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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.

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.”

Put That On My Account

Put That On My Account by Kirk Hunt

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.

Philemon 1:17-18 NKJV

Apostle Paul sent Onesimus, back to, Philemon. Paul’s letter to his Gospel sons was short and to the point: “Restore your relationship with your Gospel brother. If Onesimus owes you anything, put it on Apostle Paul’s account.”

Traditionally, Onesimus was the chattel slave of Philemon. Some scholars think of their relationship as a standard employee-employer dynamic. Others suggest they were biological siblings. Regardless of their exact history, Paul’s letter indicates that Onesimus stole money or goods when he left Philemon.

Forgiveness requires the shifting of a debt, or debts, to a different account. Someone accepts the loss and writes it off, without further comment or action. The forgiven surely benefits from the removal of their burden. Still, it turns out that the primary beneficiary of forgiveness is the forgiver.

With the debt(s) disposed of, restoration can begin. The pain and ill will of the past can be left behind. The self-poisons of anger and bitterness can be disposed of, once and for all. The Holy Spirit can then fill your empty spaces with love and grace.

Someone owes you something. Father-God asks you to shift that debt, a burden that crushes both of you, to His account. Trade your anger and resentment for God’s love and grace.

Think: Forgiveness involves shifting debts to someone else’s account.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to forgive my brother or sister.”

You Are A Great People

You Are A Great People by Kirk Hunt

And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Joshua 17:17-18 NKJV
Please also read Joshua 17:14-18

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh saw themselves as a powerful and numerous folk. As a great people, they felt they deserved more land than they had been assigned. Joshua immediately gave them an additional plot of valuable land. All they had to do is remove the occupants and possess the land.

Has God blessed you? Then you are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Of course, there is the challenge of clearing the land of obstacles and adversaries. There is the risk of battles with the enemies. There is the hard work of making the land productive.

“Delay and difficulty are not denial.” Great stature and high position requires great tasks and challenging assignments. God makes His men and women great so He can give them extraordinary assignments.

He has made you powerful and blessed. All you have to do is use His blessing for His assignment. Take possession of your assignment.

Think: You are a great people. Possess your assignment.

Pray: “Father-God, give me the strength and skill to possess my assignment.”

Not My Own Will

Not My Own Will by Kirk Hunt

And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.

But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.”

Numbers 16:28, 30 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Moses declared God’s Will, before witnesses. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ended with an abrupt, final, and unappealable act of God. Moses understood the mutiny of these men was not against a human leader, but directed at the sovereign God of the universe.

As a man or woman of God, it is not supposed to be about your feelings, vision, or thoughts. You are an instrument of Father-God. From the first gasp through the last sigh, it is supposed to be God’s Will that commands and controls.

Do we, and they, sometimes forget who is supposed to be in charge of the universe, yet alone local affairs? To our shame and peril, we sometimes forget that God is big and we are small. Korah, and his co-conspirators, paid for their God-directed rebellion with their lives.

Make very sure you are performing God’s will and not your own. Your blessing and safety lay in Father-God’s will. And trust that God will address the mutineers at His convenience.

Think: Whose will am I trying to enact?

Pray: “Not my own will but Yours, Father-God.”

Respect Their Offering

Respect Their Offering by Kirk Hunt

Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”

Numbers 16:15 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Leadership is a tricky business. A faithful leader works to benefit the followers and the organization. He or she must work for the good of everyone, yet not harming any of them (or themselves). If you have a good leader, respect their offering.

The rebellion (mutiny) of Korah and others against the leadership of Moses is a prime example of disrespect for a leader. Despite witnessing the plagues against Egypt, they rebelled. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea, they challenged the leadership of Moses (and Aaron). Despite the miracle of God’s daily provision (manna) they were determined to take over for themselves.

Confident in his leadership and actions, Moses does not call out for God to smite them, only that God not respect or accept the rebels’ offering of incense. In the middle of peril and disrespect, Moses was thinking like a good leader. If only the mutineers had accepted Moses’ offering of service and God’s authority.

Will you face mutineers? Perhaps. Should you continue to offer your service and leadership to God? Yes, you should. If God respects your offering, He will see you through.

Think: Does God respect my offering of service? Does my leadership respect God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give an offering that You will respect.”

