Category: Christian Living

CadreMen Press Devotionals
These devotionals are intended for Christian men and women who are building God s Kingdom in the real world. New devotionals appear most Monday mornings. It is my prayer that you find these brief works encouraging, thought provoking, and from time-to-time, amusing. Feedback and comments are always welcome. Be blessed and blessing.

Kirk Hunt
Matthew 10:16

His Secret Place

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“His Secret Place” By Kirk Hunt

 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 NKJV

 

Have you ever wondered, where and what is God’s secret place? My only explanation is my experience there. I am quick to go to that place of safety and protection, since it is as close as a prayer from where I stand.

 

The Hebrew word cether means “cover” or “hiding place.” To dwell in His secret place is to be protected, and possibly undetected, by the adversities of life. There, under His influence and sway, the hard and harsh of life must stand back. And it is possible you cannot be seen at all.

 

Life in the real world is not always easy or pleasant. Even for God’s people. Still, we can step out of the heat and clamor, and into the cool and quiet of God.

 

You will have to go back out there. You will eventually have to face your circumstances, using the strength that God gives. Still, for a minute or three, you can be at rest in the security that only God can offer.

 

His secret place is sanctuary, rest and security for His people. There, under His influence and power, you can be at rest from the tasks and travails of your life. Only God can provide so complete a hidden sanctuary, in plain sight.

 

Think:             His secret place of protection and safety is only a prayer away.

 

Pray:             “Father-God, I thank You for Your place of sanctuary for me.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Go To Him

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“Go To Him” By Kirk Hunt

 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

 

This simple and absolute promise seems too easy.  Show up where Jesus is and I get relief?  That’s it? 

 

We keep thinking there’s a catch.  There must be more to it than that.  Sometimes, we re-read the verse looking for all of the missing clauses and conditions.  Somebody must have left something out.

 

You probably need His rest more than you know.  Ask around.  Listen graciously.

 

I must confess there is usually a big obstacle.  I knew it.  You have to be obedient and present yourself to Him.  Me?

 

He loves you.  Just the way you are.  He’s asking for you.  Go to Him.

 

Rest is different from release.  The weight in your pack will remain the same.  What will change is your ability to carry the load.  Your attitude and spirit will become transformed.

 

Christian men and women work hard.  Often, harder than unbelievers, yet we live under the same conditions as the unredeemed.  The difference is our response.  We reply through His grace and in His joy.

 

Maybe you are doing too much.  It could be you are pursuing the wrong goal.  Perhaps you have the wrong attitude about the entire affair.  Go to Him.

 

His Love reaches out to you.  His Joy will restore you.  His Presence will give you rest, heavy pack and all.

 

Think:             He promises me rest.  I should take Him up on His promise.

 

Pray:               “Father-God, help me to rest in You, per Your promises.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Take Him Or Her On Faith

“Take Him Or Her On Faith” By Kirk Hunt

 

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

Philemon 1:17 NKJV

 

Philemon looked from Paul’s letter to Onesimus’ face. Paul, who may have still had a negative reputation among some Christians, asked his Gospel son to take in a Gospel brother. On faith alone, Paul asked Philemon to simply accept and forgive the man who robbed him.

 

Philemon is arguably the most communication in Scripture. Paul sends Onesimus, an escaped slave, back home to Philemon, his owner. It is implied in the epistle, though not explicit, that Onesimus stole something during his escape.

 

Paul had to trust Onesimus to go back to his owner. Philemon had to trust Paul’s judgment and Onesimus’ change in character. Onesimus had to trust Paul’s judgment and Philemon’s generous and forgiving character. Do you see the thread?

 

Somewhere or sometime during your Christian walk, you will need to take someone on faith. You will have to trust that they are who they say they are, now. No matter what you feel, remember or see.

 

The most calculated judgments always carry a risk. You can never know for certain that it is really different now. You will have to take the chance that the words and character match and are real. You will have to open your arms, and heart, on faith alone.

 

Think:             Only faith with serve for some actions.

 

Pray:             “Father-God, help me to have faith in Your people, not just You.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

The Enemy’s Bayonet

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“The Enemy’s Bayonet” By Kirk Hunt

 

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Revelation 12:10 NKJV
(Please read Revelation 12:7–12)

 

The enemy of your soul has a bayonet called accusation. He has accused you, to God, constantly. Despite that, God loves you and wants you to succeed.

