obedience Archives – Page 5 of 6 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

What Is Your Ambition?

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“What Is Your Ambition?” by Kirk Hunt

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. (Mark 10:37 KJV)

Mark 10:37 KJV

Please read Mark 10:35-40

They were up front and personal with their request. “Make us your chief guys.” Straight. To the point. There were determined to fulfill their own ambitions.

Neither James or John asked what Jesus wanted. Scripture does not record their explanation or discussion about how they wanted to serve the coming Kingdom. All they appeared to want was important positions.

Ambition leads men and women to take steps. That may include accomplishing a particular task or goal. It could be gaining a specific ally. Perhaps it involves removing a particular hindrance.

What is your ambition? Why is that your ambition? What will you do to achieve your ambition?

I pray you have ambitions. To serve His Kingdom. To minister to the hurting. To save the lost.

Ambition is all too easily a negative. History and current events are full of examples of self-seeking, sometimes ruthless, ambition. James and John are exposed in this example from the Gospels.

Life-saving discoveries have come into the world through ambition. Ambition has been the source of violence and chaos across the globe. What kind of ambition do you have?

Think: Is my ambition Godly, or something else?

Pray: “Lord, give me ambition to build Your Kingdom, for You.”

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

Listen For Yourself

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“Listen For Yourself” by Kirk Hunt

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

1 Samuel 3:13 KJV

In Whose Timing?

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“In Whose Timing?” by Kirk Hunt

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:36 KJV

To his credit, Peter meant his loyal words and actions. He would follow Jesus, even at hazard to his life. Peter did, by all traditions, follow Jesus to crucifixion. Just not that night.

The problem lay not in Peter’s intention, but his timing. His timing did not match Jesus’ timing. Peter would understand his out of step condition, before the night was over.

Jesus knows your heart and intention. Thankfully, He sees further, and better, than you. Intention is not enough. The timing must be the correct timing.

Peter made mistakes that night. Jesus even had to fix (see John 18:10-11) some of them. Operating in his own timing, Peter made things worse.

If you are anything like me, you think you know the right timing for your actions. If you are anything like me, God has fixed some of your mistakes. You meant well, but your timing was just a little off.

Jesus leads where we follow. Through His power. In His righteousness. With His grace.

Base your actions on Bible study and prayer. Be patient in His process. Stay obedient. Let Him lead you in His perfect timing.

Think: God’s timing for my life, unlike my own, is perfect.

Pray: “Lord, help me to operate in Your timing, not mine.”

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.”

Men Of Integrity

“Men Of Integrity” by Kirk Hunt

And Nathan departed unto his house.

2 Samuel 12: 15a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-15)

Nathan humiliated David, a warrior-king. In front of the royal court, the prophet spoke God’s truth without hesitation or restraint. Then he stood there, watching for David’s reaction.

Speaking truth to power is a display of integrity. It takes courage to accuse and confront a man with David’s warrior credentials and royal prerogatives. Nathan knew David could order his death and chose to obey God anyway.

Repenting after God’s rebuke is a display of integrity. It takes courage to confess and repent in front of a crowd. David chose to retain his relationship with God rather than impress the courtiers.

Being a man or woman of integrity is not easy. It requires tough choices. It requires choosing to do what is right rather than what is convenient. Or less humiliating.

“You are the man.” Nathan’s love for God led him to speak the truth, rather than compromise. A powerful display of integrity.

The prophet walked calmly home. David’s love for God protected Nathan from retaliation. An authentic display of integrity.

You have choices today: God’s way or something less. Your choice reveals your integrity. Display the integrity that honors God.

Think: Integrity is about doing the right thing, no matter what.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to respond per Your Word and Way, no matter what.”

You Are The Man

“You Are The Man” by Kirk Hunt

And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.

2 Samuel 12: 5, 7a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-14)

The parable of the greedy rich man incited righteous indignation and sanctimonious anger in David. The king wanted to seek justice against such a gross and merciless sinner. At that moment, Nathan sprung God’s ambush on David.

At this point in his life, David had written a great number of Psalms. He clearly knew and understood Scripture. David could even boast of a deep and intimate relationship with God.

Could David think God would not notice his adultery and the cover-up murder? Did David think his history gave him a license to sin? Perhaps David expected being king exempted him from accountability?

Nathan boldly confronted the king on his throne and in front of the court. The parable served to strip away the illusions that shielded David from his sins. Caught in his own error, David pronounced the very sentence he ought to suffer.

