confidence Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Not Separate From His Love

Not Separate From His Love by Kirk Hunt

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:35 NKJV

Paul survived savage beatings, death warrants, and unjust imprisonments. He knew he would face similar difficulties until his last moments on Nero’s chopping block. Yet he boldly speaks his absolute confidence in God. No one can come between God’s people and the love of Jesus Christ. No matter what injustice you face, no one can separate you from our Savior who loves and cares for you.

I will confess, that in the middle of the trials and difficulties, I wonder. Like Job, I must have confidence in my life before God, and complete faith in His grace and mercy. I may be the least of His children, but He loves me most of all.

Today, millions of men and women, boys and girls, suffer in difficulties beyond their control and power. They are still God’s children, no matter what you do or say. You can whip and abuse those who God loves, but that does not change God’s heart about them.

They may not look like you. They may not sound like you. They may not confess Christ. God loves them just the same.

Whatever is happening in your life today, God loves you. Remember that in the middle of your trials and difficulties. Let that knowledge color how you respond to others.

Think: “God’s love for me and His children is unstoppable.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember Your love for me, and others, at all times.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

A Mother’s Confidence

A Mother’s Confidence by Kirk Hunt

Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:4-5 NKJV
Please read John 2:1-11

A wedding in the era that Jesus walked among us, was a major affair, important for the entire community, not just the family. To prevent an embarrassment of epic scope, Mary asked her Son, Jesus, for a literal miracle. Despite His answer, she acted with a Mother’s confidence.

Running out of wine would be a humiliation for everyone involved with the wedding. Mary, somehow connected to the affair, knew who could help. Despite His refusal to act, she committed her Son, as only a mother can.

The miracle of the Cana wedding proves that Jesus is concerned about every aspect of our lives. What concerns you concerns Him. As fits in His divine plan, Jesus acts on your behalf. Mary knew and understood Messiah’s power. She acted in the confidence that comes only from strong faith.

A mother’s confidence in her child is a special, beautiful thing. A mother’s confidence in Jesus Christ is also special and beautiful. Man or woman, boy or girl, you can act with confidence through faith in Jesus. Because He already cares for you.

Think: My confidence comes through my faith in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, strengthen my faith so that my confidence in You.”

Not Ashamed

Not Ashamed by Kirk Hunt

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.

Psalms 31:1 NKJV

David fled from his father-in-law like a criminal. King Saul viewed his loyalty, faithfulness and fidelity as crimes, fit only for death. Still God never let David be ashamed.

Certainly, there is nothing like the fugitive life to teach you fear and paranoia. Or perhaps the lesson David learned is faith and confidence in God. God delivered David through His righteousness, at a time of His choosing.

Hunted as a fugitive, David did not despair. Unjustly accused, David did not lose faith. Despite these admirable responses, David remained human after all. David cried out for deliverance and confirmation.

Christian saints, like all human men and women, are hurt and battered at times. The storms and tempests of this life can stress and strain the best of us. Despite those times our faith in God is never misplaced.

God’s faithfulness is unending and immeasurable. No one who trusts in God will ever be disappointed. Still, during a long, sleepless night, it’s too easy to wonder when His deliverance will arrive.

God is there. You will not be left “holding the bag.” God will not let your inconveniences be the end of you.

Put your trust in Him. Stand and wait for His deliverance. It may take a while, but God will not let you be ashamed.

Think: Put your trust in God. No matter how it looks, He is in control.

Pray: “Lord, I choose to trust You. You will not let me be ashamed.

A Son Trusts His Father

A Son Trusts His Father by Kirk Hunt

It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:8–9 NKJV

My toddler son came out of the 3^rd floor apartment and launched himself at me. He did not care about my 15-hour day, the rain slick stair steps, or the books and bags in my hands. He put his trust in me to catch him and not let him fall.

He squealed in joy and delight as stuff tumbled down, or through, the concrete stair treads. I clutched him to my chest in wild-eyed panic, my heart pounding. In that moment the Holy Spirit asked me, “If he can trust you that much, why don’t you trust God that much?”

Father-God’s arms are so much stronger and longer than mine. His power is so much greater than mine. His knowledge is so much greater than mine. I can always trust Him to catch me.

Years later, I still work to trust him. No matter what leaders do, God is in control. No matter how ill-behaved others are, I can have joy, safety and security in the arms of Father-God.

Do I trust God that much? Of course I do. My eyes may see the circumstances but my heart and soul never forgets that my loving Father will never let me fall.

Men and women have let me down. God has not and will not let me fall. I will leap into His arms with joy and abandon.

Think: God will not let me fall. Why am I worried about what others do?

Pray: “Jesus, help me to remember to place all of my trust in You.”

