love Archives – Page 4 of 5 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

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.

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.

Before His God

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“Before His God” By Kirk Hunt

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

2 Samuel 6:16 NKJV

Poppa was mentally, and possibly physically, the toughest man I have ever known. He went places and did things in the face of incredible opposition. Still, Momma often called him a “crybaby.”

It was in the middle of a church service that it registered with me that I saw his tears. The tears were part of his thankfulness. He cried as worship to his God. It was deeply moving and significant when I realized that his hard, iron-grip hands were raised in adoration and praise to God.

David was a great and established king. He had achieved the throne against tremendous opposition. Still, when the Ark entered Jerusalem, he could not contain himself. He stripped to his (fancy) underwear and danced before His God. It must have been deeply moving and significant to watch this powerful warrior spin and jump before his God.

David ignored his wife’s jeering at his undignified display. Poppa paid Momma no attention when she poked fun at his manly tears. And in either case, no one else dared say anything. Hopefully, most were able to see the beauty of their unrestrained displays of devotion.

God deserves the biggest, deepest reservoirs of your love and devotion. What does it look like when you show Him all of yourself? All I know is that it is beautiful in His eyes.

Think: Am I willing to express my deepest love to God?

Pray: “Lord, You are worthy of my deepest reverence and love, plus more.

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.

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.

Abba, Father

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“Abba, Father” By Kirk Hunt

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Galatians 4:6 NKJV

During my visit to Israel, the Tour Leader and his son suddenly started discussing money. The son, twenty-something years old, wanted extra money (no surprise) for an event. The discussion started in English, but switched to Hebrew, as son and Father “negotiated.”

The switch in language was effective, until we heard that tone. Son was using that imploring, almost-whining voice that every father in the group (if not the planet) knew too well. On top of the tone, all but one of us, recognized the word, “Abba.”

We laughed. We started to talk about taking up a collection. No real father is completely cold to the sound of that plea and cry from a son (or daughter). No matter what the child deserves, a father’s heart wants to give him (or her) more.

The son did not hesitate to implore his Dad. Because he knew his Dad loved him. Even if it mean compensation or sacrifice later, Son, understood his Dad would only do good things for him.

Your heavenly Father, Abba-God, Daddy-God, loves you. Your heavenly Father’s heart wants to give you more, because He loves you. He loves you more purely, truly and completely than any flesh-and-blood mortal can love anyone.

You are sons and daughters of the most high, God. Let your heart cry out to Him, no matter what the subject. I guarantee you that His heart hears you as a only a Father can.

Think: Abba-God, Daddy-God loves me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to rely on and trust Your love.”

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

Proof Of His Love

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“Proof Of His Love” by Kirk Hunt

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

No complex theological constructions. No intricate philosophical weavings. Just cold, hard facts.

God loved you first. He proved his love, first. His love for you continues, even now.

Paul is an especially good example of this proof. He helped martyr Stephen. At his conversion, Paul was actively (and effectively) persecuting the Christian Church. Still, Christ died for Paul, also.

God loves you. Always has. Always will.

Christ died for you. No matter what you did before. Regardless of what you are doing now.

You can be reconciled to God. Only you can say, “No.” He has already spoken and proven his part.

How should you respond? I suggest gratitude and relief. His sacrifice makes salvation available to you. All you have to say is, “Yes.”

Here is the catch: After you say “yes” to his love, you must return his love. You will have to live differently. Let his love help you change completely.

Start living out your love for him. It is that easy. God is already living out his love for you.

The idea is simple. Do not make it complicated. There is no tricky language in the verse. He loved you first. Respond to that.

Think: God has already proven his love to me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to accept the proof you have already given me.”

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.

How Do You Use Your Power?

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“How Do You Use Your Power?” by Kirk Hunt

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Luke 9:54 KJV

The Disciples wanted to command (not request) fire from heaven to destroy an entire village. Admittedly, providing hospitality was an important virtue in that culture. Refusing to provide for Jesus and the Disciples was, at a minimum, a serious breach of etiquette.

Even if a deliberate insult, flash-frying an entire village must count as an overreaction. Despite teaching and training from Jesus Himself, the Disciples missed the lesson on power use. Power should never be exercised without wisdom.

