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Speak Only What The Lord Says

Speak Only What The Lord Says by Kirk Hunt

And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”

Prophet Micaiah did not care what the four hundred other prophets said. Courageously, Micaiah spoke God’s truth about the coming battle. Micaiah had only One source, and he spoke to an audience of One.

Too often, even God’s people allow themselves to be swayed by the crowd. Or manipulated by an influential voice. Our lone authority should be Scripture. The only influencer who should sway us is God.

Ahab wanted to hear what he wanted to hear. Instead, a faithful man spoke God’s truth. Determined to have his own way, he jailed Micaiah and went to war anyway.

The 400 men who prophesied success were wrong. Israel lost the battle. King Ahab bled to death in his chariot. Their numbers meant nothing, as long as they spoke against God’s word.

God’s people hear truth from one voice: Jehovah-God. When we speak, we should only speak what God tells us to say. No matter how many are listening, we speak to an audience of One, Father-God.

It takes courage to resist the crowd. It takes fortitude to resist the pressure. It takes integrity to refuse the bribes. Stay strong saint of God. Do not give in to false truth or disobedient voices.

Refuse the pressure of the herd. Listen to God carefully through Scripture and prayer. Speak only what He tells you.

Think: Do I speak God’s truth, or something else?

Pray: “Lord, help me to speak only what You say.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

He Stationed Himself

He Stationed Himself by Kirk Hunt

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

2 Samuel 23:11-12 NKJV

Shammah stationed himself in a field of beans. Definitely out-numbered and likely with inferior weapons, he refused to flee or surrender. Through his courage, God brought victory.

The Philistines were probably wielding hard, steel weapons. They absolutely had numbers. Shammah was likely armed with soft bronze, or maybe a sharpened stick. He absolutely was alone.

Scripture is clear that he issued orders to himself, “stand until relieved.” Such orders are difficult (and scary) when you know help is on the way. Shammah had to face the onslaught with nothing but his faith.

God’s mighty men and women are those souls who see the need and step up. They issue stern orders to themselves, then face the onslaught alone. And there, in an unlikely place and space, God brings a great delivery.

In my mind’s eye, I always see Shammah walking back to camp, alone. He was likely bruised, battered, and bandaged. He was just as likely carrying a load of “per-owned” steel swords. And who could blame him if he had some fresh picked lentils with him?

Station yourself where God wants you, mighty man or woman. Never mind those who flee in fear or faithlessness. His victory, and your blessing, will come through your faith-fueled courage.

Think: Am I willing to trust God to send a victory through me?

Pray: “Lord, help me to station myself where You want me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Our God Is Able

Our God Is Able by Kirk Hunt

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.

Daniel 3:16-17 NKJV
Please, also read Daniel 3:1-18.

King Nebuchadnezzar had appointed these men to important roles in his Kingdom, which explains his rage at their defiance. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego understood the power and authority of the king, and their mortal peril in that moment. They responded nonchalantly with “Our God is able.”

Some men and women cannot be bribed, bullied or bluffed. They know what they know and act accordingly. That ought to be the testimony of every Christian believer.

I know I fall short from time to time. I know who God is and what He can do. Too often, I let my human failings show through.

Still, sometimes, I do stand firm. I remember that I serve an all-powerful, all-sovereign God. In those moments, I act like I serve who I serve.

I am at my best when I can casually mention that my God can deliver me from anything. Sometimes, that message is for the hell-hound growling in my face. More often, the message is for the face in my mirror.

Think: Our God is able, regardless of the circumstance. What do you do and say?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to remember that You are able.

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.

We Do Not Serve Your Gods

We Do Not Serve Your Gods by Kirk Hunt

If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood before the king and politely told him his power had limits. “We do not serve your gods.” Their direct, plainspoken words were likely to land them in a fiery furnace.

They understood the order. They understood the penalty for non-compliance. They were at risk of making the ultimate sacrifice for their integrity.

These ethnic minorities tried to find the quieter route to maintaining their integrity. Moral or principled stances are not amplified by decibels or press releases. They are magnified by quiet courage and uncomplaining determination. Faithful men and women stay on their feet, despite brutal retaliation or unjust retribution.

Embarrassed before his assembled government, Nebuchadnezzar bellowed fearsome threats. The smell, smoke, and possibly heat of the furnace were obvious to everyone. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego said their words calmly and with unbent knees.

The king of these men was not bluffing. These subjects of the king were not bluffing. And no one bent their knees.

Having integrity in private is one thing. Keeping your integrity, especially in public, is a different thing. Are you bluffing?

Think: What am I willing to sacrifice to maintain my Christian integrity?

Pray: “Lord, help me to maintain my integrity before men and especially You.”

Strength, Courage and Salvation

Strength, Courage and Salvation by Kirk Hunt

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV

Godly men and women have enemies and foes, just like everyone else. What is different is that we live in the grace and protection of our all-powerful God. God is our strength. Always.

Can God’s people be battered and bruised? Perhaps. Can God’s people be beaten and defeated? Not until after they beat and defeat God. But we must operate in God’s strength, not our own.

King David, experienced and understood unjust treatment and persecution. Yet, here in this Psalm, he sang in victory about the light and salvation of God. Whether hiding in a cave or living in a palace, David understood that God was greater than his enemies.

David fought battles. More than once, his life was at risk. Still, his courage came from the source of his strength. He found grace and protection in all-powerful God.

Whatever you face today, consider where you find strength. No matter how battered and bruised you feel, you are not beaten. Not if you operate in the strength, light, and salvation of God. Find your courage in His strength.

Think: “God is my strength and salvation, therefore I can have courage.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember my courage comes from Your strength.”

