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.”

Copyright © April 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © April 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © April 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © April 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © March 2026, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.