Did they have the power? James and John certainly thought so. Still, Jesus rebuked them on their purpose and motivation: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Broiling folk for insults was not the lesson Jesus was trying to teach.

God gives His saints power and wisdom. Every exercise of power by a Christian should be done in further building the Kingdom. For His glory. For His purposes. Certainly not as a naked display of willfulness.

Our modern culture needs us to use His power. To heal the wounded. To comfort the distressed. To unshackle the spiritually imprisoned.

Are you a Christian? Then you have His power. Always use His wisdom when you use His power.

Think: God gives us power and wisdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me to use the power You gave with, and in, Your wisdom.”

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

How Do You Use What You Have?

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“How Do You Use What You Have?” by Kirk Hunt

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Proverbs 22:22–23 KJV

Everything legal is not correct or moral. Segregation was once legal in the United States. Education and literacy is not legal for everyone in the world today.

What the oppressors do not seem to understand is the price they pay when they oppress. God Himself guards the poor and helpless. His omniscient eye sees. Eventually, His omnipotent hand moves.

Wealth and power have their place. I certainly want them. 1 Timothy 6:10 does not criticize money directly. Instead, Scripture condemns loving money so much that you do the wrong thing(s).

Money, influence and capitalism will not soon be outlawed in the world. Nor should they. Scripture commands you to use your wealth and influence with justice and fairness. Do you?

God watches. His blood boils when His little ones are oppressed. Eventually, He moves against those who perpetrate injustice.

The more you have, the easier it is to oppress and mistreat others. The more you have, the easier it is to act to benefit those around you, and still make a profit. What does God see when you use your wealth and influence?

Think: Justice and fairness please God. How do I use my wealth and influence?

Pray: “Lord, help me to use my wealth and influence with justice and fairness.”

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

Does God Love You?

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“Does God Love You?” by Kirk Hunt

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:12 KJV

I could tell you stories about Momma and Poppa disciplining me. They were likely to chastise me (or my siblings) at any time or place. Not once did they ever say, “This hurts me, as much as it hurts you.”

Do I remember their discipline with fondness? Not so much. Do I appreciate their correction now? Yes. Do I doubt their love? Not one iota.

God loves us so much he does not allow us to stay in our error(s). He corrects us. He guides us back to His Word and Way, when we stray.

When He corrects us, God denies justice. We do not get all we deserve. Instead of getting the full penalty of our sins, He guides us back to righteousness with mercy and kindness.

Of course, it is better to stay the straight and narrow. Still, we mere mortals occasionally get out in the weeds. It is then that His love for us shines most brightly.

He brings us back to the right path. Through His full love. In His grace. And sometimes with a switch. At least it is not with the sword we deserve.

He loves you. More than you know or understand. Accept His correction. Even when it hurts a little (or a lot).

Think: Father, you love me too much to let me stay wrong.

Pray: “Lord, help me to appreciate your love, even in correction.”

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

He Loves Us Still

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“He Loves Us Still” by Kirk Hunt

Jesus wept.

John 11:35 KJV

Jesus is the eternal Son of our eternal God. He has always existed. He will go on for forever.

I agree with those who believe that Jesus involved Himself with God’s people long before His earthly ministry. Many Bible scholars maintain that the “captain of the Lord’s host” in Joshua 5 was Jesus. The 4^th man in the furnace at Daniel 3 is widely said to be Jesus.

There were countless millennia and the untold millions who existed before His earthly ministry. All that time and all those lives should have given Jesus a deep reserve about the lives of men and women. The vast time and space from Creation alone should place a deep gulf between God and us.

Instead, the sight of Lazarus’ tomb brought our Savior to tears. Even with His purpose to bring the man back to life. Despite the limitless power at His command. Christ cried.

He loves you. He loves me. In the most human and common sense of the word, He cares about us. The master of all time and space is moved and impacted by our very human lives.

Never think for a moment that He does not feel toward and for you. Your life matters to Him. He feels for you.

Think: Jesus loves me fully, completely and affectionately.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live knowing Your love for me is eternal yet human.”

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