work Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Do Not Grow Weary

Do Not Grow Weary by Kirk Hunt

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It is all too easy to give in to human frailty. There you are, doing the right thing(s) for God’s Kingdom, but then you prove human. You can grow weary a number of different ways. Keep a grip on your heart as you continue to do good in God’s calling on you.

Perhaps you consider the long hours and the lack of any pay, or simple gratitude from those who benefit. Perhaps your strenuous efforts, take a toll on your mind, body or spirit. Perhaps the siren call of more immediately pleasurable activities begins to tug at you.

Your harvest is coming, even if it seems delayed. Keep your heart focused on the things of God. If you win the battle for your heart, the rest will follow.

First, and foremost, minister to yourself. You cannot serve unless you are strong enough to bear the vessels and provide the service. Since Jesus took time to pray and accept ministry, shouldn’t you do the same?

Of course, there will be an amount of old-fashioned discipline in serving the Kingdom. There is also a portion of taking joy in the journey. Whatever your balance, do not grow weary just before your harvest of good comes in.

Think: My harvest will come, if I resist growing weary.

Pray: “Father-God, keep me from growing weary in Your service.

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.

The Prize of Trust

The Prize of Trust by Kirk Hunt

“Go and speak to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for adversity and not for good, and they shall be performed in that day before you.

“For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 39:16, 18 NKJV
Please also read Jeremiah 39:11-18

Jerusalem fell, per God’s command. In the middle of the chaos and confusion, God stopped to speak reassurance and peace to a lone Ethiopian. Unlike the men and women around him, Ebed-Melech put his trust in God.

Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian, stood out among the Hebrew people. I am certain there were men and women who frequently reminded him that he was just a foreigner and proselyte, therefore not really one of God’s people. Still, he continued to worship Jehovah-God in sincerity and truth.

As death and destruction fell on Jerusalem, Ebed-Melech watched in peace and security. The Babylonian soldiers tramped around him. As the Hebrew captives were matched off at spear-point, the foreigner and proselyte watched from his God-appointed safety.

I want to think he wept as God’s people were punished for their unrepentant sin. Meanwhile, Ebed-Melech, stood firm and at peace in his child-like trust and obedience to God. I wonder who, or what, those other folks trusted.

Think: Is my trust in God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust in You alone.

Your Labor Counts

Your Labor Counts by Kirk Hunt

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

Your calling in God may weigh heavy on you at times. The level of reward or results may cause you to question the value of your efforts. Trust Scripture; your labor counts.

Poppa Hunt, as we drove along, would often point out buildings or structures he labored on. Unless a specific light was visible and shining at that moment, the results of his work were not visible. His labor was still there, and still providing a benefit to men and women he would never meet.

The classrooms of students you taught may never return to say thank you. The elder you lavished care and concern on may not remain to remember your efforts. The time and attention you invested in that project may never be acknowledged.

Your Kingdom work counted then and counts now. You may never know the impact and blessing of your labors. Just know, in faith, that your labor for God had an impact and will have a payoff.

Faithfulness is not always recognized by men and women. Human eyes may not see the effort and exertion you made on a project. Our omniscient God sees Your labor and faithfulness. In these days, and in the days to come, our God will reward your faithful labors in His Kingdom.

Think: My labor counts in the Lord’s work.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to labor in my calling with faithfulness to You.

Strength, Courage and Salvation

Strength, Courage and Salvation by Kirk Hunt

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV

Godly men and women have enemies and foes, just like everyone else. What is different is that we live in the grace and protection of our all-powerful God. God is our strength. Always.

Can God’s people be battered and bruised? Perhaps. Can God’s people be beaten and defeated? Not until after they beat and defeat God. But we must operate in God’s strength, not our own.

King David, experienced and understood unjust treatment and persecution. Yet, here in this Psalm, he sang in victory about the light and salvation of God. Whether hiding in a cave or living in a palace, David understood that God was greater than his enemies.

David fought battles. More than once, his life was at risk. Still, his courage came from the source of his strength. He found grace and protection in all-powerful God.

