Proclaimed Throughout

Proclaimed Throughout by Kirk Hunt

Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “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 8:38-39 NKJV

Go home and tell your story of God’s power.” With those brief and simple instructions from Jesus, he went home and fulfilled his calling and assignment. In simple obedience, the former terror proclaimed God’s power through the city.

Too often, we make it complicated. Of course, the folks at home may have to be won over. They may not quickly believe your calm eyes and steady manner. A lot of your noisy testimony and loud proclamations may consist of you sitting there, quietly.

Still, you will have to speak eventually. Just tell the simple story in straightforward words. “God’s power came and changed everything. Then I had to borrow some clothes.”

The folks at home remember who and what you were. Now they see, with their own eyes, how you have been transformed. Your changed life is a proclamation.

Go home. Tell your story.” Such a simple assignment. Such a profound impact.

Think: Proclaim God’s power throughout your city. If needed, speak words.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to proclaim Your power to everyone around me.

Copyright © March 2023, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Stick To The Calling

Stick To The Calling by Kirk Hunt

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

2 Samuel 23:9-10 NKJV

Eleazar, the son of Dodo, fought against the Philistines so long and so hard that his hand cramped around the hilt of his sword. When it finally came time to let go of his weapon, he could not. I have experienced this same effect using construction tools. May your service in God’s Kingdom induce the same “stick to it” at least once in your life.

Alone, after all others retreated, Eleazar fought on. He fought with courage greater than his fear. His determination was so fierce that his hand froze around his weapon. He fought to the end because he could not let the enemy win or leave his calling in God.

Here and now, under the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, we fight for God’s Kingdom. In this era we serve and minister rather than swing swords. Still, our level of effort can all too easily match Eleazar’s exertions on that nameless battlefield.

Make no mistake: God brings the victory. A mighty man or woman of God is willing to be His instrument. Let God use you to achieve the impossible.

Think: Mighty are the men and women who stick to it in service to Him.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to stick to my calling.”

Copyright © July 2022, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

The Lord Has Blessed The House

The Lord Has Blessed The House by Kirk Hunt

Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.

2 Samuel 6:12 NKJV

King David heard the news and concerned himself with Obed-Edom. Obed-Edom’s faithful service involved having the Ark of God (aka the Ark of The Covenant) in his home. God’s presence and power made itself known with blessing of the man’s house and household.

After the tragedy of Uzzah, David placed the Ark in Obed-Edom’s house. Obed-Edom faithfully maintained the physical symbol of God’s presence on earth in his home. For three months, the power of God directly rewarded him and his. So much so, that a king looked on with longing.

Your faithful service in God’s kingdom is never without reward. No amount of money can purchase His peace. No level of fame gives His joy. Even the rich, or high, or mighty will look at His presence in your life and covet what you have.

It may not seem like much to you, but be faithful anyway. If God gave your calling, then it is important. And God’s blessing of you, and your house, will make it worthwhile.

Think: God blesses the house of men and women who serve Him in spirit and truth.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to serve my calling in spirit and truth.”

Copyright © June 2022, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Do Likewise

Do Likewise by Kirk Hunt

So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him,
“Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37 NKJV
Read also Luke 10:25-37

You would think it was complicated. Jesus commands us to show mercy to those who have suffered misfortune. “Do likewise” is not tricky or complex.

Still, too many who call themselves Christians, refuse to follow a straightforward instruction from our Lord and Savior. The unhoused are forced to make their homes in the streets. Refugees are refused protection or due process. Millions suffer hunger and thirst across the world, and right here at home.

Facing a violent street gang is not the only way to “fall among thieves”. An unjust or merciless eviction inflicts a world of loss and suffering. Ask a victim of flood or fire if they feel beaten and robbed.

Jesus wants you to spend your time, talent and treasure helping your neighbor. Take your plenty and bind up someone else’s wounds. Spend your time to save the life of a helpless victim. Use your influence and reputation to benefit those who have fallen in hurt and harm.

Go and do likewise” is not hard to understand. Your neighbors are waiting. You are not still sitting on your couch are you?

Think: Am I following Jesus’ commandment to minister to others?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love You enough to minister in Your Name.”

Copyright © January 2022, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

A Black Christian Definition of White Privilege

A Black Christian Definition of White Privilege by Kirk Hunt

After one of my Gospel brothers asked about understanding white privilege I wrote this article for him. He knew I would blurt out the truth. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

You have likely heard someone use the phrase “white privilege” and wondered what they really meant. I define white privilege as the system of positive economic, social and political benefits that white people receive in preference to (over) non-white people. These days, most white folks are born into that privilege.