 

Should you deepen your righteousness and increase your purity? Of course you should. Still, God’s grace stands ready to redeem and restore you.

 

In the meanwhile, what happens to your purpose and calling in the Kingdom? Should it lay undone while you work to remove your imperfections and infirmities? Your enemy wants you to stop working at your calling and abandon your Kingdom purpose.

 

Perhaps you have recently been caught up in an error. Like many saints, you probably have a weakness in your character or personality that you constantly work on, or through. The enemy wants to use that to destroy you. He certainly reminds you of it, at every opportunity.

 

God knows about your soft-spot. That is why he lends you power, grace and mercy. He wants you to overcome that flaw, not give into your wounds.

 

Your enemy wants to use your weaknesses as a way to attack you. God wants you to overcome your imperfections and become a champion for the Kingdom. Choose His love over the bayonet of the enemy.

 

Think:             God loves you, imperfections and all.

 

Pray:             “Father-God, help me to overcome my weaknesses and the enemy’s accusations.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

The Need For Mercy

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“The Need For Mercy” By Kirk Hunt

 

So Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord! Please do not lay this sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned.

Numbers 12:11 NKJV
(Please read Numbers 12:1 – 10)

 

Aaron and Miriam chose to sin in public, in addition to humiliating their brother, Moses. They knew better. God decided their punishment would be public, humiliating and without mercy.

 

Aaron, the mediator for the people to God, now needed a mediator to God for himself (and his sister). The sibling squabble was now settled, or at least set aside, as Aaron begged his little brother to go to God for mercy.

 

Consider for a moment your family and other close relationships. Who needs your mercy? Whose mercy do you need? Have you not been separated long enough?

 

This was not the first time Moses had been asked to intercede with God for the erring people of Israel. Still, this time he pleaded for elite leadership. This time he pleaded for his closest kin.

 

Someone among your friends, family or yourself, needs mercy. Reach out in love. Speak in humility. Listen with grace. Take, or forget, the blame. Just get the job done.

 

You can create a miracle of reconciliation and restoration with just a little courage. Do what must be done to start the flow of life-giving mercy among you and yours. You are just a call or text away from healing and renewal.

 

Think:             I have the means and ability to give, or receive, mercy. Do I have the courage?

 

Pray:             “Lord, help me to give and receive mercy, especially regarding friends and family.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Miriam’s Judgment

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“Miriam’s Judgment” By Kirk Hunt

 

So the anger of the Lord was aroused against them, and He departed. And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper.

Numbers 12:9–10 NKJV
(Please read Numbers 12:1 – 8)

 

The Shekinah, God’s glory cloud, departed the Tabernacle. The presence of God had left, but His judgment remained. Miriam was completely engulfed in leprosy, a slow, disfiguring and finally deadly, disease. The ancient Hebrews say it as symbolic of sin in the life of men and women.

 

As High Priest, it was Aaron’s job to diagnose lepers, then banish them from any contact with family and friends. Aaron would now have to designate his own sister as unclean and drive her out of the camp. There, on the outside of life as she knew it, Miriam would suffer disfigurement, disability and eventually death.

 

God’s judgment of Aaron and Miriam’s rebellion against Moses had been swift and final. They wanted to dwell in God’s presence, like Moses. They found out, there are more things in God’s presence than mercy and revelation. There is also justice and judgment.

 

Aaron and Miriam were right to seek God’s presence for themselves. They were wrong to seek Him in an attitude of envy and presumption. There are many things in God’s presence. His judgment is not the least part of His presence.

 

Think:             God’s presence is to be sought, but in reverence and humility.

 

Pray:               “Lord, I seek You in humility and reverence. Accept me in grace and mercy.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Stay Afraid

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“Stay Afraid” By Kirk Hunt

I speak with him face to face,
Even plainly, and not in dark sayings;
And he sees the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid
To speak against My servant Moses?”

Numbers 12:8 NKJV
(Please read Numbers 12:1 – 7)

 

Miriam watched over her baby brother, Moses, in the bulrushes. Moses’s older brother, Aaron the High Priest served as Moses spokesman. Miriam and Aaron were skilled, insightful and anointed of God.  And not afraid to bad-mouth their brother.

 

They should have known better. Moses was the God-selected leader. They let their family spat boil-up into a mutiny against Moses’ God-spoken position and authority.

