CadreMen Press Devotionals

Being Offensive

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“Being Offensive” by Kirk Hunt

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:57–58 KJV

Jesus grew up in Nazareth. Luke 2 states, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” How then did this same Jesus offend these same folks?

People want command and control over their environment. That includes you. Shockingly, for some folks, that includes God.

Jesus preached a new and disruptive doctrine of grace and love. As proof of his God-given authority to do so, He performed miracles on a large, if not massive scale. The men of Nazareth were offended, because Jesus operated without their permission or endorsement.

Jesus was offensive. He preached Real Truth™ to the powerful and everyone else. He did not need, want, or ask for, anyone’s permission.

When the City Fathers could not control Him, they got mad about it. Their offense and indignation fed their unbelief. When they refused to accept Jesus’ God-given truth and authority, they were also rejecting His miracles.

Living and speaking God’s truth will offend some people, 100% of the time. You are still called to be His living letter, written to, and read by, men and women. Be an accurate, gracious and loving record of God’s truth. It is up to your readers to decide how they will respond.

Think: God I want to hear and believe Your Word, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear and believe Your Truth, no matter how it makes me feel.”

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

Blessed Perception

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“Blessed Perception” by Kirk Hunt

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Matthew 13:16 KJV

There is no equipment failure. There is no some sensory denial field. There is the choice you make.

You choose to look into His Word. Or you choose to run. Probably screaming like a little kid. There is no third way.

Jesus was talking to His Disciples about the Pharisees. He was also talking to His disciples about their choices. You do not heal a sick soul by accident.

Looking into God’s truth can hurt. A lot. His Word is full of power and holiness. His truth will react fiercely with your sinful nature and imperfect character. There will be at least some fury and furor as His purity drives out your profane. I know this from experience.

The good news is that His Word will heal you. In ways you did not anticipate, yet alone desire. Folks will see your change and want to know why and how.

In the end, you will be grateful for your transformation. The folks around you will also be grateful for your healing. After giving them relief, your healing will also give them hope.

It is a blessing to look into God’s Word. Make the choice to be healed, by seeing and hearing His strong medicine. Try not to flinch too much.

Think: I want to hear God’s Word and truth because it will heal me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and hear Your Word so that I can be healed.”

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

See, Hear and Live

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“See, Hear and Live” by Kirk Hunt

For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Matthew 13:15 KJV

Healing can rarely be forced on someone. For best results, you must cooperate with healing. And the first step to true healing is knowing you need it.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ time knew all they wanted to know. They were the judges of wellness and sickness. Their interpretation of righteousness superseded every other version.

Jesus spoke to the elite few and they rejected Him, His message and they remained soul-sick. Jesus spoke to the ordinary many and they accepted Him, His message and they were soul-healed. The difference lay in the eyes and ears. One group wanted to hear, see and understand.

Want to stay sick? Easy. Run from His Word. Refuse to hear His truth.

Want to get well? Easy. Look into His Word. Insist on hearing His truth.

Of course, His truth has a sharp edge, no matter how softly worded. God’s Word hits hard, no matter what side of the tracks you live on. The question remains: do you want to be healed?

You have a choice today: healing or sickness. It is that simple. It is that easy.

Think: I want to hear God’s Word and truth because it heals me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and hear You so that I can be healed.”

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

A Mother’s Nerve

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“A Mother’s Nerve” by Kirk Hunt

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

Mark 7:26 KJV

She was not Jewish, or from Israel. She came from the Phoenician coast of Syria. In fact, she was a descendent of Greek conquerors.

To the Jews, this woman represented a corrupting foreign influence. Certainly, she knew how the locals viewed her. Still, she came to Jesus with her possessed daughter.

As only a mother can, she pushed to the head of the line. Boldly, she asked for a miracle from Jesus, knowing she had no rights or entitlement. She even refused to take “no” for an answer.

Somewhere along the line, someone needs you to have a mother’s nerve. Be willing to ask for big things from folks who have every reason to refuse you or yours. Be sure to have a strong expectation for your miracle.

This mother went away with her daughter cured. She had the faith to approach. She had the faith to ask. She even had the faith to stay and contend for her miracle.

Faith is more than mere belief. It is expectation that conflicts with the facts and data. It demands acts, that lead to an outcome, that does not follow the flow of events.

Mom got her miracle. Daughter got her healing. Who needs you to have faith like a mother?

Think: I should be bold and forward in seeking to bless and benefit others.

Pray: “Lord, give me the heart and courage to seek Your good for others.”

