persistence Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Stick To The Calling

Stick To The Calling by Kirk Hunt

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

2 Samuel 23:9-10 NKJV

Eleazar, the son of Dodo, fought against the Philistines so long and so hard that his hand cramped around the hilt of his sword. When it finally came time to let go of his weapon, he could not. I have experienced this same effect using construction tools. May your service in God’s Kingdom induce the same “stick to it” at least once in your life.

Alone, after all others retreated, Eleazar fought on. He fought with courage greater than his fear. His determination was so fierce that his hand froze around his weapon. He fought to the end because he could not let the enemy win or leave his calling in God.

Here and now, under the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, we fight for God’s Kingdom. In this era we serve and minister rather than swing swords. Still, our level of effort can all too easily match Eleazar’s exertions on that nameless battlefield.

Make no mistake: God brings the victory. A mighty man or woman of God is willing to be His instrument. Let God use you to achieve the impossible.

Think: Mighty are the men and women who stick to it in service to Him.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to stick to my calling.”

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.

Shammah’s Lentils

“Shammah’s Lentils” By Kirk Hunt

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

2 Samuel 23:11-12 NKJV

Shammah stood his ground in a field of lentils. I always imagine him alone, matching his soft brass knife against a squad (or maybe a platoon) of hard steel swords. Valiantly, Shammah fought the fight of his life over a patch of beans.

Why there? Why then? Why single-handed? Scripture does not say. The Bible only records that God used one man to bring about a great victory.

Shammah’s lentils are a symbol of the victories God gives despite impossible circumstances. To those without faith, it seems God’s men and women too often risk everything, against ridiculous odds, for nothing of value. Even God’s faithful sometimes feel alone and friendless against endless hordes.

You are not alone. Jehovah-Shammah, the God who is there, fights beside you. Like Shammah bar-Agee, God will bring about a great victory through you.

What has God called you to do? Champion the cause He set in your heart. Nurture the soul he put in your path. Despite all of the really good reasons you should pull back, push forward in God’s power.

It may seem that you are defending a patch of beans against impossible odds. Be confident in fulfilling the call of God. Be faithful and God will deliver victory through your faithful courage.

Think: If God sent me, the issue is not trivial, and the odds are not impossible.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faithful courage over what, where and when You command.”

Endure

“Gift Minister” By Kirk Hunt

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others have given up in discouragement, or fallen in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Athletes deliberately develop their endurance in order to better excel at their sport. The strategies of coaches, teams and individual competitors always include outlasting opponents. Military leaders may call it “toughness” but that does not change the fundamental character of staying on task after others have given up or fallen down.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. Their minds are fully prepared to continue, but their bodies stop at the edge of exhaustion (or worse). Physics or biology more often limit us than our mind-power or will-power.

Men and women of God have more than willpower to call upon. God grants endurance to those who ask, in His purpose. His power can suspend the laws of nature. His grace can give the gift of persistence. His mercy can push back the limiting results of poor decisions.

Who needs you to stay on task? What part of His Kingdom needs you to continue on after everyone else has given up or passed out? What stronghold, yours or theirs, needs just a few more strikes of the hammer before it falls?

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is just time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through your power, grace and mercy.”

Endurance

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others have given up in discouragement, or fallen in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. The mind may be willing to continue. Unfortunately, sheer will power cannot forever deny physics or biology.

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is just time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through Your power, grace and mercy.”

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

A Mother’s Nerve

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“A Mother’s Nerve” by Kirk Hunt

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

Mark 7:26 KJV

She was not Jewish, or from Israel. She came from the Phoenician coast of Syria. In fact, she was a descendent of Greek conquerors.

To the Jews, this woman represented a corrupting foreign influence. Certainly, she knew how the locals viewed her. Still, she came to Jesus with her possessed daughter.

As only a mother can, she pushed to the head of the line. Boldly, she asked for a miracle from Jesus, knowing she had no rights or entitlement. She even refused to take “no” for an answer.

Somewhere along the line, someone needs you to have a mother’s nerve. Be willing to ask for big things from folks who have every reason to refuse you or yours. Be sure to have a strong expectation for your miracle.

This mother went away with her daughter cured. She had the faith to approach. She had the faith to ask. She even had the faith to stay and contend for her miracle.

Faith is more than mere belief. It is expectation that conflicts with the facts and data. It demands acts, that lead to an outcome, that does not follow the flow of events.

