endurance Archives – Page 2 of 2 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

He Removes The Opposition

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“He Removes The Opposition ” by Kirk Hunt

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Isaiah 41:11 KJV

I am always the most puzzled by the rage of the opposition. They see Christians as narrow and overly restrictive? I disagree, but why all of the rage?

Whatever their reasons, God promises that they will not be able to block you. As you live the Christian life in spirit and truth, you will advance. To your destination and work in building the Kingdom.

Keep in mind that you must be living and moving in His purpose. Your willful action contrary to God’s Word and purpose for your life puts you out there alone. His protection for your life requires following your purpose for His Kingdom.

As you flow in God, your presence can be convicting (not condemning). The silent witness of a man or woman seeking Him, can say a lot. Very loudly.

If your life draws opponents, do not worry. God is not worried about their anger or blocking actions. No one can oppose the plans and calling of God. No committee can vote down God’s anointing and purpose for your life.

Move forward in Him. Follow your calling and build the Kingdom of God. He will take care of those who would insert themselves between you and God’s purpose for your life.

Think: A Christ-like life overpowers opposition through His power, grace and love.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live like You, especially with my opponents.”

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

He Is With You

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“He Is With You” by Kirk Hunt

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV

After answering the call, everyone hits that spot. The corner of limitations and exhaustion, is a scary-looking intersection. And it is a long way from success. Even the best of us question our purpose and mission.

Pause for a moment and reach out and touch Him. He is right there. Close at hand.

I wish I could assure you that angels will drop the very things you need in your lap. Instead, you will likely continue in hard work and True Faith™, as you continue your calling. You will continue your Kingdom building in His power.

His presence means power. There is clarity when God is close. Only peace can dwell in His presence.

The task is not any smaller, but His power remains greater. You will shoulder and move loads using the strength God gives. You will not fall, because He is holding you up.

Your purpose and mission remain the same. Your human limitations are not the end of the journey. The hand of our infinite God will see you through to the end.

Think: Your power will carry me through to success.

Pray: “Lord, help me to rely on You to finish my calling.”

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

Prepare Yourself

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“Prepare Yourself” by Kirk Hunt

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:15 KJV

The work required more physical fitness than I assumed. Walking 4-6 miles a day, in all kinds of weather. Climbing in and out of the van. Lifting the bunk lid to get at my stuff. My deployment required more endurance, strength and flexibility than you get from just sitting at a desk.

God prepared an opportunity to reach people, but part of my preparation involved strength and aerobic exercises. My ability to minister depended on going to the gym. Who knew service involved so much athleticism?

Have you answered God’s call on your life? Good. Are you preparing for all aspects of your calling? I pray you are. Your full calling will require more than you realize.

Exercise and eating correctly? Sounds mundane, does it not? Mundane does not mean unimportant. If you are going to answer your call, go all the way.

I worked every work day, and even some of my off days. , I had the physical resources to do so because of my preparation. My calling deserved nothing less.

Think through all aspects of your calling. Be prepared for every aspect you know. Ask God to show you anything you missed. Your calling deserves no less.

Think: Preparation for my calling involves a whole life commitment.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be disciplined in every aspect of my calling.”

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

Going Old School

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“Going Old School” by Kirk Hunt

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

As I research strength training exercises (lifts) I have discovered two different viewpoints. One camp searches for ever faster, more “efficient” routines and techniques. The other guys focus on classic, “old school” lifts.

The “scientists” want a faster, smarter (less sweaty) way to results. The “grunters,” argue that the classic methods are the smartest way, but you will have to be patient. I have decided on a path.

Old school requires less equipment. The focus on quality over quantity makes you less prone to injury. Of course, you must take your time and focus on the process.

Jeremiah called out to Israel. God called His people back to His love and covenant. Of course, Israel had a choice. They could continue on the pagan road and its results. Or they could choose the old path with God.

God calls to you. He offers the power, blessing and peace that can only come from relationship with Him. Of course, that requires Bible study, prayer and fasting. God’s path requires that you take your time and focus on the process. I pray you decide on the old path.

Think: The path to God is the smarter way, even if you have to be patient.

Pray: “Lord, help me choose the path that leads most securely back to You.”

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

“Keep Doing The Right Things”

“Keep Doing The Right Things” by Kirk Hunt

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9 KJV

I have been working out for a while. Resisting the sugar cravings is no fun. Despite all of the discipline, sacrifice and hard work, I am not advancing too quickly. In fact, at times, my gains seem to have regressed.

