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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.

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.

“Keep Doing The Right Things”

“Keep Doing The Right Things” 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

I have been working out for a while. Resisting the sugar cravings is no fun. Despite all of the discipline, sacrifice and hard work, I am not advancing too quickly. In fact, at times, my gains seem to have regressed.

Why do I continue? Why sweat out so much effort for so little result? Because, here and there, I see glimmers of the future.

There was the day I casually jumped ditches while carrying heavy loads. There was the evening I man-handled stuff rather than suffer the inconvenience of looking for help. My belly is not flat, but it is less round.

The diet and exercise could probably be better executed. Still, they are much better than last year. Next year will be better yet.

Consider your prayer, Bible study and fasting. You are becoming more Christ-like, even if your growth is slower than you might like. You are advancing, even when sometimes it feels like you are losing ground.

God honors your diligence and sacrifice. Your old nature recedes. Your new nature advances. And here and there, you see glimmers of your future.

Do not trust your feelings. Trust His Word. The Holy Spirit is enabling your hard work. Stay at it until you get your pay-out.

Think: Keep up your spiritual disciplines, until you get your pay-out.

Pray: “Lord, help to continue the disciplines that carry me to You.”

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

Leaders Work Too

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“Leaders Work Too” by Kirk Hunt

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

Nehemiah 3:5 KJV

The men of Tekoa showed up and worked. They lived a full day’s travel away from Jerusalem, but they understood the importance of walls around the Capitol city and the Temple. They brought materials, tools and most importantly, themselves.

Still, the men of Tekoa lacked something: Official Leadership. Obviously, someone worked out all of the logistics and details. Real men, with a heart for God and the nation, but not the official leaders of Tekoa.

The regular men of Tekoa did what needed to be done. The common citizens worked long hours in the hot, Mediterranean sun. The common folk shared the risks of enemy attack and shared defense.

The wealthy and well-dressed leadership of Tekoa? They were hard to find. Or worse, easy to find, but doing nothing.

Real leadership is not a title. True nobility is not an accident of birth. Both require being in the thick of what must be done, even at the risk of dirt or danger.

Are you one of the common folks? Lead out in what you know needs doing. Be the leader who builds the Kingdom.

Are you leadership in the Kingdom? Put your back in it. Prove your worthiness for the title. Demonstrate the reason you hold the position.

Think: Building God’s Kingdom requires everyone, especially leadership, to work.

Pray: “Lord, let me lead out in building Your Kingdom.”

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

Everyone Works

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“Everyone Works” by Kirk Hunt

And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. (Nehemiah 3:12 KJV)

Nehemiah 3:12 KJV

The task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was a political, economic and even spiritual necessity. The nation would continue to flounder, until the expensive, expansive and exhausting work was completed. Under Nehemiah’s leadership, Israel took on this vital task.

Shallum, as an individual, shouldered repairing a section of the wall. A resource hungry act, even for a wealthy ruler, Shallum looked for support. Shallum’s daughters stepped forward and supported their father.

Did the daughters personally carry stone blocks and swing hammers? Perhaps. Scripture is silent on the exact nature of their support. What is important is that in concert with their father, and the rest of the nation, they supported the important work of restoring Jerusalem. Help is help, no matter what.

As a Christian, you are called to support God’s Kingdom. If you can not do the actual, hands-on labor, then step up and give the support you can give. Your part is needed. Your part is important.

Others did bigger sections of the wall. Still others completed the various gates and towers. They all did their part in re-building Jerusalem. What is your part in (re-)building a spiritual Jerusalem where you stand?

Think: Building God’s Kingdom requires everyone to work.

Pray: “Lord, I want to work on building Your Kingdom.”

After The Mountaintop

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“After The Mountaintop” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. (Luke 9:37 KJV)

Luke 9:37 KJV

Please read Luke 9: 28 – 37

I am in favor of mountain top experiences. Above the timberline you can see breathtaking vistas. In the thin air at the top, you can better see God’s visions and His glory. It is all good up there.

Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with wonder and awe. It is no surprise they wanted to stay on the mountain. Still, Jesus’ purpose, and theirs, was someplace else.

The moment of glory and ascendance was important. The ministry of the Disciples changed the world as we know it. But their ministries happened away from the mountain.

As much as we need mountain tops, our work is in the plains and valleys. Jesus stepped down from His glorious transfiguration and stepped into a sea of humanity. Off the mountain, He ministered to the hearts and minds of people.

Climb up and see His glory. Enjoy your episode on the mountain top. Just remember, your purpose is on the plains and in the valleys.

Think: I climb the mountain so I can minister when I climb down..

Pray: “Lord, help me to experience You in all Your glory, so I can serve and minister.”

Profitable Saints

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“Profitable Saints” by Kirk Hunt

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11 KJV)

2 Timothy 4:11 KJV

Apostle Paul wrote these words from a prison in Nero’s Rome. Especially under house arrest, Paul would need reliable, capable, productive people around him. From all of the Christian men in the Roman world, Paul chose to ask for Mark.

Paul needed someone who could help. Paul needed someone who would help. A man or woman who’s output exceeds input is always in demand.

Mark had been less-than-profitable at one point. Prior errors do not disqualify you from serving in God’s Kingdom. The more profitable you are, the quicker everyone gets over your mistakes.

Profitable saints are the men and women who serve the Kingdom. They take on the tasks set before them. They do what must be done. With excellence. With grace.

Do you want to serve His Kingdom? Are you willing to be a go-to man or woman for the sake of the Gospel? All it takes is heart and hands that are willing.

You do not need to be perfect. You may have to learn to be effective. You must be a saint of God. After that, profitability will not be far off.

Think: I can be profitable for God’s Kingdom.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to serve Your with skillfully and effectively.”

Do Your Part

“Do Your Part” by Kirk Hunt

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:20 (KJV)

Israel did not have siege engines to destroy the walls or gates of Jericho. Digging under the walls, if possible, would have required far more than seven days. Only God could execute the miracle of knocking down Jericho’s walls with a trumpet choir.

God’s intervention didn’t excuse Israel from their part. The soldiers and inhabitants of the city remained after the walls fell. Even after the miracle, the hard and perilous fighting to capture the city remained.

It is a miracle that you are where you are. God has orchestrated events for you. He has maneuvered you, and those around you, to be in the right places at the right times.

All of that, so you can do your part. God has set you up for incredible blessing and prosperity. Now you have to get off the couch and do your part in His plan.

Think: God has set me up, so I can do my part.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to do my part in Your plan for my life..”

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.”

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.”

Ramp Yourself Up

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“Ramp Yourself Up” by Kirk Hunt

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Be skeptical of the press releases. Discount the glowing documentaries. Ignore at least half the criticisms. They worked hard for their success.

Every accomplished man or woman has a story of long hours of practice and study. Even the gifted and talented labor hard for their successes. Any one, who achieves any thing, leaves tears, sweat and even blood on the training floor.

I encourage you to ramp yourself up. His call on your life requires it. His Word promises you can do it.

Paul directed Timothy to improve his knowledge of Scripture. An accomplished pastor and teacher, Timothy already knew Scripture well. Still, Paul encouraged his protege to study himself up to the next level.

God has a high and mighty calling for your life. Perhaps you’re already living out that calling. To be what God wants you to be, you need to study Scripture as never before.

God calls you to become the best. Being first class requires hard work and long hours. Still, who wants to be second rate?

Think : God has called me to be the best, even though I have to work hard for it.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip myself to build Your Kingdom.”

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