Paul Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Sharp Contention

Sharp Contention by Kirk Hunt

But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus

Acts 15:38-39 NKJV
Please also read Acts 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed over John-Mark. Their contention was so severe, that it appeared to rupture their Gospel relationship. With glares or mutters, they separated to minster the Gospel, away from each other.

Consider how Barnabas championed a recovering failure, John-Mark, to Apostle Paul. Not so long ago, Barnabas championed recovering failure, Saul of Tarsus (Paul), to the Apostles. Was John-Mark’s error so bad? Was Paul’s memory, and empathy, so short?

Even God’s people have disagreements. The question is whether we maintain connection through the turbulence. As the old folks used to say: “Wise men may fight, but only fools fall out.”

Even Spirit-filled men and women read different conclusions from the same facts and data. What happens when that day comes? What outcomes are you prepared to create or allow? Will grace and humility have a say at the table?

Do you become bitter enemies? Must you rupture the organization? Can you find, or make, a rational compromise? No matter how annoyed you are at a Gospel brother or sister, you remain connected through Christ.

Consider there will be contention in your life, even with Gospel brothers and sisters. Stock yourself now with grace, mercy, and humility. Fight, if you must, but do not fall out.

Think: Maintain your Godly connections, despite sharp contention.

Pray: “Lord, show me how to stay in Gospel connection, despite contention.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God’s Purpose

God’s Purpose by Kirk Hunt

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:28;30 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:25-32

Every door of the prison swings open. The stocks and chains fall off all of the prisoners. The apostles stay right where there are, so they can complete God’s purpose.

If God sent you there, then He has a purpose for you to complete. Will you stay in obedience? Will you faithfully complete your assigned mission?

The situation in the Philippi jail is dramatic and fantastic. An earthquake opens the doors and chains, but does not destroy the building or kill anyone. The prisoners, including the highest profile inmates, do not leave. Then the apostles stop the prison warden from committing suicide.

Paul and Silas are not in jail for their own reasons. They are in position to fulfill God’s purpose. And their faithful obedience leads to the salvation of an entire household.

Where are you today, man or woman of God? You are not there by random chance or senseless accident. You are deliberately placed to fulfill God’s purpose.

God does not always send angels. Often, He sends mere men and women. His saints, deliberately positioned through faith and obedience, fulfill His purpose. And the Kingdom of God expands.

Maybe serving your purpose will only be seen by a few, in silence. Perhaps you will be thrust to the front of a crowd, in noise and furor. God has maneuvered you there for His purpose. What purpose will you serve?

Think: God ordered your circumstances for a reason.

Pray: “Lord, help me to serve Your Kingdom where You put me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God Is Present

God Is Present by Kirk Hunt

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25-26 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:16-30

Consider Paul and Silas’ terrible, no good, very bad day. The Apostles were the victims of malicious prosecution, by a mob. Then they were beaten with rods. Still bleeding from their wounds, the city fathers of Philippi threw them not just in jail, but in stocks. God did not prevent their circumstances, but He was there, in the middle of their situation.

Too often we think that delay, difficulty or denial means that God has abandoned us. Inconveniences, like persecution, are often God’s way of positioning His men and women for ministry. Romans 5:1-5 tells us that trials and tribulations build our faith.

Paul and Silas chose to worship. Their backs continued to bleed. Their feet remained locked in stocks. In pain and humiliation, they decided the correct response was prayer and singing praise to God.

Omnipotent and sovereign God proved His presence. An earthquake shook open all the prison doors and rattled off all their chains. God is always close to His faithful men and women. He always has options about how He reveals Himself.

God allows events in His timing, and for His purposes. We may not be happy for every circumstance, but we can choose His joy in every situation. He is close by. Reach out and touch Him in prayer and worship.

Think: God is close by in all your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and feel Your presence in every situation.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Put That On My Account

Put That On My Account by Kirk Hunt

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.

Philemon 1:17-18 NKJV

Apostle Paul sent Onesimus, back to, Philemon. Paul’s letter to his Gospel sons was short and to the point: “Restore your relationship with your Gospel brother. If Onesimus owes you anything, put it on Apostle Paul’s account.”

Traditionally, Onesimus was the chattel slave of Philemon. Some scholars think of their relationship as a standard employee-employer dynamic. Others suggest they were biological siblings. Regardless of their exact history, Paul’s letter indicates that Onesimus stole money or goods when he left Philemon.

Forgiveness requires the shifting of a debt, or debts, to a different account. Someone accepts the loss and writes it off, without further comment or action. The forgiven surely benefits from the removal of their burden. Still, it turns out that the primary beneficiary of forgiveness is the forgiver.

With the debt(s) disposed of, restoration can begin. The pain and ill will of the past can be left behind. The self-poisons of anger and bitterness can be disposed of, once and for all. The Holy Spirit can then fill your empty spaces with love and grace.

Someone owes you something. Father-God asks you to shift that debt, a burden that crushes both of you, to His account. Trade your anger and resentment for God’s love and grace.

Think: Forgiveness involves shifting debts to someone else’s account.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to forgive my brother or sister.”

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.

Through Faith

Through Faith by Kirk Hunt

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Hebrews 11:33-34 NKJV
Read also Hebrews 11:30-40

Hebrews 11, written by the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul, illustrates what happens when people act in faith. Through faith, men and women take action. Through faith, God’s people stand their ground, or go on the offensive, against hellions and hellhounds alike. And they win through God’s power.

Faith requires spiritual eyes. Faith requires you to act on what you know does not yet exist. People without faith will think your actions are insane or weak-minded. Some people with faith will think you have lost your way. You may wonder yourself, in the middle of the action.

