faith Archives – Page 6 of 10 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Honor Your Birthright

“Honor Your Birthright” By Kirk Hunt

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 25:34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 25:29-34.

Too often we put all the blame on Jacob. Scripture clearly states that Esau despised his birthright. In exchange for a simple meal, Esau rejected the blessings of God and his earthly father.

You have a birthright in God. Rich or poor, workhouse or jailhouse, God’s blessings, legacy and heritage are yours. All you have to do is honor what God has guaranteed for you, despite today’s difficulties.

A birthright is a future benefit. To receive it, I must not despise it or my present. Easily said; not as easily done.

A moment’s inconvenience led a mighty man to disdain what was not immediately at hand. Esau was so shortsighted and immature that he cast aside his legacy and heritage for a bowl of soup. The worst part is I recognize this same attitude in myself.

From time-to-time, we all want immediate fulfillment. Delayed gratification can sometimes be a hard path. Going without today, even for a great tomorrow, has its difficulties.

Esau was having a tough day. His twin brother should never have considered making the sales pitch. Esau should never have considered selling out.

Do not let a difficult day (or season) sway your faith. Keep your faith though the rough spots. If you do not sell out, God will deliver your birthright at the right time.

Think: Do I honor the blessings, legacy and heritage I have in God’s Kingdom?

Pray: “Lord, I honor the birthright I have in You.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

The King’s Announcement

“The King’s Announcement” By Kirk Hunt

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”

Luke 1:30–31 NKJV
Please also read Luke 1:5–38

In Scripture, Gabriel is only called an angel. Still, he appears in Scripture giving important messages from God. Announcement of the coming Messiah and Savior surely qualifies as significant.

The announcement of Jesus was not made from the housetops or palaces. The message was given in private to a young (probably teenage) woman. The true King’s statement came quietly, but nevertheless with all of God’s authority.

Never confuse fury or decibels with significance and authority. When the King makes an announcement about your life, you will know. Do not worry about who else hears Him at the time.

Did Mary completely understand the significance of Jesus’ human birth? Was she completely aware of her and His part in the reconciliation of man to God? Two millennia later, scholars still wrestle with Jesus’ redemption of mankind.

Alone, in the quiet, God announced His purpose for Mary’s life, and all of mankind. There would be glory and wonder, heartache and dismay, in fulfilling her purpose. With full faith, if not full knowledge, she responded to God’s messenger with humility and obedience.

God has a purpose for you in His Kingdom. Continue to seek Him until His announcement regarding you. I pray you respond to His announcement with, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.”

Think: How will I respond to God’s announcement of His purpose for my life?

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill Your purpose for my life in Your Kingdom.”

The Power Of Consistency

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“The Power Of Consistency” By Kirk Hunt

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:10 NKJV

The card said simply: “Thank you for your 171 donations!” It has taken 5 years of consistency to deliver that many units (pints) of platelets. I am humbled that God would grace me to do so much, and for so long, for His Kingdom.

I have been able to share my good health 171 times. 171 times I have been able to minister, not just to a seriously ill patient, but to all of the kin and kith looking on. 171 times I have answered God’s calling on my life for a man, woman or child (except one) I will never meet.

What should you be doing consistently? How many men, women or children will be blessed if you press toward the goal? You have a calling that will build the Kingdom of God, here and now. Have you answered your calling?

I could never give 21 gallons of blood products at one time. I cannot give platelets as quickly and easily as other men and women. Still, I do what I can. And what I give is not trivial. Especially to those who receive the gift that I pass on from God.

Follow your calling. Faithfully pass on the gift that God has given you. There is power in your consistency.

Think: Consistency has more impact and blessing than I think or know.

Pray: “Lord, help me to consistently live my life in You.”

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

Faith Versus Common Sense

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“Faith Versus Common Sense” By Kirk Hunt

And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

1 Samuel 17:33 NKJV
Read also 1 Samuel 17:1–58

The chief military leader and strategist of Israel evaluated the boy before him and passed judgment. Military training and experience said the farm boy could not defeat the professional soldier. Common sense said that Goliath, a giant, would massacre David.

King Saul had his issues, but he understood war and combat. He knew that leather slings and wool garments are no match against steel swords and brass armor. Using only rational thought and facts, David stood no chance.

David’s faith spoke a different story and outcome. David understood that his defeat of the lion and the bear came through God. David did not expect to out-match Goliath. Instead, David expected God to deliver Goliath to defeat and destruction.

We are, or at least can be, instruments of God’s purpose and provision in the earth. Your calling requires that you put your faith in God and obey His sovereign direction. Scripture is full of examples where faith and common sense are at odds.

