Christian Living Archives – Page 28 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Working Where Placed

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Working Where Placed” By Kirk Hunt

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you

Titus 1:5 NKJV

Titus was not from Crete, but the Apostle Paul set him in charge of the island. Placed in the middle of chaos, Titus was to bring order. Titus had the job of bringing peace and tranquility to a place of strife and confusion.

Troubleshooters and turn-around artists are important players in modern organizations. Always, the job is difficult and intensive. Often, a man or woman is assigned suddenly, then expected to change the effectiveness and efficiency of a poor performing group.

Impressive results are expected, rapidly. It does not matter if there are deep-seated issues. Even bitter opposition from existing workers or leaders is seen as a small inconvenience on the way to a big success.

God’s Kingdom has its versions of troubleshooters and turn-around artists. Men and women who transform difficult losers into delightful winners. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and guided by His wisdom and grace, Titus-like saints change everything to the good.

You are placed there by God. All you have to do is convert chaos and disorder into peace and tranquility. Like Titus, you are empowered by God and the Holy Spirit. Work your placement.

Think: I am placed here to work here.

Pray: “Lord, help me to work well where You have placed me.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Working Warm

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Working Warm” By Kirk Hunt

To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus 1:4 NKJV

Titus is a brief but content-packed New Testament Epistle. It is full of no-nonsense instructions regarding Church governance and discipline. Still, Paul’s letter starts with a warm recognition of a Gospel son and brother.

God’s Church must be administered with scrupulous fairness and unwavering commitment to Biblical standards of holiness. Despite the absolute standard for purity, Paul demonstrates that there is also room for fond, personal relationships between saints. It would be a surprise for it to be otherwise.

The men and women who work together, building God’s Kingdom, are regular people. Gospel workers are to conduct themselves at the highest levels of personal integrity and public accountability. It only follows that those who are God’s hands and feet of expressed love should find warm fellowship among each other.

Titus received firm instructions regarding a challenging set of circumstances. The relationship between Paul and Titus is clearly superior-subordinate. The relationship is also clearly Father-Son.

I pray you are building God’s Kingdom, here and now. I also pray you are living and working according to Biblical standards of holiness and righteousness. Finally, I pray that you find a warm and personal bond with God’s people, as you build His Kingdom.

Think: There should be a warm bond among God’s saints.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have strong, warm relationships with Your people.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Apprentice And Master

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Apprentice And Master” By Kirk Hunt

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

It looks odd to see a little boy flailing away on the drums, next to his father, during worship. It is not really a homey scene of father-son bonding. It is very much the serious business of a master craftsman teaching his apprentice.

I had the privilege of listening to man and boy practice. The youngster is playing complex yet lyrical percussion music. I am certain his father is proud of his accomplishments. Dad should also be proud of how well he has mentored and taught his young apprentice.

The saints of God’s Kingdom should be a skillful folk. We should have clever abilities and impressive capabilities that are the envy of the secular world. Of course, that will require faithful men and women who learn readily and teach freely.

I pray there is an apprentice in your life. Perhaps you do not think much of your skills. Someone else does and wants to learn from you.

Of course, you should be open to learning yourself. It is not just possible but likely that you are both skillful teacher and apt learner at the same time. Apostle Paul did not hesitate to be taught, and then teach in turn. Neither should you.

Think: Either I am a teaching skills as a craftsman or learning skills as an apprentice.

Pray: “Lord, help me to teach and learn while building Your Kingdom.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Exposed

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Exposed” By Kirk Hunt

Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.

2 Samuel 12:9 NKJV

Nathan the prophet told his parable in public. David reacted in righteous indignation at the account of the rich man’s cruel disregard for others. Then Nathan exposed David’s sin, the cover-up and hypocrisy.

Thankfully, David had the good sense to respond with shame in his error. His repentance appeared to be sincere and complete. Still, it would have been best if David had refused to sin in the first place. Failing to prevent his indiscretion, David’s cover-up only led to more sin and additional sinners.

David was exposed. The adulterous sin he committed was exposed for all to see. So too, the murder he committed also came to light. His smartest play would have been to stay clean. His next smartest play would have been to repent and confess.

Even the best of us are tempted to cover up an error or sin. Public shame and humiliation adds to the private guilt and self-reproach. You will be held accountable for your error and sin. Do not add to the tally in a vain attempt to avoid or delay being exposed.

Think: More sin is never a solution.

Pray: “Lord, help me to repent quickly and in sincerity.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Do Not Cover Up

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Do Not Cover Up” By Kirk Hunt

And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”

2 Samuel 11:5 NKJV

The conception should have been happy news. Instead, Bathsheba’s baby-to-be was the ultimate evidence of adultery. David, the man after God’s own heart, engaged in a cover up.

