CadreMen Press Devotional » David

Barzillai’s Provision

Cadreman — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:01:20 +0000

“Barzillai’s Provision” by Kirk Hunt

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

2 Samuel 19: 32 KJV

Barzillai possessed wealth, stature and longevity. At a critical moment of King David’s reign, Barzillai sent his provisions and supplies to what seemed like the losing side. Absalom would have retaliated viciously against Barzillai, had the mutinous conspiracy been successful.

Barzillai is not named in Scripture, until he supported David during the mutiny. We can only guess wildly at the relationship between the two men. All we know is that when it really counted, Barzillai put his name, money and life on the line.

Barzillai’s provision represents the support team that God has provided to you. To the enemy of your soul, it will seem that your support team winked into existence from nowhere. You may be amazed yourself.

How do you recognize your human backers? Even more, how do you get high level folks to commit their time, talent, treasure and even tears to your ministry? Be a man or woman after God’s heart.

David had his faults, but he always ended facing, and running toward, God. Be a God chaser. Your support team will find you.

Think: God has a support team for you.

Pray: “Lord, help me to follow my calling as You call those who will support me.”

Victory By Support Team

Cadreman — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:01:21 +0000

“Victory By Support Team ” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

2 Samuel 17: 27 – 29 KJV

David and his loyal troops had escaped Jerusalem into the wilderness. They were cut off from provisions and equipment. Absalom’s mutiny was on the verge of success, without a sword stroke.

Valor cannot make food and water appear out of thin air. Courage can not provide equipment and gear. In this dark moment, David found himself and his men needing support.

Out of nowhere a tottering old man, a foreigner, and a backwoods farmer came to David’s aid. They brought food and provisions. They provided equipment and gear. Most of all, they brought hope and encouragement

God knows your circumstances. He sees your situation. God will not just abandon you.

God has arranged a support team for you. Men and women with a calling to support you. When you need it, they will bring it.

Think: God has a support team for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to lean on those you have called to support me.”

The Nature Of Sacrifice

Cadreman — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:01:59 +0000

“The Nature Of Sacrifice” by Kirk Hunt

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings [sacrifice] unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 KJV

There are two forms of sacrifice: giving or doing. You sacrifice by giving away something you would prefer to keep. You also sacrifice by doing when you would rather be sitting. Either way, the last part is the word, “ouch.”

A sacrifice must mean something to you. It must cost you something. Only then does the act have any meaning for you. Or God.

The money David spent in verse 24 was just the beginning. The altar had to be built. The oxen were prepared. The farm implements were chopped into firewood.

David’s sacrifice brought forgiveness. It is important to note that David could not buy forgiveness. All he could do was show God how sorry he was for his sin. David gave. David did.

God saw sincere and true repentance, in David’s authentic sacrifice. Forgiveness flowed from heaven. It may have hurt, but David renewed his relationship with God.

You may have to give away something precious. It may cost you sweat and blood. What will your sacrifice(s) bring?

Think: Real sacrifice gives real results.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to sacrifice what I must to grow closer to You.”

Are You Listening?

Cadreman — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:01:45 +0000

“Are You Listening?” by Kirk Hunt

And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

1 Samuel 25:32-33 KJV

The high-born lady kneeled in the dusty road. She accepted blame before the local warlord for her husband’s error. She gave gifts of freshly prepared food and fresh-cut respect. Using diplomacy, graciousness and humility, she transformed murderous intent into life-affirming gratitude.

Warlord David recognized his peril. His anger, even though righteous and justified, had nearly plunged him into error and sin. Even in his anger, he remained God’s man and listened to reason.

Nabal nearly brought calamity on not just himself, but everyone around him. Despite his churlish and foolish behavior, he received mercy in its truest form. If not for his sake, then Abigail’s.

David listened to Abigail. He heard the truth, wisdom and righteousness in her words. He humbled himself before God and man to call off the attack.

Abigail listened, in horror, to the report of Nabal’s disrespect. She took immediate action to head off imminent disaster. With a heart full of God’s wisdom and Godly humility, Abigail met blood-thirsty anger with heart-winning grace.

Where are you in the picture? Are you listening? If so, are you taking action based on what your hear?

Think: Do I listen as God intends?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to listen to Your truth and wisdom, no matter the source or circumstance.”

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.”

Pain In The Offering

Cadreman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:01:18 +0000

“Pain In The Offering” by Kirk Hunt

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 KJV

Please read all of 2 Samuel 24

Araunah tried to give away his land, livestock and equipment. David carefully wrote out the bill of sale and paid the full price for everything. David offered his sacrifice and God accepted it. In a moment, David’s tears changed from sorrow to joy.

The pain in David’s offering was not the money he paid. David paid a substantial financial sum for Araunah’s farm, but cash wasn’t a problem. David’s hurt came in facing his own error and sin. Repentance cost the most in David’s sacrifice.