Trust God. Put your faith in Him and His power. Watch the giants in your life fall.

Think: Faith in God, not common sense, should always be our guide.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live through my faith in You.”

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

More To Finish The Job

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“More To Finish The Job” By Kirk Hunt

Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”

1 Kings 18:44 NKJV
(Please also read 1 Kings 18:41–46.)

Elijah’s victory on Mount Carmel was incomplete. God caused the drought because of Israel’s disobedience. The nation repented and returned to God. Since God is faithful to His promises, the drought had to end to finish the job of restoration.

Quietly and alone, Elijah prayed for rain. Elijah’s assistant ran back and forth, looking for an answer to the prophet’s prayer. Finally, a single, small cloud became visible.

The big, flashy event is (probably) important. Still, more is usually needed to finish the job. Follow-up, and follow-through, are often the hidden key(s) to success for the Kingdom.

Elijah knew that God’s answer by fire did not finish the job of restoration of Israel. God’s people were humbled by years of drought, famine and the decimation of the Ba’al cult. Israel’s repentance needed to be answered with restoration of the rains and fertile fields.

Your victory was a lot of work. You are rightfully tired and worn. Do not stop now. Finish the job God assigned you.

Think: After the big event, finish the job God assigned you.

Pray: “Lord, help me to complete Your job, Your way.”

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

Short Prayer, Full Impact

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“Short Prayer, Full Impact” By Kirk Hunt

Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”

1 Kings 18:38-39 NKJV
(Please also read 1 Kings 18:30–40.)

The water-soaked altar was disintegrated. God’s fire consumed all of the animal sacrifice, stone, wood and water in an instant. The impact of Elijah’s short prayer, asking for God’s power, rocked the entire nation.

The prophets of Ba’al had spent hours imploring their pagan superstition. Elijah spent perhaps sixty seconds asking the living God. Without fanfare or furor, God answered Elijah’s simple prayer before all the people of Israel. He re-proved Himself to His chosen people.

God responds to the depth, sincerity and earnestness of your faith. Your faith may not be perfect, or without the taint of doubt. Still, He responds to a heart that trusts in Him. God still replies with fire to His sons and daughters who come sincerely to their heavenly Father.

You do not need long, complex or eloquent prayers. You only need to know that God answers in strength and power those who love and trust Him. It is just that easy. It is just that simple.

Think: God responds to the depth of your faith, not the length of your prayer.

Pray: “Lord, I come to you in faith and trust.”

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

All Noise, No Substance

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“All Noise, No Substance” By Kirk Hunt

So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

1 Kings 18:28-29 NKJV

For at least 8 hours (morning to noon to evening), the prophets of Ba’al screamed, yelled, leaped, jumped and otherwise made a lot of noise and sweat. They wasted their time and effort. Their invocations had no substance, power or effect in the real world.

The prophets of Ba’al failed from the start. They put their faith in dead idols instead of our living God. They literally bled with no chance of impact or effect.

High numbers of decibels or attendees do not automatically indicate anything of value. A few men and women, who are determined to make a difference, always have the greater impact. Substance always wins in the end.

Unfortunately, building God’s Kingdom, or Godly lives, requires wise and substantial effort. The Grand Canyon did not appear overnight. Doctors, lawyers and engineers study for years before they are competent in their professions.

God’s Kingdom, and Godly lives, come through faith in Him, then significant work in the real world. As modern day people of God, make sure that you are acting with substance and significance. Please, generate more for God than noise and sweat.

Think: Progress with God and His Kingdom requires acts of substance, not just noise.

Pray: “Lord, help me to serve You with acts of substance and significance.”

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

Just Launch

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“Just Launch” By Kirk Hunt

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.”

Judges 6:39 NKJV

Gideon had already met an angel, face-to-face. He also experienced (even if briefly) the in-dwelling of God’s Spirit; a rare thing in the Old Testament record. With all of Israel’s military might gathered with him at Jezreel, Gideon hesitated to engage with the enemy. Despite his intensive experience with God, and an army at his command, Gideon failed to launch.

The miracles of a wet fleece, then a dry fleece were designed to assure Gideon that he was following God’s authentic commands. We can read ahead in Scripture to Gideon’s victory at the end of Judges 7. Gideon had to live through the actual battles and difficulties in order to enjoy the success God promised him.

Do not get me wrong. I have done the same thing. With all of God’s presence and assurance, I have hesitated to follow His command. Despite seeing and knowing much, I draw back because I do not know all.

As God’s people, we are to love and trust Him more than ourselves. We may not always have our own best interests in heart or mind, but He does. God guides human history with one hand while the other hand holds endless power. We can trust His call to launch.

