faith – Page 5 – CadreMen Press

Where Are You Stationed?

Where Are You Stationed? 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 is listed in Scripture as one of David’s “mighty men”. His greatest deed? Alone and abandoned, Shammah stood and fought while others ran. He stationed himself in a patch of beans and defended them.

Shammah’s duty was made harder, and riskier, because others failed in their duty to their nation and God. Still, he stood his ground and fought. Despite his personal courage and skillfulness, Scripture is clear that Shammah did not bring about success. God’s faithfulness and power bought and brought victory.

What has God assigned you? Steel your heart and determination, even if it seems you are defending something of low value. Courageously hold your ground against greater numbers and firepower, no matter how alone you are. Mighty men and women are determined by faithful courage and determined hearts.

Military last stands tends to favor the attackers and are universally costly to the defenders. Determine now that you will do your part, confident that Father-God will do His. Despite your personal courage and skill, victory will come through God’s faithfulness and power.

Think: Do your part to bring about victory.

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill your assignment to me, regardless of what others do.”

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.

Seeking Something Better

Seeking Something Better by Kirk Hunt

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39–40 NIV

Despite (partial) victories (such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965) Dr. King continued the work of freeing all of America’s citizens from injustice and discrimination. His earthly reward for seeking something better for America? An assassin’s bullet.

Scripture summarizes the suffering and victories of Old Testament Prophets and Heroes in Hebrews 11. Those men and women did not live to see God’s promises completed, but they did their part to fulfill their callings. Usually, at great personal cost or their very lives.

Hebrews 11 rehearses the faithfulness and endurance of Old Testament saints. They fulfilled their calling and purpose, despite not seeing their victory in complete fullness. Hebrews 12 exhorts New Testament saints to be just as faithful and enduring.

Christians of the Roman world often suffered and died but they eventually converted polytheistic pagans into devout Christians. With the continuing advantage of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we should do as much. Echoing the faith and diligence of Old and New Testament saints, our faithfulness will require that we seek something better, regardless of the personal cost.

Seek something better, no matter who is bother or how they object. Your prize for delivering freedom or salvation will be God’s eternal approval. Try not to mind any short term inconveniences or even living to see it completely fulfilled.

Think: Do your part whether or not you see the final victory.

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill my calling from you, no matter how others object.”

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.

Their Season In Your Life

“Their Season In Your Life” By Kirk Hunt

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 18:1-14

Abraham rushed around the camp getting dinner together for three men. These men, often considered angels by Biblical scholars, came into Abraham and Sarah’s life for a very brief season. They left behind the God-given promise of an infant born within twelve months to the venerable couple. Abraham unwittingly entertained angels. Have you, or are you now, doing the same?

I am fond of the phase, “When God does not send angels, He sends men and women.” You cannot know the impact a kind gesture has in someone’s life. Conversely, who has helped you at key moments in your journey? Your miracle may have been delivered by an obedient Gospel brother or sister.

Perhaps God’s instrument of blessing and advancement is known to you. Bless and honor them for their obedience to God and you. Cherish the time you have and release them to their next assignment with (tearful) joy and singing.

Even if you do not see them, God has put His powerful agents in your life. God’s faithful ones are obediently doing their part. Honor their sacrifice and do your part as well.

Isaac was born per God’s promise. Were the visitors angels or mere men? All that matters is their season in the life of Sarah and Abraham.

Some of God’s “angels” are flesh-and-blood, just like you. Human or heavenly, they are only in your life for a season. Work your mission and be grateful for those who bless you in God’s work as they pass through.

Think: Who has God put in this season of my life, and why?

Pray: “Lord, thank you for the help of angels or Gospel sisters and brothers in this season.”

Your Season In Their Life

“Your Season In Their Life” By Kirk Hunt

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 NKJV

Children are born helpless and vulnerable. Without the care and nurturing of a parent (or two) they would not survive. Yet, that is only a season in their lives. If parents are successful, weak and dependent kids become strong and independent adults.

Parents are in the lives of their children, for a season. Saints are in the lives of other saints, seekers and sinners for a season. What impact do you have while you have them? What legacy do you leave when they are gone?

You are in the lives of people for a limited time. Often, your time of direct and personal influence and interaction is shorter than you think (or possibly want). Whether you are ready, or not, your offspring, students, colleagues, or protégés will move into a new season in their lives.

Have you fulfilled your God-given purpose for the time you had? How will they explain your impact and legacy to other people, or even themselves? God only loaned them to you. Are they better for their time with you? What will God say when you return them to Him?

You are not responsible for the choices they make, but you are responsible for your teaching and example. They may not understand at first, but you understand now. What impact did you have in their lives? Look past the empty cradle, classroom or work floor to the Kingdom impact.

Think: Am I fulfilling my God-given purpose in this season of their lives?

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in them, in this season.”

Changing Seasons

“Changing Seasons” By Kirk Hunt

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Would it be crazy if autumn did not follow summer? No matter how joyous and relaxing the summer, autumn will come. Whatever is happening now, a new season in your life will come. Hard work or ease, placid or chaotic, God loves you and is guiding your walk with Him.

