January 2017 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Believe The Truth

“Believe The Truth” By Kirk Hunt

And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NKJV

Apostle Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to warn God’s people to love the truth and reject lies. The truth is often simpler and less complicated than the lie. The problem is that the lie appeals to something sinful in us.

All too short a time after the establishment of the Church at Thessaloniki, someone was teaching that Jesus had already returned and raptured His Church. Paul spoke against this apostasy but then addressed the deeper issue of loving the truth.

Paul states it is important for God’s people to cultivate a love for the truth. He states just as clearly that men and women can take “pleasure in unrighteousness.” Which do you choose; truth or unrighteousness?

Addicts believe the drug is a benefit. Adulterers believe in their reasons to lie and betray. Swindlers believe the money in your account is theirs, rather than yours. Of course, there are subtler ways to believe a lie, rather than the truth.

Do you love the truth, rather than a lie? Are you willing to believe a lie and be damned? The choice is binary. Either you seek God’s truth or you love the enemy’s lies. Believing the lie means accepting a delusion that leads to condemnation.

Believing the lie requires that you set aside the facts and data. Loving the truth makes it easier to spot the lies. Seek His righteousness. It is easier in the long-run.

Think: Do I really seek the truth, or do I prefer unrighteousness?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love Your truth and righteousness.”

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.

Honor Your Birthright

“Honor Your Birthright” By Kirk Hunt

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 25:34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 25:29-34.

Too often we put all the blame on Jacob. Scripture clearly states that Esau despised his birthright. In exchange for a simple meal, Esau rejected the blessings of God and his earthly father.

You have a birthright in God. Rich or poor, workhouse or jailhouse, God’s blessings, legacy and heritage are yours. All you have to do is honor what God has guaranteed for you, despite today’s difficulties.

A birthright is a future benefit. To receive it, I must not despise it or my present. Easily said; not as easily done.

A moment’s inconvenience led a mighty man to disdain what was not immediately at hand. Esau was so shortsighted and immature that he cast aside his legacy and heritage for a bowl of soup. The worst part is I recognize this same attitude in myself.

From time-to-time, we all want immediate fulfillment. Delayed gratification can sometimes be a hard path. Going without today, even for a great tomorrow, has its difficulties.

Esau was having a tough day. His twin brother should never have considered making the sales pitch. Esau should never have considered selling out.

Do not let a difficult day (or season) sway your faith. Keep your faith though the rough spots. If you do not sell out, God will deliver your birthright at the right time.

Think: Do I honor the blessings, legacy and heritage I have in God’s Kingdom?

Pray: “Lord, I honor the birthright I have in You.”

Face Of Glory

“Face Of Glory” By Kirk Hunt

And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

Exodus 34:38 NKJV
Please also read Exodus 34:29–35

Moses came out to the people and they retreated in panic and fear. The face of their Lawgiver glowed with an unworldly light. Moses’ time with God literally changed how the followers saw and reacted to their leader.

God’s people, especially pastors and leaders, should consider their approach to others. How you preach, teach or minister should be done to meet your audience where they are. Moses did not change his message, but he did help Israel to hear what God spoke. He just had to shade the light of his face some (or a lot).

Do not get me wrong; I would that every saint of God, fresh from prayer, had a shiny face. Still, our purpose is to build His Kingdom. What does not make the message effective in reaching and changing hearts is a distraction. Our job is not done until their faces are also bright with His glory

Your audience likely comes in fresh from the streets, rather than the prayer closet. Meet them where they are, but help them get to where you are. And where you are should reflect the glory of God.

Think: Does my ministry reflect God’s glory? Is it effective in reaching my audience?

Pray: “Lord, help me to reflect the glory of Your Face .”

Hope In The King

“Hope In The King” By Kirk Hunt

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:24 NKJV

I pray that in this New Year you will build God’s Kingdom. Of course, it would be better (and easier) to do so from a place of great provision and extraordinary favor. Your circumstances, rich or poor, renowned or reviled, do not define your hope. Your hope rests in God.

The Book of Lamentations was traditionally written by Jeremiah, at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon. In the figurative or literal smoke of the burning Temple, grief is easy. Still, Lamentations points to hope. No matter what our circumstances are, we can rely on God.

Lamentations correctly points out the errors of Judah and her kings. If anything, God’s judgment was overdue. Still, there was mercy and grace for the Jewish people, despite God’s discipline.

Regardless of our circumstances, we are in the hands of a loving God. Even when we are in rebellion against Him. Even when we are disciplined by Him. No matter your current circumstances, you can move forward with hope in God.

Today, you are living in the love, mercy and grace of God. God has not given you up or turned His heart from you. No matter what circumstance you are in, you are still loved by Him.

We can rely on God. He cares for and nurtures us in all of our situations. In this New Year, and every other moment of your life, Your hope in Him is never misplaced.

Think: Do I put my hope in God, instead of my circumstances?

Pray: “Lord, I choose to hope in You.”

Abide With The King

“Abide With The King” By Kirk Hunt

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalms 91:1–2 NKJV
Please also read Mark 4:35-41

Where you trust, you abide. Do you abide under the authority, power and influence of God Almighty? Consider how safe, secure and dependable you will be, living with God.

His safety does not mean you are free from concern. God’s security will not excuse you to make poor decisions. His dependability does not mean you go without tasks and duties.

God’s shadow is a place of light, warmth and peace. Under God’s authority, you are enabled to fully be His child. Living in His influence will free you to follow your calling in His Kingdom.

The next season of your life will come. Storms may batter your life. Do not let your concerns become fears. Make your decisions in light of His Word. Carry out your tasks and duties in the light of His promises.

Overcome your fears. Keep your faith. Abide in His shadow.

Consider carefully your opportunity. You can choose to continue or renew your relationship with the all-powerful (omnipotent), always everywhere (omnipresent), all-knowing (omniscient), God. Except for your uncertainties, what do you have to lose?

All you have to do is choose to live close to Him. Dwell near His side and heart. He has reserved space there, where He wants you to dwell.

In safety. With security. Enjoying peaceful joy.

Think: Do I choose to abide under the shadow of the Almighty?

Pray: “Lord, help me to choose Your influence for my life.”

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