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

Hope In The Savior

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“Hope In The Savior” by Kirk Hunt

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

John 8:4-5 KJV

To the Pharisees, she was disposable. A human life of no worth or consequence. Her life and soul were a trifle to be cast away at their whim. Cold and callous hearts sought to destroy two lives with their charges.

To Jesus, she was precious. He had come specifically to save her. Her life and soul were so valuable to Him that he surrendered his place in eternity to preserve her.

Make no mistake, her sin and guilt were a garish and offensive spectacle before Him. Still, in the very same moment, His love for her exceeded all boundaries and measures. He responded to her situation with loving grace and tender mercy.

Then, as now, Jesus loves sinners just like you and I. His love for you exceeds all boundaries and measures. Your accusers want to hurl stones and condemnation. Your Savior wants to lavish you with grace and mercy.

He loves you as you are. Right where you are. Re-enthroned in eternity, Jesus waits specifically for you. All you have to lose are your guilt and sin.

Think: God loves sinners. Even me.

Pray: “Lord, lead me to restoration in You.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

Hope In The Darkness

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“Hope In The Darkness” by Kirk Hunt

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

Mark 10:46-47 KJV

In the Israel of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the options of a blind man were limited at best. Without the ability to see the world around him, begging served as Bartimaeus’ only real option for survival. Likely for years, Bartimaeus had existed solely on the occasional coin that clanked into his cup.

The years of humiliation and abasement should have broken him. The darkness should have swallowed his heart and spirit. Instead, Bartimaeus harbored hope in his soul.

What should have died, endured. The facts and data of his life should have strangled his aspirations. Instead, Bartimaeus nurtured his dreams and expectations in the darkness.

As Jesus came near, Bartimaeus responded from the depths of his soul. He bellowed for mercy. He screamed for deliverance.

Perhaps your circumstances seem dark. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in that condition. Are you ready for mercy? Are you prepared for deliverance?

Jesus is near. Cry out to Him from your heart . Prove to Him, and yourself, that your hope endures.

Think: Keep your hope in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, I choose to to put my hope in you.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

Shelter From The Storm

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“Shelter From The Storm” by Kirk Hunt

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock

Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

In my mind’s eye, I pray about the storm raging outside. When I finish my prayer, with a loud “amen,” it’s still raining. I feel the concussion of thunderclaps in my bones. The house groans and creaks from the fury of the wind.

I wring my hands and fret. My thoughts go to my neighbor across the way. His house went up so much faster than mine. His home has features and advantages mine lacks. Building on the Rock of Jesus has cost me time and money I could have used for other things.

I barely hear the knock over the violent pelt of rain. Grumbling that anyone is out in this storm, I go to the door. My neighbor and his family huddle and shiver on my porch.

Lightning flashes reveal the ruin that was his home. Built on the sand of human wisdom, their house stood no chance against the storm. My simpler, humbler home is now a sanctuary from the chaos outside.

The storm outside still rages, but I no longer mind as much. My hands are suddenly busy, ministering to the spiritually homeless. The sure foundation of my house has proven itself and Him.

Think: Obedience to God is its own reward.

Pray: “Lord, teach me the benefits of obeying Your Word.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

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Seek God

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“Seek God” by Kirk Hunt

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7 KJV

It is right and good that Christians emphasize God’s love for men and women. It is only through God’s grace and mercy that anyone approaches salvation. Still, there is more to the story.

God is also righteousness. His judgment is without error. His justice cannot be appealed.

It is a mistake to think that judgment and righteousness can, or should, be delayed indefinitely. Sooner or later, righteousness silences grace. Eventually, justice pushes past mercy.

While His Presence is near, seek Him. While His Voice speaks, listen. Your opportunity may not come again quickly, if at all.

God pardons us. God embraces the worst of sinners, including you and I. It is risky and foolish to put off God for another day.

Mercy cannot out-wrestle judgment forever. Grace cannot push off justice indefinitely. Sooner or later, God’s love contends with God’s righteousness.

Seek God. Today. Don’t take His Presence for granted.

Think: Seek God now. Encourage others to seek God now.

Pray: “Lord, help me seek You here and now.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

You Have Access

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“You Have Access” by Kirk Hunt

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Isaiah 56:6-7 KJV

There is no doubting, especially after reading the Old Testament, the privileged place of the Jewish people. They are His favored ones. Still, the blessed status of the Jews is not the whole story.

From the beginning, the Law and the Prophets made room and provision for foreigners and sojourners. Gentiles, known to some as goyim, have played critical roles in Jewish and Scriptural history. No matter how primary the Jewish people, God insisted there be access to Him for the rest of us.

You have access to God. Space has been reserved for you. Provision and place has already been made for your soul.

All you have to do is seek Him out. Even those who are favored must give place, just for you. Are you willing to seek out your place before His Throne?

Think: I already have free and clear access to God’s Throne.

Pray: “Lord, help me seek You out as one of Your adoptive children.”

Copyright © February 2009, Kirk Hunt