CadreMen Press Devotionals

Called To Follow

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“Called To Follow” By Kirk Hunt

After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Luke 5:27 NKJV

Levi bar-Alpheus, better known as Matthew, was doing his job. Matthew’s employment effectively made him a collaborator with the Romans. Right in the middle of a regular workday, Jesus called Matthew.

There were no long speeches or grand statements. Jesus did not perform a miracle or otherwise demonstrate His power. Jesus commanded. Matthew responded.

Calling is not some mysterious, mystical event. It is a summons to follow Jesus Christ. Do not try to make it more complicated than that.

He speaks His calling in a clear voice. Still, the clatter and clank of the workday may compete. You will have to listen carefully.

Calling is straight-forward. Jesus calls us to leave our lives as we know them, and follow Him. Your calling will require change. It may require sacrifice.

All of the Apostles left their homes and livelihoods. They fanned out through the world, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They left, and went, in answer to their call.

Matthew was working a regular shift. Angels did not suddenly appear and blow trumpets. Still, his calling came, spoken by Jesus Himself.

Listen carefully. Jesus is closer than you think. His calling is clearer than you realize.

Think: Jesus calls me. What is my response?

Pray: “Lord, help me answer Your call, fully and completely.”

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

Transformed

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“Transformed” By Kirk Hunt

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

When I saw the photo, the theme from The Twilight Zone started playing. I assume only I could hear the tune. I recognized my Gospel brother easily. Frankly, I did not want to recognize the woman, now transformed, standing next to him.

The pre-transformation woman in the photo seemed ill-tempered and unloving. I did not want to believe she was ever my loving and gracious Gospel sister. The evidence insisted on staring at me from the living room shelf.

Transformation happens when the nature of a person (or thing) is completely changed. Wood can be transformed into heat. Wind can be transformed into electricity. Sinners can be transformed into saints.

You have a choice. You can remain as you are, or you can be transformed. God’s power stands ready to make something wonderful and saintly of you.

I have always known her as a lovely and loving woman of God. That snapshot tells me she was not always the angel I know. Her choice to embrace God’s plan for her life changed everything.

God loves you just as you are. Still, He loves you too much to leave you as you are. Choose Him and be transformed.

Think: I can be transformed by God’s power, if I choose Him.

Pray: “Lord, transform me, Your way.”

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

Hurt, Yet Handsome

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“Hurt Yet Handsome” By Kirk Hunt

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

Ruth 1:20 NKJV

Naomi left Israel with two sons and a husband. Three funerals later, she felt God had allowed her to be lashed with harsh, hard strokes. The pagan widow who walked with her, would have seemed as much a burden, as a benefit, back home in Bethlehem. Still, Naomi was a handsome figure.

Despite her staggering loses and injuries, Naomi’s spirit remained bright and beautiful. Her daughter-in-laws were drawn to the strength and dignity that no darkness could hide. Hurt, yet handsome, Naomi represented as much safety and comfort as their own families and country could provide.

Despite hard and harsh times, Naomi lived up to her given name. Despite her own woes and wounds, Naomi concerned herself with the well-being of others. Orpah (v. 4) and Ruth insisted on following their mother-in-law, a woman with a name meaning beautiful or agreeable.

Your circumstances may indeed be harsh and hard, but that doesn’t have to effect your mind or spirit. Despite tough times, your heart can remain a beacon of God’s joy and grace to others. God’s strength can work through you, wounds, tears and all.

The God of heaven sees you and your circumstances. Continue to let His light and love work through you anyway. You may feel hurt, but you remain handsome in His Eyes and theirs.

Think: Even in dark circumstances, God’s light can shine through me.

Pray: “Lord, help me remain an instrument of Your grace, despite my difficult circumstances.”

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

Peace In Your City

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“Peace In Your City” By Kirk Hunt

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV

How is the peace in your city? Is the place where you live quiet and tranquil like Mayberry? Or is your town a lot rougher around the edges?

Jeremiah was talking to the nation of Judah. Captive in Babylon, God’s people wanted freedom. Instead they received instructions from God to benefit their conquerors.

I pray your circumstances are much different, and exactly the same. God has set you where you are, to bring His Kingdom to that place. Not just through faithful prayer, but also through faith-fueled work.

Your “city” may be a municipality, but it could also be a workplace. Your neighborhood is a city that could use some peace. I suspect your (extended) family would cheerfully take all the peace you can bring inside its borders.

If your current place and space is not your natural culture, you will have to pray hard and work tirelessly. The more hostile the inhabitants, the more you will have to love then pray. God intends for you to be the change agent that place needs.

Your job is to transform everything around you. Pour His grace, power and light into your city until you have completely won it over. In doing so, His grace, power and light will benefit you in ways you have not dreamed.

Think: God has assigned me to bring peace to my city.

Pray: “Lord, help me to bring peace to my city.”

