Christian Living Archives – Page 31 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Faith In The Rain

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“Faith In The Rain” By Kirk Hunt

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

Job 13:15 NKJV

What happens to your faith when you finish your prayer and it is still raining in your life? The checkbook is still empty? The hospital bed is still full? The casket lid is still closing?

Job lay on a literal ash heap, the only comfort for his own illness. His sons and daughters were dead. His wealth had become a dimming memory. Then his friends arrived to accuse him of secret sin.

Job’s faith in God remained strong. Job trusted what God was doing or allowing in his life. His confidence in his own integrity remained firm. Job was prepared to give an account of himself to any audience, including God Himself.

The rain of circumstances pours into the life of both the redeemed and unredeemed. Hurt and battered, saints look toward heaven in faith. The redeemed respond in faith, trust and continuing integrity before God. We trust God, even as the raindrops mingle with our tears.

The rain in your life should have nothing to do with your faith. God’s people trust that God is faithful and loving, even when our circumstances are difficult. Faith is not absence of difficulty. Faith is the presence of trust in God.

Think: Is my faith strong when circumstances are difficult?

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You despite the circumstances.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Re-called To Serve

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“Re-called To Serve” By Kirk Hunt

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

John 21:18 NKJV

There, on the shore of the Galilee (also called Tiberias), the risen Jesus renewed Simon Peter’s calling. Jesus commanded Peter to “Feed His Sheep.” Then he informs Peter that, at the end, others will dress him and take places. Peter’s call to service will not be limited by his age or condition.

Scripture clearly says (v. 19) that this verse is a prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom. Tradition teaches that Peter was crucified in Nero’s Rome. Still, Peter’s call from Jesus is not to an ending but to Kingdom building service.

Saints I know speak of retirement from their ministries and lives of service. Yet, the next thing I hear from, or of them, is that they are deeply involved in a new approach to building God’s Kingdom. It may involve less running, jumping and lifting heavy things, but it is still important work. Work they are uniquely qualified to perform.

You may not be 15, or 35, anymore, but you are not excused. God’s Kingdom needs you to be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are called to do. Accept help, if you must, but keep moving for Him, regardless.

Think: There is no retirement from the Christian Way.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithful to my calling my entire life.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

After The Mountain

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“After The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child.”

Luke 9:37-38 NKJV

They went up the mountain to hear God. There on the mountain they received revelation. As they came down the mountain, they considered what they could share. Still, a single day after the mountain, the Apostles were met, and stumped, by the needs of the people.

There is always that special time after your mountaintop experience. It seems the problems bred bigger and tougher while you sat at His feet. God’s revelation to you does not seem to have any relevance to what you are facing.

His timing is perfect. Too often, His rhythm seems out of step, and tempo, with events. Trust Him. Even when you are faced by throngs with extra difficult issues.

Your deep, powerful experience remains valid. The needs you must now meet, head on, are part of His plan and purpose for you. Stay the course. Be patient with His path for you.

The boy was healed. The people were ministered to. Just one day after the Apostles’ revelation at the mountain top.

His timing is sometimes a mystery. At first. Grip your revelation from Him with faith. Face forward and do the work. You will use your mountain top, in His rhythm and timing.

Think: Your mountain top experience matters, no matter what you face now.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be patient with the timing and rhythm of Your revelation.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Down The Mountain

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“Down The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17: 9 NKJV

Going up the mountain should be a prized opportunity. Seeing on the mountain should be a precious time of revelation and learning. Surprisingly, you should be cautious about what you say after you come down from your mountain top experience.

Jesus needed His inner circle, Peter, James and John, to see and understand more about Him. They were ready for the revelations at the mountain top. The rest of the Apostles, yet alone the main body of disciples, were not ready at that time.

The Transfiguration is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Yet, for a time, Jesus deliberately limited the audience to this glorious and powerful event. Trust His timing, no matter how much you want to share the extraordinary things you see at the mountain top.

Scriptural truth is never to be hidden. Still, Scripture speaks plainly to the idea that everyone is not ready for everything, all the time (Matthew 11:25, Luke 9:44-45, Colossians 1:25-27). All will be revealed to the saints of God. At the correct time, in the correct space.

