patience Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

At His Right Hand

At His Right Hand by Kirk Hunt

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”

Psalms 110:1 NKJV

God invites you to sit at His right hand, a place of dignity, confidence and safety. Your enemies eventually will serve you. Your concerns and issues will soon be part of your testimony about God’s provision and care.

All too often we take too much upon ourselves. The sovereign God of the universe commands us to rest while He works. The hard part, often, is waiting in quiet reliance on God.

While we sit, God is doing what we cannot. While we wait, He uses His power to do what we cannot under any circumstances. And at the end, we receive in peace and dignity what only His power delivers.

We are human and want control. We want it our way, now. Wait for God to give you more and better than you know or understand. Wait to receive blessings and benefits that no one will be able to take away from you.

Sit on the favored side of His throne. Wait while He delivers eternal pleasures. It will be the desire of your heart, that you did not know you wanted.

Think: At His right hand is everything I need and want, delivered by my adversaries.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be obedient and patient while You work for me.”

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.

Bearing With Each Other

Bearing With Each Other by Kirk Hunt

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV

Bearing with people is not easy. Folk can be so wrong, so annoying, and so in need of a slap in the head. Instead, we are commanded to treat the worst of them with forbearance which consists of patience, courtesy and dignity. This is so important that the apostle does not frame it as a request.

Keep in mind that folk, at their best, rarely change in a moment. Even when they want to badly. During the transition, they need friends, family and saints to stay with them as they do the work and follow the process.

So, with the rebels or lawbreakers disarmed and at your feet, you are commanded. Show them your best patience. Give them your sincerest courtesies. Blanket them with your richest dignity. Prove that you are one of God’s selected saints.

Somewhere in there, you will need to forgive them. For yourself, not for them. Forgiveness makes your work with and towards them lighter and easier.

Follow the forbearance commandment whether they ask for forgiveness, or not. Because you are commanded to love and forgive others as Christ forgave and loves you. And when you find yourself receiving patience, courtesy and dignity, do the math.

Think: Forbearance is a commandment to God’s people.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be forbearant with everyone, especially other saints.”

Wait Patiently For God’s Justice

Wait Patiently For God’s Justice by Kirk Hunt

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Psalm 37:7 NKJV

King David would understand how you feel. It can seem that folk like Nabal, King Saul and even David’s son Absalom seemed to be getting away with all the sin and wickedness. Wait patiently. God’s justice will arrive for all concerned.

Consider Nabal, the man who accepted David’s protection and support. Given a polite request for provisions Nabal not only selfishly refused but was insulting and rude. Protected from David’s rage, Nabal was not protected from God’s justice. God Himself struck Nabal and he died.

King Saul, David’s king and father-in-law, unjustly hunted David across hills and fields. Still, given more than one opportunity to kill his tormentor, David righteously withheld his hand and that of others. In 1 Samuel 26:10, David prophesied Saul’s ending, orchestrated by God. And it was so.

Even David’s own son, Absalom, tried to murder him and steal the Kingdom. Even as he out maneuvered the mutiny and crushed the opposition, David was desperate to save Absalom’s life. David wept bitterly at his son’s death, despite his own danger.

In each episode, it seemed that wicked folk were winning against David. In each case, David did the right thing and God gave him victory. David’s righteous actions and patience made the difference. God is love, but He is also justice. It is just a matter of time.

Think: God’s justice will come. Am I doing the correct things while I wait?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be patient but steadfast in waiting for Your justice.”

Yet He Passed Away

Yet He Passed Away by Kirk Hunt

I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psalm 37:35-36 NKJV
Please also read Psalm 37:1–40

Too often, I despair that the wicked are winning. I have caught myself fretting that the ruthless and unscrupulous are being established, never to be dislodged. Then, suddenly, they pass away and can not be found, even if you wanted to see them.

I am not the first God-follower to think so. Psalm 37, written by David, speaks to my own concerns. The wicked may indeed prosper for a season, but not they shall not triumph. No matter how it looks now, God’s justice is on the way.

In my own life, I have seen men and women suddenly receive justice. Before, it seemed the wicked ones were immune to the laws of God and man. After, I trembled at the thoroughness of God’s sovereign and merciless justice.

On bended knee, I pray that I live in obedience to His Word and law. I never want to be the one that God’s people cry out against. I want always to be found, doing Kingdom work the way God wants it done.

Play it straight, since God is watching. Follow God’s Word and law, the way you know it should be done. His sword of justice is quick, terrible and not to be denied by mere humans.

Think: The wicked will receive justice, sooner and more thoroughly than you think.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be found at all times as Your obedient servant.”

And Marched Around

“And Marched Around” By Kirk Hunt

But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times.

Joshua 6:15 NKJV
Read also Joshua 6:15–20

To the untrained eye, Joshua was wasting everyone’s time and energy. Israel marched around Jericho, 14 times in silence. There were no shouts of triumph or defiance. Only the sound of trudging feet could be heard, unless the people of Jericho were hurling insults and taunts from the top of the walls.

Israel built no siege engines. Teams of sappers did not undermine the walls. Instead, Joshua and Israel were obedient to God’s instruction. “March. Then march some more.”

Perhaps you are facing a Jericho wall in your life. It is a circumstance that is big, blocks your way, and you see no way to overcome it. I implore you: Keep marching.

God’s people obey God, whether or not it makes sense to us. We insist on persistence. We patiently keep doing what He said, until our change comes. We compel ourselves to act out our faith in His Word. No matter how many laps it takes.

