CadreMen Press Devotionals

Exposed

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“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

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“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

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“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?

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“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?

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“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?

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“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.

“Blessed And Blessing” Devotional Book

I 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

Goliath’s Sword

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“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

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“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

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“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.

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.

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