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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.

Endure

Endure by Kirk Hunt

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13 NKJV

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others give up in discouragement, or fall in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Athletes deliberately develop endurance in order to better excel at their sport. The strategies of coaches, teams and individual competitors always include outlasting opponents. Military leaders may call it “toughness” but that does not change the fundamental character of endurance: Staying on task after others give up or fall down.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. The mind is willing to continue, but physics or biology cannot always be denied by sheer willpower.

Men and women of God have more than willpower to call upon. God grants to those who ask, in His purpose, for endurance. His power can suspend the laws of nature. His grace can give the gift of persistence. His mercy can push back the limiting results of poor decisions or human frailty.

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is logging time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through your power, grace and mercy.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

“Watch This Space”

Watch This Space by Kirk Hunt

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

I wish I could say, “The Moon got in my eyes.” I humbly ask that you watch this space. A real devotional will appear this week.

Think: Real Christians admit when they come up short.

Pray: “Lord, help me to stay on schedule.”

This devotional placeholder is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

What Burdens Do You Carry?

What Burdens Do You Carry? by Kirk Hunt

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

Smith ducked out of the party. The great celebration of his return had overwhelmed him. For the first time in months, Smith set foot inside his own workshop. Jones, and a crooked smile, sat at the workbench.

New tools hung neatly on the pegboard. Fresh materials were stacked in the bins. Three books lay on the workbench.

The mortgage book was current through the next month. A pink slip stuck out of the car payment book. A scrapbook held notes and pictures detailing Smith’s family, for every month, since his absence.

Jones leaned over and opened the secret cabinet. Smith hung his head and looked away. A new Bible and various devotional texts were stored in the hiding place.

Jones stood, his eyes locked on Smith’s. Smith looked away then tried to say something, but no words came. Jones gripped Smith in a tight embrace. Some one whispered.

The two men separated, finally. Jones made his way to the door. The noise of the party surged into the workshop, only to be quickly swallowed by silence when the door closed.

Smith selected tools and raw stock. He laid out a project. For the first time, Smith’s workshop would make something for someone, besides Smith.

Think: Real Christians step up and carry someone else’s burdens.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, help me to help others.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

What Will You Reap?

What Will You Reap? by Kirk Hunt

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV

You are sowing something. God promises you will reap a harvest from what you sow. Unfortunately, too many folks see only the “God is going to spank you” interpretation. I would encourage you to see the “God is going to spoil you” viewpoint.

Scripture confirms, once and again, that God loves us. Rather than blast us, God would much rather bless his sons and daughters. If you sow the right seed, you will reap rich crops.

The principles of sowing and harvest can get lost for urban, tech-savvy folk. Farmers usually understand the long term, patient thinking needed to create a fruitful farm. They know that their heavy investment in seed and soil will payoff in a rich harvest.

If you live bad, you will reap badly. If you live right, you will reap richly. Your investment will have a payoff. What are you sowing?

God has promised to reward your investment in God’s Kingdom. Your salad days of investment will be followed by beefsteak nights of returns. Keep sowing spiritual goodness. Continue to plow and tend in God’s Vineyard.

There is a crop in your future. Do not let the gap between sowing and harvesting convince you otherwise. God is going to insist that you get a return on your investment. What are you planting?

Think: I will reap. What am I sowing?

Pray: “Lord, help me sow right and righteousness.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Wait For It

Wait For It by Kirk Hunt

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV

Wait for it. Whatever “it” is, it is coming. Try not to fidget.

Perhaps it is a long promised victory. Maybe it is a spiritual breakthrough. It could be the salvation of a wayward, but beloved soul. Whatever it is, that vision burns within your heart and mind.

“Wait for it” is easily said. “Wait for it” is not easily lived. Patience and obedience requires more spiritual steel and Godly strength than you think. Or wanted.

One problem is our human sense of events and circumstances. We do not have God’s eternal viewpoint. You do not see with God’s omniscient sight. This digital society’s obsession with speed does not help.

The appointed time makes perfect sense in God’s order of events. The threads of your destiny, and so many others, are being woven in the loom of God’s purpose. Eternal blessings take a little longer, but will satisfy when they arrive. Stay the course.

Wait for God’s timing. It will be worth it. You will understand why it took so long, when it arrives. Then again, in that moment of joy and wonder, you may no concern yourself with timing.

Of course, the hard work of your circumstances continue. Your yearning heart and seeking mind are eager for the conclusion. Your spirit is ready for fulfillment.

Wait for it. God promised it. It will arrive. Do not squirm.

Think: God’s promises will arrive.

Pray: “Lord, help me wait for Your promises.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Your Gift Makes Room

Your Gift Makes Room by Kirk Hunt

A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16

The gift that God gave you will make room for you. Yes, you first have to take it out of the box, and use it. You must also make sure you are using it for God’s purposes, and in a Godly manner. Your gift, not sharp elbows, will then make room for you.

The insidious corruption contained within hustle culture is the denial of God’s role in the affairs of men in women. Energetic people are especially prone to taking on too much responsibility. Too often, we think our elbows can manipulate earth, and too often heaven, to achieve our personal goals.

It is not just unchecked ambition that can drive us to ungodly acts. Ungodly expectations can also poison our actions. Lust and greed will lead you to the wrong people and miserable places. The space God intends for you is a better and more satisfying than you can imagine.

Stop and catch your breath. Consider that your God is the absolute master of heaven, earth, time and space. If He wants you to have it, you will. Work hard, but pull in your elbows.

Keep in mind He commands us to work, but He also promises He will pay. Do your part and He will do His. Use your God-given gift(s) for His purposes and in His manner. The gift, not sharp elbows, will deliver you to the right faces and spaces.

Think: Am I allowing God’s gift to take me places, or my lust and greed?

Pray: “Lord, guide me to use Your gift, Your way.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Pharaoh’s Pursuit

Pharaoh’s Pursuit by Kirk Hunt

And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained.

Exodus 14:23 and 28

God’s angel prevented the Egyptians from attacking Israel throughout, the night. In the morning, the angel allowed the Egyptians to follow Israel through the split in the Red Sea. Pharaoh’s army continued their pursuit, attempting to use the same miracle that allowed Israel to escape. The Egyptians’ choices caused them to be destroyed.

The plagues God sent against Egypt were not an accident. In fact, they were a systematic and thorough repudiation of the Egyptian pantheon. After they recanted Israel’s release, Pharaoh’s hot pursuit of Israel was stopped by God’s power, not might of arms. Still, Pharaoh insisted on further pursuing Israel.

Are you listening to what God is telling you? Are you seeing the messages He is sending? Do not be surprised at the price you may have to pay for your disobedience.

Like the Egyptians, you can continue to ignore God’s will and messages. You can continue your pursuit, despite His divine opposition and displeasure. I guarantee you will not ignore the price you pay.

The Egyptians decided that they could use God’s miracle for their selfish pursuit. They paid for their greed, or blood-lust, with their lives. Be careful what you pursue. The price might may be very high.

Think: What are you chasing? What is God saying? What will be the price?

Pray: “Lord, guide me in Your pursuits and away from mine.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.