Christian Living Archives – Page 29 of 50 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Loving Hearts

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“Loving Hearts” By Kirk Hunt

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

John 8: 10-11 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

The entire concept of love, especially Christian love, has gotten jumbled in recent history. A loving heart is not blindly permissive, or afraid of holding people accountable. Loving hearts understand that people are imperfect, especially those who stand up for right and righteousness.

Jesus did not call for her stoning, but He did not let her off the hook. Godly conviction would lead her to understand her error and an opportunity to amend her life. Condemnation would have ended her life without any chance for a change in her future.

Scripture is clear on what is, and is not, sin. Scripture is also clear that God’s people are the recipients of grace and mercy. If we are to impact the culture as Jesus did, we must operate as Jesus did. With mercy. In grace.

Love often will convict, but never rushes to condemn. Grace does not condone sin but gives the gift of fresh opportunity. Mercy has the strength to hold back justice and draw in repentance and redemption.

Jesus demonstrated His loving heart to her, then you. Can they see your loving heart?

Think: Loving hearts seek to convict rather than condemn.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have a loving heart, like Your Son.”

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

Callus Hearts

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“Callus Hearts” By Kirk Hunt

This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

John 8:6 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

The Pharisees dragged her before Jesus and demanded judgment. They really did not care about truth, justice or righteousness; otherwise they would have put the adulterous man on trial as well. Their callus hearts really only wanted Jesus’ blood, but they would gladly spent her blood to get at Him.

Jesus taught against the Pharisees repeatedly and by name. They were a legalistic sect, often using their “commentary” on the Mosaic Law to negate or even reverse the intended meaning of the Law. Their rules, regulations and traditions added only burdens and hardships to anyone trying to live devoutly.

Jesus instead taught a new Gospel of love and grace that immediately appealed to the overworked and downtrodden. The Pharisees objected to their new second class status and sought to discredit, if not destroy, Jesus’ ministry. Being hard-hearted themselves, they decided Jesus would be most vulnerable to an opportunity to show mercy.

They did not care for the right things, only the things their callus hearts wanted. Jesus saw the clumsy trap for what it was. What they did not count on is that Jesus’ compassionate heart is linked to an intelligent mind and strongest of moral fiber.

Think: A callus heart is willing to hurt or wound others to get what it wants.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have a heart of compassion and grace for everyone.”

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

Rend Your Heart

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“Rend Your Heart” By Kirk Hunt

So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.

Joel 2:13 NKJV

Confession is the simple declaration of something you have done. “Career” criminals sometimes confess, but often repeat their crimes. Repentance begins with confession, but ends with a heart that refuses to do wrong again. You will have to rend or tear your heart.

Ancient Hebrews would tear their clothes, as a sign of grief or mourning. The “notches” in your suit coat are a relic of that custom. Tearing your shirt is one thing. “Tearing” your heart is another.

True repentance is painful. It will require you to face the muck and stench that too often stains human lives, especially your own. You have to come clean with an all-seeing, all-knowing God. While the return to God may be less than pleasant, His restoration will make it worthwhile.

His blood will wash your soul. His grace will refresh your spirit. His mercy will rebuild your heart. He is waiting for you to return to Him.

He wants to pour His grace over your life like a waterfall. His mercy will carry you over the deepest chasms of your existence. Like any loving father, all He needs to see is your repentant heart.

Return to Him. Let His grace and mercy restore you. No matter what happened yesterday, He loves you today. If you repent, you can live your tomorrows in His Presence.

Think: If I return to Him, He will restore me.

Pray: “Lord, I repent. Please restore me in Your Grace and Mercy.”

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

Caught In The Act

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“Caught In The Act” By Kirk Hunt

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.

John 8:3–4 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

Perhaps the Pharisees thought they had an airtight case. She had been caught in the act of adultery. They would trap that sinner-loving backwoods heretic by His compassionate, forgiving heart.

Of course, if they caught her in flagrante delicto, then where was the man? Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22-24 are very clear and straight-forward. Both the man and the woman were subject to the penalty for sin. Clearly, their agenda was ambushing Jesus rather than holiness or justice.

There are folks who specialize in exploiting the mistakes and errors of others. Comparing them to jackals and hyenas may be accurate, but is little better than name-calling. Your best defense is to simply stay out of sin.

Remaining right and righteous is not always that easy. Still, it is cheaper and easier than being caught in the act. You have the right and responsibility to stay out of sin. Let His power and grace carry you past error and wrongdoing. You will thank yourself and the Holy Spirit in the morning.

Think: It is up to me to stay out of sin.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live a life free of sin.”