Into The Midst

Into The Midst by Kirk Hunt

20201213DevoTherefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Daniel 3:22-23 NKJV

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego called Nebuchadnezzar’s bluff. The king ordered them thrown into the midst of the furnace. Keep in mind, the heat of the furnace killed the men ordered to carry out the executions.

Integrity always has costs. Missed opportunities at profits or pleasures. Lost relationships or connections. Open derision or scorn from some. Naked opposition or attack from others.

The unbent knees of your integrity may start your journey into the midst of circumstances you never imagined. Or wanted. The flames in the midst of your personal furnace will be hot. The heat may hurt people close to you, whether they are friend or foe.

No matter where you go, God is there. He was present, before you got there. He is present, the entire time you are there. He remains present, even after you leave there. Rely on God’s power, no matter where you go or why you went.

It takes integrity to say “I will not serve your gods.” It takes courage to stay on your feet as they stoke the fires of the furnace. Maintain your Christian integrity, even in the midst.

Think: Am I willing to maintain my Christian integrity in the midst of opposition?

Pray: “Lord, help me to maintain my integrity before You, no matter what happens.”

We Do Not Serve Your Gods

We Do Not Serve Your Gods by Kirk Hunt

Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV

They understood the order. They understood the penalty for non-compliance. They were at risk of making the ultimate sacrifice for their integrity.

The snitches and tattle-tails had to bring these men to the attention of the king. These three ethnic minorities tried to find the quieter route to maintaining their integrity. Moral or principled stances are not amplified by decibels or press releases. They are magnified by quiet courage and uncomplaining determination. Faithful men and women stay on their feet despite brutal retaliation and unjust retribution.

Embarrassed before his assembled government, Nebuchadnezzar bellowed fearsome threats. The smell, smoke, and possibly heat of the furnace were proof that the king was not bluffing. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego said their words calmly and with unbent knees, proved they were not bluffing.

Having integrity in private is one thing. Keeping your integrity in public is a different thing. Are you bluffing?

Think: What am I willing to sacrifice to maintain my Christian integrity?

Pray: “Lord, help me to maintain my integrity before men and especially You.”

Has Not Kissed Baal

Has Not Kissed Baal by Kirk Hunt

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

1 Kings 19:18 NKJV

Elijah stood alone on the mountain, speaking with God. Despite the recent victory over the cult of Baal, God’s faithful prophet felt alone and vulnerable. God points out, in plain simplicity, that thousands have not given into idol worship or kissed Baal.

You are never the only one to remain faithful to God. You have brothers and sisters who never once give and bow their knee. God’s true people never become intimate with and accepting of evil. No matter how outnumbered or alone you feel.

Elijah watched God’s fire fall from heaven at his own prayer. God’s prophet, with a little help, personally executed Baal’s false prophets. Still, Elijah experienced a severe crisis and fled into the desert, convinced he alone served God.

Elijah came to understand that had never been alone. By himself, perhaps. Alone in the true worship of God? Never.

No matter what is going on around you, you are part of God’s remnant. You are part of the courageous and faithful few who refuse to compromise with evil and immorality.

You have not bent your knee in compromise. You have not kissed false worship or belief. Neither have they.

Continue to serve God in true and pure faith. You may have to stand by yourself but you never stand alone. Pray in pure devotion and watch God’s fire fall in your circumstances.

Think: Even when I am by myself, I am never alone among God’s faithful people.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remain faithful even when I feel alone.”

Who Have You Received?

Who Have You Received? by Kirk Hunt

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

Chained to a Roman soldier, Paul received everyone who came to him. The prisoner freely taught and preached about Jesus Christ. For two years, handcuffed to his captors, Paul repeated the crime that brought him to trial in Rome.

It took courage to visit Paul in Nero’s Rome. Christians were already under suspicion and discrimination. Still, the opportunity to learn of Jesus, directly from Paul, brought men and women to his door.

Paul welcomed his guests, then generously gave them his richest gift: Jesus Christ. In the face of political, social and religious (Pagans or Jews) opposition, Paul insisted on sharing his knowledge of the Gospel. Whether with those in the room, or with saints around the known world, Paul spoke God’s truth to all who could hear.

Who do you receive? What do you give them? Why should they want what you give?

Under the watching eyes and listening ears of the elite Praetorian Guard, Paul taught the Gospel to all who asked. The Apostle used his adverse circumstances to build the Kingdom. Can you do the same?

Who is at your door? What do you give them? Even a prisoner can be a generous host, if they have something of value to give. What is more valuable than the Gospel?

Think: Who have you received? What have they received from you?

Pray: “Lord, help me to generously receive then give You to all who come to me.”

Who Are Gathered With You?

Who Are Gathered With You? by Kirk Hunt

David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

2 Samuel 22:1-2 NKJV

King Saul issued a death warrant for his loyal and valiant son-in-law, David. Unjustly hunted and cruelly hounded, David found refuge in the cave of Adullam. There, at his lowest point, losers, deadbeats and whiners gathered with David.

David could have easily become a brigand and villain, leading a band of cutthroats. Instead he transformed himself into a valiant king-like leader. The crybabies and snotnoses who gathered with him? They became an elite fighting force who championed the defenseless.

You always have a choice. There is the easy way or the right way. You can choose to walk upward in righteousness or slide downward in villainy. It is just that easy.

Insist that the people who gather around you have a simple choice: 1) Get with your program or 2) leave. Keep their immediate decision clear and simple.

It takes courage, fortitude and intention to choose righteousness. There will be confrontations and conflicts, but insist that anyone who stays with you does the same. No one said it would be easy.

Who is gathered with you? You can help them change their story. Make sure you choose the right story to tell with your life and theirs.

Think: Who is gathered with me and why do they stay?

Pray: “Lord, help me and those gathered with me to choose Your righteousness.”