Month: May 2026

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.”

Copyright © May 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © May 2026, Kirk Hunt

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.”

Copyright © May 2026, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.