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

A Tender Mother

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“A Tender Mother” By Kirk Hunt

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV

The imagery in this verse is as tender as it is powerful. Paul had been tough and rough in other cities. In Thessalonica, the Apostle was gentle like a mother with her children.

Very often God’s people must be strong and tough. A significant part of the time, we must stand against the darkness, without expecting mercy or quarter. Too often, we must rebuke and chastise, even at the risk of being called harsh and judgmental.

There should be another side to Christians. God’s people should, in at least equal measure, have a deep and wide capacity for the gentle care of those around us. A steely backbone should not rule out the ability to be gentle and tender. In fact, it makes a gentle episode that much more effective.

When Paul needed an illustration of the capacity to be gentle, he did not have far to look. The nearest Mother fit the bill, nicely. No one, through the ages, would fail to understand the message.

If you are a Mother, (continue to) live up to the press releases and greeting cards. Have the capacity to be loving and gentle. If you are a Christian, you should be able to handle saints or sinners with tender, skillful strength. If you need an example, you know where to look.

Think: Gentleness is a Christian trait. Mothers are the best example.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have, and use, gentleness.”

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

Flint Face

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“Flint Face” By Kirk Hunt

For the Lord God will help Me;

Therefore I will not be disgraced;

Therefore I have set My face like a flint,

And I know that I will not be ashamed.

Isaiah 50:7 NKJV

The opposition seems to come from every angle. Neither kith, or kin, are returning your calls. Doubts and uncertainties seem to crowd around you. In these circumstances, your face feels more like mush than flesh.

Do you name Jesus as Lord? Then you are not alone. You cannot be abandoned. And you will never be disgraced or abandoned.

The assurances and guarantees of Scripture demand that you take action. You must be determined to face God’s purpose in your life. You must unswervingly look to His purpose for your existence.

You are called and adopted by the King of heaven. Still, despite your title and high position, you must act in faith and obedience. And you must be firmly focused, and determined, to carry out His plan for your life.

You must be firm, despite the opposition. You must have strength, greater than your fears. You must be steadfast, even if others flee.

Finally, your face must reflect your resolve to see God’s ordained outcome. You must act in faith and confidence in Him. You must set your face like flint, in determination to see His salvation.

Think: I will set my face, hard, toward God.

Pray: “Lord, help me remember that you will bring me a proud and honored outcome.”

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

Anger: Sometimes You Are Hot

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“Anger: Sometimes You Are Hot” By Kirk Hunt

When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.

John 2:15 NKJV

This was no off-the-cuff reaction. Jesus calmly thought out His response and actions. He prepared. Then He executed. Jesus used His anger for a noble purpose. Only the thieving merchants and corrupt Priests complained.

The merchants were violating the spirit and letter of the Mosaic Law. Paying kickbacks to the High Priest was corruption, plain and simple. Jesus refused to tolerate their open, cynical sin and thievery a moment longer.

There is a big difference between anger and rage. Anger can be controlled, channeled and harnessed for positive use. Anger fuels the determined, orderly, constructive actions of saints. Rage drives the impulsive, chaotic, destructiveness of a mob.

It is too easy, and destructive, to be full of rage. Not that it stops folks. Rage blinds you to the real needs in the situation. Rage blocks helpful, thoughtful solutions.

Jesus planned it out. Jesus did it openly. I imagine He stood around and waited for the Temple police (John 18:3) to conduct their investigation.

What are you angry about? There is lots of blatant sin and cynical injustice in the world to be angry about. Are you prepared to use that anger to fuel a thoughtful, constructive response? It is easy to be a mob. It is a little harder to be the solution.

Think: Anger is fuel for doing the right thing, the right way.

Pray: “Lord, help me use anger to honor and serve You and Your people.”

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

Light In The Dark

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“Light In The Dark” By Kirk Hunt

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord

Isaiah 38:1-2 NKJV

Sometimes, the news lacks any light or lightness. Verse 3 records that Hezekiah wept bitterly because of Isaiah’s message. In too many cases, despite our unending hope in God, the facts and data have only one (grim) conclusion. Christian men and women also face dark nights and gray days.

No matter how hopeless the news, we can always have a hopeful response. God is always happy to spend time with us, tears and all. His light shines through the darkest shadows.

King Hezekiah turned to the wall. He turned away from the doctors, the attendants, and even the prophet. He faced the wall so that he could talk unhindered, and undistracted, with God.

Hezekiah had one message from God, but he wanted a different outcome. He went to God in prayer. Despite the dark news, Hezekiah had hope in God’s power and grace.

Your news may lack any light. Don’t let that shake your hope and confidence in God. He is there, at your side. No matter how dark it seems.

If He won’t carry you over, He will carry you through. Spend time with Him. He is your hope, and light, despite the news.

Think: God, and His light, is always there for you.

Pray: God, here are my burdens. I cannot, but You can.

