CadreMen Press Devotionals

Rebuking Leadership

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“Rebuking Leadership” by Kirk Hunt

After serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers, and said to them, “Each of you is exacting usury from his brother.” So I called a great assembly against them.

Nehemiah 5:7 NKJV

The leadership, who knew better, violated the Mosaic Law by charging interest on loans, taking land titles from fellow Jews, and assisting in the enslavement of Jewish men and women. Does this situation sound familiar? It should.

Nehemiah responded to this injustice. He could see now why Jerusalem remained a broken-down city. The leaders were focused on stealing from the followers. No one was focusing on moving the nation forward.

A sense of outrage is not enough. When you see injustice, you must then do something. Do more than cluck your tongue. Direct action requires more than wringing your hands.

He called a nationwide assembly, and exposed the leadership’s greed, hypocrisy and Law-breaking. The one man, almost completely alone and friendless, rebuked the many wrongdoers.

Using a focus group of one, Nehemiah chose action. Direct action. Personal action. Nehemiah refused to sweep it under the rug.

He moved against the leadership. Armed only with right and righteousness, he challenged the sin and injustice around himself. In the end, the leadership restored the land titles and stopped demanding interest (Nehemiah 5: 11-13).

What should we do, given that we do under grace and truth? First, we should seek to conduct ourselves with justice. Second, we should confront injustice when and where we can. Begin by speaking truth to power.

Think: What action do I take to correct injustice?

Pray: “Lord, help me to lead in Your truth and justice.”

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

Leadership Goals

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“Leadership Goals” by Kirk Hunt

And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.

Nehemiah 5:1 KJV

Nehemiah’s Jerusalem was a fixer-upper at best. Jerusalem, the capital of the restored nation, remained a wall-less, gate-less, half-ruined city (Nehemiah 1:3). The people in general were surrounded by hostile nations and individuals, like Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 2:10). Worst of all, the Jews were generally impoverished.

What would you expect of the nobles and rulers, the Jewish leadership, in a situation like this? Would they be fierce and selflessly focused on rebuilding the wealth and capacity of the nation? Would their every waking thought be bent toward the restoration of the nation and the wellbeing of the people?

The rulers and nobles, the leadership of the Jews, were enriching themselves. Wealth gained at the expense of their vulnerable kindred and countrymen. It was not enough that they were taking title to all of the farms and vineyards in the area (Nehemiah 5:5). They were forcing the sale of sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, into slavery.

Leadership is about achieving good for the organization (nation, business, family). Leaders are supposed to be concerned with making things better for those lead. Then, as now, some will selfishly exploit their positions of trust and privilege.

You lead someone, somewhere to some place. At home, on the job or even at Church, someone trusts you to lead with integrity and wisdom. Who is gaining (or losing) because of your leadership?

Think: Do I lead for God’s goals or my own?

Pray: “Lord, help me to lead in Your truth and wisdom.”

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

Getting Qualification

“Getting Qualification” by Kirk Hunt

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Exodus 32:19 NKJV

There is a lot of focus on qualification these days. Everyone expects that you are certified to provide a service, operate machinery or simply greet people at the door. If you have ever gotten bad service, seen dangerous use of equipment, or even been badly greeted, you understand why.

Sometimes saints, Christ’s followers in the current era, think they must go through years of intensive preparation before they are qualified. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are qualified for service in God’s Kingdom. Right here. Right now.

You applied for qualification when you invited Christ into your life. You became qualified when Christ took up residence in your heart. The rest is improving your service level.

God himself qualifies you. Exercise what you have been given. Seek to improve what has already been endorsed by the highest authority.

Do not make it complicated. Live your life out loud. Be a living example of what it means to be qualified by God. Always speak with your actions. If you must, speak with your mouth.

Develop your expertise at every opportunity. Seek to become the best and the brightest. But remember, He has already qualified you. Life out your qualification, here and now.

Think: God Himself has already qualified me for His service.

Pray: “Lord, help me live out the qualification you have given me.”

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

Proof Of His Love

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“Proof Of His Love” by Kirk Hunt

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

No complex theological constructions. No intricate philosophical weavings. Just cold, hard facts.

God loved you first. He proved his love, first. His love for you continues, even now.

Paul is an especially good example of this proof. He helped martyr Stephen. At his conversion, Paul was actively (and effectively) persecuting the Christian Church. Still, Christ died for Paul, also.

God loves you. Always has. Always will.

Christ died for you. No matter what you did before. Regardless of what you are doing now.

You can be reconciled to God. Only you can say, “No.” He has already spoken and proven his part.

How should you respond? I suggest gratitude and relief. His sacrifice makes salvation available to you. All you have to say is, “Yes.”

Here is the catch: After you say “yes” to his love, you must return his love. You will have to live differently. Let his love help you change completely.

