CadreMen Press Devotionals

The Nature Of Training

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“The Nature Of Training” By Kirk Hunt

And three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

Daniel 1:5b NKJV

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were talented, gifted men when they were selected to serve king Nebuchadnezzar. Still, they needed training before they actually appeared before him. God’s people, even the most spiritual among us, need training.

The need for training is not a negative. Despite their qualifications (Daniel 1:4), the “Hebrew Boys” needed 36 months of additional skills and knowledge before they were ready for their tasks. God has great plans for you, so He has assigned training to prepare you for your mission.

Paul, despite his education and knowledge, spent 3 years (Galatians 1:15–18) training before assuming the mantle of an Apostle. Moses’ 40 years of “exile” in Midian are considered a time of training by most Bible scholars. Your training prepares you for great things.

Even savants and prodigies need the skills and abilities that come only from proper training. Without practicing scales and arpeggios even professional musicians would be at a disadvantage. Every professional sports team has at least one yearly training camp. Despite their championship rings.

The practice floor demands sweat and labor. The certificate will require hours of work and effort. Your preparation further qualifies you for the role God has for you in building His Kingdom. Train diligently and thoroughly.

Think: Training enables me to build God’s Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, I will train diligently so that I can better serve You.”

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

Walk The Old Paths

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“Walk The Old Paths” By Kirk Hunt

Thus says the Lord:
“Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;

Jeremiah 6:16a NKJV

There is a good chance you did burpees as a youngster. If you are like me, you hated them back then. If you are like me, you hate them still. Regardless, here I am, at my age, doing burpees. The old paths are very often the best route to a prized destination.

Hate them if you must, but burpees improve strength, flexibility, endurance and aerobic conditioning. In pursuit of physical fitness, burpees are ridiculously inexpensive but intensely demanding. Still, even professional athletes shy away from the exercise. Even the best of us do not always want to do what is hard. Regardless of the benefits.

Every worthwhile achievement demands something from its seekers. A relationship with Father-God is no different. Real spiritual growth demands real spiritual disciplines.

Regular prayer. Consistent Bible study. Systematic fasting. They are the price of spiritual strength and intimacy with God. They are the old path, and the only path, to a proper relationship with your heavenly Father.

Start today. Commit to being consistent and diligent. It may not seem like much to you, but stay the course. Sooner than you think, you will realize that you are on the shortest, best path to a relationship with God. And He is the most prized destination.

Think: The only good route to God is through the old paths of spiritual disciplines.

Pray: “Lord, I will follow the old paths to You.”

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

Fresh Mercy, New Faithfulness

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“Fresh Mercy, New Faithfulness” By Kirk Hunt

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

Good morning. Welcome to a new year. Also, welcome to a fresh edition of God’s mercy.

Perhaps last year was not your best. Even if you feel convicted, you are not condemned. Take a generous portion of His mercy and begin again.

You may have done well last year. Praise God for your faithfulness. Still, you cannot rest on past accomplishments. Move, in His mercy, to your next assignment and task.

His compassion for His people never runs out. He understands our weak spots. Our quirks are not a surprise to Him. He only asks that we faithfully share His compassion and mercy with others.

This New Year is an occasion to begin again, or correct course. Faithfully, God has given us a fresh opportunity to work in His Kingdom. Use this choice benefit to its fullest.

Learn, of course, from past errors but otherwise put all your effort into future work. God has preserved and protected you. Not just for your sake, but for those you will bless and benefit.

The dawn signals a new day. The New Year is more than the passage of time. It is an opportunity to be blessed and bless others.

Think: New mercy and fresh compassion allow God’s people to work and bless others.

Pray: “Lord, help me to share Your mercy and compassion with others.”

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

Rest In His Presence

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“Rest In His Presence” By Kirk Hunt

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NKJV

It has been a long year. Take a moment to sit here and receive His restoration. Pause in His presence, and accept His rest.

There is a comforting space in His arms, just for you. He wants to speak special encouragement to your soul. He longs to speak the love of His heart, directly to yours.

Too many of God’s people engage in non-stop frenzy. Rush here. Speed there. If there is time to breathe than you are idle, if not lazy.

Playing through the rest notation in sheet music ruins the song. Playing a sport without proper rest exposes the player or team to mistakes in play and injury in their bodies. Champions rest.

Rest allows restoration. A pause allows thoughtful consideration of past results. Insightful and innovative strategies grow from deliberate stops in the action.

His presence is a pleasant place. Yes, there may be correction or conviction. Still, there will be affection and care beyond your highest expectations. Your Father calls to you. Let Him love you for a while.

