CadreMen Press Devotionals

Sharp Contention

Sharp Contention by Kirk Hunt

But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus

Acts 15:38-39 NKJV
Please also read Acts 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed over John-Mark. Their contention was so severe, that it appeared to rupture their Gospel relationship. With glares or mutters, they separated to minster the Gospel, away from each other.

Consider how Barnabas championed a recovering failure, John-Mark, to Apostle Paul. Not so long ago, Barnabas championed recovering failure, Saul of Tarsus (Paul), to the Apostles. Was John-Mark’s error so bad? Was Paul’s memory, and empathy, so short?

Even God’s people have disagreements. The question is whether we maintain connection through the turbulence. As the old folks used to say: “Wise men may fight, but only fools fall out.”

Even Spirit-filled men and women read different conclusions from the same facts and data. What happens when that day comes? What outcomes are you prepared to create or allow? Will grace and humility have a say at the table?

Do you become bitter enemies? Must you rupture the organization? Can you find, or make, a rational compromise? No matter how annoyed you are at a Gospel brother or sister, you remain connected through Christ.

Consider there will be contention in your life, even with Gospel brothers and sisters. Stock yourself now with grace, mercy, and humility. Fight, if you must, but do not fall out.

Think: Maintain your Godly connections, despite sharp contention.

Pray: “Lord, show me how to stay in Gospel connection, despite contention.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Worship Anyway

Worship Anyway by Kirk Hunt

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.

Mark 14:3 NKJV

Please read one or all of the Gospel accounts:
Matthew 26: 6—13, Mark 14: 3—9; Luke 7: 36—50; John 12: 1—8

Mary prepared her worship in advance. She spent a lot of money, but that is not what make her worship note worthy. Her unstoppable intention and resolute sincerity is why Scripture records her actions in all four Gospels.

Even today, an alabaster perfume box is not common. Spikenard, which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, is still rare and costly. Mary spent over a year’s wages to worship.

The other Gospel accounts record the unkind responses of observers. If Mary knew of their hissing whispers, she ignored them. Mary walked past others to worship her Messiah.

The Bible does not confirm that Mary was a prostitute. Scripture states she had been demon-possessed and a notorious sinner. Mary did not let her past, or the murmuring busybodies, keep her from worship.

You have an opportunity to worship today. Will you pay the price? Will you walk past unfavorable circumstances, or disapproving stares, to worship?

Whatever it costs, He is worthy. No matter what others do, Jesus is available to you. No matter what has happened before, He waits for you.

You can worship. If you want to. Everything else is just details.

Think: I can worship Jesus, if I am determined.

Pray: “Lord, I worship You, because You are worthy.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

A Monster Praying

A Monster Praying by Kirk Hunt

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.

Acts 9:10-11 NKJV
Please also read Acts 9:1-19

Saul of Tarsus was a monster. He helped organize the martyrdom of Stephen. He went on the road to imprison and extradite Christians. Then the monster suddenly started praying.

Monsters often think, or convince themselves, they are doing the right thing. In their zeal, they gleefully use tactics and strategies of the lowest, most heinous kind. Then they have a real meeting with Jesus.

They fall face first, from their high horse, into the muck and mire of their error. Imagine Jesus personally asking why you are persecuting Him. No wonder that Saul started praying and fasting before God.

Repentance is always an option. No matter what you did. No matter how many times you did it. No matter what, Jesus is always eager to accept your sincere return to Him.

He loves you so much, He might even help you see the light of His truth. This is a good thing, No matter how uncomfortable it may be at first.

Real repentance comes from the heart. Even a monster can see the error of his or her ways. Jesus loves praying monsters, no matter what.

Think: God hears the prayers of repentant monsters, just like me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to repent my sins to You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

A Monster Testifies

A Monster Testifies by Kirk Hunt

Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:38-39 NKJV
Please also read Luke 8:26-39

Jesus sent a monster home to testify about the goodness of God. All of the healed man’s negative actions remained on the record. His healing did not erase anyone’s memory.

He had been a person once. But that was before the demon possession. That was before he had become an agent of terror and disruption. No one remembered the person, only the monster.

He still had a house to return to, but it was no longer a home. The monster had destroyed the sense of comfort and safety that a home implies. Now they were only people who lived there with the horror and terror of the monster he had been.

His changed behavior opened the door for his testimony, but did not wipe away the record. His healing by Jesus did not immediately turn fear and dread into trust and acceptance. But if his healing was true and sincere, he might one day belong again.

Did Jesus heal you, former monster? Good. Now, you must extend the grace and patience that God extended to you.

Your past is on the record. Their memories are clear about who you used to be. Live out your changed life, to the very end. Testify about what great things God did for you. If necessary, use words.

Think: God heals monsters, like me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to testify about Your power and goodness.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

A Monster Testifies

A Monster Testifies by Kirk Hunt

Luke 8:38-39 NKJV
Please also read Luke 8:26-39

Jesus sent a monster home to testify about the goodness of God. All of the healed man’s negative actions remained on the record. His healing did not erase anyone’s memory.

He had been a person once. But that was before the demon possession. That was before he had become an agent of terror and disruption. No one remembered the person, only the monster.

Did Jesus heal you, former monster? Good. Now, you must extend the grace and patience that God extended to you.