Think: I want the character to boldly launch when God commands.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have the courage and obedience to launch at Your command.”

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

Sometimes I Worry

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“Sometimes I Worry” By Kirk Hunt

Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:30 NKJV

I believe myself to be a man of faith. Certainly, I was raised by and among people of faith. So why do I sometimes worry?

Like Peter, I sometimes look around and see the storm that rages around me. The world can be a scary, predatory place. So say the facts and figures.

Faith does not do away with facts and figures. Instead, Scripture says that I should not fret and worry but trust God. I know this in my head. Still, sometimes, my heart pulls in a different direction.

Faith is not the absence of difficulty or uncertainty. Faith sees through the smoke and haze to the source of all power and security. Real Faith™ always remembers that God is the sovereign source.

So I renew my confidence in God and act like a man of faith. Storm winds may still batter me, but I put my focus on the Master of storms. My faith may be imperfect, but the perfect source of all security and comfort remains my God and savior.

Think: God is my source, so I should never worry, even during difficulties.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to keep my faith in You.”

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

Take Him Or Her On Faith

“Take Him Or Her On Faith” By Kirk Hunt

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

Philemon 1:17 NKJV

Philemon looked from Paul’s letter to Onesimus’ face. Paul, who may have still had a negative reputation among some Christians, asked his Gospel son to take in a Gospel brother. On faith alone, Paul asked Philemon to simply accept and forgive the man who robbed him.

Philemon is arguably the most communication in Scripture. Paul sends Onesimus, an escaped slave, back home to Philemon, his owner. It is implied in the epistle, though not explicit, that Onesimus stole something during his escape.

Paul had to trust Onesimus to go back to his owner. Philemon had to trust Paul’s judgment and Onesimus’ change in character. Onesimus had to trust Paul’s judgment and Philemon’s generous and forgiving character. Do you see the thread?

Somewhere or sometime during your Christian walk, you will need to take someone on faith. You will have to trust that they are who they say they are, now. No matter what you feel, remember or see.

The most calculated judgments always carry a risk. You can never know for certain that it is really different now. You will have to take the chance that the words and character match and are real. You will have to open your arms, and heart, on faith alone.

Think: Only faith with serve for some actions.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have faith in Your people, not just You.”

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

Faith In The Rain

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“Faith In The Rain” By Kirk Hunt

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

Job 13:15 NKJV

What happens to your faith when you finish your prayer and it is still raining in your life? The checkbook is still empty? The hospital bed is still full? The casket lid is still closing?

Job lay on a literal ash heap, the only comfort for his own illness. His sons and daughters were dead. His wealth had become a dimming memory. Then his friends arrived to accuse him of secret sin.

Job’s faith in God remained strong. Job trusted what God was doing or allowing in his life. His confidence in his own integrity remained firm. Job was prepared to give an account of himself to any audience, including God Himself.

The rain of circumstances pours into the life of both the redeemed and unredeemed. Hurt and battered, saints look toward heaven in faith. The redeemed respond in faith, trust and continuing integrity before God. We trust God, even as the raindrops mingle with our tears.

The rain in your life should have nothing to do with your faith. God’s people trust that God is faithful and loving, even when our circumstances are difficult. Faith is not absence of difficulty. Faith is the presence of trust in God.

Think: Is my faith strong when circumstances are difficult?

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You despite the circumstances.

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

God Hears

“God Hears” By Kirk Hunt

And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Genesis 21:17 NKJV

Once again, Hagar encounters God in the trackless wilderness. This time, she and her 14-year old boy have been exiled permanently from Abraham’s household. Still, Jehovah Roi, the God who sees, is watching over her and the boy. God is so close, that He hears the boy crying.

Ishmael is the result of Sarah trying to fulfill God’s promise through human means. With Isaac’s birth, Ishmael became an inconvenience. Disinheritance and exile are harsh penalties for the ill-timed jeering of a 14-year old boy.

Sarah’s callous and calculating maneuver is not the final word. Ishmael, the son of a slave, remains a son of covenant. God delivers on His promised outcome for Ishmael, as well as Isaac.

Ishmael became a great nation in his own right. He and Isaac peaceably buried their father, Abraham, together. God’s covenant with Ishmael was never in doubt.

God’s covenant with you is never in doubt. Your current circumstance is never the final story. God watches and listens for you.

You are never alone. You are never uncared for. Do not let your feelings, confuse you about the facts.

Think: God sees and cares for me, no matter how my situation unfolds.

Pray: “Lord, You listen for my voice. I trust You to deliver Your promise to me.”

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