faith – CadreMen Press

God’s Purpose by Kirk Hunt

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:28;30 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:25-32

Every door of the prison swings open. The stocks and chains fall off all of the prisoners. The apostles stay right where there are, so they can complete God’s purpose.

If God sent you there, then He has a purpose for you to complete. Will you stay in obedience? Will you faithfully complete your assigned mission?

The situation in the Philippi jail is dramatic and fantastic. An earthquake opens the doors and chains, but does not destroy the building or kill anyone. The prisoners, including the highest profile inmates, do not leave. Then the apostles stop the prison warden from committing suicide.

Paul and Silas are not in jail for their own reasons. They are in position to fulfill God’s purpose. And their faithful obedience leads to the salvation of an entire household.

Where are you today, man or woman of God? You are not there by random chance or senseless accident. You are deliberately placed to fulfill God’s purpose.

God does not always send angels. Often, He sends mere men and women. His saints, deliberately positioned through faith and obedience, fulfill His purpose. And the Kingdom of God expands.

Maybe serving your purpose will only be seen by a few, in silence. Perhaps you will be thrust to the front of a crowd, in noise and furor. God has maneuvered you there for His purpose. What purpose will you serve?

Think: God ordered your circumstances for a reason.

Pray: “Lord, help me to serve Your Kingdom where You put me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God Is Present

God Is Present by Kirk Hunt

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25-26 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:16-30

Consider Paul and Silas’ terrible, no good, very bad day. The Apostles were the victims of malicious prosecution, by a mob. Then they were beaten with rods. Still bleeding from their wounds, the city fathers of Philippi threw them not just in jail, but in stocks. God did not prevent their circumstances, but He was there, in the middle of their situation.

Too often we think that delay, difficulty or denial means that God has abandoned us. Inconveniences, like persecution, are often God’s way of positioning His men and women for ministry. Romans 5:1-5 tells us that trials and tribulations build our faith.

Paul and Silas chose to worship. Their backs continued to bleed. Their feet remained locked in stocks. In pain and humiliation, they decided the correct response was prayer and singing praise to God.

Omnipotent and sovereign God proved His presence. An earthquake shook open all the prison doors and rattled off all their chains. God is always close to His faithful men and women. He always has options about how He reveals Himself.

God allows events in His timing, and for His purposes. We may not be happy for every circumstance, but we can choose His joy in every situation. He is close by. Reach out and touch Him in prayer and worship.

Think: God is close by in all your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and feel Your presence in every situation.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen by Kirk Hunt

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Read also: Hebrews 11:1-40

Faith in God is absolutely simple, and mind-boggling complicated, at the same time. The biggest sticking point is that there is nothing physical to see, touch or hear. Yet God’s people should live our lives as if the hoped for, and unseen, are as sure and set as every physical thing in our lives. There should be no surprise that some are confused. On both sides.

Even the strongest of God’s people can be discombobulated at times. “Did God speak to me, or am I just determined to have my way?” “No rational mind would believe this. Why do I?” Real Faith ™️ is often the most demanding aspect of the Christian walk.

Men and women who live without faith in God too often see Christians as dull or swindled. “Those fairy tales give their simple minds comfort.” “Christians have simply been tricked or brainwashed.” Good folk, modern life is based on more abstract ideals and concepts than you consider.

My faith is in God. I cannot prove Him through rational thought or scientific evidence. I have felt His substance and seen proof of Him. Still, I cannot show God to you directly.

I might convince you, if I live out my life as His faithful ambassador. You can read His love letter to you through my Godly life. Whether you accept the evidence about God or grip His substance is a matter of your faith.

Think: God is not seen, but He is real.

Pray: “Lord, help me, and others, to have faith in You and Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

God’s Grace Is Sufficient

God’s Grace Is Sufficient by Kirk Hunt

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV

The apostle prayed earnestly and sincerely. A man who had given his life in service to God, sought just this one thing to ease his existence. In response, God reminded Paul that He had already given him grace.

It always grates my ears when someone says, “God did not answer my prayer.” God always responds. Too often, we do not like what He says.

