grace Archives – Page 5 of 6 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Caught In The Act

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“Caught In The Act” By Kirk Hunt

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.

John 8:3–4 NKJV
Please read John 8:3-11

Perhaps the Pharisees thought they had an airtight case. She had been caught in the act of adultery. They would trap that sinner-loving backwoods heretic by His compassionate, forgiving heart.

Of course, if they caught her in flagrante delicto, then where was the man? Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22-24 are very clear and straight-forward. Both the man and the woman were subject to the penalty for sin. Clearly, their agenda was ambushing Jesus rather than holiness or justice.

There are folks who specialize in exploiting the mistakes and errors of others. Comparing them to jackals and hyenas may be accurate, but is little better than name-calling. Your best defense is to simply stay out of sin.

Remaining right and righteous is not always that easy. Still, it is cheaper and easier than being caught in the act. You have the right and responsibility to stay out of sin. Let His power and grace carry you past error and wrongdoing. You will thank yourself and the Holy Spirit in the morning.

Think: It is up to me to stay out of sin.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to live a life free of sin.”

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

Poppa’s Voice

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“Poppa’s Voice” By Kirk Hunt

The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Psalm 29:4 NKJV

Poppa might repeat a trite phrase until you wanted to scream. He could talk with a pitch and tone that would drill rock. And of course, the more he meant it, the louder he said it. Still, I miss Poppa’s voice.

The years have taught me about Poppa’s voice. The trite phrases always said something significant and valuable. Over time I have learned to associate his pitch and tone with real wisdom and deep understanding. And the volume he used was a pale outline of his love and caring, no matter who he was speaking to at that moment.

I understand better now. The deep things of God and Scripture sometimes sound trite, but are always significant and beyond valuable. The truth of His Word may cut deep into my soul, but it always leaves behind wisdom and understanding. God’s Word and presence may thunder in my heart and mind, but His tender love and carful nurturing are worth being shaken.

God sends the soothing breeze. He is Master of the peaceful water’s edge. My God also sends the raging hurricane. The tsunami goes where He commands.

When last did you really stop and listen to the Father’s voice? Did His Word boom in your ears? Did the tone and pitch of His Voice pierce your soul?

Fierce or peaceful, know that He speaks with love, care and grace to His children. Especially to you. Especially right now.

Think: A real Father’s voice is full of love and benefit.

Pray: “Father-God, speak to my heart. I yearn to hear Your Voice.”

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

The Enemy’s Bayonet

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“The Enemy’s Bayonet” By Kirk Hunt

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Revelation 12:10 NKJV
(Please read Revelation 12:7–12)

The enemy of your soul has a bayonet called accusation. He has accused you, to God, constantly. Despite that, God loves you and wants you to succeed.

Should you deepen your righteousness and increase your purity? Of course you should. Still, God’s grace stands ready to redeem and restore you.

In the meanwhile, what happens to your purpose and calling in the Kingdom? Should it lay undone while you work to remove your imperfections and infirmities? Your enemy wants you to stop working at your calling and abandon your Kingdom purpose.

Perhaps you have recently been caught up in an error. Like many saints, you probably have a weakness in your character or personality that you constantly work on, or through. The enemy wants to use that to destroy you. He certainly reminds you of it, at every opportunity.

God knows about your soft-spot. That is why he lends you power, grace and mercy. He wants you to overcome that flaw, not give into your wounds.

Your enemy wants to use your weaknesses as a way to attack you. God wants you to overcome your imperfections and become a champion for the Kingdom. Choose His love over the bayonet of the enemy.

Think: God loves you, imperfections and all.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to overcome my weaknesses and the enemy’s accusations.”

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

Fear’s Antidote

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“Fear’s Antidote” 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.

1 John 4:18 NKJV

Sometimes I fret and worry. The uncertainties of life are many. As a redeemed Christian, I remain vulnerable to the ebb and flow of the real world. Scripture proclaims that saints should not have fear. I know better that letting the fear in, but here we are.

My humanity makes me vulnerable to fear. I often stay away from the nightly news, because of the fear-inducing events and situations of the day. It is harder to stay away from the uncertainties of my day-to-day life. Life itself is a risk-filled endeavor.

I still have no excuse. I know that Father-God loves me. Through the grace of His Son, His love dwells in me. When I step out of or away from His love I am vulnerable to fear, in all of its unpleasantness.

John is right. Fear is torment. The antidote, of course, is God’s love. As I soak in His love, the fear is displaced. You would think I would have perfected my grip on God’s love by now.

So it appears my grip on love is not yet perfect. I am working on it. The antidote to fear is being perfect in God’s love. I am going to practice until I get it right.

