power Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Rejoice. He Is Risen.

“Rejoice. He Is Risen.” By Kirk Hunt

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Matthew 28:9–10 NKJV

Mary Magdalene and the other disciples intended to complete the sorrowful work of Jesus’ burial. Instead, they found the tomb empty. Then Mary had conversation with the risen Jesus.

When the founders of other religions (such as Bahá’u’lláh, Buddha, or Mohammed) die they are buried then remain in the grave. They are no longer available for a personal relationship. Their direct influence and wisdom is no longer available.

The truth of Jesus is revealed by the empty tomb. The power of Jesus is undeniable because of the empty tomb. Fresh from overcoming death, Jesus wanted relationship with His Disciples.

The risen Jesus is available to anyone who wants Him. He is available to anyone who seeks Him for a personal relationship. New wisdom is available to anyone who asks. His influence is direct and unending.

The relationship between Jesus and the Disciples was disrupted, but restored. To the power of Jesus, death was an inconvenience, overcome on the first Easter morning. His power, and direct relationship, are available to you. Will you seek Him out?

His sacrifice made salvation available. His resurrection proved his power over all aspects of creation. Will you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus?

Think: Jesus is risen from the grave. What could limit Him?

Pray: “Lord, thank You for the sacrifice and resurrection of Your Son.”

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 Forbearance

“Spirit of Forbearance” By Kirk Hunt

And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:3–4 NKJV

Forbearance can be defined as the act of restraining an action, despite right or privilege. The bank can choose not to start foreclosure. The officer can choose not to write a speeding ticket. They choose to restrain their right and capacity to act. Jesus and the adulterous woman (John 7:53-8:11) is a prime example of the spirit of forbearance.

Jesus, sinless, pure and perfect, could cast the first store. The Law said He ought to cast the first stone. Instead, He refused to condemn her.

Jesus was more concerned about her soul than the opinion of the Pharisees. He had the power to act and the power to restrain Himself. Graciously, He instructed her to give up sin then sent her back to her life.

Jesus held the right, the privilege and capacity to condemn her. By restraining His action, the woman received an opportunity for repentance and restoration. Jesus’ forbearance was a strong act of mercy, grace and outreach.

The spirit of forbearance is a sister of gentleness. Forbearance and gentleness only matter where there is the ability to act. Both require you to consider the impact on others, before yourself. Do you choose to act against others at every opportunity? Can you restrain yourself, sometimes?

Think: Forbearance is the power to restrain yourself. Can you?

Pray: “Lord, help me to restrain myself in order to benefit others.”

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Spirit of Gentleness

“Spirit of Gentleness” By Kirk Hunt

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

Perhaps your mental image of gentleness needs adjustment. Too often, men (and some women) associate gentleness with weakness or a lack of power. In fact, only the strong and powerful can be gentle. God’s love to us is the ultimate example of gentleness.

My favorite definition of gentleness is “strength or power with skillful control”. Anyone who cannot restrain their own strength or power is a threat to all around them. Worse, they may cause harm where they intended to help.

Without strength or power, you cannot have an impact in the world. Without gentleness, your strength or power will tend toward harm and never help. Who could you help, if you could skillfully apply your might and muscle on their behalf?

Gentleness is a fruit (characteristic) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). The longer your walk with God, the more we should see evidence of all of these characteristics in your life. You may not have perfected one or any of them, but we should see you growing in all of them.

Gentleness is arguably the most easily recognized of the fruit. Regular folk easily see if you wield your power or strength to benefit others. It is obvious to everyone if you leave wreckage or blessing in your wake.

Think: Gentleness is power with skill. Do I help or hurt with my strength?

Pray: “Lord, help me to live my life showing the same gentleness You show me.”

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The Power Of Consistency

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“The Power Of Consistency” By Kirk Hunt

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:10 NKJV

The card said simply: “Thank you for your 171 donations!” It has taken 5 years of consistency to deliver that many units (pints) of platelets. I am humbled that God would grace me to do so much, and for so long, for His Kingdom.

I have been able to share my good health 171 times. 171 times I have been able to minister, not just to a seriously ill patient, but to all of the kin and kith looking on. 171 times I have answered God’s calling on my life for a man, woman or child (except one) I will never meet.

What should you be doing consistently? How many men, women or children will be blessed if you press toward the goal? You have a calling that will build the Kingdom of God, here and now. Have you answered your calling?

I could never give 21 gallons of blood products at one time. I cannot give platelets as quickly and easily as other men and women. Still, I do what I can. And what I give is not trivial. Especially to those who receive the gift that I pass on from God.

Follow your calling. Faithfully pass on the gift that God has given you. There is power in your consistency.

Think: Consistency has more impact and blessing than I think or know.

Pray: “Lord, help me to consistently live my life in You.”

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

Difficulty Happens

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NKJV

Sooner or later, all Christians face difficulty. An unpleasant crisis could crash into your life. A loss could rob your world. Basic daily life and work could become a heavy burden.

It hurts. It seems no one understands your situation or pain. It may even be that others seek a blessing from you at the center of your crisis.

God can use your situation for good. It is at this place of trial and grief that you stop relying on yourself. It is here that you learn to rely on God.

Paul suffered a series of painful and crushing hardships. Despite his fortitude, eventually even he found the limit of regular folk. Sound familiar?

At that place of exhaustion and emptiness, Paul looked up. Jesus, in all His glory, stood ready to carry him the distance. Paul felt dead inside, but God’s Power poured in life.

Whatever you are facing today, know that you are not alone. He wants to bless you with strength and power beyond your wildest dreams. Turn to Him. Let Him restore your life.

Think: Difficulty is a place for God’s restoration.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for carrying me through the hard places.”