The Holy Spirit will speak to you. Deep within your soul and spirit, God will reveal His plan and set you on your path. All that is left is for you to take actions that appear to have no rational basis in reality.

God’s people act to bring about a future, God-ordained reality. Always in hindsight, the rationality of saints is easy to see. Still, the first steps into the void can be difficult, even for men and women of the strongest faith. Trust God with, and for, your future reality.

Think: “Faith is the substance and evidence of a God-ordained future reality.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to take action based on my faith in You.”

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.”

Profane And Idle Babblings

“Profane And Idle Babblings” By Kirk Hunt

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort

2 Timothy 2:16–17 NKJV

It was not that long ago that cursing and foolish talk was a negative. Men and women would demonstrate their education, or refinement, by speaking in words and phrases that you would proudly repeat to others. It seems now that profane and idle babblings pervades throughout society and sadly the Church.

Foul language and foolishness are ugly, coming from unbelievers. Such things are especially foul, coming from those who call themselves Christians. Christians are called to be a peculiar people. In this case peculiar refers to careful conduct that puts a positive light on Christ and fellow Christians.

All Christians are a witness regarding Jesus Christ. Do you testify to the purity and grace of Jesus? Does your conduct and speech draw, or repel, non-believers?

Holding yourself to a higher, purer form of conduct and communication will make you stand out. Trust me, they will notice. Do they wait eagerly for you to slip up? Some, yes.

What comes out of your mouth may not be cursing, per se. You can speak the absolute truth with hurtful intent and wicked motives. Deliberately, or thoughtlessly, injuring others with your words is just as wicked and sinful as anything else.

Think: Is my life and conduct profane or pious? Am I thoughtful or thoughtless when I speak?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a good witness of You.”

Follow Your Leadership

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“Follow Your Leadership” by Kirk Hunt

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1 KJV

Paul is writing to Christians leaving in pagan Rome. The most likely Caesar or Emperor of the time? The notorious Nero.

Why did not Paul tell the Christians of Rome to take up arms? Because all governments are ordained by God. Ordained is defined as invested officially, or appointed by authority.

Does being subject mean following every direction a secular leader gives? Had the Roman Christians been more obedient to Nero, fewer of them would have been martyred. Still, they lived and worked in a society with radically different beliefs and morals.

Modern day Christians live and work using beliefs and morals radically different from the society-at-large. Like our ancient Roman brothers and sisters, we are called to live out our lives as light and salt. Most Western Christians do so without the threat of real or serious persecution.

What should modern-day Christians do? First, remain subjects of the King of heaven. Second, be subject to the secular government God placed ordained for you.

Will you agree with everything? I hope not. Still, you must be a good citizen of two Kingdoms. I am sure you know which has priority.

Think: I am called to live and work as salt and light under the current government.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a good subject first of You, then of the earthy leaders you ordain.”

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

Riding The Storm

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“Riding The Storm” by Kirk Hunt

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:22–23 KJV

The wind-driven salt water stung Paul’s face just like everyone else. The Apostle suffered with nausea from two weeks of violent pitching, like everyone else. The storm beat and battered everyone on the ship, without exception.

To the trained experts, the situation seemed forlorn of anything positive. Still, Paul stood up in the middle of the group with words of hope. Not because he was missing the storm, but because He was riding the storm.

We do God and ourselves a disservice. We try to limit how He can act. We set up rules that limit His salvation.

God’s angels can chat and visit with water-soaked believers. Even in the middle of a typhoon. His hope can shine through, even when rain and storm-clouds block the sun. If you let Him, God can ride the storm with you as well.

God does not have to stop the storm to ride with you. You can climb on to His hope at any time. When the wind is howling at its loudest, God’s power shines brightest.

Everyone on the ship made it safely to land. The angel did not lie to Paul. Paul passed on what he knew was a true and complete message: God is riding the storm with us.

Think: God’s power can shine in any circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live, knowing you ride the storm with me.”

Now, With Profit

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“Now, With Profit” by Kirk Hunt

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: (Philemon 1:10-11 KJV)

Philemon 1:10–11 KJV

The relationship between Onesimus and Philemon clearly had problems. Onesimus was an escaped slave and a thief. Onesimus had a lot of nerve, walking back in Philemon’s door.

Still, the two men came back into each other’s lives. Apostle Paul insisted that the two men reconcile with each other. Paul must have sensed that there would be profit in their relationship.

Onesimus returned to his owner, prepared to answer on two felony charges. Philemon suddenly had to re-prove his reputation regarding generosity and compassion to Christians.

The call to profitable relationships is not always easy. The call is rarely with risks. Still, the call rings out, today.

You have a choice. You can leave the relationship the way it is, or you can re-build. You can write off the loss, or you can go for the profit.

God is always honored when His sons and daughters work it out. No one said that is easy. But he is honored.

Think: The call to profitable relationships is not always easy, but it is worthy.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in grace with others, especially believers.”

When It Is Still Raining

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“When It Is Still Raining” by Kirk Hunt

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 – 9 KJV

Video: Praise You In This Storm

The good news is that God always answers prayer. The bad news is that God’s answer is not always “yes.” “No” is an answer, like it or not.

There is no Scriptural description of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever his issue, Paul petitions God three times for relief or removal. God answers Paul with a clear “no.” Paul says “amen,” but it is still “raining” in his life.

We do not always understand God’s actions, but we always understand His faithfulness. Pain and sorrow invade the lives of Christians, but His love is always with us. Even in the low, dark places of our lives, God’s high power shines brightly in us, and through us.

Even in the pelting rain of your life, God loves you. His power in you is greater than anything you face. His grace is sufficient, strong enough, to carry you through whatever you face.

Think: God’s grace and love for me are constant and faithful.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love and trust You, no matter Your answer.”

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.”