CadreMen Press Devotionals

Riding The Storm

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“Riding The Storm” by Kirk Hunt

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:22–23 KJV

The wind-driven salt water stung Paul’s face just like everyone else. The Apostle suffered with nausea from two weeks of violent pitching, like everyone else. The storm beat and battered everyone on the ship, without exception.

To the trained experts, the situation seemed forlorn of anything positive. Still, Paul stood up in the middle of the group with words of hope. Not because he was missing the storm, but because He was riding the storm.

We do God and ourselves a disservice. We try to limit how He can act. We set up rules that limit His salvation.

God’s angels can chat and visit with water-soaked believers. Even in the middle of a typhoon. His hope can shine through, even when rain and storm-clouds block the sun. If you let Him, God can ride the storm with you as well.

God does not have to stop the storm to ride with you. You can climb on to His hope at any time. When the wind is howling at its loudest, God’s power shines brightest.

Everyone on the ship made it safely to land. The angel did not lie to Paul. Paul passed on what he knew was a true and complete message: God is riding the storm with us.

Think: God’s power can shine in any circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live, knowing you ride the storm with me.”

“Hold My Mule”

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“ “Hold My Mule” ” by Kirk Hunt

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Acts 3:8–9 KJV

Watch “Hold My Mule” at <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHpSM0PXuAE>

The lame man at Beautiful Gate looked up, expecting cash. Instead, decades of handicap and disability came to a sudden end. His praise and thanksgiving disrupted the reverent atmosphere of the Temple.

Did someone ask him to hold his praise? Maybe. For all the good that did. He paid his debt of gratitude.

“Shoutin’ John” of “Hold My Mule” expressed his gratitude. He recognized how good God had been to him and his. He did not care where, when or who saw his unrestrained praise. All he needed was for someone to hold his mule during his shout and dance.

Grateful men and women are especially careful to thank their benefactor. Wise men and women understand just how good God has been to them and theirs. Consider how much God has done for you. Do you not owe Him praise?

Carefully consider all of God’s benefits to you, and those around you. You will probably realize you owe God a shout and dance of praise. Ask the nearest person to hold your keyboard while you pay what you owe.

Think: I have much to be grateful for.

Pray: “Lord, help me to praise you for all the good things You do for me and mine.

The Fellowship Demand

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“The Fellowship Demand” by Kirk Hunt

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:16 KJV

The Apostle Paul wrote more than once about the dangers, hardships and traumas of his Christian journey. He wrote of beatings, stonings, and miscellaneous murder attempts in an almost off-hand manner. He did not seek these attacks, but that he had learned to take them in stride.

It seems that he never quite got the hang of being alone. “Brutal beating? If it’s for the Cross.” “No fellowship? Not that!”

Paul could pray and angels (Acts 27:23) would appear. Despite that level of connection with God, he avoided being alone. More than any other hardship of his ministry. In this verse, he pre-forgave those who did not stand with him. In other passages, he named names.

Fellowship is not just laughter and shared meals. Real fellowship is something deeper. All too often, it requires shared sacrifice and joint labor.

Fellowship is part of the Christian walk. It some times requires giving generously. Just as often it requires the humility to receive. Who do you fellowship with?

Think: Fellowship is part of the Christian walk.

Pray: “Lord, help me to connect with other Christians, to give and receive.

The Preparation Of A Kiss

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“The Preparation Of A Kiss” by Kirk Hunt

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 KJV)

Luke 15:20 KJV

He cringed when he saw his father running full-out toward him. As the older man came to a stop, huffing and puffing, he tried to start his speech. His father stopped him with a kiss.

Despite the stench of the pig-sty. On top of the putrid smell of disobedience. Without regard to who saw, or what they thought.

The father’s love had never wavered. His hope and expectation had yearned toward this day. All that was left was a way to express, joy, love and unrestrained welcome in one succinct act.

Perhaps the boy expected rebuke and recrimination. Instead, he received acceptance and affirmation. The joy of restoration outweighed every other consideration or concern.

Father-God’s love for you has never wavered. His divine providence and omnipotent preparation has worked for the day that you would return to Him. And he has joy, love and unrestrained welcome stored up just for you.

It does not matter what has gone before. His heart is ready to receive you. All you have to do is turn toward Him. He has a kiss for you.

Think: Father-God yearns to kiss me.

Pray: “Lord, remind me that You love me, no matter what.

Now, With Profit

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“Now, With Profit” by Kirk Hunt

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: (Philemon 1:10-11 KJV)

Philemon 1:10–11 KJV

The relationship between Onesimus and Philemon clearly had problems. Onesimus was an escaped slave and a thief. Onesimus had a lot of nerve, walking back in Philemon’s door.

Still, the two men came back into each other’s lives. Apostle Paul insisted that the two men reconcile with each other. Paul must have sensed that there would be profit in their relationship.

Onesimus returned to his owner, prepared to answer on two felony charges. Philemon suddenly had to re-prove his reputation regarding generosity and compassion to Christians.

The call to profitable relationships is not always easy. The call is rarely with risks. Still, the call rings out, today.

You have a choice. You can leave the relationship the way it is, or you can re-build. You can write off the loss, or you can go for the profit.

God is always honored when His sons and daughters work it out. No one said that is easy. But he is honored.

Think: The call to profitable relationships is not always easy, but it is worthy.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in grace with others, especially believers.”

React to Respond to React

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“React to Respond to React” by Kirk Hunt

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

Romans 12:2 KJV

Most Christians understand that they should not react like the world. Normally, we say we should respond the way Christ would. I’m no longer convinced this goes far enough.

Martial artists, law enforcement and medical professionals are all trained to react. A response may be too slow. So they laboriously train to react the right way.

