patience Archives – Page 2 of 2 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

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.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

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“Weapon of Choice – Firearms” by Kirk Hunt

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 2:2-4 (KJV)

Firearms and artillery have one thing in common: the barrel. The barrel must be perfectly straight. The barrel must be perfectly round. Even the rifling, the twisted grooves within the barrel, must be cut, then finished exactly. Without these features, the firearm will not be accurate or a weapon of choice.

Gun drilling is the limiting factor in making a firearm. It is a unique process with extraordinary requirements. I know from experience it is not easily done. It requires an expert craftsman, and patience, to complete correctly. Too often, multiple passes on the same barrel are needed for a good outcome.

God intends to use you to deliver His Word and grace to a dying world. That means the barrel of your life and soul must be perfectly straight, perfectly round, then grooved just so. With these features, you will be able to accurately deliver God’s grace and Word to others.

In order to achieve the needed level of perfection, God will have to work and re-work your life. He is the ultimate Craftsman. You can count that He can do all of the cutting, drilling and grooving correctly. Are you willing to submit to His expert Hands?

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Weapon of Choice – Firearms

The Prisoner Becomes A Prince

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“The Prisoner Becomes A Prince” by Kirk Hunt

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 41:39-40 KJV

(Read also Genesis 40:20 through 41:44)

Joseph, despite years in prison, spoke revelation and wisdom. He explained Pharaoh’s dream. He suggested a course of actions. Then he waited.

Maybe Joseph hoped for a pardon. It’s possible he thought he might get a new job as a slave-steward to the new Grain Administrator. Of course, you and I know Joseph had been set-up.

The forgotten man became a foremost minister. He traded his (orange) prison garb for royal robes. The prisoner became a prince in a single hour.

Only God can so suddenly change prisoners into princes. Only the King of the universe can so completely and rapidly reverse the situation of a man. Only God knows the set up he has in store for you.

You thought your unseen hours and unrewarded labors were for nothing? You thought you had been thrown away and forgotten? God has made plans concerning you and His angels are working that plan with care and precision.

You have been set up. All that remains is the pay off. What God promises, God delivers. With interest.

Think : God has set me up, and I am glad.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out Your set up with grace and joy.”

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