January 2022 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Captain Over Them

Captain Over Them by Kirk Hunt

David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

1 Samuel 22:1-2 NKJV
Please also read 1 Samuel 22:1-23

Unjustly accused, and a death warrant issued in his name, David hid in the cave of Adullam. First, his extended family joined him. Then the losers of Israel came. David became a captain or leader to those shunned and despised by everyone else.

With the elite forces of King Saul looking for him, David gained responsibility for the lowest people in Israel. Some would call those same folk liabilities. Deadbeats, troublemakers, and whiners from across Israel came to David for help and support. Instead of a handout, David gave them courage, valor, skill, and expertise.

Perhaps you think your Adullam experience is the end of you. God is instead setting you up for future success. Those sniveling losers need to be transformed into elite champions. And their captain is a king (or queen) in training.

You will have to stay the course. You will train, educate, encourage and discipline men and women everyone else jettisoned. They do not look like much now, but they will be champions after you become God’s captain over them.

Think: God is setting you up as a future king (or queen) by making you a captain now.

Pray: “Lord, help me to minister Your way, in Your Name, here and now.”

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.

Do Likewise

Do Likewise by Kirk Hunt

“So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37 NKJV
Read also Luke 10:25-37

You would think it was complicated. Jesus commands us to show mercy to those who have suffered misfortune. “Do likewise” is not tricky or complex.

Still, too many who call themselves Christians, refuse to follow a straightforward instruction from our Lord and Savior. The unhoused are forced to make their homes in the streets. Refugees are refused protection or due process. Millions suffer hunger and thirst across the world, and right here at home.

Facing a violent street gang is not the only way to “fall among thieves”. An unjust or merciless eviction inflicts a world of loss and suffering. Ask a victim of flood or fire if they feel beaten and robbed.

Jesus wants you to spend your time, talent and treasure helping your neighbor. Take your plenty and bind up someone else’s wounds. Spend your time to save the life of a helpless victim. Use your influence and reputation to benefit those who have fallen in hurt and harm.

“Go and do likewise” is not hard to understand. Your neighbors are waiting. You are not still sitting on your couch are you?

Think: Am I following Jesus’ commandment to minister to others?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love You enough to minister in Your Name.”

And You Will Live

And You Will Live by Kirk Hunt

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

Luke 10:27-28 NKJV
Read also Luke :10:25-37

Jesus, our Lord and Savior told us to love our neighbors, and live. If you squint, really hard, there is the implication that if you do not, you will die. Certainly, if you do not love your neighbor, you are not being obedient to Jesus.

The parable of the Good Samaritan has been covered, in volume and depth, by better teachers and scholars than myself. Why then do so many Christians act like Jesus never commanded us to love our neighbors? What motivates them other than willful disobedience?

Could it be that they really do not want to live? Do they love their current comfort and wealth more than God’s eternal approval and blessing? Do they follow a false god or false messiah rather than Jesus?

Verse 29 states that the lawyer wanted to “justify himself.” Did his own recitation of Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 convict him? Was his conscience squirming under Jesus’ commands? We can never know for sure, but I doubt my guesses are far from the mark.

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors. Obedience to Christ gives life. Love your neighbors and live.

Think: Am I following Jesus’ commandment to love and live?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love You enough to follow Your commandments and live.”

Love One Another

Love One Another by Kirk Hunt

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34 NKJV

Jesus commanded us to love each other. He also commanded that we look at His acts as examples. Just do what Jesus did.

Perhaps you think that love is just an emotion. You should know that love is an act. It is something you choose, then spend blood or sweat or tears to make happen.

At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus wept. He then called a cold corpse back to warm life. Love overcomes death.

The Pharisees threw the adulterous woman at His feet and demanded blood and judgment. Jesus silently revealed the shame or error of the accusers, then forgave her. Love overcomes sin.

The Romans scourged Him, then nailed Him to a cross. And His blood gave us salvation. An act of love returned us to fellowship with God.

Love cannot stand at the side and watch. Love jumps into the middle of the storm and does something about the situation. Love gives, at great cost. Love takes the hurt and loss and gives blessing and benefit.

Love is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling. Real love demands that we expend time or talent or treasure for others. Often for those who scorn you for the benefit they receive. Just like Jesus did.

Think: Do I follow Jesus’ commandment to love?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love You enough to follow Your commandments.”