Too often, we obey conventional wisdom rather than God. We expect financial, political or numbers of people to carry the day. While it is good to be prepared to do the hard word, it is better to follow God’s instructions.

Even if your feet are sore, continue marching per God’s instructions. When God gets through, your Jericho wall will fall. Be read for the hard work to follow your victory.

Think: I will patiently persist at my God-given task until my Jericho wall falls.

Pray: “Lord, help me to act my faith in Your Word for my life.”

After Admonition

“After Admonition” By Kirk Hunt

Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Titus 3:10-11 NKJV

Admonition can be defined as authoritative counsel or warning. Nathan’s confrontation of David (2 Samuel 12:1-15) is a definitive example of how to correct even a powerful leader. Just as important, even the powerful should respond correctly to truth-speakers. Paul, speaking to Titus, plainly states there are limits to the effort to help men and women who are in error.

David’s Israel was wealthy and militarily powerful. Still, Nathan appeared in David’s throne room and rebuked him for his sin and error. Success or good performance in one area of your life is not an excuse for sin anywhere in your life.

David, thankfully, had the wisdom and imperfect righteousness enough to respond with confession and repentance. No one is so perfectly righteous, or extraordinarily wise, that they never need authoritative counsel or warning. With all of his power and authority, King David meekly and obediently accepted Nathan’s rebuke. David then patiently endured his (painful) process of repentance and restoration.

Christian men and women do not give up on someone the first (or second) time it gets hard. On the other hand, Jesus Himself said, “Go and sin no more.” Grace is not a “continue to sin” card.

Titus, on Crete, led folk who tended to go their own way, instead of following God’s path. Paul the Apostle provided clear instructions on how to handle divisive men and women. Sooner or later you will give the rebukes, or take the rebukes. How will you act in that day?

Think: After being admonished, do I, or others, sincerely seek to make a change?

Pray: “Lord, help me accept admonishment as one of Your righteous men or women.”

Jesus Always Has Impact

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“Jesus Always Has Impact” By Kirk Hunt

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Mark 4:41 NKJV

Jesus got up from sleep and faced the storm. Without hesitation or preamble, He spoke His power over the storm. His words had impact. A great calm followed.

The Disciples were awestruck by Jesus’ power. Wind and waves obeyed instantly. This came as a shock to them, despite all of the miraculous healing they had seen Jesus perform.

Perhaps their confusion comes from the duality, the two-part nature, of Jesus. Yes, He is fully man. Yes, He is fully God. Both are true of Him, at the same time.

That is why Jesus will always have impact in your life. Jesus, fully human, knows and understands the human condition. Jesus, fully God, has the power to impact your life.

His impact may not come the way you think it should. His grace and provision can be one of the most disruptive forces known to man. Still, at the end, you have a better answer than you imagined, and joy in knowing that He is part of your life.

His impact can be felt in how He calms your storm. His impact can be felt in how He calms you, despite the storm. However He moves in your situation, He will have impact. Brace yourself.

Think: Jesus always has impact on the real situations of life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be confident in Your impact on my life.”

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

Jesus Knows The Impact

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“Jesus Knows The Impact” By Kirk Hunt

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:38 NKJV

The little fleet of ships (v. 36) was ambushed by the storm. Peter and his brother Andrew, plus John and his brother James, were professional fisherman and skilled sailors. They fished the Galilee, which means they had to be experts regarding that body of water. Still, the impact of the storm threatened to sink them (v. 37).

Bad things happen to people. Skill, expertise and preparation are not always enough to prevent not-so-good circumstances. Sooner or later, unfavorable events will include you and yours.

Jesus, confident in the skill of His disciples, or exhausted from His ministry, fell asleep in the back of the ship. Despite the water flooding over the gunwale or the howl of the wind, Jesus slept while His friends grew increasingly panicked. Jesus woke up to desperate men and a violent, vindictive storm.

The disciples question is clearly driven by fear and distress. Of course Jesus cares. Yes, His completely human eyes were closed in sleep. Yes, His complete God-power surrounded them.

It may seem that God is “asleep” during your circumstances. The impact of the storm was not lost on Jesus. The impact of your circumstances are known to God, and He cares.

He sees the impact. He cares about you and yours. Call on Him, in faith and confidence.

Think: Jesus sees and cares about the impacts on my life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be confident that You know and You care.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com. 10282013Devo

God’s Vindication

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“God’s Vindication” by Kirk Hunt

Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Luke 1:24–25 NKJV

Elizabeth and Zacharias were devout, Godly people. Still, tongues wagged. They were judged and dismissed as unworthy. To some folk, their saintly lives were ruined by an empty cradle.

Perhaps you know how they feel. Maybe you did something unfortunate. Perhaps it is something someone else did. Either way, you live with the blame and shame.

Elizabeth’s miracle conception solved some issues, but brought on others. God’s timing and grace are always good, but often disruptive. Still, God’s vindication of their lives is astonishing and complete.

Your story is not over. God’s vindication, proof of His love for you, is on its way. All you have to do is live in faith now.

Elizabeth and Zacharias lived as if everything was okay. Their lives preached faith in God. They knew God loved and accepted them. Eventually, everyone saw God’s love and acceptance for them also.

No matter what people say. No matter what the mirror tells you. God loves you. God accepts you.

Choose to live your life in Christ. God’s vindication will arrive. He will provide glory and blessing that prove how much he accepts and loves you.

Think: God’s vindication is perfect, no matter how disruptive.

Pray: “Lord, help me to accept the proof of Your love for me.

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.

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.

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.”