faith Archives – Page 8 of 10 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Working Solo

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“Working Solo” by Kirk Hunt

And he [Benaiah] slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.

2 Samuel 23:21 KJV

Benaiah engaged in combat at a disadvantage. He had a walking stick. The unnamed Egyptian had a battle spear. The phrase “goodly man” recognizes the Egyptian as a substantial opponent. Benaiah’s one-on-one victory is not to be lightly dismissed.

As Christian men and women, we often have to work (or fight) solo. We come face-to-face with substantial opposition in our work and lives. We must not back down. Instead we should overcome disadvantage(s) to gain victory.

Of course, we never really work solo. We always have the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through our lives. His Presence is too easily forgotten in front of a hostile executive committee. The Holy One may not be our primary thought during a heated discussion with a coworker.

God will give you the resources you need to start. Your preparation and His power will give you what you need to persevere. All you need is the faith to start and the courage to stay the course.

Take what you have in hand. Face the opposition. Be gracious, generous and merciful in your victory.

Think: Even when physically alone, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Pray: “Lord, help me live in Your power and skill at all times.”

Strengthen Your Folk

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“Strengthen Your Folk” by Kirk Hunt

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:32 KJV

Simon Peter, in the hours following this statement, would show his flaws. Peter would hack off someone’s ear in rage. He would then turn in the same moment and flee in panic. Later he would deny he even knew Jesus.

Jesus saw all of this coming, in advance. He took this moment, when perhaps he should have been preparing Himself for crucifixion, to prepare Peter. He told his strongest man to strengthen those around him.

Peter would cry later, in remorse and guilt. He would discover just how little he knew about Jesus. Or Peter. When this tough-guy fisherman “wept bitterly,” he had hit rock bottom.

For all of his demonstrated flaws and shortcomings, Peter remained the strongest of the Disciples. At least he made the (misguided) effort to defend Jesus. None of the other Disciples were close enough to be accused.

With his face rubbed in the worst of his failing, Peter clung to his faith. With his soul tattered and battered, Peter refused to let go of his knowledge of Jesus. When Peter got up, the others looked to him for strength and leadership.

If you are holding onto your faith, you have strength enough to share. No matter what has happen in your past, you have what others need. The kith and kin in your circle need what you have. Strengthen your folk.

Think: Despite my flaws and shortcomings, I have strength to give.

Pray: “Lord, help me to strengthen the folk around me.”

When It Is Still Raining

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“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

Enough For You

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“Enough For You” by Kirk Hunt

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Leadership Prayer

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“Leadership Prayer” by Kirk Hunt

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2 Timothy 2:1—2 KJV

Christians are called to pray for leadership. Are they in civil authority over you? Then you are to pray for them.

Paul would have been directing Christian men and women to pray for the Roman Caesar. Would you follow the Biblical commandment to pray for Nero, the great Roman persecutor of Christians? Just as you should pray for your local, state (province) or national leaders.

The commandment is to pray for them so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable” life, here in the real world. They do not have to be believers. You do not have to be in agreement with their policy or decisions. It is God’s job to sort that part out.

There seems to be chaos and uncertainty through much of the world, these days. Do you really believe that regular men and women have the answers for so many difficult issues? We need unearthly intelligence and thinking to save our world.

As always, God is the answer. Pray that those who hold authority in the world get their orders from God. Only he has the solution that let us lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to pray for my leadership.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, through prayer.”

The Gold Door

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“The Gold Door” by Kirk Hunt

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

In my heart, there is a gold-plated door. The door has no lock and not much of a latch. That is because of the grace and beauty of the nation on the other side.

Elected officials lead with wisdom and a spirit of servant-hood. Business leaders act with humility and fairness, looking to build the nation at the risk of making a profit. Justice rules with kind words from noble hearts.

Beyond the golden door, men and women, act with grace and move in generosity. Hunger has been banished. Injustice has been exterminated. Peace and joy rule the hand. It is a place and space where Christ is King in the hearts of the citizens.

I know all too well what is on the other side of my real front door. That door has a lock. I have reinforced that door against intruders.

I refuse to believe the nation behind the golden door is impossible. I do, however know where the dream will start to become reality. It will appear first in the hearts of God’s people.