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

Keilah’s Champions

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“Keilah’s Champions” by Kirk Hunt

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:5 KJV

The Keilah militia was no match for first-line Philistine troops. At best, the men and women of Keilah would starve that winter. It was possible that the Philistines might not let anyone survive to be hungry.

David went to God. “Should I go save strangers?” Twice, the answer came back: “Yes.”

The marauders were mauled. David’s and his men out maneuvered, then out fought the raiders. The champions of Keilah saved the day. Only after did the helpers meet the helped.

As God’s man or woman, you are called to service in His Kingdom. Often, that will involve providing help and healing to folks you have never seen before. Service is at its most refined when given to pure strangers.

There is a modern-day Keilah crying out for you. The need is matter of life-and-death, even if military maneuvers are not needed. They need the light and life from Jesus that you carry. Nothing else will save those souls.

You may not be one of them, still you are their champion. You carry His power, healing and help within you. You’ll have to get close and personal for them to receive it.

You have what they need. Get out there and be a champion. There will be time to learn names afterward.

Think: In God’s service you might be a champion to complete strangers.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become the champion someone else needs.”

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

Elite Humility

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“Elite Humility” by Kirk Hunt

And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

2 Samuel 23:16 KJV

The courage, daring and skill of the three mighty men is clear. Their devotion to David cannot be questioned. Still, what to do with their extravagant gift is a quandary.

David sacrificed the canteen before God. Drink offerings were a regular part of the Mosaic Law. As far as David was concerned, that canteen held fluid more precious than anything the Law required.

David’s choice demonstrated something more: David’s humility. He was humbled by their devotion. He was humbled by the risks they took.

David responded with grateful worship to God, who had sent these champions. He also responded with self-denial. He refused to drink the water, as a gift too precious for common use.

Only a humble man (or woman) would see past the excitement of the moment. David’s humility demanded that their gift be consumed by some One worthy. David demonstrated his character, strength and wisdom by refusing what he wanted so badly.

Humility is a sober and measured opinion of your own value. The bigger you are in God’s Kingdom, the more important your grip on your self-valuation. David understood the need for humility, and lived it out. Can you say the same?

Think: Humility is a strength, and grace, for God’s people.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live and serve your Kingdom in humility.”

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

Adullam’s Champions

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“Adullam’s Champions” by Kirk Hunt

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David:

2 Samuel 23:15–16 KJV

Please also read 2 Samuel 23:8–17

Adino, Eleazar and Shammah. The elite three among David’s forces. The kind of men to go deep behind enemy lines to get a canteen of water.

These are not the same men recruited at Adullam. They are no longer deadbeats, losers or whiners. David’s moment of nostalgia and homesickness becomes a chance to display their strength. And encourage the heart and spirit of their chosen leader.

Did these men spring out of the earth, champions? Scripture does not record that scene. Instead, Scripture records their act of selflessness and encouragement.

God intends for you to become a champion. Where you start is less important than following His plan for your life. Your service in His Kingdom is the primary tool to change you. For the better.

Perhaps you already are a champion. Have you engaged in a heroic effort, just to encourage someone? Only a champion would unobtrusively schedule a perilous victory for someone else’s benefit.

God’s Kingdom is full of opportunities, big and small. To encourage, bless and build up others in Christ. His intends for you to be a champion. Go do your faith hero stuff.

Think: Men and women are made champions in God’s service.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become the champion You intend.”

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

Adullam’s Recruits

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“Adullam’s Recruits” by Kirk Hunt

And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

I Samuel 22:2 KJV

David fled to the cave of Adullam, hunted and hated by King Saul. There, alone and in need of support, David received his recruits. Oh, joy.

There were not the best and the brightest. They were not even the middling and muted. The cast-offs of society made their way to David. Oh, boy.

Scripture says they were in distress, or in debt or discontented. I call them the losers, the deadbeats and the whiners. Not the usual starting blocks of an elite fighting unit. Oh, man.

Thankfully, the sentence does not end there. At least they brought themselves. That hints that they were willing to invest themselves in something. By coming to and staying at Adullam, they changed. Oh, well.

Davis became their captain. Clearly, these undesirable men were willing to accept leadership. Often, a teachable heart alone can help a man advance from where ever he started. Oh, great.

Adullam’s recruits represent the men and women who come to support you in your calling. They are unfinished and often undesirable, but with God’s help they can become champions. Oh, okay.

Think: Men and women finish champions in God’s service, no matter how they start.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see Your finished work in my brothers and sisters.”

