Christian Living – Page 15

The Results Of Training

“The Results Of Training” By Kirk Hunt

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 6:40 NKJV

As you train, you and others will see results. The more you look or act like the instructor, the better the training. The more we look and act like Christ, the better.

The goal is not to look or act like a great teacher, evangelist or pastor. Mimicking a Godly man or woman of God can be a great teaching tool, but that is not the point of your training. Your goal is to look like Christ. Your task is to find Him in Scripture and transfer His image to yourself.

God intends to place you in unusual circumstances so you can minister to the unique needs of the men and women you find there. No one else can. No one else should.

Despite never-before-seen circumstances and one-of-a-kind folk, God wants you to respond a very specific way. Like Christ. That is why your training has a very specific outcome.

The desired results of your training are clear and specific. You have the assignment, and opportunity, to respond as Christ would. Across the centuries, and across the globe, there is a specific way Christ would respond. What are the results of your training?

Think: My training enables me to become Christ-like.

Pray: “Lord, I will train diligently so that I can become like You.”

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

The Nature Of Training

“The Nature Of Training” By Kirk Hunt

And three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

Daniel 1:5b NKJV

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were talented, gifted men when they were selected to serve king Nebuchadnezzar. Still, they needed training before they actually appeared before him. God’s people, even the most spiritual among us, need training.

The need for training is not a negative. Despite their qualifications (Daniel 1:4), the “Hebrew Boys” needed 36 months of additional skills and knowledge before they were ready for their tasks. God has great plans for you, so He has assigned training to prepare you for your mission.

Paul, despite his education and knowledge, spent 3 years (Galatians 1:15–18) training before assuming the mantle of an Apostle. Moses’ 40 years of “exile” in Midian are considered a time of training by most Bible scholars. Your training prepares you for great things.

Even savants and prodigies need the skills and abilities that come only from proper training. Without practicing scales and arpeggios even professional musicians would be at a disadvantage. Every professional sports team has at least one yearly training camp. Despite their championship rings.

The practice floor demands sweat and labor. The certificate will require hours of work and effort. Your preparation further qualifies you for the role God has for you in building His Kingdom. Train diligently and thoroughly.

Think: Training enables me to build God’s Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, I will train diligently so that I can better serve You.”

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

Walk The Old Paths

“Walk The Old Paths” By Kirk Hunt

Thus says the Lord:
“Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;

Jeremiah 6:16a NKJV

There is a good chance you did burpees as a youngster. If you are like me, you hated them back then. If you are like me, you hate them still. Regardless, here I am, at my age, doing burpees. The old paths are very often the best route to a prized destination.

Hate them if you must, but burpees improve strength, flexibility, endurance and aerobic conditioning. In pursuit of physical fitness, burpees are ridiculously inexpensive but intensely demanding. Still, even professional athletes shy away from the exercise. Even the best of us do not always want to do what is hard. Regardless of the benefits.

Every worthwhile achievement demands something from its seekers. A relationship with Father-God is no different. Real spiritual growth demands real spiritual disciplines.

Regular prayer. Consistent Bible study. Systematic fasting. They are the price of spiritual strength and intimacy with God. They are the old path, and the only path, to a proper relationship with your heavenly Father.

Start today. Commit to being consistent and diligent. It may not seem like much to you, but stay the course. Sooner than you think, you will realize that you are on the shortest, best path to a relationship with God. And He is the most prized destination.

Think: The only good route to God is through the old paths of spiritual disciplines.

Pray: “Lord, I will follow the old paths to You.”

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

Fresh Mercy, New Faithfulness

“Fresh Mercy, New Faithfulness” By Kirk Hunt

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

Good morning. Welcome to a new year. Also, welcome to a fresh edition of God’s mercy.

Perhaps last year was not your best. Even if you feel convicted, you are not condemned. Take a generous portion of His mercy and begin again.

You may have done well last year. Praise God for your faithfulness. Still, you cannot rest on past accomplishments. Move, in His mercy, to your next assignment and task.

His compassion for His people never runs out. He understands our weak spots. Our quirks are not a surprise to Him. He only asks that we faithfully share His compassion and mercy with others.

This New Year is an occasion to begin again, or correct course. Faithfully, God has given us a fresh opportunity to work in His Kingdom. Use this choice benefit to its fullest.

Learn, of course, from past errors but otherwise put all your effort into future work. God has preserved and protected you. Not just for your sake, but for those you will bless and benefit.

The dawn signals a new day. The New Year is more than the passage of time. It is an opportunity to be blessed and bless others.

Think: New mercy and fresh compassion allow God’s people to work and bless others.

Pray: “Lord, help me to share Your mercy and compassion with others.”

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

Rest In His Presence

“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 http://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.