It is not impossible. First, Christians must first make Christ King of their own hearts. The nation will follow.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to remake the world around me in His image.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, here and now.”

Some Dreams Tell The Story

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“Some Dreams Tell The Story” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

2 Kings 8:5 KJV

The Shunammite woman and her household returned from Philistia. Unfortunately, she found her property occupied by squatters (or worse). Ironically, she now needed to speak to the King (see 2 Kings 4:13).

In between cases, King Jehoram (aka Joram) commanded Gehazi to relate the record of Elisha’s ministries and miracles. Elisha’s resurrection of the dead became a featured story. In the middle of the account, the Shunammite walked in.

Despite the fact that he was now a teenager, the boy remained a miracle. Twice, God had directly intervened in his life (and his mother’s). First, through the prophesy of his birth. Again, at his resurrection. With her hands on her hips, the Shunammite told the story of how God made her dreams come true.

Some dreams tell the story of God’s power, and more importantly, His love. It may be that you have lived your life just to tell God’s story. Put your hands on your hips and tell the story of how God brought your dreams to life.

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, so we can tell His story.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to tell Your story with my life and times.”

Some Dreams Get New Life

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“Some Dreams Get New Life” by Kirk Hunt

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

2 Kings 4:27-28 NIV

At daybreak, the Shunammite woman watched her little boy run and play. At noon, her dream lay cold and stiffening in an upstairs bedroom. The bitter reality of her situation called for action.

Common wisdom would call for a mortician. Instead, she sent for a driver. She put on her traveling clothes and her “game face.” She had work to do.

The facts and data said, “The dream is over.” Faith and hope said, “It shall be well.” To the driver, she said, “Go hard and fast.”

Sometimes, in the rough and tumble of life, a dream dies. Bitter distress is the normal reaction to such an event. As God’s people, we can respond with faith and hope. If God can bring a dream to life, He can give it new life.

At evening, the Shunammite’s little boy once again ran and played. Her faith had brought new life to her dream. What will your faith bring (back) to life?

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, twice.

Pray: “Father-God, life and power are in, and with, You.”

Rouge’s Gallery

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“Rouge’s Gallery” by Kirk Hunt

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV

Hebrews 11 is full of names. From a certain point of view, these men and women are of two completely different characters. The easy view is of Scriptural heroes and saints of God.

The names in Hebrews 11 are a rogue’s gallery of the imperfect and faulty. The list includes murderers, adulterers and the faithless. We are speaking of big failings and huge errors.

What should you expect? The man writing the list, once persecuted Christians. Paul is sticking up for people just like himself.

Still, with their stained records and flawed histories, all of them would gladly stand and testify. Of God’s grace. Of His redemption.

So what makes these folks examples to today’s men and women? Their faith. They did not stay face down in their errors and failings. They got up and kept trying to live out God’s Word.

Yesterday’s failing is not a disqualifier. Keep moving in sincerity and faith. I pray I will see your face and name in a rouge’s gallery of faith.

Think: Godly men and women are not perfect, but they are full of faith.

Pray: “Father-God, give me the faith to pursue You and Your perfection for my life.”

Power Mothering

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“Power Mothering” by Kirk Hunt

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Judges 4:4-5 KJV

Deborah was just a simple housewife, except the entire nation looked to her for leadership. Scripture does not record that Deborah birthed any children, but she served as mother to a nation. On her word alone, an army marched and brought deliverance to Israel.

You may not feel like a power Mom right now. Early morning feedings, late morning laundry loads and mid-afternoon taxi driving take their toll. Still, you can be a powerful mother in Zion.

Take time to keep up your relationship with God. Extend your leadership to those around you. Do not be afraid to ride with the troops to God’s appointments.

The modern nation needs power Mothers. We need women who are not afraid to follow after God. Don’t forget to lead others to their divine appointments.

The only real qualification for mother in Zion is a heart that seeks to build God’s Kingdom. That heart will lead you to bless and lead those around you. His power in your life will give you all the authority you need.

Think: You are called to be a power Mom

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be a Mother in Zion, no matter my age or place.”

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.”

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..”