sisterhood Archives – CadreMen Press Devotionals

At All Times

“At All Times” By Kirk Hunt

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV

I hate the need for “at all times” calls. “I know it is short notice, but…?” “Can you come, now, then…?” “I hate to ask but we are at the emergency room, so…”

I may grumble and grouse as I get off of the couch. I do not always think the kindest thoughts on the way over. Still, when I get there, I do all I can to be cheerful, joyous and helpful.

Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice, followed by action. Especially during 2 AM crises.

Being a friend, a Gospel brother or sister, can be inconvenient at times. Godly men and women find themselves helping at the strangest times and oddest places. Worse, you could be the one being assisted.

I know what it is like to be the giver. I also know what it is like to be the receiver. Sooner, or later, you will know both sides. It is part of the human condition and being part of God’s family.

When you share your strength and patience, especially with a Gospel brother or sister, you are building God’s Kingdom. As your Godly friend comes to help you, he or she is building into your life. Either way, God is pleased.

One day, stuff will happen. A night will come when your brother or sister will need you. This is why God gave them to you, and you to them.

Think: Real brothers and sisters help others, especially within the Gospel family.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a true brother or sister during adversity.”

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.

Next To You

“Next To You” By Kirk Hunt

And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.”

1 Samuel 23:17 NKJV

Jonathan, the Crown Prince of Israel, declared he would never be king. Despite his age, position and lineage, Jonathan openly stated that David would be the next king. Jonathan freely declared “I shall be next to you” as good news to his friend and protégé.

Deep down, we all want to sit the “big chair” somewhere in our life and work. Do you know the will of God enough, and have self-control enough, to say, “You, not me.” Are you man or woman enough to be glad for your friend, despite their jump in line?

Deep in the woods, where David hid from a death warrant, Jonathan spoke gladly of David’s coming dynasty. Jonathan would stand, or kneel, next to David’s throne and be glad of the privilege. Only a Godly man or woman can be so pleased to be “passed over” for promotion, even for a friend.

The common wisdom is that Jonathan should have led the bounty hunters to David’s hiding place. He could have executed David himself. Instead he encouraged his friend, the outlaw. Jonathan cheerfully pointed to a time when he would no longer be Crown Prince.

Do you love God’s plan more than the big promotion? Are you willing to push God’s choice to the position that should be yours? Are you glad in your heart?

Think: Do I know my place? Am I willing to be glad, despite not getting the top spot?

Pray: “Lord, help me to know, and be glad of, my place in Your Kingdom.”

Foreigners Defended

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Foreigners Defended” by Kirk Hunt

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Acts 11:17 NKJV

Peter stood before the leadership at Jerusalem and explained himself. He had to mount a significant defense for his actions in Joppa. Effectively, these men wanted to know who authorized the Holy Spirit to empower Gentiles.

Too little age, credentials or background are reasons to reject you. Too much age, credentials or background are also reasons to reject you. To the self-appointed correct people, there is always a reason to reject you. Somebody, somewhere, thinks you should not be allowed.

Peter’s vision and direct Word from God would probably not satisfy the “old school” sitting around the table. Thankfully, Peter did not have to rely on clear-headed reasoning alone. The Holy Spirit chose these Gentiles and manifested Himself, the same way He did in the Upper Room.

Thankfully, God does not ask the “correct” people whether you should be empowered. The Holy Spirit gives access to those who seek Him in sincerity and truth. His power, active in your life, is its own defense for why you have access to Him.

If God gives you His power, He will also defend your access to Him. Accept your calling, purpose and power through the Holy Spirit. Let God defend you against the naysayers.

Think: God defends His people, even when they are foreigners.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for defending my access to You.

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

Foreigners Empowered

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download
Subscribe: RSS

“Foreigners Empowered” by Kirk Hunt

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

Acts 10:44 NKJV

Except for the foreigners, Peter had lived through this scene before. The sound was the same. The reactions were the same. For the first time in Scripture, the Holy Spirit inhabited Gentiles believers.

Cornelius and the other Gentiles believers sought God with sincerity and devotion. Heaven heard and responded. The Holy Spirit took up residence in men and women who sought God with their whole heart.

