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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.

The Secret Place

The Secret Place by Kirk Hunt

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 NKJV

God offers you a safe place, inside His authority and under His influence. The secret place of God is rest, restoration and security, no matter the circumstances. As His son or daughter, all you have to do is ask to live where He already dwells.

I get it. You are strong. Your skills and resources allow you to make your own way. You do not need some woo-woo talk of a hidden place only God has. Until you come face-to-face with your limits.

His hidden place is nonsense, until you are at the bedside of a beloved soul. You do not need divine sanctuary, until you realize all of them were always working against you. You don’t need God’s authority in your life, until they arrive to take all you have.

You are not weak. You are not confused. The world can, and eventually will, dish out more than any human can take. Will you choose to live in His secret place, or run exposed and vulnerable?

As God’s son or daughter, you can choose shelter they cannot breach. He gives His precious ones comfort that cannot be lost. His authority limits what can happen, if anything, no matter their numbers or rank.

God offers shelter they cannot see. Our heavenly Father offers protection they cannot breach. All you have to do is choose life with Father-God.

Think: I can choose to dwell in the secret place of God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to dwell in Your secret place.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Not Troubled Or Afraid

Not Troubled Or Afraid by Kirk Hunt

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 NKJV

Have you obeyed this command from Jesus in recent days (or months, or years)? I must confess that I have not done a good job of it, myself. God’s people should never be troubled or afraid. Jesus has left His peace and care for us.

In case you missed the memos, there is a lot of difficulty and trouble in the world these days. You should be concerned and working hard to live your life and keep a good Christian witness. Still, your concerns should not lead you to be troubled or afraid. His peace is a free gift, if you will accept it.

Peace that passes all understanding is His part, living in that peace is our part. That means we have to focus on the good and the positive and His grace. If we seek Him, His peace will follow.

The turmoil in the world will not magically lessen. The heartaches and hardships that strike us will not suddenly go away. But with God’s peace you will live in the joy and security that only He can provide. You can trade some obedience and a little work for a lot of comfort and joy.

Think: God’s peace is a free gift from Jesus, but will require work to maintain it.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be at peace in 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.

Father-God’s Will

“Father-God’s Will” By Kirk Hunt

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.

Matthew 10: 29 NKJV

Poppa made me get in the truck and go to work with him. Did I appreciate learning a trade and work ethic? Not at the time. In retrospect, I am thankful Poppa compelled me. Consider now the Father’s will.

We confuse God’s best path for us with pleasant things and placid events. We act as if we think God only loves us when we lounge on flowery beds of ease and comfort. Instead, He loves us most when He allows us to reach our limits in desperation and distress. It is in the place of our extremes that we can best hear and respond to His voice.

He is omniscient. He sees all of our situation, no matter where we are. He is omnipotent. No matter how far we are past our limits, He is well within His power. He is omnipresent. You cannot go where He is not or even get there before Him.

No matter how hard and difficult your circumstances, God is right there with you. He is caring for you, despite your pain. His strength carries you no matter how weak you feel. His grace comforts you, no matter how many tears you cry.

The skills Poppa taught me have carried through my life. I still do not completely understand all of God’s will for my life. All I know is that I worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31).

Think: One day I will understand God’s will for my life. Until then I will be obedient.

Pray: “Lord, help me to follow Your will for my life, regardless of how I feel now.”

Poppa’s Hands

“Poppa’s Hands” By Kirk Hunt

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

John 10:28–29 NKJV

The scene plays in my mind with thoughts of peace, safety and golden warmth. I was 4, maybe 5 years old. I sat on the front pew of Prayer Temple (now Nash Temple) and examined Poppa’s hands with rapt fascination. To my innocent young eyes his hands seemed without limit and without equal. 50 years later, my opinion is better informed, but no less convinced.

Even then his hands were scarred and rough from years of hard labor. His hands were strong from pulling electrical cable or cutting wires. In later years I would watch him switch seamlessly from casual displays of raw strength to deft demonstrations of control and finesse.

Despite how gnarled and unattractive they appeared, Poppa’s hands were a blessing of rare quality and strength. Poppa ministered to, provided for and gave protection to his family and anyone who sought his help. His hands were instruments of deliverance and provision.

Consider now the hands of Father-God. God’s hands are omnipresent, omnipotent, guided by his omniscience and motivated by His bottomless love for you. His hands are a place of peace, safety and warmth for every soul that will seek Him. And even for some souls who flee Him.

I sit in Father-God’s hands. It is a place of peace safety and golden warmth. With each passing day, my opinion is better informed and more convinced of His love and provision for me.

Think: The best place to be is in the hands of Father-God.

Pray: “Lord, guide me every day with Your loving hands.”