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

Deep Roots

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“Deep Roots” By Kirk Hunt

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3 NKJV

Desert trees grow near sidewalks, garden walls and houses. Often, someone deliberately plants them there. Despite that, you rarely see roots pushing through a foundation or sidewalk.

The relentless heat, scarce water and hard soil of the Arizona desert are hard on trees. To compensate, the trees have learned to send their roots deep underground. Once the tree has tapped into the plentiful moisture of the water table, it can flourish.

The soil, previously a barrier to growth, physically stabilizes the tree and provides limitless nutrition. Water, normally hard to get in this region, is now easily and readily available for any amount of growth. The sun’s brilliance provides more than enough energy for life and living.

Your circumstances may seem difficult and harsh right now. Send your roots deep into God. Those same circumstances will make you a champion for His Kingdom.

Continue to dig deep into His Word through Bible study. Let your spiritual roots tap into the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting. Bask in the brightness of His glory through praise and worship.

Your time will come. Despite the heat and hardness of this time and place, you will not wither. In fact, you will be shelter and hope for others. He will sustain you, and more, as you remain faithful.

Think: Are your roots deep in God? How do you know?

Pray: “Lord, help me send my roots deep into You and the Holy Spirit.”

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

The Gift Of Direction

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“The Gift Of Direction” By Kirk Hunt

Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you

Exodus 18:19a NKJV

Jethro did not ask a question. He did not make a request. Jethro gave direction and expected it to be followed.

Scripture does not say if Jethro gave his direction out of the public eye. Nor does it say if Jethro confronted Moses in public. Scripture does record that Jethro delivered his payload of direction without equivocation or ambiguity. It is not hard to imagine Jethro, pointing to his wrist sundial, and tapping his foot.

Leaders get input from a wide variety of people and sources. Often, that input comes whether you want it or not. I would not recommend that you accept direction from everyone. Still, there should be someone in your life who has the prerogative of being bossy.

Moses followed Jethro’s direction to train then task others. Maybe he was grateful for the direction. Maybe it did not set well with him. He followed his direction, regardless.

Godly men and women seek God’s direction. If He does not send angels as His couriers, He most likely will send men and women. And He does not always send the soft-spoken and gracious folks.

Good and wise direction comes from God. Scripture does not promise that your ego will be stroked at the same time. Still, seek God’s direction, regardless of the messenger.

Think: Even leaders need to take direction at times.

Pray: “Lord, help me hear the direction You send.”

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

Better Marks For Peter

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“Better Marks For Peter” By Kirk Hunt

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18 NKJV

Simon, son of Jonah, gets a lot of press among Christians. Most of that press is bad. Worse, some of it has come from me. Peter deserves better marks than he generally gets.

Make no mistake. Simon, called Peter by Christ, was a man of unique strength and capability. Jesus had good reasons to select him to lead the Church after His ascension. The reasons are not too hard to figure out.

When Peter did not understand, he asked. That marks Peter as discerning and teachable.

When they came to arrest Jesus, Scripture records only Peter attempted a defense. That marks him as courageous, loyal and willing to swing a sword.

When Peter declared Jesus as Messiah, Jesus commended Peter for being spoken to by God. That marks Peter as pursuing a deeper relationship with God.

Peter earned high marks for being a man of character who pursued a personal relationship with God. We laugh at his imperfections, but we should admire his strengths. We should also follow his example in our pursuit of God.

Let them laugh, if they must. You can pursue God and become the man or woman you see in your dreams. Chase after high marks in Jesus, and they will come.

Think: What marks do I get as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Pray: “Lord, help me to seek high marks from You.”

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

Your Deal Is Your Deal

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“Your Deal Is Your Deal” By Kirk Hunt

Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

John 21:22 NKJV

Peter, and the other disciples, are finally reunited with the risen Christ. Despite Peter’s failures the night of the trial, Jesus gives His man the charge, “Feed My sheep.” In the middle of this personal, powerful and poignant moment, Peter stops and asks a question (v21). “What is John’s deal?” (Insert facepalm here.)

The calling and life you live for Christ is unique and individual. What you have been tasked with is matched to you by Heaven. Your deal is unique, individual and exclusive to the only soul with your fingerprint.

Here is the tough part: Do not compare. Jimmy’s assignment is just as unique as yours. Janey’s calling is hers alone.

We can support and cheer each other. Still, where they go and what they do for the Kingdom is theirs alone. Just like you.

Of course, someone has to minister to lost souls on the beaches of Nice, Honolulu or Nassau. If that is you, I will pray for your good success for the Kingdom. If that is not your assignment, be faithful where you are. And I am praying for your good success for the Kingdom.

Fulfill what God has given you, where you are sent. What your brothers and sisters do is between them and God. You follow Jesus.

Think: God has given me a unique assignment for building His Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me to know my unique calling, and allow others theirs.”

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

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