CadreMen Press Devotionals

The Gold Door

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“The Gold Door” by Kirk Hunt

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

In my heart, there is a gold-plated door. The door has no lock and not much of a latch. That is because of the grace and beauty of the nation on the other side.

Elected officials lead with wisdom and a spirit of servant-hood. Business leaders act with humility and fairness, looking to build the nation at the risk of making a profit. Justice rules with kind words from noble hearts.

Beyond the golden door, men and women, act with grace and move in generosity. Hunger has been banished. Injustice has been exterminated. Peace and joy rule the hand. It is a place and space where Christ is King in the hearts of the citizens.

I know all too well what is on the other side of my real front door. That door has a lock. I have reinforced that door against intruders.

I refuse to believe the nation behind the golden door is impossible. I do, however know where the dream will start to become reality. It will appear first in the hearts of God’s people.

It is not impossible. First, Christians must first make Christ King of their own hearts. The nation will follow.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to remake the world around me in His image.

Pray: “Lord, help me to build your Kingdom, here and now.”

Haman’s Hate

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“Haman’s Hate” by Kirk Hunt

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:6 KJV

I am not surprised that Haman reacted with rage to Mordecai’s disobedience. Haman’s arrogance and contempt for others shines throughout Esther. Violating such a selfish and self-centered world view had to lead to anger.

It is Haman’s determination to commit genocide over a simple insult that I find monstrous. Anger does lead to hate. Hate leads to all manner of destructive acts.

Too many recent events prove that men and woman like Haman walk among us. They seek to destroy rather than build. They are willing to disrupt, or kill, rather than build or work. Haters always build gallows.

Haman’s hate represents the impact of unfettered rage on the lives of the hated, and the hater. Of course, the hater always blames the object of his or her hate. No matter how much they have to twist the facts and figures, haters always arrive at the same destination.

The tragedy is that destination is the gallows. For their own hanging. Sooner, or later.

Be the man or woman who reacts the way God would. In love. With grace.

Think: As a Christian, I am called to love even my enemies, not hate them.

Pray: “Lord, help me to respond in Your love, not my hate.”

Mordecai’s Gallows

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“Mordecai’s Gallows” by Kirk Hunt

And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:2 KJV

Mordecai’s defiant and conspicuous act of disobedience does not match his lofty place in high profile politics. Why would an advisor to King Ahasuerus deliberately and pointedly break the king’s command? Mordecai’s unbent knees and straight back certainly made a powerful, and vindictive, enemy of Haman.

His character and integrity lead him to stand straight while others folded. “Consequences be hanged. I won’t do it.” Right on cue, Haman built a 75 foot tall gallows.

What around you needs to be challenged? Is there an injustice near you, crying out for correction? If there is, I suspect God has planted you there “for such a time as this.”

God does not always send angels. Sometimes, He sends saints. Mere men and women, just like you and I, who love God enough to be obedient. Obedient enough to stay while they build a gallows.

Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, because it was wrong. Legal doesn’t mean legitimate. Doing the right thing can be inconvenient. For them. For you.

God needs a man or woman, just like you, to stand against sin and wrong. Let His Grace give you the courage to stay the course. Trust Him to work out the details.

Think: Sometimes, as a Christian, I am called to challenge wrong.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to see the wrong and resist it, in obedience to Your Grace.”

Use What You Get

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“Use What You Get” by Kirk Hunt

Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it [Manna] until morning.” However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Exodus 16: 19 – 20 NIV

Moses’ instructions were clear. Each household should gather only as much manna as would be eaten that day. No manna was to be stored.

Of course someone tried to hoard their manna. The heaven-sent food rotted overnight. Disgustingly.

God’s provision of manna to Israel is popularly seen as an allegory of God’s provision for modern-day saints. He gives us gifts and provision. God wants us to gather enough of what He provides, and not to hoard what He gives.

Your skills, education and credentials are a form of manna. They are a provision, ultimately from God, to nourish and benefit your household. Are you hoarding your manna?

There are men and women, ministers and ministries, that need the manna you hold. You have the ability to nourish and benefit other households. Are you willing to share, or will you hoard what God has given?

“…They kept part of it…” You have an opportunity to give from the riches that God has entrusted to you. What have you got to lose?

Think: I should not hoard what God has given.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to share with others what You have given.”

