Christian Living Archives – Page 45 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Report To The Battlefield

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“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.”

You Are Not Forgotten

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“You Are Not Forgotten” by Kirk Hunt

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Isaiah 49:15 KJV

Among the swirling galaxies and streaming pulsars, He listens for a single voice. Legions of angels come and go, but He anticipates a single face. Among the billions of souls that fill the earth, God is especially concerned with you, by name and fingerprint.

With all that calls to God, He has reserved a part of Himself for a precious child. Despite all that swirls through the infinite, He has a special focus on a single soul. No matter what else is happening, you have priority with God.

It doesn’t matter that someone else disappointed you. The track record of some mere human has nothing to do with Him. You are at the center of His love. You are an ongoing concern to eyes that never sleep or slumber.

Perhaps you are tired. Maybe you are hurting. You could be confused.

God has time to give rest to your soul. He will stop to sooth your hurts. Patiently, He will answer your questions.

You are not forgotten. He listens for your voice. He will be especially delighted to see your face.

Think : God loves me. He loves me more than even I can know.

Pray: “Lord, I accept the rest and restoration of Your love.”

Wrong Kind, Right Faith

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“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.”

Quietly Awesome

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“Quietly Awesome” by Kirk Hunt

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 46:10 KJV

Find a quiet spot. Sit down. Turn off all of the phones, displays and electronic gizmos. Just sit in the quiet of a gentle breeze and listen as the birds chirp contentedly to God.

It is in the quiet moments that God is especially God. He doesn’t need the 24 hour news cycle. You can see and hear His power and exaltedness in the rustle of grass or the warmth of a summer afternoon.

You have a part to play in the building of God’s Kingdom on earth. As important as your faithful work is, God is exalted despite it, not because of it. God will be exalted in the minds and hearts of men because of who He is, not because of what we do.

Take an opportunity to simply spend time with Him. Not in the stunning majesty of His awesomeness, but in the peaceful stillness of His quietness. While He is always more than we can know, he makes a place and space where we can see Him in calm and stillness.

Take the time to watch a sunset or doze in a sunbeam. The quiet peacefulness you hear is God’s glory and power. Watch him be exalted in the quiet stillness

Think : God is exalted, especially in the quiet moments

Pray: “Lord, Help me to see You in stillness and calm.”

Tell Your Story

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“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.”

Send A Memo

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“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.”

Read His Memos

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“Read His Memos” by Kirk Hunt

And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

2 Samuel 23:16-17 KJV

Despite escaping King Saul again, David needed encouragement. The constant pressure and tension of a fugitive’s life exacts a heavy toll. Even on a courageous and valiant man like David.

Into this dark and desperate circumstance, Prince Jonathan brought joy and comfort to his friend’s heart and spirit. How? With a memo.

Not a literal piece of paper or parchment, but a memorandum, none the less. Jonathan repeated a short message, declaring David’s safety and coming coronation as king of Israel. A communication, initialed not by some earthly man, but by Jehovah-Jireh.

Jonathan left his friend by himself, but not alone. Saul’s death warrant could not penetrate God’s sanctuary. Despite danger and peril, David rested in the calm and safety of God’s love.

Scripture is full of God’s promises to you. The Bible records God’s ongoing love, care and protection for you. God’s little memos are full of big promises to you.

Don’t let recent circumstances block your faith. No matter how pressed or pressured today is, God has promised you a tomorrow full of joy, safety and success. Go read the memos.

Think : I need to read God’s memos to me.

Pray: “Lord, Help me to trust Your promises from Your Word.”

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297 Words

A Subtle Difference

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“A Subtle Difference” by Kirk Hunt

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 KJV

It doesn’t sound like it, but conviction is a good thing. It serves a useful purpose in the life of seekers and believers. Conviction points out the errors in our lives.

It’s important to say this: Conviction is different from condemnation. Conviction can be defined as “convincing someone of an error.” Condemnation can be defined as “sentencing to punishment.”

Conviction seeks to stop you from stepping off a cliff. Condemnation seeks to shove you off a cliff. Conviction points to improvement, not imprisonment. It’s a subtle, but critical difference.

When the Holy Spirit convicts, there’s a yearning to make things right. In the long-run, we’re thankful for the experience. Despite the short-run discomfort.

Condemnation is an ugly declaration of penalty and separation. There is no effort to restore or repair in condemnation. All of the energy goes to punishment of the prisoner.

It’s a subtle but important difference. Conviction concerns itself with simple correction: Making it right. Condemnation cares only for the penalty phase.

God, our heavenly Father wants to restore us in loving fellowship. The enemy of your soul wants to accuse, then condemn. Surely, you can see the difference.

