reconciliation Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Buying Reconciliation

“Buying Reconciliation” By Kirk Hunt

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.

Genesis 33:9–10 NKJV

The murderous hatred of Esau did not soften; instead, it transformed into brotherly love. Not suddenly with gifts, but slowly in the two decades of separation from his twin brother. Whatever Jacob’s opinion of Esau before, he is delighted by his brother’s acceptance in reconciliation. “You were pleased with me.”

Reconciliation is rarely a complicated business. Restoring relationships is almost always a lavishly expensive affair. The cost in swallowed pride and forgiven offensives starts high, then grows with each passing day. Unwinding, or flat forgiving, old grievances can take more out of you than you think or know.

Jacob’s wealth and blessings could not buy off his conscience or wrongdoing. He had to face his brother and fix their relationship. Unsure of his brother’s response (400 men), Jacob faced the regional warlord with nothing but courage and determination.

The fortune in livestock Jacob gave to Esau was not a bribe. It was an apology. Esau’s embrace of Jacob restored peace and joy, too long absent between them. Tears, of joy and relief, marked the return of brothers to each other’s life.

It is not too late or too hard for you. Spend your time, money and tears on reconciliation. Use your every skill and resource to restore the relationship. It will be a bargain at twice the price.

Think: Reconciliation is expensive but satisfying.

Pray: “Lord, help me find the way to bring us back together.”

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.

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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The Burden In His Heart

“The Burden In His Heart” By Kirk Hunt

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

It was 1990-ish and I sat alone in a room of white men and told the story from my heart. “White cops do not stop to help black men.” I was there to learn about how to minister. Instead, I discovered a burden in my heart I did not know I had. A hurt I would have otherwise kept hidden.

My Christian brothers listened carefully to a viewpoint they did not expect to hear. They could not reject my story without rejecting me. So, for a little while, they helped me bear my burden. Their obedience to Jesus helped begin healing an infection that could have disqualified me from ministry.

I did learn a lesson about ministering to men and women during that day. Whatever you think, a man’s experience is his experience. He is correct about what he felt. You may not understand or agree, but you cannot reject the story that comes from his heart without rejecting him. And it may be appropriate for your heart to ache with him.

I struggle when men and women tell me hard, painful stories about their earthly fathers. My memory of Poppa Hunt remains my most valuable possession. Still, I believe the story they share from their heart. I then lead that hurting soul to Jesus, our Healer.

In the coming days and weeks, God’s people will be ministers of healing, reconciliation and restoration. It starts with a willingness to accept the heart the story comes from. Then lead them humbly and graciously to Jesus. Bear their burden, for a while, so that healing can begin.

Think: Reconciliation and healing begin by bearing someone’s burden.

Pray: “Lord, help me to bear someone’s burden, as Your instrument of healing.”

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Healing Instruments

“Healing Instruments” By Kirk Hunt

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

I am horrified. Each black man could have been a nephew, cousin, brother or one of my precious sons. Each policeman could have been a nephew, cousin or one of my Gospel brothers. “God where is Your healing?”

There is pain and outrage as the carnage continues. There is fear, anger and despair as the body counts climb. The cycle of violence can only be broken through reconciliation and restoration.

Clearly, America needs healing. God’s power is the only source powerful enough to cleanse the infection and mend the wounds. Consider this: He will use His people to do the work.

The image is not of held hands and gentle songs. The picture is of the hard, painful labor of self-examination and repentance. There will be the hard, sweaty work of choosing a different, better way. After that, there will be grueling practice until righteousness becomes an engrained response. And through it all, we will have to start trusting each other.

God is our source, but we are the instruments. It will take everyday men and women, just like you, to reach out to others in grace and humility. Consider someone else’s heart and mind, first and last. Do the hard things that end the violence and fear.

There may be hot tears and harsh words. That is okay. Healing will begin after the infection is cleared and the wounds begin to close.

Think: I am God’s instrument of reconciliation and healing.

Pray: “Lord, we seek Your face. Heal our land.”

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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.”

He Sees You

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“He Sees You” by Kirk Hunt

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 KJV

“His father saw him.” Dad’s heart for his son gave him sight and insight. A “great way off” was not just a reference to the physical distance.

