CadreMen Press Devotionals

Endure

Endure by Kirk Hunt

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others give up in discouragement, or fall in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Athletes deliberately develop endurance in order to better excel at their sport. The strategies of coaches, teams and individual competitors always include outlasting opponents. Military leaders may call it “toughness” but that does not change the fundamental character of endurance: Staying on task after others give up or fall down.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. The mind is willing to continue, but physics or biology cannot always be denied by sheer willpower.

Men and women of God have more than willpower to call upon. God grants to those who ask, in His purpose, for endurance. His power can suspend the laws of nature. His grace can give the gift of persistence. His mercy can push back the limiting results of poor decisions or human frailty.

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is logging time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through your power, grace and mercy.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

What Burdens Do You Carry?

What Burdens Do You Carry? by Kirk Hunt

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

Smith ducked out of the party. The great celebration of his return had overwhelmed him. For the first time in months, Smith set foot inside his own workshop. Jones, and a crooked smile, sat at the workbench.

New tools hung neatly on the pegboard. Fresh materials were stacked in the bins. Three books lay on the workbench.

The mortgage book was current through the next month. A pink slip stuck out of the car payment book. A scrapbook held notes and pictures detailing Smith’s family, for every month, since his absence.

Jones leaned over and opened the secret cabinet. Smith hung his head and looked away. A new Bible and various devotional texts were stored in the hiding place.

Jones stood, his eyes locked on Smith’s. Smith looked away then tried to say something, but no words came. Jones gripped Smith in a tight embrace. Some one whispered.

The two men separated, finally. Jones made his way to the door. The noise of the party surged into the workshop, only to be quickly swallowed by silence when the door closed.

Smith selected tools and raw stock. He laid out a project. For the first time, Smith’s workshop would make something for someone, besides Smith.

Think: Real Christians step up and carry someone else’s burdens.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, help me to help others.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

What Will You Reap?

What Will You Reap? by Kirk Hunt

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV

You are sowing something. God promises you will reap a harvest from what you sow. Unfortunately, too many folks see only the “God is going to spank you” interpretation. I would encourage you to see the “God is going to spoil you” viewpoint.

Scripture confirms, once and again, that God loves us. Rather than blast us, God would much rather bless his sons and daughters. If you sow the right seed, you will reap rich crops.

The principles of sowing and harvest can get lost for urban, tech-savvy folk. Farmers usually understand the long term, patient thinking needed to create a fruitful farm. They know that their heavy investment in seed and soil will payoff in a rich harvest.

If you live bad, you will reap badly. If you live right, you will reap richly. Your investment will have a payoff. What are you sowing?

God has promised to reward your investment in God’s Kingdom. Your salad days of investment will be followed by beefsteak nights of returns. Keep sowing spiritual goodness. Continue to plow and tend in God’s Vineyard.

There is a crop in your future. Do not let the gap between sowing and harvesting convince you otherwise. God is going to insist that you get a return on your investment. What are you planting?

Think: I will reap. What am I sowing?

Pray: “Lord, help me sow right and righteousness.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Wait For It

Wait For It by Kirk Hunt

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV

Wait for it. Whatever “it” is, it is coming. Try not to fidget.

Perhaps it is a long promised victory. Maybe it is a spiritual breakthrough. It could be the salvation of a wayward, but beloved soul. Whatever it is, that vision burns within your heart and mind.

“Wait for it” is easily said. “Wait for it” is not easily lived. Patience and obedience requires more spiritual steel and Godly strength than you think. Or wanted.

One problem is our human sense of events and circumstances. We do not have God’s eternal viewpoint. You do not see with God’s omniscient sight. This digital society’s obsession with speed does not help.

The appointed time makes perfect sense in God’s order of events. The threads of your destiny, and so many others, are being woven in the loom of God’s purpose. Eternal blessings take a little longer, but will satisfy when they arrive. Stay the course.

Wait for God’s timing. It will be worth it. You will understand why it took so long, when it arrives. Then again, in that moment of joy and wonder, you may no concern yourself with timing.

Of course, the hard work of your circumstances continue. Your yearning heart and seeking mind are eager for the conclusion. Your spirit is ready for fulfillment.

Wait for it. God promised it. It will arrive. Do not squirm.

Think: God’s promises will arrive.

Pray: “Lord, help me wait for Your promises.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Your Gift Makes Room

Your Gift Makes Room by Kirk Hunt

A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16

The gift that God gave you will make room for you. Yes, you first have to take it out of the box, and use it. You must also make sure you are using it for God’s purposes, and in a Godly manner. Your gift, not sharp elbows, will then make room for you.

The insidious corruption contained within hustle culture is the denial of God’s role in the affairs of men in women. Energetic people are especially prone to taking on too much responsibility. Too often, we think our elbows can manipulate earth, and too often heaven, to achieve our personal goals.