Why do I continue? Why sweat out so much effort for so little result? Because, here and there, I see glimmers of the future.

There was the day I casually jumped ditches while carrying heavy loads. There was the evening I man-handled stuff rather than suffer the inconvenience of looking for help. My belly is not flat, but it is less round.

The diet and exercise could probably be better executed. Still, they are much better than last year. Next year will be better yet.

Consider your prayer, Bible study and fasting. You are becoming more Christ-like, even if your growth is slower than you might like. You are advancing, even when sometimes it feels like you are losing ground.

God honors your diligence and sacrifice. Your old nature recedes. Your new nature advances. And here and there, you see glimmers of your future.

Do not trust your feelings. Trust His Word. The Holy Spirit is enabling your hard work. Stay at it until you get your pay-out.

Think: Keep up your spiritual disciplines, until you get your pay-out.

Pray: “Lord, help to continue the disciplines that carry me to You.”

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

God Sets Your Limits

“God Sets Your Limits” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Job 2:6 KJV

Job lost his wealth in Chapter 1. The donkeys and oxen were rustled. The camels stolen. The sheep incinerated. Worst of all, his children died in a tornado.

I can not imagine Job’s grief, heartache and distress. Still, in the middle of loss and devastation, Job went in faith to God. Without hesitation. Without doubt.

In ultimate cruelness, the enemy of Job’s soul looked for more to take. He wanted to push Job past his limits. God, the lover of our souls, set limits on what Job would endure. In Chapter 2, Job lived through painful boils and scabs, on top of his other losses.

God, omniscient and sovereign, sets your limits. Believe it or not, this is good news. Even when it seems that you are beyond what you can endure, you are within what God allows for your life.

Often, that feels like the “scary version.” Do not be fooled. God has limited what will come. Even when it feels you can not endure more. Especially when you think the load is too much for any human, yet alone you.

We know the ending of Job’s story. He lived to raise a second set of children, and held even greater wealth. You may not know the ending of your story, but you know who writes your life. And it will be good news.

Think: God, who loves me, sets my limits.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust You and the limits You set for my life.”

Weapon Of Choice – Swords

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“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)

The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.

Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.

Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.

Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.

Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.

He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.

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

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

Keep Doing Good

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“Keep Doing Good” by Kirk Hunt

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9 KJV

Even the most faithful of us pause between labors and wonder: Am I doing the right thing? Am I getting the right result? It is good and correct to ensure you are still on the right path.

Don’t let that thoughtful pause work against you and your ministry. Double-check to make sure you’re doing it God’s way. Even if you have shift or correct, continue in God’s call on your life.

At the end of the day, press on. Keep doing His call. Continue working His tasks. And don’t get weary.

Webster’s dictionary defines weary as “having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.” This weary is in the heart and mind, not the body. This weary leads to surrender, not the end of the shift.

Find fellow laborers and encourage each other. Keep the focus on fulfilling God’s call on and in your lives. Keep their heads and hearts in the work. The hands will follow.

You are planting a harvest. A harvest of benefit and blessing ordained by God and nurtured by your faithfulness. Your harvest is rooted in God’s call on your life. Don’t surrender just before the crops roll in.

Think: God rewards those who stay the course.

Pray: “Lord, help me to continue Your work.”

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 Prisoner Becomes A Prince

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“The Prisoner Becomes A Prince” by Kirk Hunt

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 41:39-40 KJV

(Read also Genesis 40:20 through 41:44)

Joseph, despite years in prison, spoke revelation and wisdom. He explained Pharaoh’s dream. He suggested a course of actions. Then he waited.

Maybe Joseph hoped for a pardon. It’s possible he thought he might get a new job as a slave-steward to the new Grain Administrator. Of course, you and I know Joseph had been set-up.

The forgotten man became a foremost minister. He traded his (orange) prison garb for royal robes. The prisoner became a prince in a single hour.

Only God can so suddenly change prisoners into princes. Only the King of the universe can so completely and rapidly reverse the situation of a man. Only God knows the set up he has in store for you.

You thought your unseen hours and unrewarded labors were for nothing? You thought you had been thrown away and forgotten? God has made plans concerning you and His angels are working that plan with care and precision.

You have been set up. All that remains is the pay off. What God promises, God delivers. With interest.

Think : God has set me up, and I am glad.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out Your set up with grace and joy.”

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