obedience Archives – Page 4 of 6 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Saul’s Hindrance

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“Saul’s Hindrance” By Kirk Hunt

Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.”

1 Samuel 15:10-11a NKJV

Saul’s hindrance cost him the throne of Israel. There was no political maneuvering or mutiny. Instead, Saul got in his own way and ended his dynasty, practically before it started.

David’s name would appear in the next chapter of Scripture, but not this one. Samuel literally got mad, then grieved over the loss of Saul. The sitting king only had himself to blame for losing his throne.

Too often we want to blame others. We want some outside force to be at fault for our losses and problems. Stand still. Be honest.

Saul turned away from God. Saul decided to stop being obedient, all on his own. No series of pitiful excuses can fix the real problem.

Saul had God’s anointing. All he had to do was live it out. Instead, he caved under the pressure of continuing to be a man of God.

Saul’s hindrance was Saul. Not the Amalek nation he defeated. Not David, who was still out with the sheep. Not even Samuel who grieved for his error.

Perhaps you have hindrances blocking your way forward with God. Stand still. Be honest. Are you getting in your own way?

Think: Am I the hindrance holding me back?

Pray: “Lord, keep my heart focused on You and Your Word.”

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.

God Sees

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“God Sees” By Kirk Hunt

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 16:13 NKJV

In that culture and era, a woman had less intrinsic value. Hagar was a woman and a slave. Her status made her replaceable, expendable and potentially disposable. Still, she had the complete attention of the God who sees.

Jehovah Roi, or alternatively El Roi; God, who sees you. God is not just omniscient, but He focuses on His children. Whatever the world says you are, or are not, God sees you, and He is doing something about your situation.

No matter how battered and bruised you feel. No matter how alone and isolated you seem. God, sees you.

He has a plan. He has already plotted out an outcome. If you follow His path, you will receive all of the good He has prepared for you.

God’s supervision of your life does not mean your here and now is without difficulties. Hagar, a beaten, battered fugitive, encountered God at a nameless waterhole, in the trackless wilderness. God showed her a much brighter future than she could see or know.

Perhaps you feel alone. You may feel like no one sees you or cares about you. God sees. God cares. He will deploy His vision for your life. Just have the courage to stay the course He has set for you.

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

Pray: “Lord, You see and care for me. Give me faith to follow Your vision for me .”

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

Open Our Eyes

“Open Our Eyes” By Kirk Hunt

And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:17 NKJV

Maybe your relationship with Jesus is so deep and rich that nothing surprises you. Perhaps your relationship with God is so intense that you and He discuss everything in detail. That level is my goal, not my current testimony.

Many mornings I wake up and wonder: How is God going to work it out? When? Have I been forgotten?

Don’t get me wrong: I trust God. He is sovereign. He has proven Himself over and again. If He says I should, I will. If He say it will, then it shall. Still, some days, my too human hearts longs to see. On occasion, He has let me peek.

Elisha obviously had a close relationship with God. Elisha’s servant lived and worked in the daily presence of God and supernatural miracles. Yet, he needed his eyes opened to see the divine power and provision around him.

God is too faithful to forget you. His power is more than enough for any circumstance. You need your eyes opened to see His presence and purpose in your life.

Wanting to see is okay. He understands His human children. If we seek His heart and purposes, He will let us peek.

Think: I want to see God’s presence and purpose in my life.

Pray: “Lord, open my eyes to Your power and provision for my life.”

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

A Fresh View

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“A Fresh View” By Kirk Hunt

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:1 NKJV

King Uzziah had a long, eventful and influential reign. It is not unreasonable that even a devout and zealous young man might have his view of God influenced, or muddled, by a great leader. Isaiah still needed to see God directly and clearly. However he came to his vision, Isaiah experienced God in a fresh and direct way.

The Temple, a glorious edifice if ever there was one, was overwhelmed by something greater. God’s house, mere stone and timber, could not compare to the glory that flooded in. The holiest place on earth was suddenly re-sanctified by God’s presence.

Then, as now, no human leader is a worthy or adequate substitute for a direct relationship with God. Your experience of God needs to be direct and vital. No intermediary however anointed, or in tune with God, can have a relationship for you.

Did Isaiah have his vision before or after beginning his office as Prophet? Biblical scholars continue to debate the timing of Isaiah’s vision. First, or later, Isaiah saw God for himself. After seeing God for himself, neither Isaiah, nor his ministry, were ever the same.

Are you a seasoned saint, or just starting your walk with God? Seek a fresh view of God. See Him again, as if for the first time. You, and your ministry, will never be the same.

Think: I need a fresh and direct relationship with God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and know You for myself.”

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

In God’s Timing

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“In God’s Timing” by Kirk Hunt

Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived

Luke 1:24a NKJV

Silenced by an angel, Zacharias went home to his wife, Elizabeth. There, the prophesy he so cynically questioned came to pass. The angst and disappointment of a lifetime was swept away by a new life from old parents.

Scripture states that both Elizabeth and Zacharias were “well advanced in years.” “We are too old to conceive. The time for cradles and midnight feedings are long past.”

God has a plan for your life. He has charted it out carefully. It is full of exact places, dates and times.

Of course, the path and timing of His plan may not make sense to you. It may violate the sensibilities of everyone around you. It may be inconvenient and disruptive when it comes to pass.

It is still God’s timing. It remains His plan. Obedience and grace are your best responses to God’s revelation for your life.

You are never too young to achieve big. You are never too old to nurture new life. The empty cradle of your life can and will be filled, with more than you ever thought.

Zacharias and Elizabeth built a nursery in their old age. God kicked over the table of their life. It may have been inconvenient and disruptive, but they sang God’s praises with sincere thanksgiving and true joy.