Think: The antidote to fear is the love of God.

Pray: “Lord, help me to rest and shelter in Your love.

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

In The Morning

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“In The Morning” By Kirk Hunt

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16 NKJV

It is always better in the morning. You have survived the darkness of your troubles. The light of day is almost always a comfort after a difficult night.

Perhaps last year was not your best. Still, here you are, in a new year. God has defended you and protected you from your troubles.

No matter what happened in the night of the last year, you are here now. He has blessed you with new opportunities and possibilities. Be grateful and thankful.

Get yourself together for the new year. Assess where you are. Make plans based on your currently reality. Work your plans like a champion.

Scripture does not promise you an easy ride. Scripture does promise you God’s goodness, power and grace. Sing your song in gratitude and praise.

Even if you do not feel like it this minute, sing. God’s goodness brought you here. God’s power keeps you here. God’s grace will carry you there.

You have arrived in a new year. God continues to look out for you and watch over you. Bless Him for giving a new morning and a new year.

Think: This is the morning of a new year. How will I use it for God?

Pray: “Lord, thank You for Your continuing care and protection in a new year.”

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

Prayer With The Saints

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“Prayer With The Saints” By Kirk Hunt

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Jeremiah the prophet had been jailed for speaking God’s truth. At least this time, he was not in the mud and muck of the dungeon. There in the prison courtyard, Jeremiah spent time in prayer with God.

Jeremiah had every reason to be depressed and broken. The nation of Israel had taken to worshiping Baal and other idols, within Jerusalem itself. Most of the other prophets of Jehovah God had been murdered. The Chaldeans of Babylon were marching their armies straight to the city of Zion.

It is no surprise that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. What is surprising is that Jeremiah never gave up hope. Jeremiah had hope because he never stopped speaking with God.

Too often, saints forget to sit and talk with God. We rush from appointment, to event, to activity, without pause. Then we lay awake at night, too upset or anxious to sleep.

A saint who prays develops a deeper relationship with God. On the other hand, a saint who does not pray drifts away from God. Which Christian saint do you want to be?

God may take you farther, and faster, than you want to go. He might make you wait longer than you might like. In either case, He will speak wonders in your ears and majesties in your heart. Your soul will be awestruck, and satisfied, by speaking with Him.

Think: Prayer is a saint’s response to adverse situations.

Pray: “Lord, remind me to speak with You at all times.”

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

The Trouble With Saints

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“The Trouble With Saints” By Kirk Hunt

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NKJV

Somehow, some of God’s people are convinced that the righteous do not have trouble. In this verse, Jesus says the opposite. Even saints struggle with problems in this life.

Still, Jesus commands us to have peace and joy. Trouble may come, but trouble will go. And Jesus will remain throughout.

Those words are easy when the trouble is minor and the solution is at hand. Those words are much harder in the hospital room, or jail cell, or a mortuary viewing room.

It does not matter how difficult the circumstances, Jesus remains. It may be more than you can bear, but not more than He can carry. You may not sense Him close, but He is immediately present.

You may not have done anything wrong. You may be as righteous as human beings can get. That will not keep trouble out of your life. Besides, that is not what He promises.

He promised that He has overcome the world. Your will overcome, through His power and grace. Do not let anything convince you otherwise.

Folks may not understand your peace of mind. They will be baffled by your joy, despite the circumstances. You have peace and joy because you know trouble passes through, while He remains.

Think: Troubles come and go, while Jesus is present and remains.

Pray: “Lord, give me your peace and joy, despite my trouble.”

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

He Restores You

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“He Restores You” By Kirk Hunt

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,

The crawling locust,

The consuming locust,

And the chewing locust,

My great army which I sent among you.

Joel 2:25 NKJV

You insisted on following your own lead. The consequences of your decisions, spiritually and naturally, seem more than you can bear. Desperately, you look for a way to restore what was lost.

The people of ancient Israel had invited God out of their lives. When the plague of locusts came, the people faced the onslaught without God’s provision or protection. The insect army devastated the land, and battered the people.

Repentance is the first step to restoration. The prophet Joel called on Israel to “tear your hearts, not your garments,” as a sign of grief and regret. As always, when we turn to God with sincere hearts, He listens.

God promised to make up the “eaten years” to His repentant people. There would be full barns, and hearts, if the people would return to God. God promised to pour out His Mercy and Grace, in place of His Justice and Judgment.

There will be hard work. First, you will labor at the altar when you return to Him. Than you will work at your day-to-day labors, under God’s Blessing. Working in His Plan is always better than the alternative.