Whatever you face today, consider where you find strength. No matter how battered and bruised you feel, you are not beaten. Not if you operate in the strength, light, and salvation of God. Find your courage in His strength.

Think: “God is my strength and salvation, therefore I can have courage.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember my courage comes from Your strength.”

Not Forsaken

Not Forsaken by Kirk Hunt

I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV

Quill, scratching on parchment, David remembered his long, eventful life. “The righteous are not forsaken. Ever.” I wonder if some of the ink was smudged by teardrops.

Do not confuse hard times with being forsaken. God’s people face difficult circumstances, just like everyone else. The difference is that we know that God Himself guards us, and our folk.

David, hunted like an animal by his own father-in-law: not forsaken. David, betrayed by his own son and fleeing for his life: not forsaken. David, offering an atoning sacrifice because of his own sin: not forsaken.

You may cry hot tears, or bleed profusely, or go desperately hungry, but you remain a son or daughter of God. And in all of that, you are not forsaken. God guards you and yours. Stay faithful to our God who has already proven His faithfulness to you.

David lived to appoint his son, Solomon, to the throne with peace and prosperity. Messiah, Jesus Christ, is a king in David’s dynasty. David was never forsaken.

Son and daughter of God, your children and grandchildren will live in the peace and prosperity God gives you. Others will live better and longer because of your generosity and kindness. And all of it because you are not forsaken. Ever.

Think: “No matter how it looks, I am not forsaken.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember I am never forsaken by You.”

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.”

After The Petition

“After The Petition” By Kirk Hunt

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27–28 NKJV

Hannah’s petition received a favorable response. God placed Samuel in her arms, then stepped back. Hannah, in turn, stepped up.

She sacrificed her treasured son, just as she vowed. She brought Samuel to the Tabernacle and committed him to God’s service. Then, she turned and walked away, leaving her tender aged child with Eli, the High Priest. Samuel became a great Judge and Prophet because of Hannah’s faithfulness in doing her part.

Too often, we think that we are done after the request is granted. After God does His part, there is much more. We must do our part.

And the price of our part can be high. Ask Hannah. Ask Apostle Paul. Ask Jesus.

We are instructed to bring our prayers and petitions to God. Please, do so. God set His calling on your life and that prayer is part of it. When He answers your petition, you will have another part of your mission in hand.

Just remember that after God does His part, you need to step up and do your part. There will be labor. Sacrifice will be part of your portion. No one said it would be easy.

Flinch, if you must. Cry, if the pain is great. Refuse to leave your portion undone. Be faithful and do your part.

Think: After God grants my petition, my work begins in earnest.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

In The Process

“In The Process” By Kirk Hunt

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV
Please read 1 Samuel 1:1–22

Hannah accepted by faith Eli’s declaration (verse 17). She went on with the process of her life in expectation. In the process of her mundane life, a miracle came. Her miracle demanded much work and labor, for decades.

Too often we end the story on the high note of the miracle. Scripture records the addition work, effort and sacrifice demanded by receiving a God-given miracle. There had to be a day when Hannah was tired of changing diapers, nursing Samuel and keeping up with her part of the household. Work is not at all glamourous, but is absolutely a part of the process.

Where are you in the process of your miracle? Are you working your part of the process? Since you asked for the miracle, you asked for the work that goes along with the process.

Hannah cried out to God from the depths of her soul. God’s response, through Eli, was not definitive to my ear, but Hannah heard with ears of faith. She started the process, fully expecting Samuel.

Your breakthrough or miracle is part of a process. While God is the source, you have a part in the process, especially after the miracle happens. Faith sees it before it happens and faithfulness keeps you working long after you hold your breakthrough in your hands.

Think: My miracle requires working the process.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

See, Then Deliver

“See, Then Deliver” By Kirk Hunt

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.”

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

There was no time for a committee meeting or an appeal to the local animal control officer. David saw the bear preparing to eat one of his lambs and he acted. He delivered the lamb from certain death. The optional analysis and discussion phase came only after the work was complete.

Had David not acted, the bear would have eaten the lamb. Worse, she might have come to the conclusion that the flock would be a continuing source of easy meals. Stripped of her dinner, the bear tried to replace the lamb with the annoying shepherd that struck her.