What God reveals to you will be confirmed by Scripture. He reveals more of Himself to those who seek Him in Scripture and prayer. Trust Him when He limits the audience.

Think: I should be circumspect in sharing from the mountain top.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be wise with the knowledge You share with me.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

On The Mountain

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“On The Mountain” By Kirk Hunt

Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

Peter is my friend and brother. He does and says the things I would do, so I do not have to. There on the mountain, in the middle of one of the great mystical events of Scripture, he blurts out words. So there is no silence. Despite the obvious fact that God is speaking.

A mountain top experience is a time to hear God. It is an opportunity to hear Him speaking, in a deeper and often unique manner. It is an opportunity to listen. It is a chance to see what He wants you to see, farther and more precisely.

That does not mean you turn into a silent stone. Think clearly and deeply. Ask wisely and judiciously. Make the most of the opportunity. Being lead up the mountain is a special, not regular, event. God has decided He has something special to say. The experience may be mystical, but it will also be practical.

When you are on the mountain, get all that God is giving. Get all that you can while you are up there. You are going to need what He is saying.

Think: When God speaks, do I listen clearly and completely?

Pray: “Lord, reveal Yourself to me, and help me understand.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

You Shall Lend

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“You Shall Lend” By Kirk Hunt

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Deuteronomy 28:12 NKJV

The promise of God (see verse 1) in this Scripture was originally for the people of Israel. They had not yet arrived in the Promised Land, but God was letting them know. Obey me and you shall always lend and never borrow.

I can tell you that if you fulfill the condition, God will fulfill the promise. Not just money, though that is an obvious possibility. There are a lot of things God’s people can “lend” to the “nations” around us.

The treasures of heaven are not just material things, like adequate food and shelter. Good physical and mental health is a treasure, straight from His throne. Peace of mind and spirit comes from God’s heaven, and cannot be purchased with mere money.

Obey God and follow his commandments. Before you know it, others will ask where you got all of your blessings. Lend those who ask the good things of God. The gratitude of those you bless is interest enough for the generous of heart.

Think: His blessings are for me, and can be loaned to those around me.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for Your blessings, especially the ability to bless others in turn.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

In The Morning

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“In The Morning” By Kirk Hunt

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16 NKJV

It is always better in the morning. You have survived the darkness of your troubles. The light of day is almost always a comfort after a difficult night.

Perhaps last year was not your best. Still, here you are, in a new year. God has defended you and protected you from your troubles.

No matter what happened in the night of the last year, you are here now. He has blessed you with new opportunities and possibilities. Be grateful and thankful.

Get yourself together for the new year. Assess where you are. Make plans based on your currently reality. Work your plans like a champion.

Scripture does not promise you an easy ride. Scripture does promise you God’s goodness, power and grace. Sing your song in gratitude and praise.

Even if you do not feel like it this minute, sing. God’s goodness brought you here. God’s power keeps you here. God’s grace will carry you there.

You have arrived in a new year. God continues to look out for you and watch over you. Bless Him for giving a new morning and a new year.

Think: This is the morning of a new year. How will I use it for God?

Pray: “Lord, thank You for Your continuing care and protection in a new year.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Thankful

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“Thankful” By Kirk Hunt

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the Lord.

Psalms 116:17 NKJV

I approached the Western Wall, considering the place holy, if not by God’s true presence, then by the thousands of sincere prayers offered there. As I drew close, I could see that every crack and crevice in the stone was filled with prayer notes. I was thankful that my requests would go to God there.

I was, frankly, taken aback. My heart, mind and mouth could not form a request. The Holy Spirit stopped up my request maker. In its place, He unleashed my thanks giver. “Quit begging. Start thanking.”

So there I was, a lone goyim at the Wall, my heart crying out to God. The tears were of joy. I gave myself over to the thankfulness and gratitude that spilled out to my God. After all, He has been good to me in the past, is good to me in the present and will be good to me in the future.

Not that all of my days have been easy and bountiful. Still, even on the toughest days, He has been exceedingly good to me. Since I have already received so much from Him, my only reasonable response is to be grateful and thankful.

I am reminded that I should thank more and ask less. I am blessed by the sincere gratitude of my own sons. I owe God my gratitude, and I intend to pay what I owe.

