CadreMen Press Devotionals

Shiny

“Shiny” by Kirk Hunt

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

Exodus 34: 30, 33 (KJV)

The cowering men were the senior leadership of Israel. They individually commanded the respect and obedience of hundreds of thousands of men and women. They personally witnessed God’s miracles in Egypt. You would think they could hold their ground against one man.

Despite all of their experience and station, they were not ready. They were not prepared for Moses’ appearance. They were not prepared for Moses to be shiny.

Moses spent time with God. Alone on the mountain, Moses spent time face-to-Shekinah with God. The result should not have been a surprise to anyone.

There’s lots of excellent reasons for you to spend time with God. Worship. Prayer. Devotion. Empowerment.

Whatever your reasons for spending time with Him, one side-effect is that you will begin to reflect His glory. No one spends time with God and comes away the same. God’s glory can rub off on those who seek Him.

After 40 days in God’s Presence, Moses got some glory on him. Especially his face. Isn’t time you got shiny?

Think: God’s glory can reflect in my life, if I spend time with Him.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to spend time with You so I can reflect Your Glory.”

Do Your Part

“Do Your Part” by Kirk Hunt

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:20 (KJV)

Israel did not have siege engines to destroy the walls or gates of Jericho. Digging under the walls, if possible, would have required far more than seven days. Only God could execute the miracle of knocking down Jericho’s walls with a trumpet choir.

God’s intervention didn’t excuse Israel from their part. The soldiers and inhabitants of the city remained after the walls fell. Even after the miracle, the hard and perilous fighting to capture the city remained.

It is a miracle that you are where you are. God has orchestrated events for you. He has maneuvered you, and those around you, to be in the right places at the right times.

All of that, so you can do your part. God has set you up for incredible blessing and prosperity. Now you have to get off the couch and do your part in His plan.

Think: God has set me up, so I can do my part.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to do my part in Your plan for my life..”

Big Shoes To Fill

“Big Shoes To Fill” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Joshua 3:7 (KJV)

Joshua followed Moses as the leader of Israel. Moses, the Lawgiver. Moses, the Deliverer. Moses who talked face-to-Shekinah with God.

Moses’ figurative shoes were too big for a mere mortal to fill. Joshua must have felt overwhelmed and over-matched by his appointment. Worse, it is appropriate that Joshua felt that way.

He was in good company. Moses gave excuse after excuse at the burning bush. The shoes of his assignment were too big for a mere mortal to fill.

It does not matter how you wind up with big shoes to fill. Perhaps you are following after a great Godly leader. Maybe you have an extraordinary new calling of your own. The solution is the same: God must magnify you.

“God does not call the equipped. God equips those He calls.” God will expand you to fill the task or role He wants you to complete. Either before or after your feet are in the shoes, God will give you what you need to fill them.

They may indeed be very big shoes. No problem. Look to God, because He is with you.

Think: God will expand me to fill the assignment He calls me to.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to rely on You and Your empowerment for the task.”

Go With God

“Go With God” by Kirk Hunt

And she [Rahab] said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:9 (KJV)

The fighting men of Jericho saw the two Israelite spies as a threat. Rahab saw them as an opportunity. Since Rahab is an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, I’m siding with her interpretation of events.

The important factor is that she saw God orchestrating events for Israel. She took steps to go with God’s people. She did not act on political insight. She did not respond to economic trends. She saw God’s manifest destiny for Israel and aligned herself with Him.

God is orchestrating events around you. He has an agenda for the nations and you. You have a choice: Move with Him or stay where you are.

In faith, Rahab made her choice, then acted on that faith. It is that simple. Look for where God is going, then go with Him.

God calls to you. He wants you to experience all of the good and wonderful things He has in store for you. He is moving and changing everything. Do you see that as a threat, or an opportunity?

Think: God is creating good for me and others. Will I go with Him?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek Your direction and purpose, then follow.”

New Soil, New Skills

“New Soil, New Skills” by Kirk Hunt

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

Deuteronomy 11:10-11 (KJV)

Even in the current era, Egypt’s agriculture is dependent on irrigation. The farm lands of Egypt are a defiant green strip cut through the vast Sahara desert. The ancient Hebrews (or Egyptians) used human-powered machines and devices to move the river water to the growing plots.

Canaan would be a very different story. The rich fields of the Promised Land drew abundant water from the seasonal rains. Instead of the flat plains of Egypt, the farmers would have to grow their crops on hills and in valleys.

Perhaps you are facing a new era and circumstance. Your job/task/ministry remains nominally the same, but the situation forces you to approach it differently. Perhaps radically. This is part of God’s plan for you.

Your old expertise and experiences are not lost or wasted. Your smarts and skills are not the key to your God-given success. His providence and direction are your foundation and core. Do smartly and skillfully, but remember He is your source.

Think: God is my source, regardless of my situation.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to work out Your plan and strategy for my life.”

Your New Possession

“Your New Possession” by Kirk Hunt

Deuteronomy 11:10-11 (KJV)

It is the start of a new year. It can also be the start of a new chapter in your life. All you have to do is leave your spiritual Egypt and possess your spiritual Canaan.

Egypt was hard and harsh for the children of Israel. Their hands were calloused from forced labor. Their backs were scarred from the taskmaster’s lash. Despite it all, Israel had become strong, vital and numerous.

Still, God cautions Israel that the skills and strategies for success in Egypt would not work in Canaan. This new land would require a different approach. New skills and strategies would be needed to be successful in Canaan.

As you take possession of your new place in God, the same will be true for you. Your new and higher place will require different strategies for success. Your former skills will have to be modified, or even abandoned

As you Start this new season in your life, God has set you up. For better. For richer. For abundance. Listen as he tells you what you need to know.

