presence Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

You Are Touched

You Are Touched by Kirk Hunt

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”

Isaiah 6:6-7 NKJV

Finite, imperfect, impure Isaiah stood in the direct presence of infinite, perfect, holy God. God’s prophet cried out in dismay and alarm. God calmly caused his man to be made pure.

Isaiah understood the gap between where he lived his life and the perfection of God. God did not excuse or accept the lesser state of the man He loved. Instead, God purified him on the spot.

God loves you. And He is not afraid to meet you where you are. The question is, are you willing to be touched by God?

Scripture points out the coal came live from the altar. Isaiah was pronounced purged, made clean, after he was touched. The Bible is silent about any burns or scorching of the prophet. Isaiah admitted his imperfect state, then held still while the angel and the live coal approached him.

Whether or not he might be burned, he was willing to be touched by God. Holy God saw Isaiah’s impure state, but loved him too much to let that stand. Isaiah loved God, and His touch, too much to run.

As the hot ember approached, I’m sure images ran through Isaiah’s mind. The scene that mattered most, rooted him in place. God’s loving touch is worth it, regardless of the price.

Think: You can be touched and made pure by God.

Pray: “Lord, whatever it costs, please touch me with, and in, Your love.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

My Eyes See

My Eyes See by Kirk Hunt

And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

Isaiah 6:4-5 NKJV

The Temple structure shook with the sound of a single voice. 81,000 cubic feet of space filled with smoke, in a moment. With his own human eyes, Isaiah saw the Shekhinah, the physical manifestation of God in the human world. In the presence of Holy God, Isaiah realizes that he, and all of Israel, are tainted.

Suddenly, Isaiah understands. He is a finite, imperfect, impure man in the direct presence of infinite, perfect, holy God. That moment in the Shekhinah should be like standing on the surface of The Sun. God’s mercy, and love for Isaiah, preserves him.

God is infinite, perfect, holy and omnipotent. He is also loving, merciful and eager for contact with all of His sons and daughters. His omnipotence allows him to remain holy and pure, even when He kisses and hugs His impure and tainted children.

God wants us to see Him, with our own eyes. He wants us to know Him, personally and deeply. Look past the distractions and obstructions of circumstances. Walk past the opinions and comments of other people. Infinite, perfect, holy and omnipotent God wants to spend time, just with you.

Think: When last did you truly see and spend time with God?

Pray: “Lord, help me in my direct and personal relationship with You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

He Saw The Lord

He Saw The Lord 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

As Isaiah turned a corner, he saw the Temple. The gold overlaid on the doors and walls reflected the bright, midday sun like a mirror. As he drew closer, the intricate and detailed carvings of angels, palm trees and open flowers on the walls and doors became visible.

He sighed and trudged on.

Isaiah walked past the Bronze Altar and the atoning sacrifices being offered. He could see and hear as the devout brought their gifts and sacrifices to the priests. The sights, sounds and smells of the Court all pointed to man’s efforts to reconcile with God.

He shrugged his shoulders and shuffled further.

The prophet passed between the massive bronze pillars, Jachin (“He will establish”) and Boaz (“In Him strength”) and entered the Holy Sanctuary. The beauty and symbolism of the Temple furniture and architecture were familiar to Isaiah. The prophet had seen it all, many times before.

He yawned and took his usual place before the Gold Altar.

There, in a familiar place and during a memorized routine, something unique happened. The beauty and magnificence of the Temple building faded before His glory. The sanctity and reverent atmosphere of the Temple gave way to His presence.

Suddenly, and without warning, Isaiah came face-to-Shekhinah with God. Isaiah, familiar with Scripture and the worship of God, staggered in awe and astonishment.

We do not know how sincere and devout Isaiah was, or was not. Like you, he needed a direct and real relationship with Jehovah. When he truly saw God for himself, his life changed.

Think: Do you truly see God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to have a direct and true relationship with You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

The Lord Has Blessed The House

The Lord Has Blessed The House by Kirk Hunt

Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.

2 Samuel 6:12 NKJV

King David heard the news and concerned himself with Obed-Edom. Obed-Edom’s faithful service involved having the Ark of God (aka the Ark of The Covenant) in his home. God’s presence and power made itself known with blessing of the man’s house and household.

After the tragedy of Uzzah, David placed the Ark in Obed-Edom’s house. Obed-Edom faithfully maintained the physical symbol of God’s presence on earth in his home. For three months, the power of God directly rewarded him and his. So much so, that a king looked on with longing.

Your faithful service in God’s kingdom is never without reward. No amount of money can purchase His peace. No level of fame gives His joy. Even the rich, or high, or mighty will look at His presence in your life and covet what you have.

It may not seem like much to you, but be faithful anyway. If God gave your calling, then it is important. And God’s blessing of you, and your house, will make it worthwhile.

