Christian Living Archives – Page 47 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Seek And Rely On The Lord

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“Seek And Rely On The Lord” by Kirk Hunt

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:1 KJV

Isaiah could only shake his head in distress and dismay. Judah had formed a military and political alliance with Egypt. They expected that Egypt’s appearent wealth and visible military power would be a help to them.

Assyria swept through Israel and Judah like fire through dry grass. Egypt’s help and assistance against the invading horde are conspicuously absent from Scripture. In the end, Hezekiah and Judah were forced to rely on God alone.

Who (or what) do you rely on? Is it a mighty looking earthly resource? A powerful man or woman?

Seek God. Rely on Him alone. Hezekiah, trapped inside Jerusalem by the invading Assyrians, learned to trust God. Unfortunately, he took the fast, crash course.

Don’t give into human perception or common wisdom. Relying on something means you have put faith in it. Who is more worthy of faith than God.

You have a choice. Seek the all-powerful. Rely on His power and sovereign authority. Put your faith in God.

Think: My sole reliance should always be on God, not any early power or resource.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I rely on You alone.”

Soul Building

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“Soul Building” by Kirk Hunt

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 1:3-4 KJV

I’m working out now. I’m eating better lately. I want to undo years of lounging and overindulgence with a few hours of sweat and reducing one meal a week. It’s not working out that way.

It’s going to take weeks and months of consistency to get to develop the fitness I want. Too much, too fast will only hurt, not help. I am putting fewer calories on my plate and burning more calories on the treadmill. There’s no “secret” formula, just consistency and persistence.

The things of God work the same way. Anyone can develop a intimate, rich relationship with Father-God. There’s no “mystery” formula, just consistency and persistence. I get up when I’d rather sleep longer.

Everyday, make sure you spend time in His presence. Don’t let a day go by without reading and studying Scripture. Never miss an opportunity to exercise your faith.

The word “trying” in Scripture can often be interpreted “exercising.” Consistent, persistent exercise will build muscles naturally and spiritually. All you have to do is get off the literal, or figurative, couch.

You can become perfect and complete in God. Just do what you need to do. Every day.

Think: Consistency and patience in prayer and Bible study will build my soul

Pray: “Lord, help me to exercise myself in You.”

Corner Men

[display_podcast]“Corner Men” by Kirk Hunt

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 KJV

The boxer stumbles back to his corner and falls heavily on the stool. The opponent is stronger than he imagined, and craftier than his looks should allow. Alone, the fighter won’t finish the next round.

Corner men climb through the ropes to assist and strengthen their man. They work quickly, considering their limited time. Every action strengthens and supports the man who fights in the ring.

The cut man makes the boxer flinch, but the wounds close and the bleeding stops. The corner man pumps fluids into, and over, the fighter. A trainer speaks (or yells) advice and direction into the face of the weary slugger.

A strong, sharpened combatant emerges from the corner. The corner men watch with pride and emotion as their man battles the opponent. Regardless of who gets the credit, the boxer’s victory will seem just like their own.

Where are you in this scene? As Christians we battle the culture every day. We need men in our corner.

We need brothers who patch our wounds and cuts with God’s Word. Every Christian man ought to have a spiritual warrior who pours prayer over his life and circumstances. Real men listen to the Godly counsel of a strong, Spirit-filled friend.

Look around you. There are men (and women) who need the strength and skill you can lend them. Eventually, you will need theirs.

Find your men and your corner. Get ready, the bell is about to ring. Come out swinging.

Think: Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give and accept service for the Kingdom’s sake.”

Boaz and Jachim

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“Boaz and Jachim” by Kirk Hunt

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 KJV

The gold overlay of the Temple gleamed brightly in the Mediterranean sun. All of Jerusalem would have only been preparation for the Temple itself. A faithful pilgrim to the First Temple would have been impressed and humbled.

The door of the Temple was guarded. Not by images of animals, or even angels, but by two brass pillars. As if ornate pillars 27 feet tall and nearly 6 feet across were not significant enough, they had names.

The right-hand pillar, “Jachim” means “He will establish.” The left-hand pillar, Boaz means “In Him is strength.” Some Bible scholars state that they are symbolic of the Pillars of Fire and Smoke that led Israel through the wilderness. Clearly, they are a reference to God’s power and sovereignty.

For the worshiper entering the Temple, the message of these pillars may have been more internal than external. “God will establish a purpose within you.” “God will give you the strength to live for Him.”

God has established a purpose for your life. He has the strength you need to fulfill your mission. He is ready and willing to empower you.

Think: I have a purpose in God’s Kingdom, and God has all the power I need.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out the purpose You have given me.”

Last Man Standing

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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..”

A Love Story

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“A Love Story” by Kirk Hunt

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10 KJV

Scripture can (easily) be seen as an epic love story. The suitor is God Himself. From the beginning, He has sought to win the hearts of His intended.

We are His intended. Any man or woman who lives on this side of Glory is the target of God’s unending love and desire. To prove Himself, Jesus came and made it possible for us to receive eternal life.

To give us forever, He surrendered His own Glory. Perfection became a helpless baby. The manger is just as much a symbol of sacrifice and love as the Cross. You are at the center of a story of powerful devotion and relentless desire. God has spared no effort to deliver His love to you. How will you respond?

See the manger for what it is: A symbol of God’s unquenchable desire and affection for you. He longs for a loving relationship with you. Still, He is a true lover. He desires that we love Him in a sincere and true exchange of affections.