Think: My new place in God will require new skills.

Pray: “Father-God, help me learn new skills, for the new place, You have provided.”

Philemon’s Dilemma

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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Philemon 1:7 (KJV)

I expect that Philemon saw Onesimus before reading Paul’s letter. Whether measured in seconds, or hours, it would seem like an eternity to the men in the room. Would Philemon react against an escaped slave, or respond to a Christian brother?

The Epistle put Philemon on the horns of a dilemma. Would he live up to his (Roman) world-wide reputation as a generous, compassionate Christian? Could Philemon still do the right thing, facing the man who robbed him twice?

Circumstances can, and do, demand proof of our Christianity. Do you truly forgive? Are you authentic about reconciliation with a brother or sister?

Intellectual exercises in forgiveness are easy. Concrete episodes of reconciliation are rarely neat and simple. The facts, figures and emotions flood us in excruciating detail.

“Are you or aren’t you?” “Do you walk the talk?” “Do you or don’t you?” The questions may be undiplomatic, but the answers are critical.

Sooner, or later, someone or something will test your character as a Christian. Has it been all talk, or are you really a man or woman of God? What’s your answer to your personal Onesimus?

Think: Choose to be the Christian you talk about.

Pray: “Father-God, help me respond Your way, no matter the circumstances.”

Onesimus’ Courage

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And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)

I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.

Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.

Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.

Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.

Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”

His Peace

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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

Peace is not the absence of conflict or turmoil. Instead, it is the presence of assurance in God’s care and provision. I can be at peace in the middle of storm and conflict.

Thankfulness and peace are linked. Thankfulness is an attitude of appreciation and gratitude. It doesn’t mean I have all I want or everything looks good. It means that I recognize God sovereign place and space in my life.

I thankful because I have His peace. My thankfulness draws His peace. As you embrace the one, the other follows.

Christians should live in a state of peace. We should gratitude for the life and liberty that comes through Christ Jesus. He has given us the best, in eternity and this life as well.

Does that mean that all Christians live in great wealth or in serene circumstances? My bank account could use more zeros, to be sure. Still, I live in the wealth of God’s love and grace.

My circumstances are not themselves tranquil or calm at all times. Still, I rest in God. In the most violent of storms, I am confident in His care and provision.

Think: God’s peace and thankfulness are linked to each other and me.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust and rest all the more in You.”

Not Alone In Exile

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Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Exodus 3:1 (KJV)

He had once been the grandson of a Pharaoh. He had once been a member of the ruling elite of Egypt. He had once been important and respected.

40 years of exile later, the wanted posters had faded to blank in the desert sun. Only the keeper of the cold case files in Egypt might have known of Moses’ name and death-warrant. No one sought after the forgotten fugitive on the backside of the desert.

It isn’t hard to guess that Moses felt forgotten and alone in the depths of the Midian desert. An exile? Definitely. Forgotten? Not by God. Alone? Not for a second.

There among the sheep, Moses had time to spend with God. Far from the bright lights of Egypt, Moses had the time and opportunity to deepen his relationship with Jehovah-Jireh. Exiled, does not mean alone.

Where ever you are, you are not alone. God is there with you. No matter what happened before.

He longs to develop a deep, rich relationship with you. He calls to you through the silence. What do you say?

Think: No matter where I am, God is there and wants to spend time with me.

Pray: “Father-God, I want to have a deep and rich relationship with You.”

Drawing Favor

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“Drawing Favor” by Kirk Hunt

The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 14:35 (KJV)

We all hope “the king” we work for is a diligent, moral statesman. Too many of us work for a selfish, corrupt despot. It does not matter what kind of man or woman employs you. You can have favor with anyone, if you first seek God’s wisdom.

God’s wisdom will lead you through, or around, every situation. No matter how it looks to mere logic and reasoning, there is a solution from God’s wisdom. A solution that builds His kingdom and advances His servants.

God’s solutions make you rich in goodwill, respect and influence. God’s solutions do not leave behind ill-will, broken relationships or sorrow. Of course, God’s solutions require God’s wisdom. Accept no substitutes.

You can draw the favor of men by first seeking the wisdom of God. Of course, if you seek after God, and His wisdom, you will find yourself drawing the favor of God. Having the favor of God in your life is a blessing beyond compare.

Wisdom is not reserved for the favored few. Wisdom belongs to any man or woman who seeks it from God. You can draw favor from the “kings” in your life. All you have to do is seek wisdom from the King of heaven.

Think: I can draw favor by seeking God’s wisdom.

Pray: “Father-God, develop Your wisdom in me.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

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“Weapon of Choice – Firearms” by Kirk Hunt

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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 2:2-4 (KJV)

Firearms and artillery have one thing in common: the barrel. The barrel must be perfectly straight. The barrel must be perfectly round. Even the rifling, the twisted grooves within the barrel, must be cut, then finished exactly. Without these features, the firearm will not be accurate or a weapon of choice.

Gun drilling is the limiting factor in making a firearm. It is a unique process with extraordinary requirements. I know from experience it is not easily done. It requires an expert craftsman, and patience, to complete correctly. Too often, multiple passes on the same barrel are needed for a good outcome.

God intends to use you to deliver His Word and grace to a dying world. That means the barrel of your life and soul must be perfectly straight, perfectly round, then grooved just so. With these features, you will be able to accurately deliver God’s grace and Word to others.

In order to achieve the needed level of perfection, God will have to work and re-work your life. He is the ultimate Craftsman. You can count that He can do all of the cutting, drilling and grooving correctly. Are you willing to submit to His expert Hands?

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

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