Spend your money on a quiet, restful, place and space. Let the God of Heaven restore and replenish you. There will be time later for hurly–burly. Make time now for the warmth and caring that only He can give.

Think: God’s presence empowers His men and women through rest and restoration.

Pray: “Lord, let me pause here, in Your presence, and receive Your restoration.”

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

Peace On Earth

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“Peace On Earth” By Kirk Hunt

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:14 NKJV

An angelic host filled the skies with their presence, then filled the silence with praise for God. The shepherds could only respond with reverence and adoration for the new-born King. The angels left the shepherds with a deep, abiding peace. A peace that comes from knowing God Himself orchestrates goodwill for all of humanity.

It is harder to know God’s peace in the middle of today’s turmoil and chaos. God’s peace does not mean the absence of conflict or difficulties. The shepherds who witnessed the angelic choir lived under heavy-handed Roman occupation. All of them already had, or would, experience wars, uprisings and conflicts.

Still, the angels were correct then and now. God intends peace and goodwill for all mankind. That includes every man, woman or child, regardless of their background, race or beliefs. “They are precious in His sight.”

During this Christmas season, stop and rest for a while. Seek out the peaceful silence that only God’s presence can bring. Let His goodwill flow in your heart and soul, despite the noise and chaos of this present world.

Consider how you can bring His peace and goodwill to a man or woman nearby. Or far away. Someone, needs to know that God still loves and cares for them. Be His hands and feet in bringing peace and goodwill to all men. They are all still precious in His sight.

Think: God’s still offers His peace and goodwill to all men and women.

Pray: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace and goodwill to all men.”

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

Leper’s Faith

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“Leper’s Faith” By Kirk Hunt

Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Luke 17:12-13 NKJV

A leper in ancient Israel was under a death sentence. It was a slow, steady cruel death. Alone and friendless, you might only have the company of other lepers at the end.

You would not get well, but you would rot away. The disease would eat away at your face and extremities, until the end came. Long before you were a true corpse, you would smell like one.

The Law of Moses, and the stink of your decay, made you an outcast. If that was not enough to drive you out, the risk of infecting your friends and family forced you isolate yourself. Driven from hearth and home, you were supposed to die alone and untouched.

Hope should not live in a leper’s heart.

Still, here they were. Ten men, determined to live. With reckless abandon, they wanted life and restoration. Illegally, they came within the village walls to plead their case with the Healer.

Perhaps something has gone wrong in your life. You think you have to wander alone and untouched. You do not. Plead your case with the Healer.

God’s Power is able to repair the decay in your soul. Grace can wash away the stench of your sin and error. Forgiveness can restore the damaged relationships of your life.

But you will have to appeal to Jesus in repentance and remorse. Restoration begins at the altar. Healing flows from the Cross.

Do not worry about your station and rank. Forget how it will look or sound to the crowd. Your hope and faith will carry you to healing.

Jesus is in town. Now is your chance. Plead your case with Him.

Think: No case is hopeless with God.

Pray: “Lord, in faith I ask You to heal me and mine.”

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

Endurance

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others have given up in discouragement, or fallen in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Athletes deliberately develop their endurance in order to better excel at their sport. The strategies of coaches, teams and individual competitors always include outlasting opponents. Military leaders may call it “toughness” but that does not change the fundamental character of staying on task after others have given up or fallen down.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. The mind may be willing to continue. Unfortunately, sheer will power cannot forever deny physics or biology.

Men and women of God have more than willpower to call upon. God grants endurance to those who ask, in His purpose. His power can suspend the laws of nature. His grace can give the gift of persistence. His mercy can push back the limiting results of poor decisions.

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is just time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through Your power, grace and mercy.”

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

Difficulty Happens

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NKJV

Sooner or later, all Christians face difficulty. An unpleasant crisis could crash into your life. A loss could rob your world. Basic daily life and work could become a heavy burden.

It hurts. It seems no one understands your situation or pain. It may even be that others seek a blessing from you at the center of your crisis.

God can use your situation for good. It is at this place of trial and grief that you stop relying on yourself. It is here that you learn to rely on God.

Paul suffered a series of painful and crushing hardships. Despite his fortitude, eventually even he found the limit of regular folk. Sound familiar?

At that place of exhaustion and emptiness, Paul looked up. Jesus, in all His glory, stood ready to carry him the distance. Paul felt dead inside, but God’s Power poured in life.

Whatever you are facing today, know that you are not alone. He wants to bless you with strength and power beyond your wildest dreams. Turn to Him. Let Him restore your life.

Think: Difficulty is a place for God’s restoration.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for carrying me through the hard places.”