Their training is often old-school drills and repetition. Sooner or later, their minds and bodies ingrain the lessons. They stop having to think about what to do, and their minds and bodies simply do what must be done.

Christians can learn how to react, just as Christ would. Study and meditate on Scripture until your instinctual reaction is one of grace and love. As we grow closer to Christ, we can trust our thoughtless reactions to be from His heart.

You know the drill. Bible study. Prayer. Fasting. Over time, your godless reactions will change into saintly responses, but finally end in Christ-like reactions. You too can learn to react like Christ.

Think: I must move from a worldly response, to a Christ-like reaction.

Pray: “Lord, help me to react like You, every day, in every way.”

Prototype

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“Prototype” by Kirk Hunt

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 8:29 NIV

Prototypes are common in engineering, science and manufacturing. The more radical the design or concept you want to prove, the more likely you spend the time and money to build a complete working example. Aircraft, automobiles, and even appliances get prototypes.

Prototypes are like, and not like, the production models that will eventually follow. The sample model is usually fabricated, by hand, by the lead scientists and engineers. Prototypes are never quite standard, but they are of the highest quality. You can always tell a prototype from a regular production model.

Christ Jesus was as radical and revolutionary as they come. His doctrine and truth disrupted the fabric of ancient Israel and His teaching has not yet stopped changing the world. He proved that men and women could live a new, different life of freedom and power.

Jesus proved that mere men and women can live the Christian life. He came not as a one-of-a-kind man, but the first of a large number of siblings. He came as a first-among-many. Are you His brother or sister?

Think: Jesus proved Christianity can be done. All I have to do is live life in His Way.

Pray: “Lord, help me to become more like You as I live every day.”

When It Is Still Raining

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“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

After The Mountaintop

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“After The Mountaintop” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. (Luke 9:37 KJV)

Luke 9:37 KJV

Please read Luke 9: 28 – 37

I am in favor of mountain top experiences. Above the timberline you can see breathtaking vistas. In the thin air at the top, you can better see God’s visions and His glory. It is all good up there.

Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with wonder and awe. It is no surprise they wanted to stay on the mountain. Still, Jesus’ purpose, and theirs, was someplace else.

The moment of glory and ascendance was important. The ministry of the Disciples changed the world as we know it. But their ministries happened away from the mountain.

As much as we need mountain tops, our work is in the plains and valleys. Jesus stepped down from His glorious transfiguration and stepped into a sea of humanity. Off the mountain, He ministered to the hearts and minds of people.

Climb up and see His glory. Enjoy your episode on the mountain top. Just remember, your purpose is on the plains and in the valleys.

Think: I climb the mountain so I can minister when I climb down..

Pray: “Lord, help me to experience You in all Your glory, so I can serve and minister.”

Quiet Talk

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“Quiet Talk” by Kirk Hunt

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1 Kings 19: 12 – 13 KJV

Please read 1 Kings 19:11 – 18

Elijah sat in the cave while waves of catastrophe rolled over the mountain. Winds, lashed and shattered the stone of the mountain. An earthquake further broke the shredded rock. Finally, a wildfire scrubbed the remaining landscape.

Elijah, familiar with the things of God, knew noise when he heard it. The fury, heat and shaking were events, but not notable. God’s whisper brought the prophet to his feet. In reverence, Elijah covered his face and walked from darkness to the shekinah glory-cloud.

God is speaking today. Not with clamor and cacophony, but in calm and tranquility. You can hear Him. Hold still a few minutes. Turn everything off for a while.

When were you last in silence and stillness? Quiet, not just physically but mentally, allows you to hear His Voice. He has a message for you.

Think: I can hear God best in quietness.

Pray: “Lord, help me to listen, in stillness and quiet, to Your Voice.”

Enough For You

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“Enough For You” by Kirk Hunt

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

I rolled out of bed to pray. A sharp part of the bed frame gouged me, just above the left knee. The scar is two inches long, and an encourager. In that low place, God’s high grace filled my life.

My sophomore year in college I caught pneumonia. My illness disrupted my schedule on the multiple jobs I was working. Illness made the struggle to complete my classes that much harder. I had never labored so hard, for such small returns, on so many fronts.

Facing the Dean of the College was a discouragement. She was very concerned about her department statistics. She was not nearly as concerned about the hurting and struggling student sitting in front of her.

Still, God did not send His grace through angels. The doctor at the university medical clinic successfully treated my pneumonia. A business officer supplied encouragement, and the money (via all those jobs), that kept me in school. Various kith, kin and classmates helped me through my classes.

The scar is ugly, but it reminds me of a beautiful truth. God’s grace came, not when and as I wanted it, but where and when I needed it. Especially in the low places, God is ready to lift us high.

Think: God’s grace is sufficient for me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust in, and operate from, Your grace.”

Leadership Prayer

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“Leadership Prayer” by Kirk Hunt

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2 Timothy 2:1—2 KJV

Christians are called to pray for leadership. Are they in civil authority over you? Then you are to pray for them.

Paul would have been directing Christian men and women to pray for the Roman Caesar. Would you follow the Biblical commandment to pray for Nero, the great Roman persecutor of Christians? Just as you should pray for your local, state (province) or national leaders.

The commandment is to pray for them so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable” life, here in the real world. They do not have to be believers. You do not have to be in agreement with their policy or decisions. It is God’s job to sort that part out.

There seems to be chaos and uncertainty through much of the world, these days. Do you really believe that regular men and women have the answers for so many difficult issues? We need unearthly intelligence and thinking to save our world.

As always, God is the answer. Pray that those who hold authority in the world get their orders from God. Only he has the solution that let us lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to pray for my leadership.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, through prayer.”