Our offerings to God ought to cost us something. Often, we are blessed to give from the abundance of God’s blessings. Too often, our offerings require that we dig into our souls and surrender things we’re rather keep: lazy comforts, arrogant self-righteousness, willful disobedience.

When we sacrifice those deeply held things, it hurts. When there is pain in the offering, that means you are being open and serious with God and yourself. In the long run, the hot tears and burning heart are a good thing.

Think : God wants a real sacrifice from me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to sacrifice those things that keep me from You.”

Send A Memo

Cadreman — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:03 +0000

“Send A Memo” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

1 Samuel 24:16-17 KJV

From the cave he just left, King Saul heard the voice of the very fugitive he hunted. In his right hand, David carried a sharp knife. In his left hand, a severed portion of Saul’s clothes.

Despite the standing death warrant, David refused to harm Saul. Not even multiple murder attempts could goad David against the rightful king of Israel. Scripture records that David had pangs of conscience for cutting up Saul’s clothes.

Even Saul got the message David sent. He could see David’s righteousness and his own evil. Shamed and convicted, Saul declared the truth of the situation.

You need to send a message of grace and mercy. Not with ink and paper, but through actions that leave no doubt. That God loves them still. That God extends His mercy today.

Someone in your sphere needs to get the memo. Be a living letter of God’s love and mercy. Deliver the message, loud and clear. How they react is between them and God.

Think : I need to send a strong message of mercy and grace to someone near me.

Pray: “Lord, Help me to be a living example of Your mercy and grace.”

Last Man Standing

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

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“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..”

David’s Third Anointing

Cadreman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:01:29 +0000

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“David’s Third Anointing” by Kirk Hunt

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

1 Chronicles 11:3 KJV

The pomp and circumstance of 1 Chronicles 11 and 12 is a highlight in Scripture. The roll calls of valiant men and mighty tribes highlights the weight of David’s leadership. More importantly, it details God’s glory in Israel.

David’s anointing came from God. The great gathering and celebration is really worship and praise of God. Any celebration of anointing must be aimed at the Source, not the servant.

David’s long years of selfless service as a loyal soldier for king Saul, and as an outlaw-protector are fulfilled in the coronation celebration. David had long since become a noble-leader and warrior-king. This third anointing is mere recognition of the clear and obvious truth of David’s life.

Your third anointing recognizes what has already been true. Your faithful service. Your loyal fulfillment of Kingdom duties. Your empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy the celebration. God is receiving worship and glory in the ceremony. Remember, your anointing comes from Him, for His purpose. He chose you and is your Source.

Think: God is the source and purpose of my anointing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember You are the Source and Purpose of my anointing.”

David’s Second Anointing

Cadreman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:01:36 +0000

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“David’s Second Anointing” by Kirk Hunt

Then And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

1 Samuel 2:4 KJV

David’s second anointing came during a time of personal sorrow and national disunity. The men of Judah officially recognized David as their king. Benjamin, David’s own tribe, did not. All of the rest of Israel? Absent.

Still mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan, David took on the weight of his kingship. With tact, compassion and diplomacy, David sought to consolidate all of Israel under a single government. No small task.

The private anointing at 1 Samuel 16: 12-13 was necessary for David’s development. This second anointing publicly confirmed David as king. This anointing carries David from learner to leader.

Anointing is not a static, once-and-forever event in your life. As God moves you through His path and process, things change. You change. Your anointing changes.

As king, David’s sphere changes. No longer a mercenary captain, he becomes a regal king. He stops working with the few and begins working with the many. And this change is not David’s full story.

If you are one of God’s anointed, your story is not over. This season in your life is orchestrated by God. Your next season will be arranged by God as well. Your second anointing is another beginning, not an end.

Think: As I move through God’s plan, my anointing will change.

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill Your call and anointing in my life.”

David’s First Anointing

Cadreman — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:01:59 +0000

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“David’s First Anointing” by Kirk Hunt

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:13 KJV

Traditionally, during this first anointing, David was a teenager. Jesse and his family had no clout or wealth to recommend a king to Israel. Certainly, no one expected much from, or for, the youngest son of Jesse’s brood.

King Saul had already rejected God. Saul’s error and disobedience ended his kingship and dynasty. All of this before David’s name appears in 1 Samuel.

Anointing is more than consecration. Anointing is symbolic of being placed under the divine influence and empowerment of God. Clearly, David’s lived his life in the power of God’s Spirit.

Divine empowerment, anointing, is an act of God’s choosing. Whom does God anoint? At a minimum, those who proactively seek Him. With sincere hearts. Using all of their time, talent and treasure.

The best part is that anointing is not reserved for an elite few. Common men and women can dare to seek God’s Heart and make themselves available for His service. God anointed a young boy with sheep dung on his sandals. Surely, you can approach His Throne.

At God’s direction, Samuel poured oil on David’s head. Before God spoke to Samuel, He saw the sincere and heartfelt devotion of a mere shepherd boy. God’s sovereign will chooses His anointed. Why not you?

Think: God chooses who He will anoint.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in, and seek, Your anointing.”