Think: God blesses the house of men and women who serve Him in spirit and truth.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to serve my calling in spirit and truth.”

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.

His Presence

His Presence by Kirk Hunt

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

Psalms 139:7-8 NKJV

With all of the negative and destructive situations and events going on in the world, you might wonder where God has gone. God’s people, of course, know that He is Jehovah-Shammah, the-God-who-is-there. His presence is here and now. His presence is there and then.

God is omnipresent and omnipotent. His power is absolute and unmatched. Why would I, or you, worship anyone with limitations?

His presence can be felt deeply in your mind and spirit. His presence can be found in the loud crash of waves, or the quiet rustle of leaves. You need only stop to listen. He is there and speaking. Pause yourself for a moment in the worst chaos and you can feel His calm touch.

We enjoy free will. Men and women can choose to obey His Word or indulge yourself in wicked behaviors. Do not get angry at God when He lets you suffer the consequences of you, or others, acting in sin and rebellion.

No matter where you go, or what you do, you are in the presence of God. Perhaps you are facing the consequences of your poor choices. You may be suffering from the actions of someone else. God is still there and His presence and power are just a prayer away.

Think: No matter where I go, God is there before me and His power is supreme.

Pray: “Lord, help me to feel Your presence, no matter where I am.”

Rest In His Presence

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“Rest In His Presence” By Kirk Hunt

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NKJV

It has been a long year. Take a moment to sit here and receive His restoration. Pause in His presence, and accept His rest.

There is a comforting space in His arms, just for you. He wants to speak special encouragement to your soul. He longs to speak the love of His heart, directly to yours.

Too many of God’s people engage in non-stop frenzy. Rush here. Speed there. If there is time to breathe than you are idle, if not lazy.

Playing through the rest notation in sheet music ruins the song. Playing a sport without proper rest exposes the player or team to mistakes in play and injury in their bodies. Champions rest.

Rest allows restoration. A pause allows thoughtful consideration of past results. Insightful and innovative strategies grow from deliberate stops in the action.

His presence is a pleasant place. Yes, there may be correction or conviction. Still, there will be affection and care beyond your highest expectations. Your Father calls to you. Let Him love you for a while.

Spend your money on a quiet, restful, place and space. Let the God of Heaven restore and replenish you. There will be time later for hurly–burly. Make time now for the warmth and caring that only He can give.

Think: God’s presence empowers His men and women through rest and restoration.

Pray: “Lord, let me pause here, in Your presence, and receive Your restoration.”

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

Prayer With The Saints

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“Prayer With The Saints” By Kirk Hunt

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Jeremiah the prophet had been jailed for speaking God’s truth. At least this time, he was not in the mud and muck of the dungeon. There in the prison courtyard, Jeremiah spent time in prayer with God.

Jeremiah had every reason to be depressed and broken. The nation of Israel had taken to worshiping Baal and other idols, within Jerusalem itself. Most of the other prophets of Jehovah God had been murdered. The Chaldeans of Babylon were marching their armies straight to the city of Zion.

It is no surprise that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. What is surprising is that Jeremiah never gave up hope. Jeremiah had hope because he never stopped speaking with God.

Too often, saints forget to sit and talk with God. We rush from appointment, to event, to activity, without pause. Then we lay awake at night, too upset or anxious to sleep.

A saint who prays develops a deeper relationship with God. On the other hand, a saint who does not pray drifts away from God. Which Christian saint do you want to be?

God may take you farther, and faster, than you want to go. He might make you wait longer than you might like. In either case, He will speak wonders in your ears and majesties in your heart. Your soul will be awestruck, and satisfied, by speaking with Him.

Think: Prayer is a saint’s response to adverse situations.

Pray: “Lord, remind me to speak with You at all times.”

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

The Trouble With Saints

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“The Trouble With Saints” By Kirk Hunt

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NKJV

Somehow, some of God’s people are convinced that the righteous do not have trouble. In this verse, Jesus says the opposite. Even saints struggle with problems in this life.

Still, Jesus commands us to have peace and joy. Trouble may come, but trouble will go. And Jesus will remain throughout.

Those words are easy when the trouble is minor and the solution is at hand. Those words are much harder in the hospital room, or jail cell, or a mortuary viewing room.

It does not matter how difficult the circumstances, Jesus remains. It may be more than you can bear, but not more than He can carry. You may not sense Him close, but He is immediately present.

You may not have done anything wrong. You may be as righteous as human beings can get. That will not keep trouble out of your life. Besides, that is not what He promises.

He promised that He has overcome the world. Your will overcome, through His power and grace. Do not let anything convince you otherwise.

Folks may not understand your peace of mind. They will be baffled by your joy, despite the circumstances. You have peace and joy because you know trouble passes through, while He remains.