Some Dreams Tell The Story

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“Some Dreams Tell The Story” by Kirk Hunt

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

2 Kings 8:5 KJV

The Shunammite woman and her household returned from Philistia. Unfortunately, she found her property occupied by squatters (or worse). Ironically, she now needed to speak to the King (see 2 Kings 4:13).

In between cases, King Jehoram (aka Joram) commanded Gehazi to relate the record of Elisha’s ministries and miracles. Elisha’s resurrection of the dead became a featured story. In the middle of the account, the Shunammite walked in.

Despite the fact that he was now a teenager, the boy remained a miracle. Twice, God had directly intervened in his life (and his mother’s). First, through the prophesy of his birth. Again, at his resurrection. With her hands on her hips, the Shunammite told the story of how God made her dreams come true.

Some dreams tell the story of God’s power, and more importantly, His love. It may be that you have lived your life just to tell God’s story. Put your hands on your hips and tell the story of how God brought your dreams to life.

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, so we can tell His story.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to tell Your story with my life and times.”

Some Dreams Get New Life

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“Some Dreams Get New Life” by Kirk Hunt

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

2 Kings 4:27-28 NIV

At daybreak, the Shunammite woman watched her little boy run and play. At noon, her dream lay cold and stiffening in an upstairs bedroom. The bitter reality of her situation called for action.

Common wisdom would call for a mortician. Instead, she sent for a driver. She put on her traveling clothes and her “game face.” She had work to do.

The facts and data said, “The dream is over.” Faith and hope said, “It shall be well.” To the driver, she said, “Go hard and fast.”

Sometimes, in the rough and tumble of life, a dream dies. Bitter distress is the normal reaction to such an event. As God’s people, we can respond with faith and hope. If God can bring a dream to life, He can give it new life.

At evening, the Shunammite’s little boy once again ran and played. Her faith had brought new life to her dream. What will your faith bring (back) to life?

Think: God gives life to our dreams. Sometimes, twice.

Pray: “Father-God, life and power are in, and with, You.”

Some Dreams Do Not Die

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“Some Dreams Do Not Die” by Kirk Hunt

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

2 Kings 4:16 KJV

Her hands came off her hips and covered her mouth. Her dry, squinting eyes were suddenly wide and full of tears. Elisha’s prophecy released the hidden dream of her heart. The dream lurched from its dark cell into the bright sun of her life.

The tough, self-assured woman of verse 13 suddenly gave way to the tender, vulnerable girl of verse 16. Our dreams have power. Even our hidden dreams. Especially the dreams that should have died.

There you are, building the Kingdom. You have not asked, or expected, a reward for your faithfulness. God will select an unlikely place and space to fulfill your dreams.

God delights in bringing dreams to life. Probably the dreams you had forgotten. Especially the dreams you thought were long since dead.

Your season is coming. A season when you will hold something precious. A season you did not think possible.

Some dreams do not die. Some dreams linger, waiting for God’s power and the right season. Some dreams you did not ask for, but God gave you anyway.

Think: Nothing is impossible for God.

Pray: “Father-God, no dream is impossible with You.”

Where’s Your Father?

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“Where’s Your Father?” by Kirk Hunt

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

Matthew 9:27 KJV

My brothers and I all have “Where’s your Father?” stories. The details are different, but the plot remains the same. Despite our own credentials, in spite of our own accomplishments, men and women looked us in the eye and asked, “Where’s Poppa Hunt?”

It took a while, but we all individually figured it out. It was not that the sons of William lacked skills, accomplishments or credentials. Poppa simply commanded a lot of respect. We all learned to live in the shadow of his influence.

As Poppa’s Hunt’s sons, we have all completed tasks Poppa could not. Yet, when folks saw them done, they asked, “When did he teach you that?”

The blind men of verse 27 wanted their vision restored. They appealed to Jesus at the top of their lungs. Jesus , the son of David. After all, only a true son of David, a son of Father-God, could heal blindness.

The restoration of sight flowed from Jesus’ hands, but the credit went to Jesus’ Father. The power flowed from Father-God. “Look at what God has done!”

As you build God’s Kingdom, men and women will look you in the eye and ask “Where’s your Father?” Father-God simply commands a lot of respect. “Look at what God has done!”

Think: Find your source in your Father’s power.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live as Your son.”

The Nature Of Sacrifice

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“The Nature Of Sacrifice” by Kirk Hunt

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings [sacrifice] unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 KJV

There are two forms of sacrifice: giving or doing. You sacrifice by giving away something you would prefer to keep. You also sacrifice by doing when you would rather be sitting. Either way, the last part is the word, “ouch.”