No matter how difficult a season is, unless Jesus returns, there will be a better season in your life. Unfortunately, easy and pleasing seasons will give way to harder seasons. No matter the caliber of a particular time in your life, God remains unchanging and deeply involved in your journey.

Do not confuse your tears with God’s absence. He is there, no matter how much you sweat in your labors. Even when your blood is part of the sacrifice, remember that He gave His blood first.

Father-God remains with us, and loves us, no matter our place or space. The redemption Jesus bought for us remains ours through every celebration, grief or episode. The consolation and empowerment of the Holy Spirit is always with us. Disciples of Jesus Christ can face anything and be victorious.

The seasons will change. God remains the same. Rest assured, He has a loving plan for you in this season and the next. Go confidently in Him from where you are to where you are going.

Think: In every season, God is with me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in this season.”

After The Petition

“After The Petition” By Kirk Hunt

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27–28 NKJV

Hannah’s petition received a favorable response. God placed Samuel in her arms, then stepped back. Hannah, in turn, stepped up.

She sacrificed her treasured son, just as she vowed. She brought Samuel to the Tabernacle and committed him to God’s service. Then, she turned and walked away, leaving her tender aged child with Eli, the High Priest. Samuel became a great Judge and Prophet because of Hannah’s faithfulness in doing her part.

Too often, we think that we are done after the request is granted. After God does His part, there is much more. We must do our part.

And the price of our part can be high. Ask Hannah. Ask Apostle Paul. Ask Jesus.

We are instructed to bring our prayers and petitions to God. Please, do so. God set His calling on your life and that prayer is part of it. When He answers your petition, you will have another part of your mission in hand.

Just remember that after God does His part, you need to step up and do your part. There will be labor. Sacrifice will be part of your portion. No one said it would be easy.

Flinch, if you must. Cry, if the pain is great. Refuse to leave your portion undone. Be faithful and do your part.

Think: After God grants my petition, my work begins in earnest.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

In The Process

“In The Process” By Kirk Hunt

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV
Please read 1 Samuel 1:1–22

Hannah accepted by faith Eli’s declaration (verse 17). She went on with the process of her life in expectation. In the process of her mundane life, a miracle came. Her miracle demanded much work and labor, for decades.

Too often we end the story on the high note of the miracle. Scripture records the addition work, effort and sacrifice demanded by receiving a God-given miracle. There had to be a day when Hannah was tired of changing diapers, nursing Samuel and keeping up with her part of the household. Work is not at all glamourous, but is absolutely a part of the process.

Where are you in the process of your miracle? Are you working your part of the process? Since you asked for the miracle, you asked for the work that goes along with the process.

Hannah cried out to God from the depths of her soul. God’s response, through Eli, was not definitive to my ear, but Hannah heard with ears of faith. She started the process, fully expecting Samuel.

Your breakthrough or miracle is part of a process. While God is the source, you have a part in the process, especially after the miracle happens. Faith sees it before it happens and faithfulness keeps you working long after you hold your breakthrough in your hands.

Think: My miracle requires working the process.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

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.”

See, Then Go Out After It

“See, Then Go Out After It” By Kirk Hunt

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

As a shepherd, David saw and understood the situation. An apex predator was preparing to eat one of the sheep from his flock. David also saw with vision the dead lion, then went out after the lamb.

Sight is different than vision. Sight sees the current facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they are.

Vision is different than sight. Vision sees a future set of facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they will be.

I cannot tell you that your vision is without risk or effort. In fact, I can guarantee you that your God-given vision will require, at a minimum, figurative blood, sweat and tears. The Apostles and Prophets (almost all) lost their lives in fulfilling the vision they received from God.

You see a set of facts and data that do not exist yet. God has sent you that vision in order to guide the work He wants you to accomplish. The tasks you complete will change the situation and transform you. See your assignment, then go out after it.

Think: Go after the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to go after the vision You give me.”

Quiet Lions

“Quiet Lions” By Kirk Hunt

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

Daniel 6:21–22 NKJV
Read also Daniel 6:1–24

The angel snapped his fingers to get the lions’ attention. “You are going to host Daniel for the night. Sorry, but you will be hungry for the evening.” The lion roars were deafening.

“If you are going to respond like that, then you don’t get to open your mouths until tomorrow.” After another snap of his fingers, complete silence fell on the lions’ den.

Daniel landed face down in the lions’ den, because he prayed. His faith and faithfulness would not allow him to hide. His love of God exceeded his fear of a powerful king, treacherous courtiers or hungry predators.

Godly people are, at times, thrown to the lions. Too often, we are punished for doing the right thing. Even men and women of the strongest faith are not eager for an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with several Panthera leo.

God does not always deliver us from the lions’ den. I wish I could tell you we are never lion chow. What I can promise is that no matter where we go, or what we face, God’s will and grace remains sovereign.

Quiet lions greeted Daniel. There may be lions roaring in your life, but the God of Daniel, your Father-God, can lead you in quiet security. Walk with God, even among the predators.

Think: God can silence the lions of your life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You through every episode of my life.”