Start living out your love for him. It is that easy. God is already living out his love for you.

The idea is simple. Do not make it complicated. There is no tricky language in the verse. He loved you first. Respond to that.

Think: God has already proven his love to me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to accept the proof you have already given me.”

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

God’s Protection

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“God’s Protection” by Kirk Hunt

Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.

Genesis 37:18 NKJV

In another 5 verses, the sons of Jacob would betray their brother. Murder would only be averted through greed. Thankfully, the strength of God’s protection would exceed the strength of the threat. Joseph lived in, and through, God’s protection.

Joseph’s protection was not intended to avert all inconvenience or hardship. Joseph would be separated from his father and brothers for 20 years. He would serve as a slave, then convict, for 13 years. Yet, in a day, he became the 2^nd most powerful man in Egypt.

Perhaps you feel you are the focus of a hostile conspiracy yourself. It may seem the only thing that anyone agrees on is that you are the target. Their numbers and firepower do not matter.

God is your shield. His protection will make sure you get to His purpose for you. There may be inconvenience, or hardship, on the path. At the end, you will fulfill your calling in safety and security.

God’s protection is deeper and stronger than their threat. Your hardship or inconvenience will serve only to benefit you in fulfilling your purpose. The conspiracies will not block your purpose, unless you let them.

Think: God’s protection exceeds every threat.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be at peace as I live in, and through, Your protection.”

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

Breakthroughs

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“Breakthroughs” by Kirk Hunt

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

John 14:12 NKJV

Roger Bannister decided he would work to break the “4-minute mile” because of a lost race. His breakthrough and world record of 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. Another runner broke his record less than 2 months later. When Bannister retired from competitive running, the world record had been lowered to 3:57.2. The world record in July 2013 is 3:43.13.

“Records are meant to be broken.” This proverb does not apply just to athletics. In almost every aspect of the human experience, the breakthroughs are followed by much higher achievement.

Jesus healed many. He preached the Gospel to many. He fed many.

Jesus’ disciples have healed more, preached to more and fed more. Jesus’ breakthroughs enable us. His advocacy for us empowers us.

If you are His disciple, you can do more than Jesus. In fact, He wants you to. That is why He advocates for us with Father-God.

The same power that flowed through Jesus flows through us. He did not just prove it could be done. He helps us to do more and better.

He wants you to exercise your calling for the Kingdom. He encourages you to “do also, and greater.” Go set a record, building His Kingdom.

Think: His breakthroughs enables us build God’s Kingdom

Pray: “Lord, thank You for empowering me for Your work.

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

Foreigners Defended

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“Foreigners Defended” by Kirk Hunt

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Acts 11:17 NKJV

Peter stood before the leadership at Jerusalem and explained himself. He had to mount a significant defense for his actions in Joppa. Effectively, these men wanted to know who authorized the Holy Spirit to empower Gentiles.

Too little age, credentials or background are reasons to reject you. Too much age, credentials or background are also reasons to reject you. To the self-appointed correct people, there is always a reason to reject you. Somebody, somewhere, thinks you should not be allowed.

Peter’s vision and direct Word from God would probably not satisfy the “old school” sitting around the table. Thankfully, Peter did not have to rely on clear-headed reasoning alone. The Holy Spirit chose these Gentiles and manifested Himself, the same way He did in the Upper Room.

Thankfully, God does not ask the “correct” people whether you should be empowered. The Holy Spirit gives access to those who seek Him in sincerity and truth. His power, active in your life, is its own defense for why you have access to Him.

If God gives you His power, He will also defend your access to Him. Accept your calling, purpose and power through the Holy Spirit. Let God defend you against the naysayers.

Think: God defends His people, even when they are foreigners.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for defending my access to You.

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

Foreigners Empowered

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“Foreigners Empowered” by Kirk Hunt

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Acts 10:44 NKJV

Except for the foreigners, Peter had lived through this scene before. The sound was the same. The reactions were the same. For the first time in Scripture, the Holy Spirit inhabited Gentiles believers.

Cornelius and the other Gentiles believers sought God with sincerity and devotion. Heaven heard and responded. The Holy Spirit took up residence in men and women who sought God with their whole heart.

They were goyim. Per the Jewish laws, these men and women were not worthy to receive empowerment from God. Still, there they were, full of the Holy Spirit.

God did not check the credentials, papers or passports of these believers. He did not ask about their parents or seek recommendations. God stepped close and used His omniscience to examine their hearts and souls. The rush of power followed immediately after.

God chooses whom He will empower. He is far less concerned about your history than your future. Your pedigree will not come up, but the sincerity of your heart certainly will.

Do you want to be empowered? Seek Him, with your whole heart, mind and spirit. You are not so foreign that you cannot not be accepted and empowered.

Think: God’s empowers foreigners, just like me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to seek your power and grace, despite my history and background.

