CadreMen Press Devotionals

Rouge’s Gallery

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“Rouge’s Gallery” by Kirk Hunt

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV

Hebrews 11 is full of names. From a certain point of view, these men and women are of two completely different characters. The easy view is of Scriptural heroes and saints of God.

The names in Hebrews 11 are a rogue’s gallery of the imperfect and faulty. The list includes murderers, adulterers and the faithless. We are speaking of big failings and huge errors.

What should you expect? The man writing the list, once persecuted Christians. Paul is sticking up for people just like himself.

Still, with their stained records and flawed histories, all of them would gladly stand and testify. Of God’s grace. Of His redemption.

So what makes these folks examples to today’s men and women? Their faith. They did not stay face down in their errors and failings. They got up and kept trying to live out God’s Word.

Yesterday’s failing is not a disqualifier. Keep moving in sincerity and faith. I pray I will see your face and name in a rouge’s gallery of faith.

Think: Godly men and women are not perfect, but they are full of faith.

Pray: “Father-God, give me the faith to pursue You and Your perfection for my life.”

Power Mothering

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“Power Mothering” by Kirk Hunt

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Judges 4:4-5 KJV

Deborah was just a simple housewife, except the entire nation looked to her for leadership. Scripture does not record that Deborah birthed any children, but she served as mother to a nation. On her word alone, an army marched and brought deliverance to Israel.

You may not feel like a power Mom right now. Early morning feedings, late morning laundry loads and mid-afternoon taxi driving take their toll. Still, you can be a powerful mother in Zion.

Take time to keep up your relationship with God. Extend your leadership to those around you. Do not be afraid to ride with the troops to God’s appointments.

The modern nation needs power Mothers. We need women who are not afraid to follow after God. Don’t forget to lead others to their divine appointments.

The only real qualification for mother in Zion is a heart that seeks to build God’s Kingdom. That heart will lead you to bless and lead those around you. His power in your life will give you all the authority you need.

Think: You are called to be a power Mom

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be a Mother in Zion, no matter my age or place.”

Profitable Saints

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“Profitable Saints” by Kirk Hunt

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11 KJV)

2 Timothy 4:11 KJV

Apostle Paul wrote these words from a prison in Nero’s Rome. Especially under house arrest, Paul would need reliable, capable, productive people around him. From all of the Christian men in the Roman world, Paul chose to ask for Mark.

Paul needed someone who could help. Paul needed someone who would help. A man or woman who’s output exceeds input is always in demand.

Mark had been less-than-profitable at one point. Prior errors do not disqualify you from serving in God’s Kingdom. The more profitable you are, the quicker everyone gets over your mistakes.

Profitable saints are the men and women who serve the Kingdom. They take on the tasks set before them. They do what must be done. With excellence. With grace.

Do you want to serve His Kingdom? Are you willing to be a go-to man or woman for the sake of the Gospel? All it takes is heart and hands that are willing.

You do not need to be perfect. You may have to learn to be effective. You must be a saint of God. After that, profitability will not be far off.

Think: I can be profitable for God’s Kingdom.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to serve Your with skillfully and effectively.”

Are You Listening?

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“Are You Listening?” by Kirk Hunt

And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

1 Samuel 25:32-33 KJV

The high-born lady kneeled in the dusty road. She accepted blame before the local warlord for her husband’s error. She gave gifts of freshly prepared food and fresh-cut respect. Using diplomacy, graciousness and humility, she transformed murderous intent into life-affirming gratitude.

Warlord David recognized his peril. His anger, even though righteous and justified, had nearly plunged him into error and sin. Even in his anger, he remained God’s man and listened to reason.

Nabal nearly brought calamity on not just himself, but everyone around him. Despite his churlish and foolish behavior, he received mercy in its truest form. If not for his sake, then Abigail’s.

David listened to Abigail. He heard the truth, wisdom and righteousness in her words. He humbled himself before God and man to call off the attack.

Abigail listened, in horror, to the report of Nabal’s disrespect. She took immediate action to head off imminent disaster. With a heart full of God’s wisdom and Godly humility, Abigail met blood-thirsty anger with heart-winning grace.

Where are you in the picture? Are you listening? If so, are you taking action based on what your hear?