Are you white? Then you have benefited from white privilege. Like it or not. Want it or not. Devout Christian or not, the system has heaped benefits and advantage on you.

Often, I hear people cry out, “Yes, I am white, but we are (were) really poor. How can you say I have white privilege?”

You may have been poor, but you were likely better paid than your Black or Latinx neighbors. It may have been the same impoverished school, but the teachers took more time and effort with your kids. Even the same scowling policeman did not arrest you as often, or brutalize you as much, if he arrested you.

Said a different way, white folks usually get extra when they should not, are frequently protected when they should not be, or receive fewer blows than they should. And, if that was the end of it, people of color (PoC) would go about their business. Unfortunately, that is rarely the end of it.

White privilege all too often becomes white entitlement. Since most white folk grow up receiving when they should not, or being protected when they should not, or not paying the full price often enough, they come to think that is how it should be. White entitlement is the sense that white privilege is a right and is owed to white people.

In my adult life I have seen more than one example of white privilege that became white entitlement. I have met more than one white business owner who thought employees were his or hers to freely mistreat or misuse. I have interacted more than once with a white subordinate who assumed that his or her opinion carried as much weight as a superior’s. Consider the frequent videos of white folks who feel they are empowered and obligated to supervise the lives or conduct of PoC.

And when confronted, white privilege or white entitlement can easily turn toxic (and vicious). Consider the video evidence against Amy Cooper. Her response to a black man who pointed out that park rules apply to her? She made a dishonest call to police where she lied about the level of threat she and her canine faced.

White privilege came to Amy’s rescue. No one filed criminal charges against her for her false call to police. The canine she choked was removed for a time but has been returned to her.

White privilege (or entitlement) is a system of benefits and privileges unavailable to PoC. It is a violation of the Declaration of Independence of the United States: “all men are created equal.” The Bible, at James 2:1-5, condemns such favoritism.

While my white brothers and sisters have no choice about having white privilege, they have every choice in how they live out their Christian lives. Because you are called by God, you can use your privilege to build God’s Kingdom.

Now that you know, what will you choose to do? You might choose to continue sitting on your couch. I pray you will choose to become a Gospel champion.

Copyright © June 2020, Kirk Hunt

This article is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

God Teaches His Teacher

God Teaches His Teacher by Kirk Hunt

So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?   Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

Exodus 4:11–12 NKJV

After 80 years of living and two different careers, Moses still needed teaching and training.  Standing in front of the miracle of the burning bush, and in the very presence of God, Moses questioned Jehovah and His call.  Patiently, God taught His man how to succeed in a new career.

Even God’s strongest saints can rely too much on facts, figures and “common sense.”  We think younger men (or women) need to lead 603,550 Israelite men (plus wives, children and sojourners) out of Egypt.  Out of all the men and women God could have selected for such a task, Moses is the one He called.

Despite his royal education in Egypt, and extended training in Midian, Moses still needed God to teach him even more for the tasks ahead.  His age did not qualify him enough.  His formal education did not prepare him sufficiently.  Moses needed to be taught before he could complete his calling.

Out of all His saints, is God calling you?  Be obedient to your God and creator, and go.  Still, ask Him to train you for success.  Listen as He teaches you to succeed in your new career.

Think:      I will need God’s teaching and training to succeed in His calling.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to be a good student and worker in Your calling.”

 

Copyright © November 2019, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Praying In Anguish

Praying In Anguish by Kirk Hunt

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.

1 Samuel 1:10  NKJV

Hannah appeared before the altar and poured her heart out before God. No lyrical or poetic phrases were spoken. Not one theological utterance, elegant or otherwise, came out.  Hannah prayed and wept in anguish.

Hannah’s heart gushes out raw, unfiltered grief and sorrow. To the untrained eye, Hannah’s heart-cry looks like drunkenness.  Even Eli, the High Priest, assumes she is under the influence.

Despite her hurt and pain, Hannah chooses carefully and wisely. She appears before God. She tells Him all that is on her heart.

Never think God does not see you and your situation. Always remember that He cares for you and yours.  Know that He will move, in His timing, in your situation.

Hannah’s appeal to God draws a response. The prophet Samuel is the first of Hannah’s six children. God replaced her season of lack and sorrow with a season of plenty and joy.