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

God’s Vindication

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“God’s Vindication” by Kirk Hunt

Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Luke 1:24–25 NKJV

Elizabeth and Zacharias were devout, Godly people. Still, tongues wagged. They were judged and dismissed as unworthy. To some folk, their saintly lives were ruined by an empty cradle.

Perhaps you know how they feel. Maybe you did something unfortunate. Perhaps it is something someone else did. Either way, you live with the blame and shame.

Elizabeth’s miracle conception solved some issues, but brought on others. God’s timing and grace are always good, but often disruptive. Still, God’s vindication of their lives is astonishing and complete.

Your story is not over. God’s vindication, proof of His love for you, is on its way. All you have to do is live in faith now.

Elizabeth and Zacharias lived as if everything was okay. Their lives preached faith in God. They knew God loved and accepted them. Eventually, everyone saw God’s love and acceptance for them also.

No matter what people say. No matter what the mirror tells you. God loves you. God accepts you.

Choose to live your life in Christ. God’s vindication will arrive. He will provide glory and blessing that prove how much he accepts and loves you.

Think: God’s vindication is perfect, no matter how disruptive.

Pray: “Lord, help me to accept the proof of Your love for me.

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

In God’s Timing

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“In God’s Timing” by Kirk Hunt

Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived

Luke 1:24a NKJV

Silenced by an angel, Zacharias went home to his wife, Elizabeth. There, the prophesy he so cynically questioned came to pass. The angst and disappointment of a lifetime was swept away by a new life from old parents.

Scripture states that both Elizabeth and Zacharias were “well advanced in years.” “We are too old to conceive. The time for cradles and midnight feedings are long past.”

God has a plan for your life. He has charted it out carefully. It is full of exact places, dates and times.

Of course, the path and timing of His plan may not make sense to you. It may violate the sensibilities of everyone around you. It may be inconvenient and disruptive when it comes to pass.

It is still God’s timing. It remains His plan. Obedience and grace are your best responses to God’s revelation for your life.

You are never too young to achieve big. You are never too old to nurture new life. The empty cradle of your life can and will be filled, with more than you ever thought.

Zacharias and Elizabeth built a nursery in their old age. God kicked over the table of their life. It may have been inconvenient and disruptive, but they sang God’s praises with sincere thanksgiving and true joy.

You thought your time was past. The timing is when He says it is. And His timing is perfect.

Think: God’s timing is perfect, even when it disrupts my world.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live and work in Your timing.”

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

Keep Your Awe

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“Keep Your Awe” by Kirk Hunt

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.

Luke 1:18 NKJV

The terrified and awe-struck man of verse 12 is gone. In verse 18, a cynical skeptic answers the angel. How do you know Zacharias crossed the line? Read verse 20.

Every disciple of Jesus lives in obedience to the laws of gravity, thermodynamics and sock disappearance. Still, we serve a God who can suspend, re-write, or reverse the laws of the universe at will. The secret of balancing the two extremes is to simply maintain your sense of awe.

Faced with an angelic messenger, Gabriel no less, Zacharias was right to respond with reverence and even concern. Yet his terror turned to disdain, all too quickly and easily. The message defied the regular rules, but God declared it would happen. What else is there to discuss?

Real Faith™ includes at least some awe. Part of that awe comes from understanding that a big, infinite God loves small, finite people. If our big God concerns Himself with little me, then anything is possible. Anything includes very late-life babies.

The things of God often defy all rational explanation. It is not crazy talk. It is awesome.

Think: My awe is a correct response to God and His love and concern for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see You with the awe and wonder You deserve.”

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

The Real Source

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“The Real Source” by Kirk Hunt

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV

I learned my multiplication tables with Mrs. Powell. I learned to write a paragraph from Mrs. Fender. I learned the fundamentals of chemistry from Mr. Bibb.

Despite all my excellent teachers (I’m looking at you Mr. Knouse), Mom and Dad are still the educators of record. They provided food, shelter and incentive (twitch) for my education. They had helpers, but ultimately they were the reason behind my academics.

Don’t get me wrong, I logged a lot of hours on study and homework. I finally learned to take responsibility for my own education. Mom and Dad still remain the source for my scholarly journey.

Paul evangelized the Corinthians. Apollos discipled the Corinthians. God made saints of the Corinthians. When God does not send angels, He sends His people to do His work.

The partisanship that emerged among the Corinthians was disruptive, and came from misguided loyalty and appreciation for the instructors. I would never come to blows over who was the better teacher. Nor would they want me to do so.

Respect and appreciate those that God sends to show you the way. Learn to work hard on your own discipleship. Remember that God remains the source of your salvation. He is the real reason for your increase.

Think: I honor those who teach and train, but God is real reason for it all.

Pray: “Lord, help me to honor those who serve, but look to You the real source.”

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