Think : Conviction is the Holy Spirit pointing in a better direction.

Pray: “Lord, guide me away from my error and toward Your righteousness.”

Joseph’s Promise

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“Joseph’s Promise” by Kirk Hunt

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Genesis 50:20-21 KJV

With tears in his eyes Zaphnathpaaneah, the Pharaoh’s Chancellor, faced the Hebrew men who had wronged him. Their betrayal had cost him years of slavery and prison. With his power and position he could exact a terrible vengeance. With a word, he could have doomed the foreigners.

With tears in his eyes, Joseph faced the brothers who had betrayed and nearly murdered him. Gently, he spoke life. With humility, he promised forgiveness. Joseph promised, then delivered.

His brothers were right to be afraid. Joseph loved his father and while he lived, he would avoid causing him more grief and sorrow. With Jacob dead and buried, Joseph had no reason to restrain his power.

Joseph’s promise is an example of mercy, grace and forgiveness put in action. It would have been too easy to listen to his scars and marks. Instead Joseph listened to God’s Heart.

What promises should you make? Will you speak life and forgiveness, or something else? Will your promises flow from your heart or God’s?

Think : Mercy, grace and forgiveness come from the heart of God.

Pray: “Lord, I promise to follow Your heart .”

Payout In The Workhouse

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“Payout In The Workhouse” by Kirk Hunt

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Genesis 41:52 KJV

Zaphnathpaaneah served as Chancellor or Prime Minister to Pharaoh. His position and title delivered a life of wealth, power and privilege. It’s easy to imagine he announced the birth of his second son, to the Egyptian elite, at a stylish and expensive party.

In the quiet and empty mansion, a different man appeared in the mirror. Under the expensive robes were marks from slavery’s chains. Hidden by extravagant jewelery and the tokens of office, lay scars from the jailor’s whip.

Joseph had no illusions about Egypt. Egypt had hurt him. Still, a faithful and blessing God ensured that he prospered, despite it all.

The precious newborn son in his arms told a story of care, provision and protection. God stood near. Hurt never became harm. “Ephraim, my payout.”

Maybe your circumstances have hurt you. Perhaps your road has seemed hard and harsh. God had a plan to preserve whole nations through Joseph. God has a plan for you.

Your barren patch will bloom and feed thousands. Your hurts will become healing for you and others. The God of heaven has a payout for you, right where you are.

Think : God has a payout for me, no matter my current circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, I thank You, in advance, for my coming payout.”

God’s Back Pay

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“God’s Back Pay” by Kirk Hunt

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

Genesis 41:51 KJV

The birth of a son is normally cause for celebration and joy. Like any first-time father, I’m certain Joseph whooped with joy and pride. Still, the memories of the last 13 years brought some gravity to Joseph’s heart and mind.

“God has caused me to forget.” First, betrayal by his brothers. Then, years of slavery. Finally, false accusation and years of unjust imprisonment. In the glow of his back-pay, Joseph forgot about the prior years.

Perhaps you have been laboring long, hard and without just wages. God has been watching over you the entire time. Recording the hours. Banking your pay.

To others, it will seem you are an over-night sensation. It doesn’t matter how it looks to them. You know that God is simply delivering your back pay.

Just when they thought you were dead, God will deliver your best life yet. Even though you thought you were forgotten and cast aside, God will set you out front and in charge. No one delivers back-pay like God.

Stay faithful. Work to build His Kingdom. Trust that God has your back-pay. At the right time, in the correct place, God will make you forget all that happened before. In joy. With delight. Through blessing.

Think : God rewards the faithful.

Pray: “Lord, I thank You, in advance, for Your Kingdom blessings.”

The Prince Gets A Princess

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“The Prince Gets A Princess” by Kirk Hunt

And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 KJV

There is a saying, “God does not always call the equipped, but He always equips the called.” To fulfill his purpose in God’s plan, Joseph needed to look, sound and live like a high-born Egyptian. Against expectation, Joseph’s years as a slave, then a convict, equipped him to serve as Pharaoh’s Chief Executive.

Perhaps you feel you have been denied the good things of life. Maybe you feel that the positive outcomes have been kept from you. God has a royal blessing in store for you.

Probably not a literal royal bride (or groom) but an excellent place in purpose. With an extraordinary space for blessing. God will inflict His best on you, as if from ambush.

His blessing will catch up to you. No matter where, or how far, you have traveled. The right time and place is where God says it is.

As prince Joseph entered his palace, God arranged for everything. Even a princess. As you enter your purpose in God’s Kingdom, God will arrange for everything.

Think : God equips His servants for their call.

Pray: “Lord, equip me for Your purpose, in Your Kingdom.”