He Draws You

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“He Draws You” By Kirk Hunt

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 13:3 NKJV

God, the artist, sits at His ease, drawing your portrait. His all-seeing eye knows you better and deeper than even you can know yourself. As His all-powerful hands draw your life, nothing is left out. Despite your life and times, His eyes are full of love and kindness for you

A beautiful picture is coming into being, despite the model who sits for your portrait. The imperfections are in the picture. Your personality and character are captured on the page. God leaves out nothing, and the portrait He draws is accurate and faithful.

Despite your imperfections God is making your life a work of art. Despite it all, God intends your drawing to be proud and attractive. God wants to draw you with loving-kindness. Your picture, if you submit yourself to Him, will be beautiful.

God loved you yesterday. God loves you today. God will love you tomorrow.

God thinks about you all of the time. There is never a moment when you are not foremost in His heart and Mind. Around His throne there are plans, sketches and calculations. They all center on you.

Never doubt for a moment that the outcome He has for you exceeds your wildest dreams. Still, you will have to come to Him. He calls to you. Is it not time you answered Him?

Think: His plans for you are drawn with love.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for drawing me with loving-kindness.”

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

Working Where Placed

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“Working Where Placed” By Kirk Hunt

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you

Titus 1:5 NKJV

Titus was not from Crete, but the Apostle Paul set him in charge of the island. Placed in the middle of chaos, Titus was to bring order. Titus had the job of bringing peace and tranquility to a place of strife and confusion.

Troubleshooters and turn-around artists are important players in modern organizations. Always, the job is difficult and intensive. Often, a man or woman is assigned suddenly, then expected to change the effectiveness and efficiency of a poor performing group.

Impressive results are expected, rapidly. It does not matter if there are deep-seated issues. Even bitter opposition from existing workers or leaders is seen as a small inconvenience on the way to a big success.

God’s Kingdom has its versions of troubleshooters and turn-around artists. Men and women who transform difficult losers into delightful winners. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and guided by His wisdom and grace, Titus-like saints change everything to the good.

You are placed there by God. All you have to do is convert chaos and disorder into peace and tranquility. Like Titus, you are empowered by God and the Holy Spirit. Work your placement.

Think: I am placed here to work here.

Pray: “Lord, help me to work well where You have placed me.”

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

Working Warm

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“Working Warm” By Kirk Hunt

To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus 1:4 NKJV

Titus is a brief but content-packed New Testament Epistle. It is full of no-nonsense instructions regarding Church governance and discipline. Still, Paul’s letter starts with a warm recognition of a Gospel son and brother.

God’s Church must be administered with scrupulous fairness and unwavering commitment to Biblical standards of holiness. Despite the absolute standard for purity, Paul demonstrates that there is also room for fond, personal relationships between saints. It would be a surprise for it to be otherwise.

The men and women who work together, building God’s Kingdom, are regular people. Gospel workers are to conduct themselves at the highest levels of personal integrity and public accountability. It only follows that those who are God’s hands and feet of expressed love should find warm fellowship among each other.

Titus received firm instructions regarding a challenging set of circumstances. The relationship between Paul and Titus is clearly superior-subordinate. The relationship is also clearly Father-Son.

I pray you are building God’s Kingdom, here and now. I also pray you are living and working according to Biblical standards of holiness and righteousness. Finally, I pray that you find a warm and personal bond with God’s people, as you build His Kingdom.

Think: There should be a warm bond among God’s saints.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have strong, warm relationships with Your people.”

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

Apprentice And Master

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“Apprentice And Master” By Kirk Hunt

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

It looks odd to see a little boy flailing away on the drums, next to his father, during worship. It is not really a homey scene of father-son bonding. It is very much the serious business of a master craftsman teaching his apprentice.

I had the privilege of listening to man and boy practice. The youngster is playing complex yet lyrical percussion music. I am certain his father is proud of his accomplishments. Dad should also be proud of how well he has mentored and taught his young apprentice.

The saints of God’s Kingdom should be a skillful folk. We should have clever abilities and impressive capabilities that are the envy of the secular world. Of course, that will require faithful men and women who learn readily and teach freely.

I pray there is an apprentice in your life. Perhaps you do not think much of your skills. Someone else does and wants to learn from you.

Of course, you should be open to learning yourself. It is not just possible but likely that you are both skillful teacher and apt learner at the same time. Apostle Paul did not hesitate to be taught, and then teach in turn. Neither should you.

Think: Either I am a teaching skills as a craftsman or learning skills as an apprentice.

Pray: “Lord, help me to teach and learn while building Your Kingdom.”

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

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