It is not just unchecked ambition that can drive us to ungodly acts. Ungodly expectations can also poison our actions. Lust and greed will lead you to the wrong people and miserable places. The space God intends for you is a better and more satisfying than you can imagine.

Stop and catch your breath. Consider that your God is the absolute master of heaven, earth, time and space. If He wants you to have it, you will. Work hard, but pull in your elbows.

Keep in mind He commands us to work, but He also promises He will pay. Do your part and He will do His. Use your God-given gift(s) for His purposes and in His manner. The gift, not sharp elbows, will deliver you to the right faces and spaces.

Think: Am I allowing God’s gift to take me places, or my lust and greed?

Pray: “Lord, guide me to use Your gift, Your way.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Pharaoh’s Pursuit

Pharaoh’s Pursuit by Kirk Hunt

And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained.

Exodus 14:23 and 28

God’s angel prevented the Egyptians from attacking Israel throughout, the night. In the morning, the angel allowed the Egyptians to follow Israel through the split in the Red Sea. Pharaoh’s army continued their pursuit, attempting to use the same miracle that allowed Israel to escape. The Egyptians’ choices caused them to be destroyed.

The plagues God sent against Egypt were not an accident. In fact, they were a systematic and thorough repudiation of the Egyptian pantheon. After they recanted Israel’s release, Pharaoh’s hot pursuit of Israel was stopped by God’s power, not might of arms. Still, Pharaoh insisted on further pursuing Israel.

Are you listening to what God is telling you? Are you seeing the messages He is sending? Do not be surprised at the price you may have to pay for your disobedience.

Like the Egyptians, you can continue to ignore God’s will and messages. You can continue your pursuit, despite His divine opposition and displeasure. I guarantee you will not ignore the price you pay.

The Egyptians decided that they could use God’s miracle for their selfish pursuit. They paid for their greed, or blood-lust, with their lives. Be careful what you pursue. The price might may be very high.

Think: What are you chasing? What is God saying? What will be the price?

Pray: “Lord, guide me in Your pursuits and away from mine.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Hushai’s Friendship

Hushai’s Friendship by Kirk Hunt

David said to him, “If you go on with me, then you will become a burden to me. But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father’s servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me.

2 Samuel 15:33-34

Hushai left Jerusalem to flee with his friend, King David. David refused him, and instead asked him to put his life at risk to help defeat Absalom’s mutiny. Hushai, in a display of real friendship, agreed to thwart the rebels, especially Ahithophel.

Real friendship is a weighty thing. Too often, a friend drives past inconvenience and straight into serious risk and true danger. An authentic companion faces your hellhounds and snarls back.

In addition to fidelity and courage, the best friends have ability and skill. Hushai may not have claimed the extraordinary intellect and insight of Ahithophel, but he had the clout and voice of a king’s advisor. If anyone had the mind and wisdom to foil David’s enemies, it would be Hushai.

David had many advisors, but only one friend. Consider the people around you. Which of them would put their life on the line for you? Who among them could make that kind of risk pay off?

Of course, to get and keep the best folk, you must be a Godly man or women of loyalty and skill. Hushai’s friendship is a weighty thing for God’s best folk. Are you a Hushai-like friend to someone?

Think: Surround yourself with Godly men and women. You will need each other.

Pray: “Lord, surround me with men and women full of Your character and wisdom.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Ahithophel’s Advice

Ahithophel’s Advice by Kirk Hunt

Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:23

Ahithophel was a clever, sage man. As if God Himself was revealing truth, folks listened when Ahithophel spoke. And that skill and expertise did not change when Ahithophel changed sides.

Do not confuse high skill with righteous character. King David made use of Ahithophel’s expertise and insight to make Israel a powerful, rich nation. Absalom made use of Ahithophel’s same abilities to overthrow his father and seize the throne.

Knowledge, insight and intellect are valuable tools, but righteous character and Godly intent are better. Ahithophel expertly guided Absalom to usurp political power and attempted patricide. The trusted advisor turned on the true King and made violence between father and son inevitable.

Betrayers are always detested and hated. All the good they ever did is buried under their failure to keep faith with those who trusted them. Loyal and trustworthy men and women are always honored.

Because Ahithophel turned against David, brave soldiers and a king’s son had to die. The kingdom was disrupted by the mutiny and attempted coup. And David wept bitterly over the loss of his son.

I pray all of God’s people are smart, clever and insightful. But I pray more that all of God’s people are Godly in their character and righteous in their actions. A less clever fix may take less time, but a righteous solution will cost less and last longer.

Think: Clever intelligence is good, but Godly character is better.

