The fighting men of Jericho saw the two Israelite spies as a threat. Rahab saw them as an opportunity. Since Rahab is an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, I’m siding with her interpretation of events.

The important factor is that she saw God orchestrating events for Israel. She took steps to go with God’s people. She did not act on political insight. She did not respond to economic trends. She saw God’s manifest destiny for Israel and aligned herself with Him.

God is orchestrating events around you. He has an agenda for the nations and you. You have a choice: Move with Him or stay where you are.

In faith, Rahab made her choice, then acted on that faith. It is that simple. Look for where God is going, then go with Him.

God calls to you. He wants you to experience all of the good and wonderful things He has in store for you. He is moving and changing everything. Do you see that as a threat, or an opportunity?

Think: God is creating good for me and others. Will I go with Him?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek Your direction and purpose, then follow.”

Onesimus’ Courage

Cadreman — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:01:44 +0000

And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)

I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.

Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.

Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.

Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.

Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

Cadreman — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:01:07 +0000

“Weapon of Choice – Firearms” by Kirk Hunt

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 2:2-4 (KJV)

Firearms and artillery have one thing in common: the barrel. The barrel must be perfectly straight. The barrel must be perfectly round. Even the rifling, the twisted grooves within the barrel, must be cut, then finished exactly. Without these features, the firearm will not be accurate or a weapon of choice.

Gun drilling is the limiting factor in making a firearm. It is a unique process with extraordinary requirements. I know from experience it is not easily done. It requires an expert craftsman, and patience, to complete correctly. Too often, multiple passes on the same barrel are needed for a good outcome.

God intends to use you to deliver His Word and grace to a dying world. That means the barrel of your life and soul must be perfectly straight, perfectly round, then grooved just so. With these features, you will be able to accurately deliver God’s grace and Word to others.

In order to achieve the needed level of perfection, God will have to work and re-work your life. He is the ultimate Craftsman. You can count that He can do all of the cutting, drilling and grooving correctly. Are you willing to submit to His expert Hands?

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

Weapon Of Choice – Swords

Cadreman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:01:32 +0000

“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)

The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.

Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.

Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.

Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.

Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.

He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Report To The Battlefield

Cadreman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:00:13 +0000

“Report To The Battlefield” by Kirk Hunt

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 KJV

Just in case you didn’t notice, there’s a war for your soul going on. The enemy of your soul launches frequent attacks. Perhaps daily. It’s important that you report to the battle site and join in the fight.

The conflict is both close and far. The territory is simultaneously familiar and foreign. It is in the human mind where we fight to preserve our souls. It is in the twists and turns of our own personalities that the enemy seeks to defeat us.

The Apostle Paul gives us a simple command for the enemy’s defeat. Renew your mind. Transform yourself in God’s image and win the day.

Easily said. Not as easily done. Still, with God, nothing is impossible. “Let go and let God,” and victory is certain.

It starts with one step, report to the battle field. Your commander, the King of Kings is waiting to instruct and guide you. Are you ready for victory?

Think : The mind is the battlefield, but Christ is the General of generals.

Pray: “Lord, transform me in Your will and image. After that, the battle is won.”

Wrong Kind, Right Faith

Cadreman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:01:14 +0000

“Wrong Kind, Right Faith” by Kirk Hunt

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Matthew 8:13 KJV

The Centurion did not just come from the wrong side of the tracks. He came from the wrong side of the planet. He was no Peace Corps volunteer, but an officer of a hated, occupying army.

A stranger in a strange land, the Centurion did not have any claim or right to ask anything of Jesus. Still, helmet under his arm, he asked in complete confidence. The Centurion was the wrong kind of man, but he had the right kind of faith.

The Centurion walked away from Jesus with nothing but His Word. In the Centurion’s mind that is all it took. As a soldier, he understood power and authority. He saw both in Jesus.

Maybe you are the wrong kind of man or woman. What matters is your faith. You can ask in complete confidence, anyway.

Jesus’ Word is true and faithful. What he promised, He will do. All you need, here, there or then is the right kind of faith.

Think : All I have to do is ask in faith.

Pray: “Lord, Help me to have faith in You, regardless of where, or who, I am.”

Tell Your Story

Cadreman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:12 +0000

“Tell Your Story” by Kirk Hunt

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

John 9:25 KJV

It should have been a celebration. There should have been rejoicing with happy tears and ecstatic shouting. Instead the sour faces of a grim inquisition pressed the man. A man guilty of receiving miraculous healing.

That morning he was a blind beggar, dependent on the few coins tossed his way in pity. That afternoon light and color flooded through the once dead orbs he called eyes. How they calmed him down, I’ll never know.

Still, he finally faced the elite leaders of the synagogue. He didn’t need his new, beautiful vision to see their cynical, ugly intentions. Fearlessly, he told his story, regardless of the consequences.

What great and miraculous thing has Jesus done in your life? Are you willing to tell your story? Regardless of their intentions, they need to hear the truth of His power in your life.

Whether you face a joyous celebration, or a somber tribunal, tell your story. Explain the change. No one can tell your story better than you can.

Think : I need to tell my story of Jesus’ power in my life.

Pray: “Lord, Help me to tell my story of You. No matter what the audience looks like.”

Soldiers In The Real World

Cadreman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00:20 +0000

[display_podcast]

“Soldiers In The Real World” by Kirk Hunt

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 KJV

The battle rages around us every day. Corruption infests a little deeper. Compromise becomes more blatant. Sin gets bolder. I’m sure you noticed.

The place of battle is where you stand: Front office or workshop, building site or sales counter, schoolhouse or jailhouse. You are deployed by divine purpose and heavenly intent. His Hands have placed you there to get the job done.

No matter how you came to be where you are, or why you stay, you are to stand and deliver. Stand as a light of right and hope in the darkness. Deliver the Gospel of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

Each day, the darkness encroaches on more of the world. Each day, more souls perish without knowing Him. Won’t you take your place on the battle lines?

The time for battle is now. The soldier is you. Your weapons are spiritual, not natural.

Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is Present, stands with His soldiers. Those who go in His Name are never alone or without His Power. Will you be the one to deliver God’s Salvation?

Think: I have been placed here and now for God’s Purpose.

Pray: “Lord, help me to carry out Your mission in Your way.”

Last Man Standing

Cadreman — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:01:02 +0000

[display_podcast]

“Last Man Standing” by Kirk Hunt

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

2 Samuel 23:11-12 KJV

Shammah is named in Scripture as one of David’s three mighty men. Frankly, the accomplishments of Adino (v. 8 ) and Eleazar (v. 9) seem more impressive on the first reading. Still, of the three, Shammah holds my heart and mind.

While everyone else was running in fear, Shammah stood in courage. Shammah stood and delivered alone and outnumbered. Most of all, he made his great defense in a field of lentils.

Christian men and women too often make light of their own lives and labors for the Kingdom. What we do for God is important. Even if it all were doing is defending a field of beans.

Why was that specific patch of lentils important? Scripture doesn’t say. All we know is that Shammah did what others would not even try. All we are told is that God used Shammah to create a great victory.

God has a great purpose and plan for you. If God asked you to do it, it must be important. Bring enough lentils with you to make dinner.

Think: Am I prepared to be the last man or woman standing for God?

Pray: “Lord, Help me do Your Will, no matter how small it seems to me..”