His Arms are open wide. He has paid every price for your freedom and liberty. What do you say? How will this love story end for you?

Think: How do I respond to God’s love for me?

Pray: “Lord, I thank You for Your love for me.”

Draw Near

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“Draw Near” by Kirk Hunt

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22 KJV

Draw near. No matter what you did. Regardless of how many times you did it.

Yes, He is holy. Still, He loves you. Come in sincerity. His arms will receive you.

Draw near. Don’t listen to the facts and figures. Over ride your feelings and emotions about the situation.

Faith sees things as they will be, not as they are now. Your faith carries you to Him. His faithfulness ensures He will be there for you.

Draw near. Because Scripture commands it. Because His Holy Spirit requests it.

Obedience ought to compel you. His loving kindness should draw you. Run, don’t walk, to His embrace.

Draw near. That is where His healing power is. In His embrace you will find comfort and restoration.

He wants to give, not take. He desires to bless you, not blast you. God is a good father who loves you, His child.

Draw near. Your soul knows that is where you will find rest and recovery. Your heart senses His loving desire for you.

Let His embrace draw you in. Accept the gifts He want to give you. Go close, where His love dwells.

Think: My response should be to draw near.

Pray: “Lord, help me to accept Your Call to come close.”

The Effect Of Dedication

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“The Effect Of Dedication” by Kirk Hunt

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 8:63 KJV

After the last workman finished, it was just a house. Was the building beautiful? Without a doubt. Was the cost high? Extravagantly so. Still, it otherwise remained commonplace.

Something happened during the ceremony. It was a shelter like many others, until it was assigned a special purpose. That mundane edifice in Jerusalem became The Temple during the dedication.

Solomon and the priests’ prayers and offerings didn’t suddenly transform the stone and timber. The joint recognition of Israel that the building would serve God did. Dedication is assigning a special purpose to a place, or even person.

The things, and lives, around you do not need to remain commonplace. You can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Dedication changes everything.

There is no minimum qualification value. No standard for appearance controls your selection. You choose what you dedicate to God. You pick what is reserved for the God of heaven. May I suggest something valuable and precious, like your soul?

Think: You can assign a special purpose in God to anything and anyone. Even yourself.

Pray: “Lord, help me to dedicate my things, and myself, to You.”

The Lost Recovered

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“The Lost Recovered” by Kirk Hunt

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Luke 15:32 KJV

The parable of the Prodigal Son is told and taught often among Christians. It is a story of loss and hope. It is also a story of faith and attitude.

The father in the story spent his days (and nights) looking and searching. Not for a few coins, but for a misplaced son. I’m certain he would have spent the rest of his fortune to ensure the recovery of the son who wandered off.

The father didn’t console himself that a son stayed. Neither did he write-off the son who strayed. He prayed in hope and expectation. An expectation that led him to search the horizon for a traveler who might never come.

In his heart and spirit he had one expectation: The lost and misplaced would become the found and recovered. His attitude never wavered. His heart never faltered.

What is your hope and expectation today? Have you given up, or given in, about a misplaced life and soul? Keep your faith in our God who recovers the lost. Maintain an attitude of expectation by day and night.

Look to the horizon for a traveler. With hope. In expectation. Keep your party plans close by.

Think: God recovers the lost.

Pray: “Lord, help me to wait with expectation for the recovery of a misplaced son or daughter.”

Provoke Each Other

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“Provoke Each Other” by Kirk Hunt

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:24 KJV

Given the opportunity to name a topic for one of these devotionals, my Gospel brother became gleeful. When he finally names a specific topic, it is supposed to be a challenge. A spur to good and Godly work.

Practitioners and experts are the most difficult audience. They appreciate the great displays of expertise, but they see the little slips of imperfection. They share your goals and aspirations, but they also know the craft you are trying to perfect.

Why should I bother with his challenge? Because he’s going to provoke me. To delve further into Scripture. Knowing his heart and expertise in the things of God, I’ll have to labor just a little better.

Ultimately, his challenge is for me to be more like Jesus. Knowing my friend, I can’t half-step. I will have to bring my best.

It is a kind of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, our heavenly Father has an infinite store of love and blessing for all of His children. No one loses the race for Godliness.

Who is challenging you? Who pushes you just a little further into the Arms of Jesus? What does an answer of “no one” say about you?

Think: My brothers and sisters help me get better in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, help me embrace the men and women who will provoke me toward You.”

Our Daily Bread

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“Our Daily Bread” by Kirk Hunt

And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Exodus 16:14 KJV

Like clockwork, for over 40 years, the Israelites woke up to God’s provision. In the middle of a harsh desert environment, food (and dew) arrived every morning. Israel called it manna.

One translation of the word manna is “gift.” A different translation is the phrase “What is it?” God’s provision is always wonderful, but it can also be a mystery.

At least one lesson of manna is to interact with God daily. Excess collections of manna rotted or spoiled during the night. God wanted Israel to depend and interact with Him each day.

How about you? Do you interact daily with God? Is there fresh provision from God’s Word in your mind and heart every morning (or evening)? Do you speak with Him, every day?

We let the business crowd Him out. We choose to spend our time away from Him. Make a commitment for a few minutes a day. Create the habit. Gather your daily measure of God.

The habit and practice will make a difference in your life. It doesn’t need to take hours. It needs to happen daily. Gather your manna, daily. God is there, waiting for You.

Think: Prayer and Bible study are a Christian’s daily bread.

Pray: “Lord, help me not to skip my daily dose of You.”

David’s Third Anointing

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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.”

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