grace Archives – Page 4 of 6 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Spirit of Self-Control

“Spirit of Self-Control” By Kirk Hunt

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

Self-control is the act of deciding if or when you engage in a particular behavior. I say if, then when, I will eat a cookie. Fasting, an exercise in self-control, is the deliberate restraint of consuming food. Media fasting is a different example of voluntary restraint.

Do you really want power in your own life? How about the ability to easily resist the plots and plans of others? Develop your self-control. “More salad, fewer cookies.”

The ability to control your own actions is the first step to purity. Joseph demonstrated self-control when he refused Potiphar’s wife. Daniel was immune to political attack because of his impeccable personal and public life. Jesus was worthy of the Cross because of His sinless life. Purity (via self-control) gave them power, influence and impact.

I am not suggesting that you move into a convent or monastery. If anything, I encourage you to engage with your city. Just do so with self-control. “More grace, less (no) condemnation.”

“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” If I want to look better in the mirror I must eat more salads and fewer cookies. Do I want to impact my city for Jesus? I must act with increasing grace and forbearance.

I can stride confidently and peacefully through work and home. All I have to do is live with more grace and no sin. The spirit of self-control lets me decide my next act.

Think: Self-control is the act of deciding my own behavior.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have the self-control You want me to have.”

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.

Spirit of Faithfulness

“Spirit of Faithfulness” By Kirk Hunt

“But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Luke 22:32 NKJV

In the hours before His crucifixion, Jesus carefully strengthened His Disciples. Especially Peter. Before dawn, Peter would deny any knowledge of Jesus. Knowing he would fail the first test, Jesus knew Peter’s faithfulness would pass the final test.

Faithfulness can be defined as the act of remaining true to your word or promise. Traditionally, Peter was also crucified, because he would not deny Jesus a second time. We remember Peter as Jesus’ man because he kept his word.

Too often we expect perfect, error-free living from God’s people. Too often we throw away perfectly good souls because it turns out they were human. Peter is a prime example of a man who refused to be less-then again.

Peter did not keep his word the first time. Still he died a martyr for the man he once denied. That is faithfulness, even if it is human.

Faithfulness sees the task and acts. Despite the risks. Without any credit. Silently, in the background.

Perhaps there is a task that you should be doing. There could be a responsibility you need to take on, knowing there is no return on investment but a lot of risk. Flinch if you have to, but give your word. Be the man or woman who gives and keeps promises.

Think: Faithfulness is the power to give and keep your word or promise.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be faithful for Your Kingdom.”

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Be The Strong One

“Be The Strong One” By Kirk Hunt

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 NKJV

Now is the time to be strong. Be strong enough to survive injustice. Be strong enough to overcome fear. Most of all, be strong enough to help others.

Often, our best ministry comes when we are most under pressure. We are God’s best ambassadors when we stand after hurt and loss, then reach out to those who oppose us the most. It is not enough to turn the other cheek. You must also carry the burden (Matthew 5:38-42).

My heart has been torn by recent events. Anguish and fear are not a help. I have turned to God’s strength and grace. They are the tools that bring reconciliation and restoration.

Strength is not a clenched fist. Strength is found in skillful hands that bind wounds and uphold the weak. An avenging spirit is not strength. Strength is found in hearts and minds that pierce the chaos with wisdom and justice.

All Christians should be eager to respond with the strength they get from God. Strength that refuses to hate. Power that acts through wisdom and justice. Might that overcomes fear and injury.

The solutions to today’s problems are neither quick nor easy. The solutions to the issues we face require strength and fortitude to work through the chaos to God’s peace. God calls you to take His strength, then serve others with wisdom and justice.

Think: Strength is not a fist of vengeance. Real strength chooses wisdom and justice.

Pray: “Lord, help me to minister to others with Your strength.”

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Christians Do Not Hate

“Christians Do Not Hate” By Kirk Hunt

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

1 John 4:20 NKJV

I am always disappointed when someone, claiming to be a Christian, expresses hate for others. Jesus told us the world would hate Christians. Not once did He command us to hate sinners, even in retaliation. Multiple times, He commanded us to love those who hate us.

Jesus said in Luke 6:27, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Perhaps the hearing part is the tricky part. Perhaps the obedient to Christ part is a different tricky part.

Jesus could have called down fire on various sinners and adversaries during His earthly ministry. He did not do so, even once. Instead, He died for the Pharisees who hated him. Jesus forgave His executioners during His execution. He died for you and I, even though we were sinners.

The Christ I serve healed foreigners and aliens. He proclaimed that He came to minister to sinners and tax collectors. May I remind you that He personally refused to condemn an adulteress, caught in the very act?

Condemnation ends the conversation. Conviction leads to restoration. Christians are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) of all men and women. We cannot hate the souls we expect and want to love Jesus.

