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The King’s Intent

“The King’s Intent” By Kirk Hunt

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

Matthew 2:13 NKJV

It turns out that King Herod had villainous intent. He did not intend to worship Jesus. Instead, he wanted to murder Jesus in the cradle, as a potential rival.

King Herod’s intent conflicted with God’s intent. Despite his position and power, Herod was frustrated in His purpose and Jesus lived. The King of Kings’ intent was realized.

Today is no different than yesterday. Men and women of power and influence try to frustrate the plans of God. Now, as then, the true King’s purpose will come to pass. The question is whether or not you will follow the true King’s intent.

God could have stationed literal angels around Joseph, Mary and Jesus, but He did not. God could have caused earthly zealots to protect Jesus and His family, but He did not. Instead, God told Joseph to take action. Obediently, Joseph gathered his family and escaped into Egypt.

We are called to take action per God’s intent. Too often we worry about what others will, will not or should do. God’s people should be quick to obey their true King. Follow God’s intent, especially when it means our actions are contrary to what we or others intend.

Think: Do I follow God’s intent or someone else’s?

Pray: “Lord, help me to have Your intent for everyone around me.”

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.

Do You Persecute?

“Do You Persecute?” By Kirk Hunt

Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city

Matthew 23:34 NKJV
Read also Matthew 23: 31-36

Neither foreigners nor pagans persecuted any of the Old Testament prophets. Their own supposedly devout countrymen and kinsmen tortured and murdered them. Why? The greater your sin, the harder it is to hear the truth. Just ask Cheney, Goodman and Schwerner.

The prophets, scribes and others called God’s people back from sin and error. Often they were met with violent opposition. Even when Jesus walked the earth, men and women often met God’s truth with unrighteous responses.

James, Andrew and Michael left the safety of their homes to help register men and women to vote in their local elections. Instead of being congratulated for their American spirit they were brutalized and murdered under the cover of darkness. The very men (and women) charged with keeping them safe participated in the heinous act or protected the perpetrators.

The terrorists were American sons, born and bred on American soil. Their targets? Other Americans born and bred just as they were. Sort of.

Jesus was sent to the Cross for healing the sick then preaching grace and truth. Here in America, the land of my fathers, truth has also been met with violence and murder. Still, many brave souls continue to speak out God’s truth.

Roman hands may have swung the hammers, but it was Jewish priests and leaders who sought Jesus’ blood. What is your response? Do you persecute truth-tellers or do you respond in God’s grace?

Think: Do I encourage those who speak God’s truth, or do I persecute them?

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear Your truth and respond with grace and humility.”

Which Voices Are Speaking?

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“Which Voices Are Speaking?” By Kirk Hunt

And the Lord said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.

Jeremiah 14:14 NKJV

To my dismay, people I know, treasure and respect make poor choices and take disreputable actions. Despite what I know they know, their actions conflict with what I know of their character. It seems that there are voices in their lives that lead them down these unworthy paths.

The false prophets of Jeremiah’s era assured the nation of Judah that their continuing sin and corruption would not be held against them. Perhaps, the Babylonian conquest could have been averted, had Judah repented and returned to God. The voices of the false prophets convinced Judah to remain in their sinful ways, and the great captivity fell on the nation.

There are voices in my life as well. I trust, or trusted, certain men and women to speak into my life. Now, sometimes retroactively, I screen their words through Scripture. I am too often surprised at how poorly their words compare to the Word of God.

True prophets speak God’s truth. Their voices match Scripture. Their only agenda is to speak what God says.

You and I have voices, past and present, speaking to our hearts, minds and souls. Only the true prophets should be listened to. The routes you follow accurately report which voices you hear.

Think: The voices I listen to must agree with Scripture.

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear only Your voice.”

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

The Testimony Of Scars

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“The Testimony Of Scars” By Kirk Hunt

The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print [scars] of the nails, and put my finger into the print [scars] of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

John 20:25 NKJV

Thomas wanted proof. Like the other disciples, he knew for certain Jesus had died on the Cross. Now, he wanted the same kind of certainty that Jesus again lived. He wanted to see and touch the scars of the living, breathing Jesus.

Enough hurt, pain and loss will rattle the confidence, or drain hope from, even those with iron wills and steel souls. Too often, the words of others mean nothing in those dark moments of distress. Only the testimony of scars can speak to those who seem to have lost everything.

“See? Jesus brought me through the same crisis.” “His Spirit carried me when I got the same late-night call.” “His grace healed me of the same illness.”

God’s people too often hide their scars. By hiding them, we also hide the evidence of God’s power and restoration in our lives. Only survivors have scars. Survivors speak with an authority that exceeds all others.

Thomas finally got his living proof of the resurrected Jesus. You also have proof of the resurrected Jesus. His power has brought you through. Your scars are irrefutable proof of His power and authority in the real world.

Think: My scars are irrefutable proof of God’s power and supremacy in my life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to use my scars to testify of You.”

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

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.

The Gift Of Direction

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“The Gift Of Direction” By Kirk Hunt

Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you

Exodus 18:19a NKJV

Jethro did not ask a question. He did not make a request. Jethro gave direction and expected it to be followed.