Think: I should be thankful for all God has done, is doing and will do for me.

Pray: “Thank you, Lord.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Moving Forward

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“Moving Forward” By Kirk Hunt

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

What do you hear when someone speaks of “God’s divine direction?” Does the pillar of fire and smoke come to mind? What is the form and format of moving forward in God?

God’s direction and guidance can indeed be miraculous and mystical. Scripture is too full of examples to say otherwise. Still, the visitation of angels is not part of a usual day in an office cubicle. A glory-cloud does not often appear while driving to the supermarket.

Does God only speak to Biblical heroes? What about the rest of us? How do mere men and women like us receive guidance? Does God only speak to the high and mighty among us?

Your easiest and fastest route to God is His Word. Study Scripture, regularly and often. In those moments of reverent quiet, He will speak with you. Hidden in study, God will find you.

It is not that hard or difficult. You can seek God’s direction for your life, today. You do not have to be a spiritual giant to have His Word in your life. His guidance is not for a favorite few.

All you have to do is decide you want God’s direction in your life. The only entrance fee is your willingness to make study of His Word a priority for your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. His Word promises you that.

Think: I can have God’s direction for my life through study of His Word.

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear Your heart through Your Word.

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Bring It

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“Bring It” By Kirk Hunt

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10 NKJV

God rarely invites men and women to test Him. Knowing how fragile we are, He does not usually dare mere humans. Still, in this verse, He throws out a challenge: “Bring it.”

Look carefully. There is no fine print. This is not a limited offer.

Test to see if you can out-give the creator of the universe. Try to exceed His credit limit. Check to see if He has enough to more than match what you have.

It may not be cash. Your blessing could be good health. Perhaps you will dwell in utter peace and absolute security.

Of course, you should give as an expression of your love and gratitude to God. After all, He has already given you so much. Still, he wants the opportunity to give you more.

Take the challenge. Make it your goal to push God to the limit of His ability to give to you. What have you got to lose?

Think: I may give first, but God gives best.

Pray: “Lord, I want to honor You with my giving.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Obedience At All Ranks

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“Obedience At All Ranks” By Kirk Hunt

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

1 Samuel 15:23 NKJV

Samuel delivered his somber news to Saul. The king’s (pitiful) excuses and justifications could not negate his responsibility to obey God. King Saul found out the hard way that obedience applies to all ranks.

The greedy, lazy, self-centered part of us wants it both ways. We want anyone and every one to do every little thing we say. We even want them to anticipate what we want done.

Of course, that part of us wants to be free to ignore or even alter any instruction. “Do as I say, not as I do.” “Rank hath its privileges.”

I freely admit I am aggravated when I experience this disobedient attitude in folks. I am more aggravated when I catch the same attitude trying to assert itself in my life. To my regret, it is a weed that grows back far too easily.

God expects you to obey Him and His Word. Your rank does not impact your obligation to obey. Not one little bit.

Obedience to God does not have rank or importance limits. It applies to me. It applies to you. Without exception.

Think: I owe God my obedience, no matter what rank I hold.

Pray: “Lord, keep my heart focused on obedience to You and Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Saul’s Hindrance

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“Saul’s Hindrance” By Kirk Hunt

Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.”

1 Samuel 15:10-11a NKJV

Saul’s hindrance cost him the throne of Israel. There was no political maneuvering or mutiny. Instead, Saul got in his own way and ended his dynasty, practically before it started.

David’s name would appear in the next chapter of Scripture, but not this one. Samuel literally got mad, then grieved over the loss of Saul. The sitting king only had himself to blame for losing his throne.

Too often we want to blame others. We want some outside force to be at fault for our losses and problems. Stand still. Be honest.

Saul turned away from God. Saul decided to stop being obedient, all on his own. No series of pitiful excuses can fix the real problem.

Saul had God’s anointing. All he had to do was live it out. Instead, he caved under the pressure of continuing to be a man of God.

Saul’s hindrance was Saul. Not the Amalek nation he defeated. Not David, who was still out with the sheep. Not even Samuel who grieved for his error.

Perhaps you have hindrances blocking your way forward with God. Stand still. Be honest. Are you getting in your own way?

Think: Am I the hindrance holding me back?

Pray: “Lord, keep my heart focused on You and Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.