In our tears, or grief, or anger, we too often pray selfish prayers. In our blissful ignorance, we too often pray unastute prayers. We pray with limited sight and understanding. We cannot see the impact on generations to come, or souls we will never meet.

God, who loves you, knows best. God, who loves them, is looking out for them, and you. So, in grace, Father-God provides an answer that is the best solution for you.

The tears might still be there. The grief may still be in full effect. You may still have to wrestle with your anger. But you continue to operate in God’s grace, and that is enough.

“No,” is often a very loving answer. “Yes,” may include more challenge than you thought. Just be glad, that our omniscient, omnipotent God is pouring grace on you.

Think: Where is God’s grace already in your life?

Pray: “Lord, help me to understand Your grace is enough for me.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Sophisticated Faith

Sophisticated Faith by Kirk Hunt

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 5:4 NKJV

It had been a long day of work. Then a long night in school. Then a long trudge up three flights of stairs. My heavy load of text books and homework, were easily outweighed by my sour thoughts and concerns.

My toddler son appeared suddenly at the top stair. He leapt to me, laughing with glee. My tired, downcast mood turned in a moment to terror and horror.

The trusting boy did not worry about the three-story drop. My beloved son never concerned himself with the hard, slick, concrete stair steps. My precious child never considered how tired or stressed I might be.

He leaped, in joy, because Dad always catches son.

The books went helter-skelter. The papers went skittering. To this day, I cannot tell you what specific thoughts weighed so heavily on my mind and heart.

All I can tell you is that my arms were suddenly, and gratefully, full of laughing child.

Then in the next moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me clear, clean, and warm: “Why don’t you trust Me, like he trusts you?”

I know and understand the promises of God through His Word. I have the Holy Spirit to coach me on where, and when, to leap. And I know God never has to drop anything to catch me.

My knowledge, as a Godly man, gives me sophisticated faith. Real faith does not rely on human skills or questionable circumstances. Instead, we put our faith in our omnipotent God.

I have learned to leap in joy, because Father-God always catches son.

Think: Is your faith in God sophisticated?

Pray: “Lord, help me to have child-like faith in You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

The Blood Of Saints

The Blood Of Saints by Kirk Hunt

I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

Revelation 17:6 NKJV

“Drunk, after consuming the blood of Christians and the martyrs of Jesus.” This imagery is graphic. The vision is supposed to be allegorical. After the events of recent days, I see John’s words all too vividly real.

Too many see injustice and oppression then blame the victim(s). Or they go further and exalt in the pain and suffering of innocents. Hurting others is a joy and pleasure for some corrupt souls. The death and suffering of those seeking to do God’s work, is like an intoxicating beverage to some people.

I cannot know the spiritual status of the souls killed or wounded in Minneapolis in recent days and weeks. But they suffered death and injury while opposing injustice and oppression. The dead and wounded are not the villains.

I cannot know the spiritual status of the souls who fired the shots in Minneapolis. But they caused the death and injury of men and women, out of all proportion to the threat they posed. The slayers are not the heroes.

Consider your own actions in recent history. What do you support? What do you oppose? Consider that standing to the side supports the oppressors and furthers injustice.

Think: Do I find joy or pleasure in the blood of saints and martyrs?

Pray: “Lord, give me courage to oppose injustice and oppression.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Testimony Now, Promise Later

Testimony Now, Promise Later by Kirk Hunt

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Hebrews 11:39-40 NKJV

Despite victories such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King continued working to free all of America’s citizens from injustice and discrimination. His earthly reward for seeking a better America? An assassin’s bullet.

Scripture summarizes the suffering and victories of Old Testament Prophets and Heroes in Hebrews 11. Those men and women did not live to see God’s promises completed, but they did their part to fulfill their callings. Usually, at great personal cost or their very lives.

Hebrews 11 rehearses the faithfulness and endurance of Old Testament saints. They fulfilled their calling and purpose, despite not seeing their victory in complete fullness. Hebrews 12 exhorts New Testament saints to be just as faithful and enduring.