Think: Do I listen as God intends?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to listen to Your truth and wisdom, no matter the source or circumstance.”

His Shadow

“His Shadow” by Kirk Hunt

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 KJV

I recently walked a section of the Rillito River Trail. Caught between the the intense sun of the Sonoran Desert and the asphalt, the heat seemed to drain all energy and vigor. Still, there were moments of relief and even restoration.

At various places on the trail, trees or structures give partial shade from the sun. While the easing of the heat is appreciated, there is not much relief in a bridge trestle. The tunnels under the major streets are a different story.

It is much cooler in the Oracle Road tunnel. The breeze carried away heat, and brought the sweet smells of the desert blooms. In the shadows I could gather strength for another burst of speed under the Arizona sun.

The “secret place” of God is a space of spiritual protection and sanctuary. It is a place to rest and recover, no matter what is happening. No matter what anyone else is doing or saying. Best of all, that secret place is just a prayer away.

God loves you. Stand under His love. There. In His shadow, you can receive the strength you need.

Think: God will shelters me in His love, if I ask.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek the power and restoration that Your love gives.”

God Sets Your Limits

“God Sets Your Limits” by Kirk Hunt

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Job 2:6 KJV

Job lost his wealth in Chapter 1. The donkeys and oxen were rustled. The camels stolen. The sheep incinerated. Worst of all, his children died in a tornado.

I can not imagine Job’s grief, heartache and distress. Still, in the middle of loss and devastation, Job went in faith to God. Without hesitation. Without doubt.

In ultimate cruelness, the enemy of Job’s soul looked for more to take. He wanted to push Job past his limits. God, the lover of our souls, set limits on what Job would endure. In Chapter 2, Job lived through painful boils and scabs, on top of his other losses.

God, omniscient and sovereign, sets your limits. Believe it or not, this is good news. Even when it seems that you are beyond what you can endure, you are within what God allows for your life.

Often, that feels like the “scary version.” Do not be fooled. God has limited what will come. Even when it feels you can not endure more. Especially when you think the load is too much for any human, yet alone you.

We know the ending of Job’s story. He lived to raise a second set of children, and held even greater wealth. You may not know the ending of your story, but you know who writes your life. And it will be good news.

Think: God, who loves me, sets my limits.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to trust You and the limits You set for my life.”

Live Secure

“Live Secure” by Kirk Hunt

Though he [God] slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job13:15 (NIV)

Job’s painful sores and boils did not trigger his anger. Grief over his dead children did not provoke Job’s outburst. Job’s explosion in the 13^th chapter is a reaction to an accusation. Job’s “friends” accused him of secret, deliberate sin.

Despite all of Job’s pain and losses, the slander hurt Job most. Job responded in anger and indignation against the idea he willfully sinned against God. Secure in his life and relationship with God, Job made one of the boldest statements in Scripture.

Job’s faith in God, even at this incredible low spot in his life, had not been shaken. Job could not see the rhyme or reason of his circumstances, but he would continue to trust God. Even if that meant facing his own death. Even if he had to account for himself before God’s judgment seat.

Job lived secure. Secure in his faith. Secure in his life.

How secure are you? Are you certain of your faith? Is your lifestyle above reproach?

Can you shake off accusations and indictments? Are you willing to face God’s judgment here and now? If not, it is time to fortify your life and soul.

Think: Integrity leads to security in your own life and before God.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to seek Your holiness and live securely in You.”

Men Of Integrity

“Men Of Integrity” by Kirk Hunt

And Nathan departed unto his house.

2 Samuel 12: 15a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-15)

Nathan humiliated David, a warrior-king. In front of the royal court, the prophet spoke God’s truth without hesitation or restraint. Then he stood there, watching for David’s reaction.

Speaking truth to power is a display of integrity. It takes courage to accuse and confront a man with David’s warrior credentials and royal prerogatives. Nathan knew David could order his death and chose to obey God anyway.

Repenting after God’s rebuke is a display of integrity. It takes courage to confess and repent in front of a crowd. David chose to retain his relationship with God rather than impress the courtiers.

Being a man or woman of integrity is not easy. It requires tough choices. It requires choosing to do what is right rather than what is convenient. Or less humiliating.

“You are the man.” Nathan’s love for God led him to speak the truth, rather than compromise. A powerful display of integrity.