Think: Troubles come and go, while Jesus is present and remains.

Pray: “Lord, give me your peace and joy, despite my trouble.”

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

Hear His Voice

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“Hear His Voice” By Kirk Hunt

and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV

Even the best of us sometimes look for the wrong thing. We think God speaking must be in some huge, big thing. Our expectations lead us to miss His voice.

If you survey Scripture, God often speaks softly. He wants to talk with you. Not as a frowning judge. He wants a quiet personal chat, face-to-face (Shekinah) with a friend.

Elijah watched as wind, then earthquake, and finally fire battered the mountain. While the storms were attention-getting, they were not God’s voice to His prophet. A gentle whisper announced God’s presence. Elijah left the cave and stepped into the powerful presence of God.

There was a lot going on around Elijah. God wanted His prophet to appoint kings and settle nations. But before Elijah went out, God wanted to just sit and talk. So God whispered and Elijah answered.

Does God speak through cryptic dreams or mysterious visions? Sure. Scripture says so. Does He whisper in quiet stillness? Scripture says yes, absolutely.

Make time in your life to listen. Let the violent winds, blow past. Steady yourself while the earth quakes. Let the raging fires sweep through. Then go out, into His presence, when you hear His whisper.

He wants to speak with you. Quietly. Gently. Personally. Respond to His whispering voice.

Think: God’s voice is very often heard as a quiet whisper.

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear Your Voice and spend time in your presence.”

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

Time With Him

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“Time With Him” by Kirk Hunt

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Mark 6:31 KJV

Busy schedules can be a sinister, cruel trap. Yes, the needs are great. Surely, the opportunities are rich. Still, below the surface of constant effort, lay the rocks of exhaustion and weariness.

Have you been busy in the Gospel fields? Do you labor in the marketplace? Then you are a good servant.

Still, the Master calls you. He beckons from a quiet place where He can have you to Himself. There is more to Christianity than labor and striving.

Do not go too many hours without spending time with Him. Make sure He is in your meeting schedules. Let His peace and joy flood through your soul on a regular basis.

Are you really His? When was the last time you sat at His feet? How long has it been since His presence blanketed your soul?

There will be times and days when you run non-stop. It becomes all the more important to linger at a quiet place, resting with the Master. The human mind and heart are not built for constant striving. The mortal soul is not designed to be away from Him for long.

The lions and giants in your life will wait another few minutes. Spend some money on a quiet chat with a loving Savior. It will be a good investment.

Think: No achievement should interfere with your time alone with Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be disciplined about spending time with You.”

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

Shiny

“Shiny” by Kirk Hunt

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

Exodus 34: 30, 33 (KJV)

The cowering men were the senior leadership of Israel. They individually commanded the respect and obedience of hundreds of thousands of men and women. They personally witnessed God’s miracles in Egypt. You would think they could hold their ground against one man.

Despite all of their experience and station, they were not ready. They were not prepared for Moses’ appearance. They were not prepared for Moses to be shiny.

Moses spent time with God. Alone on the mountain, Moses spent time face-to-Shekinah with God. The result should not have been a surprise to anyone.

There’s lots of excellent reasons for you to spend time with God. Worship. Prayer. Devotion. Empowerment.

Whatever your reasons for spending time with Him, one side-effect is that you will begin to reflect His glory. No one spends time with God and comes away the same. God’s glory can rub off on those who seek Him.

After 40 days in God’s Presence, Moses got some glory on him. Especially his face. Isn’t time you got shiny?

Think: God’s glory can reflect in my life, if I spend time with Him.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to spend time with You so I can reflect Your Glory.”

In Heavenly Places

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“In Heavenly Places” by Kirk Hunt

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 KJV

It’s been one of those days at work. I sigh and try to focus on my next task. Suddenly, even simple concentration seems beyond me.

“Help Lord.” It is the cry of a son to his father. I am a limited man appealing to an infinite God. I dare to ask.

In the blink of an eye, everything changes. The cut-rate carpet becomes a gold-plated floor. The harsh florescent light transforms to the warm glow of the Menorah. In my heart and mind I am now at the Mercy Seat and in the presence of God.

For a time, I just breathe. His grace and mercy is a rare atmosphere. His provision and care is a rich incense.

I stop short of speaking my complaints and questions. Instead, I pour out my gratitude and adoration. My presence in this place of refuge and restoration is solution enough.

He draws close. His power is obvious. His sovereignty absolute. His love for me without question.

All too soon, I’m back in the workplace. My brief journey to God’s secret place reminds me I live under God’s influence. I dwell in His domain and under His power. It shall be well.

Think : No matter where I sit, I live in God’s power and influence.

Pray: “Lord, help me dwell in the secret place of Your power and influence.”

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