They were goyim. Per the Jewish laws, these men and women were not worthy to receive empowerment from God. Still, there they were, full of the Holy Spirit.

God did not check the credentials, papers or passports of these believers. He did not ask about their parents or seek recommendations. God stepped close and used His omniscience to examine their hearts and souls. The rush of power followed immediately after.

God chooses whom He will empower. He is far less concerned about your history than your future. Your pedigree will not come up, but the sincerity of your heart certainly will.

Do you want to be empowered? Seek Him, with your whole heart, mind and spirit. You are not so foreign that you cannot not be accepted and empowered.

Think: God’s empowers foreigners, just like me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to seek your power and grace, despite my history and background.

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

Corner Men

[display_podcast]“Corner Men” by Kirk Hunt

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 KJV

The boxer stumbles back to his corner and falls heavily on the stool. The opponent is stronger than he imagined, and craftier than his looks should allow. Alone, the fighter won’t finish the next round.

Corner men climb through the ropes to assist and strengthen their man. They work quickly, considering their limited time. Every action strengthens and supports the man who fights in the ring.

The cut man makes the boxer flinch, but the wounds close and the bleeding stops. The corner man pumps fluids into, and over, the fighter. A trainer speaks (or yells) advice and direction into the face of the weary slugger.

A strong, sharpened combatant emerges from the corner. The corner men watch with pride and emotion as their man battles the opponent. Regardless of who gets the credit, the boxer’s victory will seem just like their own.

Where are you in this scene? As Christians we battle the culture every day. We need men in our corner.

We need brothers who patch our wounds and cuts with God’s Word. Every Christian man ought to have a spiritual warrior who pours prayer over his life and circumstances. Real men listen to the Godly counsel of a strong, Spirit-filled friend.

Look around you. There are men (and women) who need the strength and skill you can lend them. Eventually, you will need theirs.

Find your men and your corner. Get ready, the bell is about to ring. Come out swinging.

Think: Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give and accept service for the Kingdom’s sake.”

Provoke Each Other

[display_podcast]

“Provoke Each Other” by Kirk Hunt

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:24 KJV

Given the opportunity to name a topic for one of these devotionals, my Gospel brother became gleeful. When he finally names a specific topic, it is supposed to be a challenge. A spur to good and Godly work.

Practitioners and experts are the most difficult audience. They appreciate the great displays of expertise, but they see the little slips of imperfection. They share your goals and aspirations, but they also know the craft you are trying to perfect.

Why should I bother with his challenge? Because he’s going to provoke me. To delve further into Scripture. Knowing his heart and expertise in the things of God, I’ll have to labor just a little better.

Ultimately, his challenge is for me to be more like Jesus. Knowing my friend, I can’t half-step. I will have to bring my best.

It is a kind of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, our heavenly Father has an infinite store of love and blessing for all of His children. No one loses the race for Godliness.

Who is challenging you? Who pushes you just a little further into the Arms of Jesus? What does an answer of “no one” say about you?

Think: My brothers and sisters help me get better in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, help me embrace the men and women who will provoke me toward You.”

No Further Mention

[display_podcast]

“No Further Mention” by Kirk Hunt

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Acts 9:39 KJV

This verse is the last mention of Barnabas in the Book of Acts. In separation. With broken fellowship.

We forget that we live and work with human beings. Even the saints filled with the Holy Spirit. Stuff will happen. Sometimes ugly, messy stuff.

Still, there can be more to the story. It may take weeks, or months, or years. There may have to be acts of serious remedial brotherhood.

Galatians 2 makes full mention of Barnabas. In fellowship. In unity. Even, in disagreement again.

Gospel family is a lot like actual family. There are episodes of fussing and fighting. There are chapters of reconciliation and reunion. “Fall out if you must, but don’t forget to fall back in.”

There is no further mention of Barnabas in Acts, but his story (and Paul’s) didn’t end there. Maybe there’s a chapter in your life with an awkward ending. How do you want the story to end?

The story can have a happy ending. Maybe there’s a brother or sister you need to call. I pray you will take their call, when it comes. Either way, let God continue to write the script of your life.

Think: How do you want your story of Gospel fellowship to end?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be the Gospel brother or sister who heals.”

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30