The poor decisions of yesterday need not be the end of your story. You can return to God today. He promises a tomorrow of blessing and provision for hearts that seek Him in true repentance.

Think: God loves me and will provide if I repent.

Pray: “Lord, forgive me. Restore me in Your Grace.”

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

You Will Not Drown

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“You Will Not Drown” By Kirk Hunt

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

You did not get the promotion and you are disappointed. The woman will not even talk to you, so you are angry. You approach the casket and you are grieved. At times, your emotions are so strong, it seems you will drown in them.

Even for God’s saints, emotions are not always a positive experience. Hurt, anger, disappointment and sadness invade our lives at times. Still, we operate at an advantage.

God is with us. No matter what happens, He is right there. We are never alone. Out of His love for us, He refuses to leave us, no matter what murky emotions swirl around us.

Do not make the mistake of thinking it will not happen to you. Isaiah’s prophecy is that Israel will experience difficulties and heartache, still God will be there. God is always God, especially when the tsunamis of your life strike.

We live in, and through, His power. Tossed in the waves does not mean you will go under. Trust in His empowering grace for your life. He may let you get wet, but He will not let you drown.

Think: No matter how deep the emotions go, God will not let me be overwhelmed.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust you, even when emotion threatens to drag me under.”

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

Watch Yourself

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“Watch Yourself” by Kirk Hunt

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Numbers 20:11 KJV

Please read Numbers 20:2-13

Moses’ instructions from God were to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock. Twice. God allowed water to flow out of the rock anyway.

Moses disobeyed God. He operated in anger and frustration because of Israel’s faithlessness and grumbling. No amount of reasoning can excuse Moses’ error. Still, in grace and mercy, God honored Moses in front of the people.

Moses, the Lawgiver, forgot to be a law follower. Even a great leader is not too highly placed to be obedient. The great Deliverer, stood before God and was judged for his public disobedience.

Watch yourself. No Christian is excused from obeying God. You first duty is obedience to God, who called and placed you where you are.

Do not let any situation lead you into disobedience. Obey when God speaks. Obey what God speaks.

Watch yourself. No matter what circumstances or annoyances get in the way, remain faithful and obedient. God will cover the rest.

God blocked Moses from entering the Promised Land for his error. Consider carefully God’s commands and assignments to you. Do the right thing the right way.

Think: First and last, I must obey God, no matter what.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be obedient to You at all times.”

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

Keep Your Hope

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“Keep Your Hope” by Kirk Hunt

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:21–22 KJV

The Book of Lamentations is a grim and somber part of Scripture. Jeremiah clearly and forcefully explains the plight and situation of Israel and Judah in Babylonian captivity. In the center of the text, Jeremiah stops weeping and declares his hope in God’s love, mercy and compassions.

God issued the crushing cold and merciless darkness of His judgment against His people. Still, in the middle of the gloom and pain is a place of light, warmth and joy. The God who disciplines us is also the God who loves us.

His love for His people is so great that He restrains justice. Mercy still has a hand in Israel’s punishment. God’s grace, despite the captivity, remains part of Judah’s life.

Whatever you are facing, God’s love is still part of your life. His grace is still at the core of your affairs. His mercy still has a hand in your circumstances.

Despite the pain. With the tears. In the groaning.

His love is never ending. His love for us is the source of our hope. No matter how grim and somber our present is, we have hope because we have God.

Do not surrender. Do not despair. Despite it all, He loves us and therefore we have hope.

Think: God’s love for me is the source of my hope.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have hope in the love you have for me.”

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

In Whose Timing?

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“In Whose Timing?” by Kirk Hunt

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:36 KJV

To his credit, Peter meant his loyal words and actions. He would follow Jesus, even at hazard to his life. Peter did, by all traditions, follow Jesus to crucifixion. Just not that night.

The problem lay not in Peter’s intention, but his timing. His timing did not match Jesus’ timing. Peter would understand his out of step condition, before the night was over.

Jesus knows your heart and intention. Thankfully, He sees further, and better, than you. Intention is not enough. The timing must be the correct timing.

Peter made mistakes that night. Jesus even had to fix (see John 18:10-11) some of them. Operating in his own timing, Peter made things worse.

If you are anything like me, you think you know the right timing for your actions. If you are anything like me, God has fixed some of your mistakes. You meant well, but your timing was just a little off.

Jesus leads where we follow. Through His power. In His righteousness. With His grace.

Base your actions on Bible study and prayer. Be patient in His process. Stay obedient. Let Him lead you in His perfect timing.

Think: God’s timing for my life, unlike my own, is perfect.

Pray: “Lord, help me to operate in Your timing, not mine.”