No matter what you have been through, you are not excused. No matter how high you have risen, you remain accountable. “Don’t be that guy (or gal).”

Think: No matter where I have been, or where I am, I remain accountable.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to turn from sin; right here, right now.”

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.”

Flying On Instruments

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“Flying on Instruments” by Kirk Hunt

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:1 KJV

“Pack up. Move out. I’ll mail you directions.”

Abram’s obedience was an act of faith. Leaving home, hearth, kith and kin, for whereabouts to be determined, has no other rational explanation. At God’s command, Abram started flying on instruments.

Aircraft have long had the ability to fly on instruments. On instruments, a pilot doesn’t need to see out of the cockpit at all. The pilot trusts the instruments, and the instruments get the pilot (safely) to the destination.

The things God asks of us are sometimes too big for us. The ending is too far for us to see. Worse, we can see the goal, but the path to the goal seems impossible to us. The God of creation asks you and I to trust Him.

He sees farther and deeper than we can. His knowledge exceeds the total of all humanity. His power exceeds anything and everything.

God faithfully led Abram to Canaan, and established him as a father of nations. You can put your faith in God, just as Abram did. Your faith and obedience will land you safely in His purpose for your life.

Think: I can trust Him. Even through the instruments of faith.

Pray: “Lord, help me respond to You in faith and obedience.”

He Is Not Done With You

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“He Is Not Done With You” by Kirk Hunt

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Genesis 12:1, 4 KJV

At 75 years old, you expect to be settled. At that age, your career should be completed or in the last stages. 75 years old is not when you expect to become a world traveling adventurer.

God’s Presence came close. His Word pierced every doubt and uncertainty. “I am not done with you, Abram.” Neon signs and spotlights could not make His message clearer.

You are where you are. You are what you are. God is not done with you.

He has places He wants you to go. He has things He wants you to accomplish. Your age, education, wealth or health are less important than your obedience.

If you go, He will provide. If you obey, He will bless tribes and nations through your life. Your name can become a modern byword for faithfulness.

He is not done with you. Embrace the adventure. Go where He sends you. Your faithfulness will build the Kingdom.

Think: He has special Kingdom work for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me be obedient to Your Call.”

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.”

Look To The Source

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“Look To The Source” by Kirk Hunt

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

2 Kings 13:14 KJV

It appears that the tears of King Joash (aka Jehoash) were at least partially sincere. Certainly he recognized Elisha’s long and miracle-laden ministry. Clearly, he understood what a benefit the prophet had been to the nation.

The king’s tears also testified to the looming Syrian horde. The only man in the nation who seemed to hold them back lay on his deathbed. A sorrowful situation, to be sure.

Still, Joash missed the point. He should have looked past Elisha to Jehovah-Jireh, Elisha’s source. Instead of tears of sorrow over a precious saint, the king should have shed tears of repentance for himself and his idolatrous kingdom.

Scripture (v. 11) records that Joash made no attempt to stop the idol worship of Judah. He inherited a back-slid nation. Joash did nothing to change the situation, despite all of his tears.

God’s faithful servants are a treasure. We should be sad when He chooses to move them or take them home. Still, we should always look past even the best of God’s people to God Himself. Our tears should lead us to act in drawing closer to God.

Think : Look to God and His power.

Pray: “Lord, help me to focus on You and You alone.”

Pain In The Offering

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“Pain In The Offering” by Kirk Hunt

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 KJV

Please read all of 2 Samuel 24

Araunah tried to give away his land, livestock and equipment. David carefully wrote out the bill of sale and paid the full price for everything. David offered his sacrifice and God accepted it. In a moment, David’s tears changed from sorrow to joy.

The pain in David’s offering was not the money he paid. David paid a substantial financial sum for Araunah’s farm, but cash wasn’t a problem. David’s hurt came in facing his own error and sin. Repentance cost the most in David’s sacrifice.

Our offerings to God ought to cost us something. Often, we are blessed to give from the abundance of God’s blessings. Too often, our offerings require that we dig into our souls and surrender things we’re rather keep: lazy comforts, arrogant self-righteousness, willful disobedience.

When we sacrifice those deeply held things, it hurts. When there is pain in the offering, that means you are being open and serious with God and yourself. In the long run, the hot tears and burning heart are a good thing.

Think : God wants a real sacrifice from me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to sacrifice those things that keep me from You.”

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