presence Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

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.”

Protected: Open Our Eyes

Love God

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“Love God” by Kirk Hunt

We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 KJV

On the Cross, Jesus gave the final atonement for sin. His sacrifice tore the Veil of Separation. Jesus repaired the rift that separated sinful man from Holy God.

What motivated all of this sacrifice and transformation? Love. We could not go to God, so He came to us. It is that simple. It is that easy.

His love is complete. His love is pure. His love is perfect.

No matter where you are today. No matter what happened yesterday. No matter what comes tomorrow.

God loves you. Completely. Purely. Perfectly.

Come close to Him. Feel the fond peace of His heart. Rest in the tender safety of His arms.

You can not earn His love, but He gives it all the same. You can never deserve His love, but He delights in you anyway. All you need to do is respond.

Your love might be incomplete. Your love may be impure. Your love could be imperfect.

He knows how you are. Still, He loves you. His arms are stretched out to the worst of sinners. His arms and heart are open even to you. It is that simple. It is that easy.

God loves you. Don’t ask. Don’t tell. Just love Him back.

Think : God loves me.

Pray: “Lord, I accept Your love for me.”

You Are Not Forgotten

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“You Are Not Forgotten” by Kirk Hunt

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Isaiah 49:15 KJV

Among the swirling galaxies and streaming pulsars, He listens for a single voice. Legions of angels come and go, but He anticipates a single face. Among the billions of souls that fill the earth, God is especially concerned with you, by name and fingerprint.

With all that calls to God, He has reserved a part of Himself for a precious child. Despite all that swirls through the infinite, He has a special focus on a single soul. No matter what else is happening, you have priority with God.

It doesn’t matter that someone else disappointed you. The track record of some mere human has nothing to do with Him. You are at the center of His love. You are an ongoing concern to eyes that never sleep or slumber.

Perhaps you are tired. Maybe you are hurting. You could be confused.

God has time to give rest to your soul. He will stop to sooth your hurts. Patiently, He will answer your questions.

You are not forgotten. He listens for your voice. He will be especially delighted to see your face.

Think : God loves me. He loves me more than even I can know.

Pray: “Lord, I accept the rest and restoration of Your love.”

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