CadreMen Press Devotional » grace

When It Is Still Raining

Cadreman — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:01:10 +0000

“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

Enough For You

Cadreman — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:01:48 +0000

“Enough For You” by Kirk Hunt

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Haman’s Hate

Cadreman — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:01:32 +0000

“Haman’s Hate” by Kirk Hunt

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:6 KJV

I am not surprised that Haman reacted with rage to Mordecai’s disobedience. Haman’s arrogance and contempt for others shines throughout Esther. Violating such a selfish and self-centered world view had to lead to anger.

It is Haman’s determination to commit genocide over a simple insult that I find monstrous. Anger does lead to hate. Hate leads to all manner of destructive acts.

Too many recent events prove that men and woman like Haman walk among us. They seek to destroy rather than build. They are willing to disrupt, or kill, rather than build or work. Haters always build gallows.

Haman’s hate represents the impact of unfettered rage on the lives of the hated, and the hater. Of course, the hater always blames the object of his or her hate. No matter how much they have to twist the facts and figures, haters always arrive at the same destination.

The tragedy is that destination is the gallows. For their own hanging. Sooner, or later.

Be the man or woman who reacts the way God would. In love. With grace.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to love even my enemies, not hate them.

Pray: “Lord, help me to respond in Your love, not my hate.”

Weapon Of Choice – Swords

Cadreman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:01:32 +0000

“Weapon of Choice – Swords” by Kirk Hunt

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (KJV)

The katana is the primary sword of the samurai warrior. A real katana can slice through almost anything, with frightening ease. The katana, in the hands of master swordsmen, defended Japan for centuries.

Creating one of these beautiful yet deadly weapons is a complex, difficult business. At the center of the process is forging the sword. At the heart of forging, is folding.

Anywhere from 8 to 16 times, the steel is heated in a furnace, then folded on the anvil. That’s a lot of time in the fire. That’s a significant number of hammer strokes.

Folding purifies mediocre ore, making extraordinary steel. In addition the process builds in hardness for the cutting edge, or springy resilience for the back-body of the sword. The expert eye of the craftsman guides the entire process.

Perhaps you have been in the furnace, or on the anvil, in your life. The trials and tribulation you have faced have one purpose: To make you a weapon of choice for the Master.

He is building in the edge you need to speak truth, in love. He is giving you the resilience to weather hardship and trials, for His purposes. When you come out of the fire, you will be an extraordinary material. When you come off the anvil, you will be suitable for an exceptional purpose.

Think: God is remaking me as His servant (weapon) of choice

Pray: “Father-God, develop me in Your will and way, for Your Kingdom.”

Send A Memo

Cadreman — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:03 +0000

“Send A Memo” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

1 Samuel 24:16-17 KJV

From the cave he just left, King Saul heard the voice of the very fugitive he hunted. In his right hand, David carried a sharp knife. In his left hand, a severed portion of Saul’s clothes.

Despite the standing death warrant, David refused to harm Saul. Not even multiple murder attempts could goad David against the rightful king of Israel. Scripture records that David had pangs of conscience for cutting up Saul’s clothes.

Even Saul got the message David sent. He could see David’s righteousness and his own evil. Shamed and convicted, Saul declared the truth of the situation.

You need to send a message of grace and mercy. Not with ink and paper, but through actions that leave no doubt. That God loves them still. That God extends His mercy today.

Someone in your sphere needs to get the memo. Be a living letter of God’s love and mercy. Deliver the message, loud and clear. How they react is between them and God.

Think : I need to send a strong message of mercy and grace to someone near me.

Pray: “Lord, Help me to be a living example of Your mercy and grace.”

A Subtle Difference

Cadreman — Mon, 24 May 2010 02:00:33 +0000

“A Subtle Difference” by Kirk Hunt

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 KJV

It doesn’t sound like it, but conviction is a good thing. It serves a useful purpose in the life of seekers and believers. Conviction points out the errors in our lives.

It’s important to say this: Conviction is different from condemnation. Conviction can be defined as “convincing someone of an error.” Condemnation can be defined as “sentencing to punishment.”

Conviction seeks to stop you from stepping off a cliff. Condemnation seeks to shove you off a cliff. Conviction points to improvement, not imprisonment. It’s a subtle, but critical difference.

When the Holy Spirit convicts, there’s a yearning to make things right. In the long-run, we’re thankful for the experience. Despite the short-run discomfort.

Condemnation is an ugly declaration of penalty and separation. There is no effort to restore or repair in condemnation. All of the energy goes to punishment of the prisoner.

It’s a subtle but important difference. Conviction concerns itself with simple correction: Making it right. Condemnation cares only for the penalty phase.

God, our heavenly Father wants to restore us in loving fellowship. The enemy of your soul wants to accuse, then condemn. Surely, you can see the difference.

Think : Conviction is the Holy Spirit pointing in a better direction.

Pray: “Lord, guide me away from my error and toward Your righteousness.”

Joseph’s Promise

Cadreman — Mon, 17 May 2010 02:00:48 +0000

“Joseph’s Promise” by Kirk Hunt

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Genesis 50:20-21 KJV

With tears in his eyes Zaphnathpaaneah, the Pharaoh’s Chancellor, faced the Hebrew men who had wronged him. Their betrayal had cost him years of slavery and prison. With his power and position he could exact a terrible vengeance. With a word, he could have doomed the foreigners.

With tears in his eyes, Joseph faced the brothers who had betrayed and nearly murdered him. Gently, he spoke life. With humility, he promised forgiveness. Joseph promised, then delivered.

His brothers were right to be afraid. Joseph loved his father and while he lived, he would avoid causing him more grief and sorrow. With Jacob dead and buried, Joseph had no reason to restrain his power.

Joseph’s promise is an example of mercy, grace and forgiveness put in action. It would have been too easy to listen to his scars and marks. Instead Joseph listened to God’s Heart.

What promises should you make? Will you speak life and forgiveness, or something else? Will your promises flow from your heart or God’s?

Think : Mercy, grace and forgiveness come from the heart of God.

Pray: “Lord, I promise to follow Your heart .”

Disruptive Grace

Cadreman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:59 +0000

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“Disruptive Grace” by Kirk Hunt

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Luke 7:14 KJV

Jesus interrupted the funeral proceedings. He interfered with a solemn ceremony. Jesus deliberately intruded on the widow’s grief and sorrow.

It’s not hard to imagine the results. The mourners suddenly became dancers. The weeping widow instantly became a joyous mother. The young man sat up, wondering why he was in a coffin in the middle of the street.

Jesus’ grace is all-powerful and undeniable. When He touches a situation, nothing can remain the same. The grace of Jesus is disruptive. God doesn’t fit in a box. The master of eternity doesn’t worry about schedules.

Too often, we object to God’s grace. His Presence comes at inconvenient times. His power and provision manifests in inconvenient ways.

Think for a moment. Do you really object to what God is doing for you and in you? However inconvenient, will you refuse the grace He is pouring into your life?

Seek Him, but be prepared. He may come in an unexpected and unanticipated way. Be open to disruption. Embrace the chaos and confusion that can follow God’s blessing and provision.

Think: When His grace falls, everything is disrupted.

Pray: “Lord, disrupt my life with Your grace.”