Your past is on the record. Their memories are clear about who you used to be. Live out your changed life, to the very end. Testify about what great things God did for you. If necessary, use words.

Think: God heals monsters, like me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to testify about Your power and goodness.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God’s Purpose

God’s Purpose by Kirk Hunt

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:28;30 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:25-32

Every door of the prison swings open. The stocks and chains fall off all of the prisoners. The apostles stay right where there are, so they can complete God’s purpose.

If God sent you there, then He has a purpose for you to complete. Will you stay in obedience? Will you faithfully complete your assigned mission?

The situation in the Philippi jail is dramatic and fantastic. An earthquake opens the doors and chains, but does not destroy the building or kill anyone. The prisoners, including the highest profile inmates, do not leave. Then the apostles stop the prison warden from committing suicide.

Paul and Silas are not in jail for their own reasons. They are in position to fulfill God’s purpose. And their faithful obedience leads to the salvation of an entire household.

Where are you today, man or woman of God? You are not there by random chance or senseless accident. You are deliberately placed to fulfill God’s purpose.

God does not always send angels. Often, He sends mere men and women. His saints, deliberately positioned through faith and obedience, fulfill His purpose. And the Kingdom of God expands.

Maybe serving your purpose will only be seen by a few, in silence. Perhaps you will be thrust to the front of a crowd, in noise and furor. God has maneuvered you there for His purpose. What purpose will you serve?

Think: God ordered your circumstances for a reason.

Pray: “Lord, help me to serve Your Kingdom where You put me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God Is Present

God Is Present by Kirk Hunt

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25-26 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:16-30

Consider Paul and Silas’ terrible, no good, very bad day. The Apostles were the victims of malicious prosecution, by a mob. Then they were beaten with rods. Still bleeding from their wounds, the city fathers of Philippi threw them not just in jail, but in stocks. God did not prevent their circumstances, but He was there, in the middle of their situation.

Too often we think that delay, difficulty or denial means that God has abandoned us. Inconveniences, like persecution, are often God’s way of positioning His men and women for ministry. Romans 5:1-5 tells us that trials and tribulations build our faith.

Paul and Silas chose to worship. Their backs continued to bleed. Their feet remained locked in stocks. In pain and humiliation, they decided the correct response was prayer and singing praise to God.

Omnipotent and sovereign God proved His presence. An earthquake shook open all the prison doors and rattled off all their chains. God is always close to His faithful men and women. He always has options about how He reveals Himself.

God allows events in His timing, and for His purposes. We may not be happy for every circumstance, but we can choose His joy in every situation. He is close by. Reach out and touch Him in prayer and worship.

Think: God is close by in all your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and feel Your presence in every situation.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

More Than Resurrection

More Than Resurrection by Kirk Hunt

But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

John 12:10-12 NKJV
Please also read John 12:1-11 NKJV

Lazarus was not just a witness, but hard evidence. The man was dead. Then buried. Then decayed. Then Jesus raised him from dead. The power to resurrect someone is difficult to deny.

Despite performing the ultimate in miracles, the Chief Priests refused to have faith in Jesus. They were even willing to murder Lazarus, to silence his testimony. Destroying the evidence remains a popular criminal strategy.

Lazarus is not a pathway to salvation. His death, then being raised from the dead, is notable, but does not touch or impact salvation. Lazarus was not a perfect, final sacrifice. He could not atone for anyone’s sins, even his own.

Jesus died. Jesus resurrected. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NKJV).

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. I assume he possessed redeeming qualities. Lazarus has no part in your salvation. Silencing him could not stop the ministry of Jesus.

Perhaps you are a great Christian witness. You might be evidence of the power of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is still the only path to salvation.

Jesus was the perfect, final sacrifice. He atoned for your sin, and especially mine. It is only by His Name men and women can be saved.

Think: Only Jesus gives salvation to men and women.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for the set and sure path to salvation through Jesus Christ.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

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.”

1 Kings 22:14 NKJV

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.

Gift In The Room

Gift In The Room by Kirk Hunt

A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 NKJV

Where there is excellence or skill, consideration is given by people. Sometimes, too much. God’s people (saints) should always operate in excellence. Your gift puts you in the room(s) to be an ambassador of Father-God.

Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. Your gift, exercised with skill, used in grace, for a Godly purpose, gets their attention. While they are looking, you are preaching the Gospel message directly.

Make no mistake, all of God’s people preach. The mistake is thinking that your Gospel message always involves your words. The way you do what you do communicates a lot about you. And the God you serve.

Your name comes up in rooms you never knew existed. In front of people you did not think or know were looking or listening, and they have their purposes. You, a saint of God, follow the Great Commission.

And when they discuss your work, they dissect the hows and whys of your results and gift. In that moment, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is communicated. Or His Name is blasphemed, if you are a hypocrite.

God’s people are living letters, read by men and women. We are supposed to explain, in detail, how a loving God is searching for all of His children. Like any loving father, God wants to be reconciled with all of His kids. Are you using your gift to help or hinder Him reuniting with His children?

Think: My gift make room for me. Am I preaching the Gospel or something else?

Pray: “Lord, help me to preach Your Gospel, even when I am not in the room.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.