When Monsters Witness

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“When Monsters Witness” By Kirk Hunt

And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Mark 5:20 NKJV

Jesus paused before getting in the boat. “Go home and be a witness,” He instructed the man he had just saved. Messiah then left the monster where He found him, but not as he found him.

Some folk recognized the formerly possessed man from across the street. Some only realized it was the same man after speaking with him for a while. All understood the complete change that had happened in his life.

Your witness is important. Only you can tell your story correctly. The evidence of your life cannot be denied.

You do not need to embellish or exaggerate. Just tell the straight story. Especially the part where God intervened in your life.

He-who-was-a-monster did not need to embellish or exaggerate. His calm, steady eyes told a story of healing and restoration. His rational, peaceful manner spoke loudly of supernatural power and grace.

Compassion from heaven fell on a man everyone else had written off. Power from God had healed and restored a lost cause. All he had to do was testify in short, simple words.

You have an account of what God has done for you. Be a witness. Just tell the truth.

Think: Who better than you can tell your story of God’s power?

Pray: “Father-God, help me tell the story of Your power in my life.”

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

When Monsters Come Home

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“When Monsters Come Home” By Kirk Hunt

“Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:39 NKJV
Read also Luke 8: 26-39

Not too many minutes ago, he was a monster. Now the soul behind the calm eyes is only intense about serving Jesus. Still, Messiah sends His new convert away. “Go home and tell them how God has blessed you.”

For most of us, “home” is a place of joy, comfort and security. What happens when you return home from the deepest and darkest places the enemy has to offer? Are you happy to return where you started? Are they happy for the recovered soul or leery of the returning monster?

More souls than the monster need healing. Those who dwell near, or in, the (former) monster’s lair need reconciliation and restoration. The folks at home need to hear the story of how God’s power can heal anyone. And how specifically God healed the monster they know best.

The former monster walked through the town and was recognized by everyone. He stood before the door in borrowed clothes and called out to the first of his victims. And once again, he had an improbable story to tell.

This time, he could be calm and collected. This time, only the voices of kith and kin whispered in his ears. This time, only the power of God controlled his actions.

Think: Who better than the restored can tell the story of the power of God?

Pray: “Father-God, Your power is supreme in reconciliation and restoration.”

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

When Monsters Confront You

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“When Monsters Confront You” By Kirk Hunt

And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.

Luke 8:27 NKJV
Read also Luke 8: 26-39

Naked, encrusted in dirt if not filth, the monster came out to confront Jesus as he stepped of the boat. Of course, the monster had once been someone’s son, or brother, or husband, or father. That beloved soul is not visible in those crazed eyes.

Demon possession is not some fiction that exists only at the movie theatre. There are other dangers that transform men and women into monsters. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other addictions can transform the best of us into the worst of us.

Jesus, of course, undid the monster that confronted Him. After He cast the demon cast out, only the man remained. In those calmed eyes, the beloved soul could once again be seen.

You may know someone in the grip of possession. You may not recognize the soul who looks back at you from the mirror. Be it an addiction, or true spiritual possession, God’s power is the answer.

There are Godly men and women who stand ready to help. There are organizations such as Teen Challenge who assist those who want freedom and deliverance. Trust God and His power to recover any soul.

Think: Addictions and other possessions are subject to the power of God.

Pray: “Father-God, Your power is supreme, no matter what interferes in our lives.”

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.

Paul’s Annoyance

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“Paul’s Annoyance” By Kirk Hunt

This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

Acts 16:17-18 NKJV

The girl was possessed by a foul spirit. She could supernaturally see the who of, and what of, Paul and his ministry team. To Paul’s annoyance, she followed them around and disrupted their ministry of the true Gospel. Paul, vexed by the situation, responded.

It was all wrong. The innocent girl should not be possessed by an unclean spirit. The foul spirit told the truth, but in a way deliberately intended to disrupt the life and true ministry of Paul and the other missionaries. Something had to be done. In the name of Jesus Christ, Paul exercised power against the enemy.

Paul did not start a crusade against divination or diviners. Instead, he cast out the nervy devil that sought to block the Kingdom of Heaven. In a single stroke, he set the girl free, and re-opened the door to ministering the Gospel.

Believe it or not, your annoyance with that opposing situation is a good thing. It tells you where you need to start in building God’s Kingdom. Respond as Jesus would, no matter how annoyed you are.

Think: The object of annoyance and frustration may be where I should minister.

Pray: “Lord, help me to use my annoyance for building Your Kingdom.”

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.

Strengthen Your Folk

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“Strengthen Your Folk” by Kirk Hunt

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:32 KJV

Simon Peter, in the hours following this statement, would show his flaws. Peter would hack off someone’s ear in rage. He would then turn in the same moment and flee in panic. Later he would deny he even knew Jesus.

Jesus saw all of this coming, in advance. He took this moment, when perhaps he should have been preparing Himself for crucifixion, to prepare Peter. He told his strongest man to strengthen those around him.

Peter would cry later, in remorse and guilt. He would discover just how little he knew about Jesus. Or Peter. When this tough-guy fisherman “wept bitterly,” he had hit rock bottom.

For all of his demonstrated flaws and shortcomings, Peter remained the strongest of the Disciples. At least he made the (misguided) effort to defend Jesus. None of the other Disciples were close enough to be accused.

With his face rubbed in the worst of his failing, Peter clung to his faith. With his soul tattered and battered, Peter refused to let go of his knowledge of Jesus. When Peter got up, the others looked to him for strength and leadership.

If you are holding onto your faith, you have strength enough to share. No matter what has happen in your past, you have what others need. The kith and kin in your circle need what you have. Strengthen your folk.

Think: Despite my flaws and shortcomings, I have strength to give.

Pray: “Lord, help me to strengthen the folk around me.”