We cannot know what motivated David as he tried to cover up his sin. Clearly, he wanted to avoid the truth coming out. Instead, the sin count grew, and others were drawn into a growing web of lies and deceit that grew into murder.

Of course, the best route is to not become caught up in sin. I understand how easy it is to give that kind of advice. Unfortunately, I am very aware of how difficult it is to live that out. Worse, I understand too well the temptation to sin “just a little more” to keep it under wraps. Scripture, and recent history, are very clear about the outcome of a cover up.

The correct solution requires confession then repentance. David, a beloved and wealthy king, could not avoid the consequences of his sin. David’s sin was exposed before his nation. David was convicted before God. And Uriah, and the baby, paid the price for David’s sin and error.

God is a forgiving God. He will forgive you. Confess and repent sooner, rather than later.

Think: The first instinct of a sinner is to cover up the sin.

Pray: “Lord, help me to confess and repent of my sin.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Subject To Authority

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Subject To Authority” By Kirk Hunt

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Romans 13:1 NKJV

The Epistle to the Romans is generally considered to have been written sometime in the years 55-57 AD. Paul’s letter is addressed to Romans saints living under the reign of Nero in pagan Rome. Clearly not a government a devout Jew-turned-Christian wanted to be subject to.

Paul used his dual Roman-Jewish citizenship to preach throughout the Roman world. Frequently, he found himself in conflict with local government. Still, he remained faithful to his true King, even if he remained subject to a “local” government.

Paul’s direction to accept civil government is not based in politics or mere acceptance. With all of his earthly power and authority, Nero ruled in light of God’s sovereign and absolute command over all of creation, time and space. Our confidence as Christians is not in human rulers but in our loving God who appoints them.

Christians should be the obedient and dutiful subjects of God. In addition to our primary citizenship, we have a secondary obedience to an earthly government. The problem comes if the earthly conflicts with the heavenly.

Our solution is a simple one. We are subjects, first and foremost, of the Kingdom of God. A saint of God turns first to Scripture before he or she responds to a local government. It is our first loyalty to God that makes saints the best subjects of all.

Think: Am I, first and foremost, a good citizen of God’s Kingdom?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a loyal and faithful subject of Your Kingdom.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Are You Blessed?

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Are You Blessed?” By Kirk Hunt

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:34 NKJV
Please read Matthew 25:31–46

This Scripture is counter-intuitive to the common wisdom. The blessed are first, givers. Eternal reward is tied to providing for others.

Jesus wanted His disciples to earn eternal blessings. And, of course, that involves Him receiving from His faithful. The trick is that Jesus poses as the poor, the imprisoned and the distressed.

If you give, the way Jesus wants you to give, you run a risk. You may never receive anything here on Earth. Jesus only guarantees you will receive your eternal inheritance, after He returns.

It is that simple. Give now. Receive later.

Give to Jesus. Despite when He looks and smells like the homeless. Even when He looks like a convict behind bars. Especially when you have to “gown up” to be in the same room with Him.

There are tens (or hundreds, or thousands) you can bless with the gifts and benefits you think are so little. Before His throne, you will understand how your small contributions echo large in this present life, and the life to come.

Be a giver. Even though the receivers do not look like the image you have of Jesus. You are, and will be, blessed because you bless now.

Think: Jesus want me to temporarily bless others so I can receive an eternal blessing.

Pray: “Lord, I will bless others in obedience to You.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Are You Significant?

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Are You Significant?” By Kirk Hunt

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus

Acts 4:36 NKJV

He was a key figure. His name and words swayed the Apostles themselves. Barnabas was significant in the early Church.

Still, it appears he had no titles or rank. He had a flashy nickname, but no official ability or authority to make decisions. Still, he managed to be in the middle of the growth of the Christian Church.

Barnabas convinced the Apostles to trust the conversion of Saul the Persecutor, into Paul the Evangelist. He travelled the Roman world, getting arrested with Paul for preaching the Gospel. When the Apostles needed a reliable, Godly man to look into events, they often sent Barnabas.

You can be significant in the Kingdom. Make yourself available for Gospel work. Be willing to do what needs to be done, regardless of who gets credit. Be an encouragement to others.

His words carried impact and weight. His presence was sought after by men who had been with Jesus. Barnabas was a man of Godly significance and eternal impact. A title or position might have messed that up.

Significance, especially in the things of God, is not measured by position, title or rank. It is measured by impact, influence and faithfulness. Be a Barnabas. The Kingdom can use all who are willing to be sent into the Gospel fields.