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

When Monsters Witness

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“When Monsters Witness” By Kirk Hunt

And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Mark 5:20 NKJV

Jesus paused before getting in the boat. “Go home and be a witness,” He instructed the man he had just saved. Messiah then left the monster where He found him, but not as he found him.

Some folk recognized the formerly possessed man from across the street. Some only realized it was the same man after speaking with him for a while. All understood the complete change that had happened in his life.

Your witness is important. Only you can tell your story correctly. The evidence of your life cannot be denied.

You do not need to embellish or exaggerate. Just tell the straight story. Especially the part where God intervened in your life.

He-who-was-a-monster did not need to embellish or exaggerate. His calm, steady eyes told a story of healing and restoration. His rational, peaceful manner spoke loudly of supernatural power and grace.

Compassion from heaven fell on a man everyone else had written off. Power from God had healed and restored a lost cause. All he had to do was testify in short, simple words.

You have an account of what God has done for you. Be a witness. Just tell the truth.

Think: Who better than you can tell your story of God’s power?

Pray: “Father-God, help me tell the story of Your power in my life.”

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

When Monsters Come Home

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“When Monsters Come Home” By Kirk Hunt

“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 8:39 NKJV
Read also Luke 8: 26-39

Not too many minutes ago, he was a monster. Now the soul behind the calm eyes is only intense about serving Jesus. Still, Messiah sends His new convert away. “Go home and tell them how God has blessed you.”

For most of us, “home” is a place of joy, comfort and security. What happens when you return home from the deepest and darkest places the enemy has to offer? Are you happy to return where you started? Are they happy for the recovered soul or leery of the returning monster?

More souls than the monster need healing. Those who dwell near, or in, the (former) monster’s lair need reconciliation and restoration. The folks at home need to hear the story of how God’s power can heal anyone. And how specifically God healed the monster they know best.

The former monster walked through the town and was recognized by everyone. He stood before the door in borrowed clothes and called out to the first of his victims. And once again, he had an improbable story to tell.

This time, he could be calm and collected. This time, only the voices of kith and kin whispered in his ears. This time, only the power of God controlled his actions.

Think: Who better than the restored can tell the story of the power of God?

Pray: “Father-God, Your power is supreme in reconciliation and restoration.”

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

When Monsters Confront You

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“When Monsters Confront You” By Kirk Hunt

And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.

Luke 8:27 NKJV
Read also Luke 8: 26-39

Naked, encrusted in dirt if not filth, the monster came out to confront Jesus as he stepped of the boat. Of course, the monster had once been someone’s son, or brother, or husband, or father. That beloved soul is not visible in those crazed eyes.

Demon possession is not some fiction that exists only at the movie theatre. There are other dangers that transform men and women into monsters. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other addictions can transform the best of us into the worst of us.

Jesus, of course, undid the monster that confronted Him. After He cast the demon cast out, only the man remained. In those calmed eyes, the beloved soul could once again be seen.

You may know someone in the grip of possession. You may not recognize the soul who looks back at you from the mirror. Be it an addiction, or true spiritual possession, God’s power is the answer.

There are Godly men and women who stand ready to help. There are organizations such as Teen Challenge who assist those who want freedom and deliverance. Trust God and His power to recover any soul.

Think: Addictions and other possessions are subject to the power of God.

Pray: “Father-God, Your power is supreme, no matter what interferes in our lives.”

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

Free To Pray

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“Free To Pray” By Kirk Hunt

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Jeremiah sat in the prison courtyard, jailed for speaking God’s Word to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He may have been locked down, but Jeremiah was still free to pray. Speaking with God is always a good use of your time.

Too often, we forget to sit and talk with God. We rush from appointment, to event, to activity, without pause. Families, day jobs, or church work crowd out time with the God-who-provides. When we lay awake, too upset or anxious to sleep, we often miss the opportunity to pray.

Prayer takes time and intent. Speaking with God is an expression of love, but also an act of discipline. Prayer does not happen by accident, even when it happens in desperation.

Prayer should be a Christian man or woman’s main source of spiritual strength, Godly wisdom, and supernatural calm. Spiritual power is no accident. A deep and rich relationship with God is available to any woman or man who cares to spend time speaking with Father-God.

God calls to you. Right where you are. Just as you are. Will you not you stop and answer Him?

God may take you farther, and faster, than you want to go. He may sit you down longer and more quietly than you like. In either case, He will speak wonders in your ears and majesties in your heart. Your soul will be awestruck, and satisfied, by your time with Him.

Think: Have a conversation with God.

Pray: “Father-God, here I am. Speak with Your child.”