 

God-chosen leaders are God-chosen leaders. That does not make that man or woman perfect, but God’s authority rests on them. Rebellion against that anointed one is rebellion against God.

 

The Hebrew word for ‘afraid’, yare, can be translated as reverence. Miriam and Aaron lost their reverence for Moses’ position and place in God and before God’s people. They may not have been afraid to disrespect their brother, but they were afraid (not just reverent) to be confronted by God.

 

Should the spiritual leaders in your life live up to their assignments from God? Of course they should. Still, you should approach God’s men and women in light of their anointing by, and appointment from, God. Do not wind up standing before God as a mutineer.

 

Think:             My reverence for God should echo in my respect for His servants.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help my respect for You show in my respect for Your men and women.”

 

Copyright © April 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Looking Like God

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“Looking Like God” By Kirk Hunt

 

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV

 

My sons are my children. They have different personalities, different skills and different lives, yet they are clearly mine. Good looking as they are, they are mine because they act like me.

 

God’s people are His people. We have different personalities, different skills and different lives; still we are clearly His children. The closer we are to Jesus, the more we act like Him and even look like Him.

 

Yes, we all make mistakes. From time-to-time, we all slip into error. Still, when you turn and reestablish yourself on His principles, you remain His.

 

God’s saints must constantly resist, and even run from, sin and iniquity. While we hate the sin, just like Christ, we always love the sinner (Romans 5:8). That includes loving the sinner we see in the mirror.

 

How do we life by His principles? We study Scripture to learn them first hand. We pray so that He can speak them directly to our hearts. We fast, so that our human flesh comes to understand that we are living by Holy discipline. Finally, we lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to carry us over the places and spaces where we need strength.

 

Think:             The Lord knows you by how you live your life.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to live by Your principles so that You can recognize me as Yours.”

 

Copyright © March 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Before His God

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“Before His God” By Kirk Hunt

 

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

2 Samuel 6:16 NKJV

 

Poppa was mentally, and possibly physically, the toughest man I have ever known. He went places and did things in the face of incredible opposition. Still, Momma often called him a “crybaby.”

 

It was in the middle of a church service that it registered with me that I saw his tears. The tears were part of his thankfulness. He cried as worship to his God. It was deeply moving and significant when I realized that his hard, iron-grip hands were raised in adoration and praise to God.

 

David was a great and established king. He had achieved the throne against tremendous opposition. Still, when the Ark entered Jerusalem, he could not contain himself. He stripped to his (fancy) underwear and danced before His God. It must have been deeply moving and significant to watch this powerful warrior spin and jump before his God.

 

David ignored his wife’s jeering at his undignified display. Poppa paid Momma no attention when she poked fun at his manly tears. And in either case, no one else dared say anything. Hopefully, most were able to see the beauty of their unrestrained displays of devotion.

 

God deserves the biggest, deepest reservoirs of your love and devotion. What does it look like when you show Him all of yourself? All I know is that it is beautiful in His eyes.

 

Think:            Am I willing to express my deepest love to God?

 

Pray:               “Lord, You are worthy of my deepest reverence and love, plus more.

 

 

Copyright © March 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Fear’s Antidote

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“Fear’s Antidote” By Kirk Hunt

 

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 NKJV

 

Sometimes I fret and worry. The uncertainties of life are many. As a redeemed Christian, I remain vulnerable to the ebb and flow of the real world. Scripture proclaims that saints should not have fear. I know better that letting the fear in, but here we are.

 

My humanity makes me vulnerable to fear. I often stay away from the nightly news, because of the fear-inducing events and situations of the day. It is harder to stay away from the uncertainties of my day-to-day life. Life itself is a risk-filled endeavor.

 

I still have no excuse. I know that Father-God loves me. Through the grace of His Son, His love dwells in me. When I step out of or away from His love I am vulnerable to fear, in all of its unpleasantness.

 

John is right. Fear is torment. The antidote, of course, is God’s love. As I soak in His love, the fear is displaced. You would think I would have perfected my grip on God’s love by now.

 

So it appears my grip on love is not yet perfect. I am working on it. The antidote to fear is being perfect in God’s love. I am going to practice until I get it right.

 

Think:            The antidote to fear is the love of God.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me to rest and shelter in Your love.

 

 

Copyright © March 2015, Kirk Hunt

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