The prophet walked calmly home. David’s love for God protected Nathan from retaliation. An authentic display of integrity.

You have choices today: God’s way or something less. Your choice reveals your integrity. Display the integrity that honors God.

Think: Integrity is about doing the right thing, no matter what.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to respond per Your Word and Way, no matter what.”

You Are The Man

“You Are The Man” by Kirk Hunt

And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.

2 Samuel 12: 5, 7a (KJV)
(Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-14)

The parable of the greedy rich man incited righteous indignation and sanctimonious anger in David. The king wanted to seek justice against such a gross and merciless sinner. At that moment, Nathan sprung God’s ambush on David.

At this point in his life, David had written a great number of Psalms. He clearly knew and understood Scripture. David could even boast of a deep and intimate relationship with God.

Could David think God would not notice his adultery and the cover-up murder? Did David think his history gave him a license to sin? Perhaps David expected being king exempted him from accountability?

Nathan boldly confronted the king on his throne and in front of the court. The parable served to strip away the illusions that shielded David from his sins. Caught in his own error, David pronounced the very sentence he ought to suffer.

No matter what you have been through, you are not excused. No matter how high you have risen, you remain accountable. “Don’t be that guy (or gal).”

Think: No matter where I have been, or where I am, I remain accountable.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to turn from sin; right here, right now.”

God Fights For Us

“God Fights For Us” by Kirk Hunt

For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV)

Jehovah-sabaoth is a name of God, and is often translated “The Lord of hosts.” Imagine God, in plate armor, in front of an endless army of war angels. Power incarnate, leads an unstoppable force.

Still, He commands His unbeatable army to stand still. He comes close, and points at the adversary. He asks you a single question: “Friend or foe?”

Is the problem in your life, whatever seems to be hindering or destroying you, a friend or foe? It is a simple question. Give a simple answer. Do not hesitate to give your answer.

Too many of us embrace an adversary as a friend. God will not strike down your friends. He will not move against what you welcome into your life.

Make a decision. Is that circumstance, condition or person a friend or an enemy? God will fight for you against true enemies. He will leave you to your (so called) friends.

Get real. Get serious. Whatever impacts your soul must line up as friend or foe. There is no third option. God’s army is waiting for you to decide.

Think: God will war against my enemies, not my friends.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to know who are the enemies of my soul.”

God Counts You

“God Counts You” by Kirk Hunt

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7 (KJV)

Matthew 10:30-31 repeats this passage from Luke’s Gospel almost exactly. Anytime Scripture repeats, you can count on it being important. And what could be more important, than the fact that you are important to God?

You are significant. You are important. You matter to God.

God peers through fog, rain and darkest night for your face. Despite the noise and clatter of churning stars and whirling galaxies, He listens intently for your voice. With all the universe requires of Him, nothing commands God’s attention like you.

Perhaps things have not gone your way in recent days. It could be that you have found yourself feeling lost and ignored. Nothing could be further from the truth.

All it takes is a moment. A second or two of facing toward a loving God who longs to hear from you. What could be more comforting? What could be more reassuring?

No matter what has gone short, or missing, or wrong, God is there. His eternal Hands are around you. As much as He cares for sparrows, He cares so very much more for you.

Think: God is concerned for me.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have confidence in Your love and concern for me.”

God Loves First

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“God Loves First” by Kirk Hunt

We love him, because he first loved us.

I John 4:19 (KJV)

It does not get simpler. God loved us first. No qualifiers. No fine print.

We are in a no-risk position. We are free to love Him because we know. Not that He might, but that He already has.

It is reassuring to know that the Master of all creation has already committed Himself. I do not have to worry that my love to Him will be unrequited. I have no fear that my love will not be answered.

Patiently God waits for us. First, to realize that He already loves us. All he wants is for us to love Him back.

He knows your back-story and history, but He loved you first. He knows where you are and what you doing, but He loved you first. He sees your flaws, blemishes and imperfections, but He loved you first.

You do not have to worry He will not love you, since He already does. There is only one thing you can do about His love: love Him back.

There are no qualifiers to worry about. There is no fine print to read. There are just a pair of open arms ready to hold you with infinite affection.

Think: God loved me first.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have confidence and joy in Your love for me.”

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