Dad scanned the horizon every day, looking for his son. He saw the boy coming home, in his heart. With faith that strong, his physical eyes were compelled to look for the physical manifestation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) is a parable, but it teaches an inescapable truth: God loves you and wants you back. Separation from Him is not normal. Reconciliation with Him is natural.

Perhaps you have left your faith in Him for a time. His love for you has never wavered. His arms are open to you, even now.

Perhaps you have kept your faith, but have stumbled here and there. He loves you, even still. Run back to his open arms.

God loves you. His arms are open and extended to you. Your heavenly Father will see you when you turn back to Him.

Think: Godly loves me. God wants me back.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for Your love for me and Your open arms for me.”

“He Sees You” by Kirk Hunt

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 KJV

“His father saw him.” Dad’s heart for his son gave him sight and insight. A “great way off” was not just a reference to the physical distance.

Dad scanned the horizon every day, looking for his son. He saw the boy coming home, in his heart. With faith that strong, his physical eyes were compelled to look for the physical manifestation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) is a parable, but it teaches an inescapable truth: God loves you and wants you back. Separation from Him is not normal. Reconciliation with Him is natural.

Perhaps you have left your faith in him for a time. His love for you has never wavered. His arms are open to you, even now.

Perhaps you have kept your faith, but have stumbled here and there. He loves you, even still. Run back to his open arms.

God loves you. His arms are open and extended to you. Your heavenly Father will see you when you turn back to Him.

Think: Godly loves me. God wants me back.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You for Your love for me and Your open arms for me.”

Philemon’s Dilemma

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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Philemon 1:7 (KJV)

I expect that Philemon saw Onesimus before reading Paul’s letter. Whether measured in seconds, or hours, it would seem like an eternity to the men in the room. Would Philemon react against an escaped slave, or respond to a Christian brother?

The Epistle put Philemon on the horns of a dilemma. Would he live up to his (Roman) world-wide reputation as a generous, compassionate Christian? Could Philemon still do the right thing, facing the man who robbed him twice?

Circumstances can, and do, demand proof of our Christianity. Do you truly forgive? Are you authentic about reconciliation with a brother or sister?

Intellectual exercises in forgiveness are easy. Concrete episodes of reconciliation are rarely neat and simple. The facts, figures and emotions flood us in excruciating detail.

“Are you or aren’t you?” “Do you walk the talk?” “Do you or don’t you?” The questions may be undiplomatic, but the answers are critical.

Sooner, or later, someone or something will test your character as a Christian. Has it been all talk, or are you really a man or woman of God? What’s your answer to your personal Onesimus?

Think: Choose to be the Christian you talk about.

Pray: “Father-God, help me respond Your way, no matter the circumstances.”

Onesimus’ Courage

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And I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 (KJV)

I want video tape of the conversation between Paul and Onesimus. It’s one thing for the Apostle to risk his own life in confrontations with powerful men. It’s another thing for an escaped slave and all-but-convicted thief to do the same. Still, the Apostle convinced his newest Disciple to return to his master.

Onesimus’ crimes are two-fold. In the first part, A runaway slave deprived his master of his valuable services. In the second part , to steal a valuable object on the way out the door is to add insult to injury. The penalty for either crime could be harsh and brutal.

Onesimus’ courage is high indeed. He did the right thing, despite the possible consequences. With only a slip of parchment between him and the full-force of Roman slave law, Onesimus approached Philemon and asked for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Scripture does not record the exact outcome of Onesimus’ return to Philemon. What is important is that Onesimus made the effort to right old wrongs. He made the effort to put the past, once and for all, behind him.

Perhaps you have an open issue in your life. May I commend the courage of Onesimus to you? Philemon didn’t have the chance to be forgiving Christian man until Onesimus had the courage to seek reconciliation.

Think: Reconciliation starts with Godly courage.

Pray: “Father-God, help me to be reconciled with my family, natural or spiritual.”

A Subtle Difference

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“A Subtle Difference” by Kirk Hunt

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 KJV

It doesn’t sound like it, but conviction is a good thing. It serves a useful purpose in the life of seekers and believers. Conviction points out the errors in our lives.