Pray: “Lord, I seek Your Wisdom but I plead more for Your character.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Blind Teaching

Blind Teaching by Kirk Hunt

If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

John 9:33-34
Please also read John 9:1-41

The formerly blind man offended the Pharisees by teaching truth. Confronted with the facts and data of Jesus’ miracle power, they excommunicated the walking, talking miracle standing before them. Keep in mind, the spirit of the Pharisees is alive and working in the world today.

The Pharisees were looking for a way to discredit Jesus. In their efforts to call Jesus a corrupt sinner, they tried to pervert the meaning and truth of an obvious miracle. The formerly blind man, clung stubbornly to his account and conclusion.

A Pharisee can always find a reason to reject you: “too young,” “too old,” “too fat,” “too skinny,” “not registered by the correct group.” Unless you say what they want you to say.

You know what Jesus did for you. Tell your story, just the way it happened. Trust that God performed His miracle in you, because He is good and true.

They may kick you out of their club of pretenders. They may not approve of you living in the truth of your transformation. Keep right on teaching the truth. If needed, use words.

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Their objections do not change the truth. Stubbornly cling to God’s miracle in your life.

Think: God’s miracle in your life is truth. Teach it no matter who objects.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out Your miracle and truth in my life.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Faithful Crumbs

Faithful Crumbs by Kirk Hunt

But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

Mark 7:27-28
Please also read Mark 7:24-30

She wanted restoration for her daughter. So, she deliberately violated custom, convention and protocol. She approached not just a Jewish man, but a Rabbi, and boldly asked directly. And when He said “No,” she begged for crumbs.

The Jews had not yet fully refused Messiah. Salvation was not yet open to foreigners. Her request was too soon, and for the wrong kind of person.

But her faith did not care for the niceties of theological correctness. Her daughter needed exorcism now and she was prepared to pay the needed price. And she proved the depth of her faith, and determination, by accepting her miracle on Jesus’ terms.

She had faith in the power of God. She knew Jesus could restore her daughter with a word. Real faith knows the crumbs from God’s table are enough.

She pressed on despite rejection. She persevered through resistance. And in the end, she was not too proud to beg.

She did not need a dignified miracle. Her faith knew God’s scraps would answer the need. She gladly paid full price for something off the closeout rack.

Like the Roman Centurion, she had faith in Jesus’ simple declaration. Real faith is about results, not spectacle. Her faith touched Messiah. So, Messiah touched her life.

Think: Do I have faith to persevere through it all?

Pray: “Lord, help me to follow my faith in You to the end.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Foreigner Faith

Foreigner Faith by Kirk Hunt

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 8:8-9
Please also read Matthew 8:5-13

The soldier of a powerful occupying army humbled himself to an itinerant preacher, and pleaded for healing. With his helmet under his arm, he asked in calm, clear-eyed faith. The Roman Centurion did not question Jesus’ power to heal, only his willingness to speak the word.

Some foreigners have talent and treasure enough to pay their way. But mere money cannot buy the things of God. The coins that touch the throne of Heaven are faith and sincerity. The Centurion knew with complete clarity that Jesus’ power came from heaven and he had no way of compelling or bribing Him in any way.

The Centurion, despite being an outsider, acted with faith and understanding. As a soldier, he knew power and authority when he saw it. As a man of faith, he understood that the healing power of Jesus was His to dispense, or withhold. His faith, as a pagan Roman, exceeded too many of the pious Jews around him.

Men and women of faith act on their faith. Like the Centurion, they ask, knowing God can. They see the power and authority of God around them and move accordingly.

Think: Do I have faith like the Centurion?

Pray: “Lord, help me to act out my faith in You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Foreigner Healing

Foreigner Healing by Kirk Hunt

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

Luke 17:17-18
Please also read Luke 17:11-19

Ten men, all lepers, cried out for mercy. They called out from a distance, protecting their neighbors from the cruel disease ravaging their bodies. Yet, their joined voices added power to their plea for mercy and healing.

Jesus poured out mercy on their souls. Healing flowed over them, ignoring race, nationality, language or creed. And in a moment they were racing to be officially restored to their family and friends.

After too long a time of being shunned, I would rush to end my isolation. After the slow rotting death of leprosy, I would hurry to complete the ceremonies. Still, I hope it would occur to me to stop and show gratitude for mercy and healing.

I do not think it is an accident that the foreigner is the only one to return to Jesus. The man with no claim to consideration rejoiced at his restoration. A foreigner in Israel, his isolation would lessen, not disappear. Healed and restored, he would remain an outsider to his neighbors.

So he took time for gratitude. He delayed his process to bless the giver of mercy and healing. He knew God’s power in his life would tolerate a praise and worship break.

Of the ten, his faith may have been the greatest. His faith came from the deep places of hope and longing. Only a foreigner, who receives blessings from outside the regular circle, might understand his faith.

Think: Do I have faith like a foreigner?

Pray: “Lord, help me to expect and give, mercy, grace and healing.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.