Mom got her miracle. Daughter got her healing. Who needs you to have faith like a mother?

Think: I should be bold and forward in seeking to bless and benefit others.

Pray: “Lord, give me the heart and courage to seek Your good for others.”

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

He Removes The Opposition

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“He Removes The Opposition ” by Kirk Hunt

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Isaiah 41:11 KJV

I am always the most puzzled by the rage of the opposition. They see Christians as narrow and overly restrictive? I disagree, but why all of the rage?

Whatever their reasons, God promises that they will not be able to block you. As you live the Christian life in spirit and truth, you will advance. To your destination and work in building the Kingdom.

Keep in mind that you must be living and moving in His purpose. Your willful action contrary to God’s Word and purpose for your life puts you out there alone. His protection for your life requires following your purpose for His Kingdom.

As you flow in God, your presence can be convicting (not condemning). The silent witness of a man or woman seeking Him, can say a lot. Very loudly.

If your life draws opponents, do not worry. God is not worried about their anger or blocking actions. No one can oppose the plans and calling of God. No committee can vote down God’s anointing and purpose for your life.

Move forward in Him. Follow your calling and build the Kingdom of God. He will take care of those who would insert themselves between you and God’s purpose for your life.

Think: A Christ-like life overpowers opposition through His power, grace and love.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live like You, especially with my opponents.”

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

He Is With You

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“He Is With You” by Kirk Hunt

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV

After answering the call, everyone hits that spot. The corner of limitations and exhaustion, is a scary-looking intersection. And it is a long way from success. Even the best of us question our purpose and mission.

Pause for a moment and reach out and touch Him. He is right there. Close at hand.

I wish I could assure you that angels will drop the very things you need in your lap. Instead, you will likely continue in hard work and True Faith™, as you continue your calling. You will continue your Kingdom building in His power.

His presence means power. There is clarity when God is close. Only peace can dwell in His presence.

The task is not any smaller, but His power remains greater. You will shoulder and move loads using the strength God gives. You will not fall, because He is holding you up.

Your purpose and mission remain the same. Your human limitations are not the end of the journey. The hand of our infinite God will see you through to the end.

Think: Your power will carry me through to success.

Pray: “Lord, help me to rely on You to finish my calling.”

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

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

Workout

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“Workout” by Kirk Hunt

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

I am a athlete. I became an athlete when I committed to pursue athletics. As I continue to pursue athletics, I remain an athlete.

My sore, tired muscles argue with me. They tell me that I’m not an athlete at all. An athlete would be able to do more, with greater ease.

My muscles lie. I may not be an Olympian, but I am an athlete. Every sweaty workout takes me closer to my goals.

I am a Christian. I became a Christian when I committed myself to Christ. As I continue to pursue Christ, I remain a Christian.

My faults and errors argue with me. They tell me I’m not a Christian at all. A Christian would be better and do better, with greater ease.

My faults and errors lie. I may not be perfected, but I am a Christian. Every spiritual exercise takes me closer to Christ.

Pursue Christ. Whatever takes. Stay at it. No matter what happens. Every workout, especially the sweaty ones, makes you more like Him.

Think: Every day, every spiritual exercise takes me closer to my goal: Christ.

Pray: “Lord, help me to work out my salvation in You.”

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.”

Soul Building

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“Soul Building” by Kirk Hunt

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 1:3-4 KJV

I’m working out now. I’m eating better lately. I want to undo years of lounging and overindulgence with a few hours of sweat and reducing one meal a week. It’s not working out that way.

It’s going to take weeks and months of consistency to get to develop the fitness I want. Too much, too fast will only hurt, not help. I am putting fewer calories on my plate and burning more calories on the treadmill. There’s no “secret” formula, just consistency and persistence.

The things of God work the same way. Anyone can develop a intimate, rich relationship with Father-God. There’s no “mystery” formula, just consistency and persistence. I get up when I’d rather sleep longer.

Everyday, make sure you spend time in His presence. Don’t let a day go by without reading and studying Scripture. Never miss an opportunity to exercise your faith.

The word “trying” in Scripture can often be interpreted “exercising.” Consistent, persistent exercise will build muscles naturally and spiritually. All you have to do is get off the literal, or figurative, couch.

You can become perfect and complete in God. Just do what you need to do. Every day.

Think: Consistency and patience in prayer and Bible study will build my soul

Pray: “Lord, help me to exercise myself in You.”

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