calling – Page 2 – CadreMen Press

The King’s Announcement

“The King’s Announcement” By Kirk Hunt

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13–14 NKJV
Please also read Luke 2:1–20

Humble shepherds witnessed a celebration by the King. Literal angels sang of the birth of Jesus, our Messiah. Scripture does not mention an angelic worship band or praise dancers, but my imagination likes to add them to the scene.

After millennia, evidence of the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 could be seen by mere men. Since the fall in Eden, sin kept mankind from full reconciliation with God. Jesus’ birth was the (earthly) beginning of the process of restoring the fellowship on humanity with God.

And God celebrated. The long separation of man from God would soon end. Adam’s breech would be repaired by God’s own son.

Like Jesus, you were born for purpose. God has a plan for you and your life. And He will celebrate you in fulfilling the purpose He ordained for you.

The shepherds were not just passive witnesses. The found their way to Jesus and joined the angels in celebration and worship. God’s celebrations are open to any with a heart open to Him.

You too can be an active participant in God’s celebrations. Find your purpose in the Kingdom and begin fulfilling it. Join in with others who are completing the work for which they are ordained.

Follow your calling. Fulfill your purpose. You may not see or hear a choir of literal angels, but you will feel His joy in your heart, nevertheless.

Think: God celebrates the fulfillment of His purpose in my life and others.

Pray: “Lord, as I and others build Your Kingdom, I look forward to celebrating with 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.

Not Qualified To Disqualify

“Not Qualified To Disqualify” By Kirk Hunt

And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

1 Samuel 17:33 NKJV

King Saul was an extraordinary leader, anointed by God. He led the scattered 12 Tribes of Israel through the transformation into a unified nation. He led Israel to multiple victories over its aggressive neighbors, despite their technological advantages and greater numbers. Still, he was not qualified to disqualify David.

Saul is talking to a youth who killed a lion single-handed. David, a youngster, killed a bear. Saul did not know it in this verse, but David was already anointed by God.

Saul had greater position, rank, age, experience, skill and knowledge than David. Still, that did not qualify him to disqualify David. David’s qualifications came from God. A mere king cannot overrule Jehovah-Sabaoth.

Despite his own anointing, David correctly obeyed and respected Saul as king. Later, Saul would illegally, and immorally, seek to kill David. David wisely refused to move against the anointed king of Israel. David understood that Saul’s qualifications came from God and a mere shepherd–boy cannot overrule Jehovah-Sabaoth.

What has God anointed you to do? Are you busy, fulfilling the calling on your life? Be respectful, and obedient, of those God has placed over you. Still, remember that Jehovah-Sabaoth has provided your qualification. A mere man or woman cannot overrule God.

Think: If God has qualified me, no one else can disqualify me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out the qualifications You have given me.”

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

Just Launch

“Just Launch” By Kirk Hunt

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.”

Judges 6:39 NKJV

Gideon had already met an angel, face-to-face. He also experienced (even if briefly) the in-dwelling of God’s Spirit; a rare thing in the Old Testament record. With all of Israel’s military might gathered with him at Jezreel, Gideon hesitated to engage with the enemy. Despite his intensive experience with God, and an army at his command, Gideon failed to launch.

The miracles of a wet fleece, then a dry fleece were designed to assure Gideon that he was following God’s authentic commands. We can read ahead in Scripture to Gideon’s victory at the end of Judges 7. Gideon had to live through the actual battles and difficulties in order to enjoy the success God promised him.

Do not get me wrong. I have done the same thing. With all of God’s presence and assurance, I have hesitated to follow His command. Despite seeing and knowing much, I draw back because I do not know all.

As God’s people, we are to love and trust Him more than ourselves. We may not always have our own best interests in heart or mind, but He does. God guides human history with one hand while the other hand holds endless power. We can trust His call to launch.

Think: I want the character to boldly launch when God commands.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have the courage and obedience to launch at Your command.”

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