No matter how deep your hurt or anguish, you can choose your response. Appear before God. Tell Him about it all.

He understands tears and sobs.  He sees the pain and sorrow that you keep hidden from everyone else.  He will respond to you.

Hannah eventually wrote a song of praise to God for His answer to her heart-cry. Father-God has an answer that will make your heart sing. Are you willing to tell Him all about it?

Think:      No matter how much I hurt, God cares and He will respond.

Pray:        “Lord, I am here. Please, hear my prayer.”

 

Copyright © October 2019, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

“Blessed And Blessing” Devotional Book

3D-748x1024I am excited to announce that my newest book, “Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions” is now available. The book is available in paperback, iBook, Kindle and at your favorite (e)Bookstore.

 

“Blessed and Blessing” is for the faithful men and women who are the hands, feet and face of  God’s present-day Kingdom. The devotionals direct saints into their calling, sustain them after they are there, and most of all, encourage them to finish strong.

 

-Cadreman

Up The Mountain

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Up The Mountain By Kirk Hunt

 

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Matthew 17: 1-2 NKJV

 

You cannot see everything you need to see in the valley. You cannot hear everything you need to hear in the middle of the clang and clack of regular life. Sometimes, you need to go up the mountain.

 

Christians often speak of a “mountain top” experience. Jesus’ transfiguration is the prototype event. It was a place and space where Jesus revealed more of Himself to his Apostles.

 

The extraordinary display had a practical purpose. Jesus wanted them to see and understand. Something they could not see, despite their close proximity to Jesus.

 

His glory is part of His divine nature. His continuing unity with Father-God is part of the redemption plan. Even the “inner circle” of Apostles were changed by the experience and revelation.

 

God wants to reveal Himself to you. He needs you to peer into His glory. He wants you to see and understand His purpose.

 

Maybe you need to find a special spot above the tree line. Perhaps you just need to sit still in a quiet spot. Either way, God is speaking to you. Are you listening?

 

Think:            God wants to revel Himself to me. Am I in the right place? Am I listening?

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me find the right place and space so you can reveal Yourself to me.

 

 

Copyright © January 2015, Kirk Hunt

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

Listen For Yourself

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Listen For Yourself by Kirk Hunt

 

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

1 Samuel 3:13 KJV

Read also 1 Samuel 3: 1–15

Verse 13 is not a promise from God.  It is a statement of certainty.  It is a pronouncement of judgment.

 

God had spoken directly to Eli.  There had been an opportunity to fix the situation.  If Eli heard, he certainly did not act.  God decided Eli needed to get the message by other means.

 

God chose to speak directly to a child.  If nothing else, Hannah’s boy listened.  The coming judgment for Eli and his sons is a tough first audience with the King of creation.

 

God is speaking.  He has a message for you.  He wants you to act in response and obedience to what you hear.  He wants you to listen for yourself.

 

Because He is a loving, gracious God, He gives us a chance to make it right.  Still, we have to exercise our wills in following His commands.  If we choose to continue in disobedience, God may change the route, and content, of what He says to you.

 

Listen, and obey, for yourself.  God will make sure you hear what He has to say.  Listen for yourself, while you can.

 

Think:                        God is speaking.  Am I listening?

 

Pray:              “Lord, I want to listen and act when you speak.”

 

 

Copyright © July 2012, Kirk Hunt

Yours To Keep

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“Yours To Keep” by Kirk Hunt

 

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Romans 11:29 KJV

 

Your talents are yours. Your calling is permanent. They are gifts from God. Did you say “thank you”?

 

Yes, I know Romans 11 is about the favored status of the Jews. That does not change the truth of God’s giving. God gives as He chooses. He has already given to you.

 

Your gifts speak loudly of what He thinks of you. Your calling is unique to you, and you alone. What do you say to Him in return?

 

What you have is yours to keep. That’s not the question. What are you going to do with them? What is your answer?

 

Despite what He has given, it will take hard work and persistence to make something of them. Doing nothing with what He has given is wasteful and insulting. Please, do not be that man or woman.

 

Launching out requires faith and courage. Becoming first-class always demands a price. Getting off the couch and into the deep waters is a great way of saying thank you.

 

You can choose to squander what He has given. You can choose to make use of what He has provided. I pray your answer involves using the talents you already own.

 

Think: God has giving me gifts and a calling.

 

Pray: “Father-God, help me to operate in what You have given me.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2011, Kirk Hunt