presence – CadreMen Press

You Are Touched

You Are Touched by Kirk Hunt

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”

Isaiah 6:6-7 NKJV

Finite, imperfect, impure Isaiah stood in the direct presence of infinite, perfect, holy God. God’s prophet cried out in dismay and alarm. God calmly caused his man to be made pure.

Isaiah understood the gap between where he lived his life and the perfection of God. God did not excuse or accept the lesser state of the man He loved. Instead, God purified him on the spot.

God loves you. And He is not afraid to meet you where you are. The question is, are you willing to be touched by God?

Scripture points out the coal came live from the altar. Isaiah was pronounced purged, made clean, after he was touched. The Bible is silent about any burns or scorching of the prophet. Isaiah admitted his imperfect state, then held still while the angel and the live coal approached him.

Whether or not he might be burned, he was willing to be touched by God. Holy God saw Isaiah’s impure state, but loved him too much to let that stand. Isaiah loved God, and His touch, too much to run.

As the hot ember approached, I’m sure images ran through Isaiah’s mind. The scene that mattered most, rooted him in place. God’s loving touch is worth it, regardless of the price.

Think: You can be touched and made pure by God.

Pray: “Lord, whatever it costs, please touch me with, and in, Your love.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

My Eyes See

My Eyes See by Kirk Hunt

And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

Isaiah 6:4-5 NKJV

The Temple structure shook with the sound of a single voice. 81,000 cubic feet of space filled with smoke, in a moment. With his own human eyes, Isaiah saw the Shekhinah, the physical manifestation of God in the human world. In the presence of Holy God, Isaiah realizes that he, and all of Israel, are tainted.

Suddenly, Isaiah understands. He is a finite, imperfect, impure man in the direct presence of infinite, perfect, holy God. That moment in the Shekhinah should be like standing on the surface of The Sun. God’s mercy, and love for Isaiah, preserves him.

God is infinite, perfect, holy and omnipotent. He is also loving, merciful and eager for contact with all of His sons and daughters. His omnipotence allows him to remain holy and pure, even when He kisses and hugs His impure and tainted children.

God wants us to see Him, with our own eyes. He wants us to know Him, personally and deeply. Look past the distractions and obstructions of circumstances. Walk past the opinions and comments of other people. Infinite, perfect, holy and omnipotent God wants to spend time, just with you.

Think: When last did you truly see and spend time with God?

Pray: “Lord, help me in my direct and personal relationship with You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

He Saw The Lord

He Saw The Lord by Kirk Hunt

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:1 NKJV

As Isaiah turned a corner, he saw the Temple. The gold overlaid on the doors and walls reflected the bright, midday sun like a mirror. As he drew closer, the intricate and detailed carvings of angels, palm trees and open flowers on the walls and doors became visible.

He sighed and trudged on.

Isaiah walked past the Bronze Altar and the atoning sacrifices being offered. He could see and hear as the devout brought their gifts and sacrifices to the priests. The sights, sounds and smells of the Court all pointed to man’s efforts to reconcile with God.

He shrugged his shoulders and shuffled further.

The prophet passed between the massive bronze pillars, Jachin (“He will establish”) and Boaz (“In Him strength”) and entered the Holy Sanctuary. The beauty and symbolism of the Temple furniture and architecture were familiar to Isaiah. The prophet had seen it all, many times before.

He yawned and took his usual place before the Gold Altar.

There, in a familiar place and during a memorized routine, something unique happened. The beauty and magnificence of the Temple building faded before His glory. The sanctity and reverent atmosphere of the Temple gave way to His presence.

Suddenly, and without warning, Isaiah came face-to-Shekhinah with God. Isaiah, familiar with Scripture and the worship of God, staggered in awe and astonishment.

We do not know how sincere and devout Isaiah was, or was not. Like you, he needed a direct and real relationship with Jehovah. When he truly saw God for himself, his life changed.

Think: Do you truly see God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to have a direct and true relationship with You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

The Lord Has Blessed The House

The Lord Has Blessed The House by Kirk Hunt

Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.

2 Samuel 6:12 NKJV

King David heard the news and concerned himself with Obed-Edom. Obed-Edom’s faithful service involved having the Ark of God (aka the Ark of The Covenant) in his home. God’s presence and power made itself known with blessing of the man’s house and household.

After the tragedy of Uzzah, David placed the Ark in Obed-Edom’s house. Obed-Edom faithfully maintained the physical symbol of God’s presence on earth in his home. For three months, the power of God directly rewarded him and his. So much so, that a king looked on with longing.

Your faithful service in God’s kingdom is never without reward. No amount of money can purchase His peace. No level of fame gives His joy. Even the rich, or high, or mighty will look at His presence in your life and covet what you have.

It may not seem like much to you, but be faithful anyway. If God gave your calling, then it is important. And God’s blessing of you, and your house, will make it worthwhile.

Think: God blesses the house of men and women who serve Him in spirit and truth.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to serve my calling in spirit and truth.”

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.

His Presence

His Presence by Kirk Hunt

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

Psalms 139:7-8 NKJV

With all of the negative and destructive situations and events going on in the world, you might wonder where God has gone. God’s people, of course, know that He is Jehovah-Shammah, the-God-who-is-there. His presence is here and now. His presence is there and then.

God is omnipresent and omnipotent. His power is absolute and unmatched. Why would I, or you, worship anyone with limitations?

His presence can be felt deeply in your mind and spirit. His presence can be found in the loud crash of waves, or the quiet rustle of leaves. You need only stop to listen. He is there and speaking. Pause yourself for a moment in the worst chaos and you can feel His calm touch.

We enjoy free will. Men and women can choose to obey His Word or indulge yourself in wicked behaviors. Do not get angry at God when He lets you suffer the consequences of you, or others, acting in sin and rebellion.

No matter where you go, or what you do, you are in the presence of God. Perhaps you are facing the consequences of your poor choices. You may be suffering from the actions of someone else. God is still there and His presence and power are just a prayer away.

Think: No matter where I go, God is there before me and His power is supreme.

Pray: “Lord, help me to feel Your presence, no matter where I am.”