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

He Thinks Of You

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“He Thinks Of You” by Kirk Hunt

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

(Please read Jeremiah 29:1-7)

The leadership of Judah and Jerusalem trudged along in the chains of their Babylonian captors. The march to the capitol of Babylon had only just started. Behind them, Jerusalem still burned. Before them, Judah’s towns and farms lay in smoking ruins.

At the first rest stop, a whisper ran like wildfire among the captives. “Jeremiah has a prophesy for God’s People.” With desperate attention, they listened to every word of the prophet they previously persecuted.

Despite the justice and judgment He had allowed to come against them, God’s People were never out of His eye or heart. His mercy had protected them from paying the full price of their sins. Already, plans were in motion to return Judah and Israel to Canaan and self-rule. Even those who would not live to return, could live out their lives in peace and prosperity.

Consider the plan God has for your life. No matter what has happened before, He intends to bless you, yours and others through your life. You have never been out of His eye or heart.

His mercy continues to shield you. His grace advances you. His peace blesses you.

Wherever you are, good times or bad, God has enacted His Plan for you. Choose to see the end He wants for you. Deliberately live the life God intends for you.

Think: God has plans for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and follow Your plan for me.”

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

Take No Bribes

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“Take No Bribes” by Kirk Hunt

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Ezekiel 13:19 KJV

As a Christian, you have a duty to tell the truth. God commands us to speak His truth, fully and completely. Everything else is error.

Too often, even God’s people are tempted to give in. The world will try to bribe us to speak and teach against Scripture. There is no earthly payment that should tempt you to speak against Scripture.

Should they know error when they hear it? Yes. Still, the responsibility remains on us to teach and preach only the pure Word of God. To keep from sin those not in its grip. To convict (not condemn) the guilty, so that they will give up their sinful lives.

The stakes are high. The results impact not just this lifetime, but eternity. Remember heaven, and hell, are for forever. What is the correct amount of bribe to deflect an innocent soul into eternal torment?

Sooner or later, you will have to choose. Speak the truth, or speak a lie. Before you take that bribe, look into God’s Shekinah, His glory-cloud, for your answer.

Think: God commands me to speak His Word clearly and purely.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a truth teller, no matter the cost.”

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

Watch Yourself

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“Watch Yourself” by Kirk Hunt

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Numbers 20:11 KJV

Please read Numbers 20:2-13

Moses’ instructions from God were to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock. Twice. God allowed water to flow out of the rock anyway.

Moses disobeyed God. He operated in anger and frustration because of Israel’s faithlessness and grumbling. No amount of reasoning can excuse Moses’ error. Still, in grace and mercy, God honored Moses in front of the people.

Moses, the Lawgiver, forgot to be a law follower. Even a great leader is not too highly placed to be obedient. The great Deliverer, stood before God and was judged for his public disobedience.

Watch yourself. No Christian is excused from obeying God. You first duty is obedience to God, who called and placed you where you are.

Do not let any situation lead you into disobedience. Obey when God speaks. Obey what God speaks.

Watch yourself. No matter what circumstances or annoyances get in the way, remain faithful and obedient. God will cover the rest.

God blocked Moses from entering the Promised Land for his error. Consider carefully God’s commands and assignments to you. Do the right thing the right way.

Think: First and last, I must obey God, no matter what.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be obedient to You at all times.”

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

Despised For His Name

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“Despised For His Name” by Kirk Hunt

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:11 KJV

Tuesday morning, at 9:40AM, I was a colleague. My character would have been described as open and compassionate. I was seen as intelligent and well-spoken. 10 minutes later, at 9:50AM, everything changed.

Did I really say and do so many mean-spirited things in 600 seconds? Could I suddenly become heartless, judgmental and condemning in those few minutes? All I am sure of is that the relationship, built slowly in the last two years, went up in proverbial smoke.

I confessed to my coworker, “I am a Christian.” What really got me were his eyes. I could see the loathing and disgust that suddenly clouded his view of me. He would gleefully turn me in to anyone rounding up Christians.

I happen to know some of the hurts and wounds in his background. Still, Scripture spells out clearly what is right and wrong. If righteousness will not bend for me, it will not change for him.

My coworker rejected Jesus, not me. That is why my heart is broken, for him. Unless God intervenes, he could be lost.

Scripture commands me to find a way to love him, anyway. Jesus’ Great Commission calls me to make him a disciple. I’m praying that God will open his eyes to the Gospel. While there is life, and the Holy Spirit, there is hope and a way.

Think: A Christ-like life overpowers opposition through His power, grace and love.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live like You, especially with my opponents.”

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