Because, Of Course, He Cares

Because, Of Course, He Cares by Kirk Hunt

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:38-39 NKJV

The Disciples had faith enough to believe Jesus could save them. They had witnessed, or experienced, His many miracles of healing, provision, and restoration. Still, panicked and afraid, they woke Jesus and accused Him of not caring. Jesus stood and spoke peace to the situation. Because, of course, He does care.

Perhaps it feels like Jesus is asleep in the middle of your circumstances (your boat). God is always present in your affairs. He always knows your situation. And at the right moment, He will speak peace in your life. Be patient and keep bailing.

Wave-tossed and storm-battered are true, if inconvenient, facts and data. Remember that faith involves seeing what does not yet exist. Faith is the physical fabric of a future circumstance. He cares. He will act.

Our inconvenience or impatience do not impact His timing. His care and love for us will always settle the matter. Your faith is based on the absolutes of His love and care for you. In the meanwhile, keep bailing.

Think: He is present. He cares. At the right time, He will act.

Pray: “Lord, help me to keep my faith in Your love and care for me.”

Through Faith

Through Faith by Kirk Hunt

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Hebrews 11:33-34 NKJV
Read also Hebrews 11:30-40

Hebrews 11, written by the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul, illustrates what happens when people act in faith. Through faith, men and women take action. Through faith, God’s people stand their ground, or go on the offensive, against hellions and hellhounds alike. And they win through God’s power.

Faith requires spiritual eyes. Faith requires you to act on what you know does not yet exist. People without faith will think your actions are insane or weak-minded. Some people with faith will think you have lost your way. You may wonder yourself, in the middle of the action.

The Holy Spirit will speak to you. Deep within your soul and spirit, God will reveal His plan and set you on your path. All that is left is for you to take actions that appear to have no rational basis in reality.

God’s people act to bring about a future, God-ordained reality. Always in hindsight, the rationality of saints is easy to see. Still, the first steps into the void can be difficult, even for men and women of the strongest faith. Trust God with, and for, your future reality.

Think: “Faith is the substance and evidence of a God-ordained future reality.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to take action based on my faith in You.”

Love With Equality, Not Partiality

Love With Equality, Not Partiality by Kirk Hunt

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:8-9 NKJV
Read also James 2:1-13

God’s people are commanded to love with equality, not partiality. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. That includes the folks who look or sound different. Especially those souls who may never be able to benefit us.

Our modern world has given us many opportunities to demonstrate God’s love. Especially poignant are the refugee crises that impact every continent on Earth (except Antarctica). War, famine, and disaster have uprooted millions who seek only peace, safety, and the absence of hunger.

God’s people should reach out to the nearest souls who need to be shown God’s love. We are His instruments, not free-agents. We should act in His grace and power, and demonstrate His love and mercy.

God does not always send angels. More often, He sends men and women who love God enough to love His children. No matter how they look or sound.

To those in crisis and desperation, the help they receive is a godsend. The hands that receive bless the hands that deliver. In that moment, the difference between supernatural angels and mortal men and women can be hard to discern.

Think: “God loves all of His children equally. I should do the same.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to love all of Your children with equality and compassion.”

Not Separate From His Love

Not Separate From His Love by Kirk Hunt

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:35 NKJV

Paul survived savage beatings, death warrants, and unjust imprisonments. He knew he would face similar difficulties until his last moments on Nero’s chopping block. Yet he boldly speaks his absolute confidence in God. No one can come between God’s people and the love of Jesus Christ. No matter what injustice you face, no one can separate you from our Savior who loves and cares for you.

I will confess, that in the middle of the trials and difficulties, I wonder. Like Job, I must have confidence in my life before God, and complete faith in His grace and mercy. I may be the least of His children, but He loves me most of all.

Today, millions of men and women, boys and girls, suffer in difficulties beyond their control and power. They are still God’s children, no matter what you do or say. You can whip and abuse those who God loves, but that does not change God’s heart about them.

They may not look like you. They may not sound like you. They may not confess Christ. God loves them just the same.

Whatever is happening in your life today, God loves you. Remember that in the middle of your trials and difficulties. Let that knowledge color how you respond to others.

Think: “God’s love for me and His children is unstoppable.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember Your love for me, and others, at all times.”