A sacrifice must mean something to you. It must cost you something. Only then does the act have any meaning for you. Or God.

The money David spent in verse 24 was just the beginning. The altar had to be built. The oxen were prepared. The farm implements were chopped into firewood.

David’s sacrifice brought forgiveness. It is important to note that David could not buy forgiveness. All he could do was show God how sorry he was for his sin. David gave. David did.

God saw sincere and true repentance, in David’s authentic sacrifice. Forgiveness flowed from heaven. It may have hurt, but David renewed his relationship with God.

You may have to give away something precious. It may cost you sweat and blood. What will your sacrifice(s) bring?

Think: Real sacrifice gives real results.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to sacrifice what I must to grow closer to You.”

Yours To Keep

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“Yours To Keep” by Kirk Hunt

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Romans 11:29 KJV

Your talents are yours. Your calling is permanent. They are gifts from God. Did you say “thank you”?

Yes, I know Romans 11 is about the favored status of the Jews. That does not change the truth of God’s giving. God gives as He chooses. He has already given to you.

Your gifts speak loudly of what He thinks of you. Your calling is unique to you, and you alone. What do you say to Him in return?

What you have is yours to keep. That’s not the question. What are you going to do with them? What is your answer?

Despite what He has given, it will take hard work and persistence to make something of them. Doing nothing with what He has given is wasteful and insulting. Please, do not be that man or woman.

Launching out requires faith and courage. Becoming first-class always demands a price. Getting off the couch and into the deep waters is a great way of saying thank you.

You can choose to squander what He has given. You can choose to make use of what He has provided. I pray your answer involves using the talents you already own.

Think: God has giving me gifts and a calling.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to operate in what You have given me.”

Blank Check

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“Blank Check” by Kirk Hunt

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:12-13 KJV

Jesus wrote a “blank check” here. “Whatsoever.” Anything? Anything.

Anything Jesus did, you can do better. You have your faith and His power to bring it to pass. All you have to do is believe and ask. Sounds too easy, right?

Do you exercise your faith? How close are you following His will? Do you truly believe in Jesus, the Son of the living God?

Think about it. What stubborn problem or issue is in your life? Do you believe Jesus can? Are you certain He will?

Jesus Himself gave this promise. All you have to do is meet the condition for fulfillment. It is that easy. It is that hard.

Do not feel bad. The Disciples walked with Him and saw with their own eyes. It still took them a while to work it out.

Believe in Jesus. Ask in His name. Short formula. Long results.

Stop believing in the circumstance(s). Stop believing in your resource(s). Start believing in Jesus. The rest is God’s power.

Think: Anything Jesus did, I can do better.

Pray: “Father-God, I ask. In your Son’s Name. Amen.”

He Sees You

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“He Sees You” 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

“His father saw him.” Dad’s heart for his son gave him sight and insight. A “great way off” was not just a reference to the physical distance.

Dad scanned the horizon every day, looking for his son. He saw the boy coming home, in his heart. With faith that strong, his physical eyes were compelled to look for the physical manifestation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) is a parable, but it teaches an inescapable truth: God loves you and wants you back. Separation from Him is not normal. Reconciliation with Him is natural.

Perhaps you have left your faith in Him for a time. His love for you has never wavered. His arms are open to you, even now.

Perhaps you have kept your faith, but have stumbled here and there. He loves you, even still. Run back to his open arms.

God loves you. His arms are open and extended to you. Your heavenly Father will see you when you turn back to Him.

Think: Godly loves me. God wants me back.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for Your love for me and Your open arms for me.”

“He Sees You” 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

“His father saw him.” Dad’s heart for his son gave him sight and insight. A “great way off” was not just a reference to the physical distance.

Dad scanned the horizon every day, looking for his son. He saw the boy coming home, in his heart. With faith that strong, his physical eyes were compelled to look for the physical manifestation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) is a parable, but it teaches an inescapable truth: God loves you and wants you back. Separation from Him is not normal. Reconciliation with Him is natural.

Perhaps you have left your faith in him for a time. His love for you has never wavered. His arms are open to you, even now.

Perhaps you have kept your faith, but have stumbled here and there. He loves you, even still. Run back to his open arms.

God loves you. His arms are open and extended to you. Your heavenly Father will see you when you turn back to Him.

Think: Godly loves me. God wants me back.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for Your love for me and Your open arms for me.”