Christians of the Roman world often suffered and died but they eventually converted polytheistic pagans into devout Christians. With the continuing advantage of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we should do as much. Echoing the faith and diligence of Old and New Testament saints, our faithfulness will require that we seek something better, regardless of the personal cost.

Seek something better, no matter who is bothered or how they object. Your prize for delivering freedom or salvation will be God’s eternal approval. Give your testimony now, receive His promise later.

Think: Do your part whether or not you see the final victory.

Pray: “Lord, help me to fulfill my calling from You, no matter how others object.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Determination, Not Fear

Determination, Not Fear by Kirk Hunt

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 46:1-2

The crazy and chaos flows around and over you. The hellhounds snarl and howl in plain sight. Grip your spiritual weapon tightly, out of determination, not fear. Our help is all-powerful God and He is on the way.

Do not accept difficulty and delay as God’s absence or disapproval. Father-God sees you, knows your circumstances, and has a plan to bless and benefit you. He promised you salvation and victory, not ease or comfort.

Face down in the muck, God is your strength. Fighting off your adversaries hand-to-hand, God is your protection. You will rise in triumph, because Father-God is your source.

He promised. You may not like His timing, but God will be on-time. You make not care for the make or model, but it will be the perfect fit, form and function.

Your temporary inconveniences will be forgotten as you stand in permanent victory. The momentary ugliness will not compare to the lasting beauty. Your bitter accusers will recoil from your all-mighty defender.

He promised. Stand in determination and faith. Refuse to stay down in obedience to your calling and anointing. God’s strength and protection are yours, and He will deliver.

Think: No matter what is happening, God is my protection and power.

Pray: “Lord, help me to face my circumstances in Your strength and security.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Heroes and Saints?

Heroes and Saints? by Kirk Hunt

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Hebrews 11: 32-33

The men and women written into Hebrews 11 are not paragons of virtue or perfection. Murder (David), fornication (Samson), cowardice (Gideon) and recklessness (Jephthah) is a partial list of crimes and errors of these men, documented in Scripture. Still, here they are, listed as faith heroes.

God’s men and women (saints) are not perfect. Character flaws are part of the makeup of both saints and sinners. Unlike the sinners, the saints are willing to do what it takes to move closer to God.

Is it okay to be flawed? Of course not. Still, it is more common than anyone likes to admit. Real saints pursue God with everything they have, at the same time buffing out their own flaws.

To review, heroes of faith are common folk with the same flaws as everyone else. What is the difference? Face down in the dirt and muck, they sincerely repent. Then they get back up, and pursue Him. No matter their shortcomings, they love and honor God, and pursue Him with all of the faith in their souls.

Look in the mirror. There you are, flaws and all. God sees all of that, and more. Still, He loves you with infinite grace and unending affection.

Are you, like myself and so many others, imperfect? Then you are in good company. Pursue God anyway. Saints may not be perfect, but they do not stop pursuing God.

Think: The heroes of faith are common folk, like you, with uncommon faith.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faith that honors You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Blind Teaching

Blind Teaching by Kirk Hunt

If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

John 9:33-34
Please also read John 9:1-41

The formerly blind man offended the Pharisees by teaching truth. Confronted with the facts and data of Jesus’ miracle power, they excommunicated the walking, talking miracle standing before them. Keep in mind, the spirit of the Pharisees is alive and working in the world today.

The Pharisees were looking for a way to discredit Jesus. In their efforts to call Jesus a corrupt sinner, they tried to pervert the meaning and truth of an obvious miracle. The formerly blind man, clung stubbornly to his account and conclusion.

A Pharisee can always find a reason to reject you: “too young,” “too old,” “too fat,” “too skinny,” “not registered by the correct group.” Unless you say what they want you to say.

You know what Jesus did for you. Tell your story, just the way it happened. Trust that God performed His miracle in you, because He is good and true.

They may kick you out of their club of pretenders. They may not approve of you living in the truth of your transformation. Keep right on teaching the truth. If needed, use words.

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Their objections do not change the truth. Stubbornly cling to God’s miracle in your life.

Think: God’s miracle in your life is truth. Teach it no matter who objects.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out Your miracle and truth in my life.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.