Your God-given vision will remain intangible and unsubstantial until you act. Your vision is a distraction until start building it in the real world. People cannot see your vision as you do, but they can see the work you do.

You do not need to consult with a committee. You are the vision building officer. Men and women, boys and girls need you to deliver the vision God has already given you.

Act wisely. Act promptly. Act and deliver.

Think: Act on the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to deliver what I see in my vision from You.”

Honor Your Birthright

“Honor Your Birthright” By Kirk Hunt

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 25:34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 25:29-34.

Too often we put all the blame on Jacob. Scripture clearly states that Esau despised his birthright. In exchange for a simple meal, Esau rejected the blessings of God and his earthly father.

You have a birthright in God. Rich or poor, workhouse or jailhouse, God’s blessings, legacy and heritage are yours. All you have to do is honor what God has guaranteed for you, despite today’s difficulties.

A birthright is a future benefit. To receive it, I must not despise it or my present. Easily said; not as easily done.

A moment’s inconvenience led a mighty man to disdain what was not immediately at hand. Esau was so shortsighted and immature that he cast aside his legacy and heritage for a bowl of soup. The worst part is I recognize this same attitude in myself.

From time-to-time, we all want immediate fulfillment. Delayed gratification can sometimes be a hard path. Going without today, even for a great tomorrow, has its difficulties.

Esau was having a tough day. His twin brother should never have considered making the sales pitch. Esau should never have considered selling out.

Do not let a difficult day (or season) sway your faith. Keep your faith though the rough spots. If you do not sell out, God will deliver your birthright at the right time.

Think: Do I honor the blessings, legacy and heritage I have in God’s Kingdom?

Pray: “Lord, I honor the birthright I have in You.”

Go To Him

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“Go To Him” By Kirk Hunt

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

This simple and absolute promise seems too easy. Show up where Jesus is and I get relief? That’s it?

We keep thinking there’s a catch. There must be more to it than that. Sometimes, we re-read the verse looking for all of the missing clauses and conditions. Somebody must have left something out.

You probably need His rest more than you know. Ask around. Listen graciously.

I must confess there is usually a big obstacle. I knew it. You have to be obedient and present yourself to Him. Me?

He loves you. Just the way you are. He’s asking for you. Go to Him.

Rest is different from release. The weight in your pack will remain the same. What will change is your ability to carry the load. Your attitude and spirit will become transformed.

Christian men and women work hard. Often, harder than unbelievers, yet we live under the same conditions as the unredeemed. The difference is our response. We reply through His grace and in His joy.

Maybe you are doing too much. It could be you are pursuing the wrong goal. Perhaps you have the wrong attitude about the entire affair. Go to Him.

His Love reaches out to you. His Joy will restore you. His Presence will give you rest, heavy pack and all.

Think: He promises me rest. I should take Him up on His promise.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to rest in You, per Your promises.”

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

Peace In Your City

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“Peace In Your City” By Kirk Hunt

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV

How is the peace in your city? Is the place where you live quiet and tranquil like Mayberry? Or is your town a lot rougher around the edges?

Jeremiah was talking to the nation of Judah. Captive in Babylon, God’s people wanted freedom. Instead they received instructions from God to benefit their conquerors.

I pray your circumstances are much different, and exactly the same. God has set you where you are, to bring His Kingdom to that place. Not just through faithful prayer, but also through faith-fueled work.

Your “city” may be a municipality, but it could also be a workplace. Your neighborhood is a city that could use some peace. I suspect your (extended) family would cheerfully take all the peace you can bring inside its borders.

If your current place and space is not your natural culture, you will have to pray hard and work tirelessly. The more hostile the inhabitants, the more you will have to love then pray. God intends for you to be the change agent that place needs.

Your job is to transform everything around you. Pour His grace, power and light into your city until you have completely won it over. In doing so, His grace, power and light will benefit you in ways you have not dreamed.

Think: God has assigned me to bring peace to my city.

Pray: “Lord, help me to bring peace to my city.”

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