wisdom Archives – Page 2 of 2 – CadreMen Press Devotionals

Peter’s Sword

“Peter’s Sword” By Kirk Hunt

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

John 18:10 NKJV

There were two weapons among the Disciples (Luke 22:38), but Scripture records only one sword being used: Peter’s. Did the swing come from skillful training or hard-bitten experience? Scripture does not say.

From the comfort of an arm chair, with the New Testament readily available, modern-day Saints criticize Peter. So did Jesus, in the moment (v. 11). Still, Peter’s sword teaches modern saints important lessons.

Peter thought ahead and equipped himself. Peter had the means, knowhow and willingness to protect Jesus and the other Disciples from the violent thieves of the era. You cannot choose if you do not have the means to change (or at least impact) the situation.

Peter was close and committed enough to take action. Too many stand at a distance from the lives of saints or sinners, or refuse to get deeply and personally involved. Presence and action are proof of caring.

Peter’s sword stroke was full of good intentions and sincere motivation. It was still the wrong act, at the wrong time. Right actions must be based on right thinking, not just right hearts. Peter made matters worse. Has that ever happened to you?

You are God’s agent for change. You will have to get close, have the right tools and take the right actions. I pray you are God’s wise, not just strong, instrument in the world.

Think: I cannot help if I do not have the means, willingness and wisdom to effect change.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be Your effective change agent.”

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

The Gift Of Direction

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“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.

How Do You Use Your Power?

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

“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.

Call For The Ephod

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Call For The Ephod” by Kirk Hunt

And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

1 Samuel 30:7 KJV

An unruly mob of trained killers were mumbling and looking David’s way. Their homes had been burned. Their wives, children and livestock had been carried off, captive. Something had to be done.

David’s situation was exactly the same as that of his men. Still, the troops blamed their own leader for their pain. The gathering pile of stones was not a good sign for David.

David did not panic or breakdown. He responded. He called for the Ephod and started talking to God.

The word ephod has different meaning when used in Scripture. In this verse, it referred to a means of determining God’s Will. <http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5790-ephod#anchor4> David sought a rhema or Word from God.

Scripture does not say how the ephod worked. All we know is that David received clear and fresh direction from God. David then turned and faced the mob, and shared his revelation from God.

No matter what you are facing, you can call for an “ephod.” You can receive a fresh Word from God. Pray. Study Scripture. Fast. He will speak to you.

You will get your rhema. With a fresh Word from God, you can face your unruly mob of stone gathers. Your revelation from God will speak life to the mob and the situation.

Think: I can always seek a fresh Word from God. No matter what.

Pray: “Lord, remind me to seek a fresh Word from You.”

Drawing Favor

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

“Drawing Favor” by Kirk Hunt

The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 14:35 (KJV)

We all hope “the king” we work for is a diligent, moral statesman. Too many of us work for a selfish, corrupt despot. It does not matter what kind of man or woman employs you. You can have favor with anyone, if you first seek God’s wisdom.

God’s wisdom will lead you through, or around, every situation. No matter how it looks to mere logic and reasoning, there is a solution from God’s wisdom. A solution that builds His kingdom and advances His servants.

God’s solutions make you rich in goodwill, respect and influence. God’s solutions do not leave behind ill-will, broken relationships or sorrow. Of course, God’s solutions require God’s wisdom. Accept no substitutes.

You can draw the favor of men by first seeking the wisdom of God. Of course, if you seek after God, and His wisdom, you will find yourself drawing the favor of God. Having the favor of God in your life is a blessing beyond compare.

Wisdom is not reserved for the favored few. Wisdom belongs to any man or woman who seeks it from God. You can draw favor from the “kings” in your life. All you have to do is seek wisdom from the King of heaven.

Think: I can draw favor by seeking God’s wisdom.

Pray: “Father-God, develop Your wisdom in me.”

The Other Smart Ones


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

“The Other Smart Ones” by Kirk Hunt

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV

Prayerfully, when you walk into the room, the average IQ goes up. Scripture is full of references to men and women of intelligence, wit and wisdom. In fact, there are instructions, in Scripture, on how to become smarter and wiser.

Clearly, God wants His people to be among the best and the brightest. Scripture is also very clear. Being among the smart ones doesn’t mean you are the only smart one.

Smarts is also different from integrity or faithfulness. Judas is traditionally the best educated of the Disciples. Solomon ended as an idolater.

Never assume you’re the only smart one in the room. Always assume that God has another clever and faithful soul near by. Reach out to the other smart saints in the room.

Somewhere, near by, are men and women who can help you expand God’s Kingdom. Ask graciously. Equip generously.

You aren’t the only smart saint in the room. Reach out. Then, reach up. Thank God, you aren’t the only smart one in the room.

Think: There are other saints capable of building the Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me enable and equip others to build Your Kingdom.”

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	31