Think: I cannot (effectively) share Jesus with someone I hate.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out my love for You by loving Your (sinful) children.”

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Christians Do Not Fear

“Christians Do Not Fear” By Kirk Hunt

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:18–19 NKJV

In recent days it is hard to avoid the media fixation on anger among citizens, the world over. There are many potential reasons for all of that rage, but most fall short of explaining the root or true cause. Fear, on the other hand, easily explains the driving force of so much poor behavior in the world.

Remove fear of coming events and people will live without violence or unrest. Even when conditions are harsh or difficult, they keep their heads. When people become afraid of what will happen next, the torches and pitchforks come out. Keep in mind that neither fearful mobs nor fearful individuals make good decisions.

Christians of course should never give in to fear. We are loved by God Himself. The Creator looks after His own.

Consider also that His love drives out fear. The more you allow His care and concern for you to saturate your life, the less room there is for fear. Sound like a good deal to me.

If you are a son or daughter of God, you can trust in His love for you. Things may not be easy, but you can live in the confidence of His care and concern especially for you. There is no room for fear in a heart filled with God’s love.

Think: God’s love for me drives out my fear.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out my life in Your love and without my fear.”

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Loving Under Authority

“Loving Under Authority” By Kirk Hunt

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Romans 13:1–2 NKJV
Please also read Romans 13:1–14

The Apostle Paul commanded Christians living in Rome to obey the rule and authority of the Roman Caesars. These same Roman leaders would eventually behead the Apostle. Paul’s words, and example, remain a commandment for Christians today. Our dual citizenship in God’s Kingdom, and a secular government, leads to complexities we answer through His love and grace.

Christians are good citizens of God and heaven, first and foremost. When push comes to shove, His grace and love should flow out of us to the men and women who persecute us. Especially when they respond with dogs and firehoses.

Paul was beheaded for preaching the Gospel. Traditionally, all of the Apostles, save John, were martyred for preaching Jesus. The Apostles loved Jesus, and their pagan persecutors, more than themselves. Instead of a clenched fist they used their loving hearts to turn the authorities to Jesus.

Through prayer and living as authentic Christians, the Apostles turned pagan Rome into a Christian nation. No nation, or group, is so far gone that it cannot be brought, or returned, to Christ. Are you willing to live, love and potentially die as a citizen of heaven?

Think: I am first and foremost a loving citizen of heaven. Regardless of the cost.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out my life as a testimony of Your love.”

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

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My Relationship With Poppa

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“My Relationship With Poppa” By Kirk Hunt

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:52 NKJV

The day I was born, I was in relationship with Poppa. At first, I spent most of my time with Momma, but over the years my time and intensity with Poppa grew. Sometimes, Poppa and I had relationship, despite my protests. Through it all, my love, respect and honor for my earthly father has only grown over the years.

Poppa has gone to God, but his voice and teachings continue to resonate within me. My feeling about what or how he said things can be complicated. My relationship with him remains simple.

The day you were born, you had a relationship with Father-God. At first, you spent most of your time with parents and other leaders. I am sure you have felt the desire for a deeper relationship with Father-God, even if you did not understand at first. God’s heart has called to you from the beginning and will seek you out until the end.

Your relationship with a parent or other leader may have complicated your relationship with God. Still, Father-God wants a close, personal and intense relationship with you. He always has. He always will.

Still, I pray that you will look past even a good earthly father to our eternal God. Father-God loved you then, loves you now and will love you tomorrow. No matter how complicated your feeling for God, your relationship with Him remains simple.

Think: Father-God loves me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to draw closer to You.”

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

With Lovingkindness

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“With Lovingkindness” By Kirk Hunt

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

In recent days my heart is heavy. Too many of God’s people speak, or ardently follow those who speak, anger, hate and fear. Christians should be reaching out in lovingkindness to refugees and radicals alike. Instead with angry, unforgiving words we are pushing them back into the arms of error and sin.

God’s people are called to disciple all of the world. That includes reaching out in grace and patience to Muslims, Wiccans and everyone else following error instead of Christ. In order to reach a lost soul, you must first get close enough to touch them.

Exclusion, walls and isolation do not touch hearts and minds for Christ. Jesus reached out to us in service (Romans 5:8) with lovingkindness. Christians are commanded by Scripture (Matthew 28:19) to make disciples of all nations. Disciples are only made (or maintained) by close, personal, prolonged contact.

Millions of refugees from “fallen houses” (Matthew 7:26-27) seek refuge in the stability of Christian nations (Matthew 7:25). Are they receiving the gracious words and generous actions that flow from Jesus? Are Christians obeying Scripture by discipling the nations who plead at the door?