Has Not Kissed Baal

Has Not Kissed Baal by Kirk Hunt

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

1 Kings 19:18 NKJV

Elijah stood alone on the mountain, speaking with God. Despite the recent victory over the cult of Baal, God’s faithful prophet felt alone and vulnerable. God points out, in plain simplicity, that thousands have not given into idol worship or kissed Baal.

You are never the only one to remain faithful to God. You have brothers and sisters who never once give and bow their knee. God’s true people never become intimate with and accepting of evil. No matter how outnumbered or alone you feel.

Elijah watched God’s fire fall from heaven at his own prayer. God’s prophet, with a little help, personally executed Baal’s false prophets. Still, Elijah experienced a severe crisis and fled into the desert, convinced he alone served God.

Elijah came to understand that had never been alone. By himself, perhaps. Alone in the true worship of God? Never.

No matter what is going on around you, you are part of God’s remnant. You are part of the courageous and faithful few who refuse to compromise with evil and immorality.

You have not bent your knee in compromise. You have not kissed false worship or belief. Neither have they.

Continue to serve God in true and pure faith. You may have to stand by yourself but you never stand alone. Pray in pure devotion and watch God’s fire fall in your circumstances.

Think: Even when I am by myself, I am never alone among God’s faithful people.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remain faithful even when I feel alone.”

Their Season In Your Life

“Their Season In Your Life” By Kirk Hunt

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 18:1-14

Abraham rushed around the camp getting dinner together for three men. These men, often considered angels by Biblical scholars, came into Abraham and Sarah’s life for a very brief season. They left behind the God-given promise of an infant born within twelve months to the venerable couple. Abraham unwittingly entertained angels. Have you, or are you now, doing the same?

I am fond of the phase, “When God does not send angels, He sends men and women.” You cannot know the impact a kind gesture has in someone’s life. Conversely, who has helped you at key moments in your journey? Your miracle may have been delivered by an obedient Gospel brother or sister.

Perhaps God’s instrument of blessing and advancement is known to you. Bless and honor them for their obedience to God and you. Cherish the time you have and release them to their next assignment with (tearful) joy and singing.

Even if you do not see them, God has put His powerful agents in your life. God’s faithful ones are obediently doing their part. Honor their sacrifice and do your part as well.

Isaac was born per God’s promise. Were the visitors angels or mere men? All that matters is their season in the life of Sarah and Abraham.

Some of God’s “angels” are flesh-and-blood, just like you. Human or heavenly, they are only in your life for a season. Work your mission and be grateful for those who bless you in God’s work as they pass through.

Think: Who has God put in this season of my life, and why?

Pray: “Lord, thank you for the help of angels or Gospel sisters and brothers in this season.”

Your Season In Their Life

“Your Season In Their Life” By Kirk Hunt

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 NKJV

Children are born helpless and vulnerable. Without the care and nurturing of a parent (or two) they would not survive. Yet, that is only a season in their lives. If parents are successful, weak and dependent kids become strong and independent adults.

Parents are in the lives of their children, for a season. Saints are in the lives of other saints, seekers and sinners for a season. What impact do you have while you have them? What legacy do you leave when they are gone?

You are in the lives of people for a limited time. Often, your time of direct and personal influence and interaction is shorter than you think (or possibly want). Whether you are ready, or not, your offspring, students, colleagues, or protégés will move into a new season in their lives.

Have you fulfilled your God-given purpose for the time you had? How will they explain your impact and legacy to other people, or even themselves? God only loaned them to you. Are they better for their time with you? What will God say when you return them to Him?

You are not responsible for the choices they make, but you are responsible for your teaching and example. They may not understand at first, but you understand now. What impact did you have in their lives? Look past the empty cradle, classroom or work floor to the Kingdom impact.

Think: Am I fulfilling my God-given purpose in this season of their lives?

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in them, in this season.”

Changing Seasons

“Changing Seasons” By Kirk Hunt

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Would it be crazy if autumn did not follow summer? No matter how joyous and relaxing the summer, autumn will come. Whatever is happening now, a new season in your life will come. Hard work or ease, placid or chaotic, God loves you and is guiding your walk with Him.

No matter how difficult a season is, unless Jesus returns, there will be a better season in your life. Unfortunately, easy and pleasing seasons will give way to harder seasons. No matter the caliber of a particular time in your life, God remains unchanging and deeply involved in your journey.

Do not confuse your tears with God’s absence. He is there, no matter how much you sweat in your labors. Even when your blood is part of the sacrifice, remember that He gave His blood first.

Father-God remains with us, and loves us, no matter our place or space. The redemption Jesus bought for us remains ours through every celebration, grief or episode. The consolation and empowerment of the Holy Spirit is always with us. Disciples of Jesus Christ can face anything and be victorious.

The seasons will change. God remains the same. Rest assured, He has a loving plan for you in this season and the next. Go confidently in Him from where you are to where you are going.

