bear – 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.