Think: I can be significant in the Kingdom, regardless of my position or titles.

Pray: “Lord, I am here to build Your Kingdom. Send me.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Are You Faithful?

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Are You Faithful?” By Kirk Hunt

Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house.

Numbers 12:7 NKJV

Aaron and Miriam received the direct attention of God. His Shekinah glory cloud stood in the door of the Tabernacle and spoke with them about their brother’s faithfulness. Moses, the servant of God, was commended for his faithfulness.

Moses’ force of personality did not carry the day. His skills and abilities are not what God recognized. Moses was commended for his determination to be a man of God, carrying out God’s commands.

Moses’ siblings had started the fight. “We have skills.” “We have talents.” “We did not marry a foreigner.” God, in his sovereign omnipotence, settled the fight: “Faithfulness is what I value.”

Skills and talents are nice and good, but that is not what pleases God. Like any loving father, He is delighted when His sons and daughters are busy working at their assignments with diligence and sincerity.

Do not make it complicated. Build your skills and talents if you can. Work skillfully and cleverly, whenever possible. Remember that faithfulness is what pleases God most.

He seeks after hearts that seek Him. He is most honored by men and women, His sons and daughters, who use all they have for his purposes. You can choose to be the servant of God. Just be faithful.

Think: God honors my faithfulness, no matter what others see or do not see.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be faithful, first and foremost, to You.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Goliath’s Sword

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Goliath’s Sword” By Kirk Hunt

Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

I Samuel 17:51 NKJV

David stood over the prostate Goliath. The giant from Gath had been so contemptuous of David that he hadn’t bothered to draw his sword. David did not hesitate to use God’s provision against his enemy.

To David’s natural eyes, Goliath must have seemed the size of a tank, in size, arms and armor. To David’s spiritual eyes, the blasphemous Goliath was a walking dead man. Little did David realize that the giant’s sword would become his to use for the kingdom.

Goliath’s sword represents the tools and resources that God provides through your opposition. Like David, the giants in your life will not only fall, but their arms and armor will become yours to use for the Kingdom. God will make your enemies fund and equip you.

David used Goliath’s sword to finish off Goliath. David carried Goliath’s sword during his fugitive mercenary years. In my mind’s eye, I can see it hanging as a trophy, or ready for use, in David’s royal audience chamber.

Jehovah-Jireh is the God who provides. At times He sends angles with provision. Other times He sends faithful men and women to sustain you. The rest of the time, He makes your opposition provide for your needs and wants.

Think: God will provide the tools and resources I need to complete my calling.

Pray: “Lord, help me recognize Your provision, no matter who brings it.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Sometimes I Worry

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Sometimes I Worry” By Kirk Hunt

Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:30 NKJV

I believe myself to be a man of faith. Certainly, I was raised by and among people of faith. So why do I sometimes worry?

Like Peter, I sometimes look around and see the storm that rages around me. The world can be a scary, predatory place. So say the facts and figures.

Faith does not do away with facts and figures. Instead, Scripture says that I should not fret and worry but trust God. I know this in my head. Still, sometimes, my heart pulls in a different direction.

Faith is not the absence of difficulty or uncertainty. Faith sees through the smoke and haze to the source of all power and security. Real Faith™ always remembers that God is the sovereign source.

So I renew my confidence in God and act like a man of faith. Storm winds may still batter me, but I put my focus on the Master of storms. My faith may be imperfect, but the perfect source of all security and comfort remains my God and savior.

Think: God is my source, so I should never worry, even during difficulties.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to keep my faith in You.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Your Capacity

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Your Capacity” By Kirk Hunt

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Exodus 18:21 NKJV

Moses called for men of skill, ability and Godly character. The men who came forward were able to help with the governance of the people of Israel. While they were all high quality folks, they did not all have the same capacity.

Too often we think that more capacity means more quality. An ambulance has a low passenger capacity, considering its weight and chassis. Its capacity is matched, in excellence, to its purpose.

You have a capacity for ministry and service in the Kingdom of God. Do not compare yourself to others. Your capability is matched, in excellence, to your purpose in Him.

Should you seek to better yourself in skills, knowledge and capability? Yes, of course. Still, do not look down on yourself, or others, because of what is not done. Bless God that for is accomplished.

The “Rulers” of ancient Israel helped with governance, administration and teaching God’s Word. Because of their different capacities there was high caliber and intensely personal contact with everyone in the Exodus. At need, men with different capabilities could be quickly called in to help.

You are called there. You are called to do what you do. Be excellent at it.

Think: Be a Godly man or woman of quality, regardless of the details of your capacity.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be a man or woman of excellence in Your Kingdom.”

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31