Think: In every season, God is with me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in this season.”

Quiet Lions

“Quiet Lions” By Kirk Hunt

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

Daniel 6:21–22 NKJV
Read also Daniel 6:1–24

The angel snapped his fingers to get the lions’ attention. “You are going to host Daniel for the night. Sorry, but you will be hungry for the evening.” The lion roars were deafening.

“If you are going to respond like that, then you don’t get to open your mouths until tomorrow.” After another snap of his fingers, complete silence fell on the lions’ den.

Daniel landed face down in the lions’ den, because he prayed. His faith and faithfulness would not allow him to hide. His love of God exceeded his fear of a powerful king, treacherous courtiers or hungry predators.

Godly people are, at times, thrown to the lions. Too often, we are punished for doing the right thing. Even men and women of the strongest faith are not eager for an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with several Panthera leo.

God does not always deliver us from the lions’ den. I wish I could tell you we are never lion chow. What I can promise is that no matter where we go, or what we face, God’s will and grace remains sovereign.

Quiet lions greeted Daniel. There may be lions roaring in your life, but the God of Daniel, your Father-God, can lead you in quiet security. Walk with God, even among the predators.

Think: God can silence the lions of your life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You through every episode of my life.”

Still Know, Know Still

“Still Know, Know Still” By Kirk Hunt

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalms 46:10 NKJV
Please also read Psalms 46:1–11

In these days of unending motion and turmoil, Scripture commands us to be still and know. While knowing requires some level of contemplation, that is not point of this verse, or chapter, of Psalms. Do you have a complete, instinctual and unshakable knowledge of God? Do you truly understand His unending power and absolute authority over all creation, especially your personal affairs?

As a Christian, you should have a deep and absolute knowledge of the fact of God’s power and authority. You should no more question the absolute greatness of God than the existence of gravity. After all, gravity is just one of many concepts He casually made up while creating the universe.

Christians do not seek the rules for their own sake. We pursue the Rules-Maker. What understanding we glean from the world simply magnifies His majesty.

Stop and take a few minutes to re-consider the immeasurable length, depth and breadth of our omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. Reserve in your heart and mind an unmovable and unshakable knowledge of who He is and what He can do. In that paused moment decide, once and for all, how that knowledge will influence your everyday thoughts and actions.

God allows us to act with a great level of freedom. Do not confuse God’s restraint and allowance with a lack of power or authority. His grace and love is so great He does not make us, or them, robots.

Pause for a moment. Think about Him. Know that He is God

Think: I should stop and remember that God is a great and powerful God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to remember just how big you really are.”

Yet Will I Trust Him

“Yet Will I Trust Him” By Kirk Hunt

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

Job 13:15 NKJV

In the space of a day, maybe a week, Job lost everything a man can lose. Job’s children died, his wealth destroyed or stolen, business wrecked, health lost and even his friends turned on him. Still, Job declared, “Yet will I trust Him.”

Authentic trust and true love are an active choice, not passing feelings. Rich or poor, well or sick, do you love God first and truly? It is easy to trust someone or something that heaps only blessings on you. What happens when the flow reverses is the real test.

Battered and beaten, seemingly past human endurance, Job declared his faith in God. Eyes and sores weeping in equal measure, a mere man decided that the God of heaven continued to have his confidence. Armed with Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, am I capable of the same naked faithfulness. Are you prepared to love God despite what he allows to happen in and to your life?

What would happen if the first two chapters of Job happened to you? Would you remain faithful to the God of heaven? Would you continue to love God, despite your losses and wounds?

Job illustrates the standard for trust in God. There will come a time in your life when you will have to declare for or against God. Will you continue to trust and love God despite the hurts and losses of the short run?

Think: Do I really trust God through bad times?

Pray: “Lord, help me to always trust You, no matter the circumstances.”

They Cried Aloud

“They Cried Aloud” By Kirk Hunt

So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

1 Kings 18:28–29 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:18–30

The prophets of Ba’al did not stand a chance. They cried out to a lifeless idol. Their numbers, hysteria and blood-letting did not add to the chance of Ba’al appearing or answering. Instead, they received what a block of wood (or stone, or metal) could give: silence.

Who (or what) do you cry out to? Do you appeal to financial resources or political power when you need an answer? Do you appeal to aspects of a bygone era for a solution? Are you getting a response?

God’s people should cry out to God, not for financial resources. We should always make our first and only appeal to our Savior, Jesus Christ, not the ballot box. We should always cry out for His truth and righteousness, not our flawed memory or slanted histories of years past.

I guarantee He will respond. We may not immediately like His answers, but they are the loving responses of our faithful Father-God. Father-God is always listening for our voices. Are you listening to His voice?

Think: I do not appeal to heaven or elsewhere. I appeal to Father-God and His Son, Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, I cry out to You for Your help and salvation.”