You thought your time was past. The timing is when He says it is. And His timing is perfect.

Think: God’s timing is perfect, even when it disrupts my world.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live and work in Your timing.”

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

Keilah’s Champions

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“Keilah’s Champions” by Kirk Hunt

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:5 KJV

The Keilah militia was no match for first-line Philistine troops. At best, the men and women of Keilah would starve that winter. It was possible that the Philistines might not let anyone survive to be hungry.

David went to God. “Should I go save strangers?” Twice, the answer came back: “Yes.”

The marauders were mauled. David’s and his men out maneuvered, then out fought the raiders. The champions of Keilah saved the day. Only after did the helpers meet the helped.

As God’s man or woman, you are called to service in His Kingdom. Often, that will involve providing help and healing to folks you have never seen before. Service is at its most refined when given to pure strangers.

There is a modern-day Keilah crying out for you. The need is matter of life-and-death, even if military maneuvers are not needed. They need the light and life from Jesus that you carry. Nothing else will save those souls.

You may not be one of them, still you are their champion. You carry His power, healing and help within you. You’ll have to get close and personal for them to receive it.

You have what they need. Get out there and be a champion. There will be time to learn names afterward.

Think: In God’s service you might be a champion to complete strangers.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become the champion someone else needs.”

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

Take No Bribes

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“Take No Bribes” by Kirk Hunt

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Ezekiel 13:19 KJV

As a Christian, you have a duty to tell the truth. God commands us to speak His truth, fully and completely. Everything else is error.

Too often, even God’s people are tempted to give in. The world will try to bribe us to speak and teach against Scripture. There is no earthly payment that should tempt you to speak against Scripture.

Should they know error when they hear it? Yes. Still, the responsibility remains on us to teach and preach only the pure Word of God. To keep from sin those not in its grip. To convict (not condemn) the guilty, so that they will give up their sinful lives.

The stakes are high. The results impact not just this lifetime, but eternity. Remember heaven, and hell, are for forever. What is the correct amount of bribe to deflect an innocent soul into eternal torment?

Sooner or later, you will have to choose. Speak the truth, or speak a lie. Before you take that bribe, look into God’s Shekinah, His glory-cloud, for your answer.

Think: God commands me to speak His Word clearly and purely.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a truth teller, no matter the cost.”

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

Watch Yourself

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“Watch Yourself” by Kirk Hunt

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Numbers 20:11 KJV

Please read Numbers 20:2-13

Moses’ instructions from God were to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock. Twice. God allowed water to flow out of the rock anyway.

Moses disobeyed God. He operated in anger and frustration because of Israel’s faithlessness and grumbling. No amount of reasoning can excuse Moses’ error. Still, in grace and mercy, God honored Moses in front of the people.

Moses, the Lawgiver, forgot to be a law follower. Even a great leader is not too highly placed to be obedient. The great Deliverer, stood before God and was judged for his public disobedience.

Watch yourself. No Christian is excused from obeying God. You first duty is obedience to God, who called and placed you where you are.

Do not let any situation lead you into disobedience. Obey when God speaks. Obey what God speaks.

Watch yourself. No matter what circumstances or annoyances get in the way, remain faithful and obedient. God will cover the rest.

God blocked Moses from entering the Promised Land for his error. Consider carefully God’s commands and assignments to you. Do the right thing the right way.

Think: First and last, I must obey God, no matter what.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be obedient to You at all times.”

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

Who Calls For You?

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“Who Calls For You?” by Kirk Hunt

And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

1 Kings 7:13 KJV

When Solomon needed a craftsman for the Temple, he wanted, and could afford the best. He called Hiram, a man of mixed heritage, from the nation of Tyre. How Solomon heard of Hiram, Scripture does not say.

Selected and called by the king, Hiram took his place as the lead of all of Israel’s craftsmen. Hiram had a hand in designing and building all of the decorations, fittings, implements and even furnishings of the Temple. Quite a call to service.

God has a calling for you. Your name may not be in the diplomatic messages of nations (see 2 Chronicles 2) but it will come up. How will you answer?

Scripture says Hiram “was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning.” How did Hiram gain all of these qualities and skills? Scripture is silent on that point.

What matters is that when the call came Hiram answered. God had seen to it that Hiram had the skills and abilities needed to fulfill his assignment. When God’s call comes, you will have the qualifications you need.

Your willing head and hands are the main thing. If your heart and mind are determined to serve Him, He will take care of the rest. When the call comes, give the right answer.

Think: Will I be obedient to God’s call on my life?

Pray: “Lord, help me to answer Your call.”

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

Will You Go?

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“Will You Go?” by Kirk Hunt

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8 KJV

The call came at 6 am, Friday. By 6 pm, that same day, I was making one-way flight reservations. With 400 others, I flew to help with recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Our jobs are mundane and unglamorous. We walk for miles and knock on doors. We repeat the same information, over-and-over. We ask the same questions, time-and-again.

The purpose remains noble. We concerned ourselves with the health and well-being of people we may never see again. The long hours and cramped troop ship bunks are humbling.

Still, their faces will remain with me. The husband concerned about his invalid wife. The father, frantic about the sea wall, destroyed by the storm waters. The mother, worried about food for her kids, and work for her husband.

God’s call is not always about the thousands and millions. Sometimes, it is about the twos and threes. And about being the one who is willing to go and serve.

Do not concern yourself with your qualifications, or your provision. Be alert for His voice. His hand will supply what is needed.

Your calling may be unremarkable and unseen, but it remains important. Be willing to be sent. “Send me.”

Think: When God calls for servants, will I be obedient to the call?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be an obedient servant who answers Your call.”

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.