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

Poppa’s Voice

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“Poppa’s Voice” By Kirk Hunt

The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Psalm 29:4 NKJV

Poppa might repeat a trite phrase until you wanted to scream. He could talk with a pitch and tone that would drill rock. And of course, the more he meant it, the louder he said it. Still, I miss Poppa’s voice.

The years have taught me about Poppa’s voice. The trite phrases always said something significant and valuable. Over time I have learned to associate his pitch and tone with real wisdom and deep understanding. And the volume he used was a pale outline of his love and caring, no matter who he was speaking to at that moment.

I understand better now. The deep things of God and Scripture sometimes sound trite, but are always significant and beyond valuable. The truth of His Word may cut deep into my soul, but it always leaves behind wisdom and understanding. God’s Word and presence may thunder in my heart and mind, but His tender love and carful nurturing are worth being shaken.

God sends the soothing breeze. He is Master of the peaceful water’s edge. My God also sends the raging hurricane. The tsunami goes where He commands.

When last did you really stop and listen to the Father’s voice? Did His Word boom in your ears? Did the tone and pitch of His Voice pierce your soul?

Fierce or peaceful, know that He speaks with love, care and grace to His children. Especially to you. Especially right now.

Think: A real Father’s voice is full of love and benefit.

Pray: “Father-God, speak to my heart. I yearn to hear Your Voice.”

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

Giver Of Victory

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“Giver Of Victory” By Kirk Hunt

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20: 35 NKJV

It is my privilege to be a platelet donor. To be a giver, I must endure pin pricks, needle stabs and intrusive questions. Still, I get to literally share my good health with others.

Treatment with platelets is a serious business. Serious burn victims receive platelets. Cancer patients receive platelets. Organ transplant patients receive platelets. “I will stay on this end of the donation, thank you.”

My platelets are a gift to those who receive them. They are fighting for their lives. I pray my small contribution is just what they need to win the battle.

You have a gift, given from God. It is precious and life-giving to those who receive it. Do you give it?

There may be some inconvenience in the giving. You may be a little drained after the donation. They are fighting for health, restoration or even just hope. Your contribution may be just what they need to win the battle.

There are epic battles being fought around you. Far too often the stakes are greater, and more eternal, than a beating heart. It may not be the literal blood from your veins, but you can spare something they need. I pray your contribution is just what they need to win the battle.

Think: I really am more blessed to give than to receive.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for every opportunity to be a giver.”

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

Here I Am To Worship

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“Here I Am To Worship” By Kirk Hunt

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:1 NKJV

Song: “Here I Am To Worship”
Original Psalmist: Tim Hughes
Covering Psalmist: Israel Houghton

Why did you come? To worship God? To (re-)acknowledge Him as Lord of your life? Really?

Isaiah was performing rituals. His tasks and actions, standing in the middle of the original Temple, were intended to be devotion to God. Instead, somehow, he slipped into real worship and made true contact with God.

Your actions may be officially sanctioned. Your activities might be correct and proper. That does not make them sincere or authentic. Going through the motions is not the worship that God wants or deserves.

Momentum may carry you, but can be insincere. Ritual and habit can hide the authentic. God wants what you give to be from your heart.

He does not want the glossy, polished version, if it lacks heart. God wants the real article that comes from the bottom of your heart. Your worship should smell and taste like the real you.

Close your checklist. Stop in the middle of the sequence. Push the official and authorized to the side.

Look up and see Him. Let your heart fill with Him. Look past the things and people around you and reach out to the God you love and serve.

Authorized and sanctioned have their place. Rituals and ceremonies have their meaning. What God really wants is you.

Think: Is this really worship? Is this really why I came?

Pray: “Father-God, You are the reason I came. Really and sincerely.”

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

“I Make Myself Known”

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“‘I Make Myself Known’” By Kirk Hunt

Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.

Numbers 12:6 NKJV

Moses and God had face-to-Shekinah conversations. Moses had no means of compelling God to reveal Himself to a mere mortal. God chose to make Himself known to Moses.

Revelation and illumination are not common, but they are not reserved for an elite few. Hard work and dedication can get you some of the way there. In the end, God chooses.

Verse 7 records God saying, “My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house.” Faithfulness is a choice made by mere men and women who want to draw closer to God. No one, except you, can interfere with how well, or badly, you live before God.

The deeper things of God are not revealed through some secret formula or elite ritual. The candidate pool is drawn from ordinary men and women who seek Him out of simple love and unfeigned devotion. Robes and secret handshakes are far more hindrance than help in finding Him.

Do not make it harder or more complicated than needed. He chooses who to envelop with His glory-cloud. Let your quiet faithfulness and absolute sincerity testify for you before His throne.

Think: Faithful men and women tend to be chosen by God for deeper revelation.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for the revelation of Your Word and Spirit.”

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

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