The world has come to us, seeking the Gospel. Christians have an unprecedented opportunity to turn back the darkness. Are we salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16) enough for the job?

Think: Disciples are made using open, serving hands; not angry, striking fists.

Pray: “Lord, help me to disciple people of all nations.”

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

Endurance

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

Endurance is the hallmark of a champion. Endurance allows you to continue on when others have given up in discouragement, or fallen in exhaustion. To win, you must first endure.

Athletes deliberately develop their endurance in order to better excel at their sport. The strategies of coaches, teams and individual competitors always include outlasting opponents. Military leaders may call it “toughness” but that does not change the fundamental character of staying on task after others have given up or fallen down.

Endurance is far more than physical stamina. A large portion of enduring is simply deciding that you will not quit. Often, athletes complain about “betrayal” by their own bodies. The mind may be willing to continue. Unfortunately, sheer will power cannot forever deny physics or biology.

Men and women of God have more than willpower to call upon. God grants endurance to those who ask, in His purpose. His power can suspend the laws of nature. His grace can give the gift of persistence. His mercy can push back the limiting results of poor decisions.

You can be a Gospel champion. First, decide you want to endure. Second, ask God for what you need to endure. Everything after that is just time or miles.

Think: Endurance is not optional in the life of a Christian.

Pray: “Lord, help me to endure through Your power, grace and mercy.”

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

He Draws You

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“He Draws You” By Kirk Hunt

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 13:3 NKJV

God, the artist, sits at His ease, drawing your portrait. His all-seeing eye knows you better and deeper than even you can know yourself. As His all-powerful hands draw your life, nothing is left out. Despite your life and times, His eyes are full of love and kindness for you

A beautiful picture is coming into being, despite the model who sits for your portrait. The imperfections are in the picture. Your personality and character are captured on the page. God leaves out nothing, and the portrait He draws is accurate and faithful.

Despite your imperfections God is making your life a work of art. Despite it all, God intends your drawing to be proud and attractive. God wants to draw you with loving-kindness. Your picture, if you submit yourself to Him, will be beautiful.

God loved you yesterday. God loves you today. God will love you tomorrow.

God thinks about you all of the time. There is never a moment when you are not foremost in His heart and Mind. Around His throne there are plans, sketches and calculations. They all center on you.

Never doubt for a moment that the outcome He has for you exceeds your wildest dreams. Still, you will have to come to Him. He calls to you. Is it not time you answered Him?

Think: His plans for you are drawn with love.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for drawing me with loving-kindness.”

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

Loving Hearts

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“Loving Hearts” By Kirk Hunt

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

John 8: 10-11 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

The entire concept of love, especially Christian love, has gotten jumbled in recent history. A loving heart is not blindly permissive, or afraid of holding people accountable. Loving hearts understand that people are imperfect, especially those who stand up for right and righteousness.

Jesus did not call for her stoning, but He did not let her off the hook. Godly conviction would lead her to understand her error and an opportunity to amend her life. Condemnation would have ended her life without any chance for a change in her future.

Scripture is clear on what is, and is not, sin. Scripture is also clear that God’s people are the recipients of grace and mercy. If we are to impact the culture as Jesus did, we must operate as Jesus did. With mercy. In grace.

Love often will convict, but never rushes to condemn. Grace does not condone sin but gives the gift of fresh opportunity. Mercy has the strength to hold back justice and draw in repentance and redemption.

Jesus demonstrated His loving heart to her, then you. Can they see your loving heart?

Think: Loving hearts seek to convict rather than condemn.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have a loving heart, like Your Son.”

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

Callus Hearts

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“Callus Hearts” By Kirk Hunt

This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

John 8:6 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

The Pharisees dragged her before Jesus and demanded judgment. They really did not care about truth, justice or righteousness; otherwise they would have put the adulterous man on trial as well. Their callus hearts really only wanted Jesus’ blood, but they would gladly spent her blood to get at Him.

Jesus taught against the Pharisees repeatedly and by name. They were a legalistic sect, often using their “commentary” on the Mosaic Law to negate or even reverse the intended meaning of the Law. Their rules, regulations and traditions added only burdens and hardships to anyone trying to live devoutly.

Jesus instead taught a new Gospel of love and grace that immediately appealed to the overworked and downtrodden. The Pharisees objected to their new second class status and sought to discredit, if not destroy, Jesus’ ministry. Being hard-hearted themselves, they decided Jesus would be most vulnerable to an opportunity to show mercy.

They did not care for the right things, only the things their callus hearts wanted. Jesus saw the clumsy trap for what it was. What they did not count on is that Jesus’ compassionate heart is linked to an intelligent mind and strongest of moral fiber.

Think: A callus heart is willing to hurt or wound others to get what it wants.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to have a heart of compassion and grace for everyone.”

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