Scripture does not say if Jethro gave his direction out of the public eye. Nor does it say if Jethro confronted Moses in public. Scripture does record that Jethro delivered his payload of direction without equivocation or ambiguity. It is not hard to imagine Jethro, pointing to his wrist sundial, and tapping his foot.

Leaders get input from a wide variety of people and sources. Often, that input comes whether you want it or not. I would not recommend that you accept direction from everyone. Still, there should be someone in your life who has the prerogative of being bossy.

Moses followed Jethro’s direction to train then task others. Maybe he was grateful for the direction. Maybe it did not set well with him. He followed his direction, regardless.

Godly men and women seek God’s direction. If He does not send angels as His couriers, He most likely will send men and women. And He does not always send the soft-spoken and gracious folks.

Good and wise direction comes from God. Scripture does not promise that your ego will be stroked at the same time. Still, seek God’s direction, regardless of the messenger.

Think: Even leaders need to take direction at times.

Pray: “Lord, help me hear the direction You send.”

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

Seeking Justice

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“Seeking Justice” by Kirk Hunt

Thus saith the Lord God; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 45:9 KJV

It is easy to question the justice of ancient Israel’s leaders. Their error and injustice is recorded in Scripture. What about leaders, including you, in the modern era? Do you seek justice in the here and now?

“Let it suffice you.” Injustice is almost always preceded by lust. Greed is simply the money-focused version of lust. Be content with what you have, or at least content to pursue more without cheating.

God does not forbid His people from having and acquiring. In fact, Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life. Still, wealth and advancement does not have to come at the unfair expense of those around you.

Pursue God. He will add everything else to you. His blessings never flow from swindling or oppressing someone else. Do your part in righteousness and He will bless you more than you think or imagine.

You can win, acquire and live in the big house on the hill. Just be sure you can face God with a clean record and unstained hands. It may take a little longer, but His approval is worth the longer route.

Think: Do I pursue justice through my own life and leadership?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be an example of Your truth and justice.”

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

Being Offensive

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“Being Offensive” by Kirk Hunt

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:57–58 KJV

Jesus grew up in Nazareth. Luke 2 states, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” How then did this same Jesus offend these same folks?

People want command and control over their environment. That includes you. Shockingly, for some folks, that includes God.

Jesus preached a new and disruptive doctrine of grace and love. As proof of his God-given authority to do so, He performed miracles on a large, if not massive scale. The men of Nazareth were offended, because Jesus operated without their permission or endorsement.

Jesus was offensive. He preached Real Truth™ to the powerful and everyone else. He did not need, want, or ask for, anyone’s permission.

When the City Fathers could not control Him, they got mad about it. Their offense and indignation fed their unbelief. When they refused to accept Jesus’ God-given truth and authority, they were also rejecting His miracles.

Living and speaking God’s truth will offend some people, 100% of the time. You are still called to be His living letter, written to, and read by, men and women. Be an accurate, gracious and loving record of God’s truth. It is up to your readers to decide how they will respond.

Think: God I want to hear and believe Your Word, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to hear and believe Your Truth, no matter how it makes me feel.”

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

Take No Bribes

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“Take No Bribes” by Kirk Hunt

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Ezekiel 13:19 KJV

As a Christian, you have a duty to tell the truth. God commands us to speak His truth, fully and completely. Everything else is error.

Too often, even God’s people are tempted to give in. The world will try to bribe us to speak and teach against Scripture. There is no earthly payment that should tempt you to speak against Scripture.

Should they know error when they hear it? Yes. Still, the responsibility remains on us to teach and preach only the pure Word of God. To keep from sin those not in its grip. To convict (not condemn) the guilty, so that they will give up their sinful lives.

The stakes are high. The results impact not just this lifetime, but eternity. Remember heaven, and hell, are for forever. What is the correct amount of bribe to deflect an innocent soul into eternal torment?

Sooner or later, you will have to choose. Speak the truth, or speak a lie. Before you take that bribe, look into God’s Shekinah, His glory-cloud, for your answer.

Think: God commands me to speak His Word clearly and purely.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be a truth teller, no matter the cost.”

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

Because You Live

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“Because You Live” by Kirk Hunt

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

John 12:10–11 KJV

Not just any Jews, but the High Priests, conspired to kill Lazarus. Why? The testimony of his simple existence helped to draw and convert the Jewish faithful to Christians.

Too often we overlook the simple truths that flow from this passage: Your life is a testimony. The power (or weakness) of your testimony flows from the truth you live. All alone, truth has inescapable and undeniable power.

Scripture does not record that Lazarus ever preached or witnessed. In his silence, the High Priests knew of him and started writing out death warrants. Despite the silence of his mouth, Lazarus’ life trumpeted out the power and message of Jesus.

Too often, we try to bellow out the message of Jesus in order to win converts. Not often enough, we let the simple power of His truth shine out of lives. Lazarus’ silence drew men and women to Jesus.

People you have never met are hearing and watching your testimony. God’s truth does not need your bullhorn or contrived phrases. All that is needed is for you to eloquently live out your life in Him.

There is a time and place to speak your testimony for Jesus. More often, you simply need to let your life testify for you. What truth flows from your life?

Think: My life is a testimony. What does my life say?

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out a testimony that honors You.”

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