It’s important to say this: Conviction is different from condemnation. Conviction can be defined as “convincing someone of an error.” Condemnation can be defined as “sentencing to punishment.”

Conviction seeks to stop you from stepping off a cliff. Condemnation seeks to shove you off a cliff. Conviction points to improvement, not imprisonment. It’s a subtle, but critical difference.

When the Holy Spirit convicts, there’s a yearning to make things right. In the long-run, we’re thankful for the experience. Despite the short-run discomfort.

Condemnation is an ugly declaration of penalty and separation. There is no effort to restore or repair in condemnation. All of the energy goes to punishment of the prisoner.

It’s a subtle but important difference. Conviction concerns itself with simple correction: Making it right. Condemnation cares only for the penalty phase.

God, our heavenly Father wants to restore us in loving fellowship. The enemy of your soul wants to accuse, then condemn. Surely, you can see the difference.

Think : Conviction is the Holy Spirit pointing in a better direction.

Pray: “Lord, guide me away from my error and toward Your righteousness.”

Testify

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“Testify” by Kirk Hunt

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Mark 5:19-20 KJV

“You can’t fool me. That’s him. What are we going to do?”

Imagine the reception that the formerly possessed man received when he came home. His friends and family weren’t sure to embrace him, or flee the scene. Borrowed clothes and sane eyes couldn’t hide his helter-skelter past.

Once everyone decided he had changed, they wanted to know just one thing: How? What had changed a monster back into a man? Who or what had the power to recover a hopeless case?

With every eye on him, the recovered man told his story. “I met a man who reacted with power and compassion instead of fear and dread.” The audience reaction comes as no surprise.

As God’s men and women, we are witnesses to God’s grace. We are the lost souls and hopeless cases that only His power could save. We should tell the story more often.

Testify. They need to hear. You need to remember.

Think: I am a living witness to God’s power. I should be quick to testify.

Pray: “Lord, help me to tell the story of how you changed my life.”

The Torn Veil

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The Torn Veil by Kirk Hunt

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark 15:37-38 KJV

In my heart and spirit I walk through the Temple. At the threshold to the Holy of Holies I pause. Only the High Priest should pass the Veil.

Once a year the High Priest would pass the Veil and offer a sacrifice for the nation. And he would do so, trembling. A sinful heart before the Mercy Seat would bring God’s judgment, not forgiveness.

The Veil, the barrier between sinful men and Holy God, has been torn. The ragged tear is evidence of Jesus’ sacrifice. He has made access to God free and clear.

I come before the Mercy Seat, trembling. Because Jesus’ Blood is on the Mercy Seat, I am free to stand before the Throne. I am grateful for the privilege to approach God freely. I am joyous that access to His Presence is not only open, but encouraged. I am humbled by the sacrifice that allows me this unequaled freedom.

In His Presence I am free. Free to talk, face-to-Shekinah, with God. I worship my Holy God. I commune with my Heavenly Father. I reach out and touch Him, knowing that with the Veil torn, His response is love, not judgment.

Think: I have access to God’s Throne.

Pray: “Lord, I thank You for free access to Your Throne and Presence.”

Your Year of Release

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“Your Year of Release” by Kirk Hunt

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

Deuteronomy 15:12-13 KJV

Perhaps you made some mistakes. Maybe your start in life was less than ideal. Keep right on working for Him. Your circumstances will be transformed by His Grace.

During the sabbatical year, debts are forgiven. At the year of rest, freedom is restored to the captive. The weariest soul receives rest and restoration during the year of freedom.

God is a God of second chances. He knows that men and women often need to start again. For ancient Israel, freedom came in the form of the sabbatical year.

For us, redemption comes through the Cross and the blood of Christ. He died so you could go free. Even now, He is your advocate in heaven.

God knows our hearts and minds need rest. He sees our unspoken needs and hidden desires. Sooner, or later, He always rewards the faithful.

His freedom is more than release from bondage. He will load you down with benefits and blessings. You will walk, free and full, into a new life and opportunity.

He has commanded your freedom. Your blessings and benefits have been reserved for you. Get ready for your year of release.

Think: God will give me a second chance and a season of restoration.

Pray: “Lord, in faith, I receive Your freedom and restoration.”

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