grace – Page 5 – CadreMen Press

“My Relationship With Poppa” By Kirk Hunt

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:52 NKJV

The day I was born, I was in relationship with Poppa. At first, I spent most of my time with Momma, but over the years my time and intensity with Poppa grew. Sometimes, Poppa and I had relationship, despite my protests. Through it all, my love, respect and honor for my earthly father has only grown over the years.

Poppa has gone to God, but his voice and teachings continue to resonate within me. My feeling about what or how he said things can be complicated. My relationship with him remains simple.

The day you were born, you had a relationship with Father-God. At first, you spent most of your time with parents and other leaders. I am sure you have felt the desire for a deeper relationship with Father-God, even if you did not understand at first. God’s heart has called to you from the beginning and will seek you out until the end.

Your relationship with a parent or other leader may have complicated your relationship with God. Still, Father-God wants a close, personal and intense relationship with you. He always has. He always will.

Still, I pray that you will look past even a good earthly father to our eternal God. Father-God loved you then, loves you now and will love you tomorrow. No matter how complicated your feeling for God, your relationship with Him remains simple.

Think: Father-God loves me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to draw closer to You.”

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

“With Lovingkindness” By Kirk Hunt

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

In recent days my heart is heavy. Too many of God’s people speak, or ardently follow those who speak, anger, hate and fear. Christians should be reaching out in lovingkindness to refugees and radicals alike. Instead with angry, unforgiving words we are pushing them back into the arms of error and sin.

God’s people are called to disciple all of the world. That includes reaching out in grace and patience to Muslims, Wiccans and everyone else following error instead of Christ. In order to reach a lost soul, you must first get close enough to touch them.

Exclusion, walls and isolation do not touch hearts and minds for Christ. Jesus reached out to us in service (Romans 5:8) with lovingkindness. Christians are commanded by Scripture (Matthew 28:19) to make disciples of all nations. Disciples are only made (or maintained) by close, personal, prolonged contact.

Millions of refugees from “fallen houses” (Matthew 7:26-27) seek refuge in the stability of Christian nations (Matthew 7:25). Are they receiving the gracious words and generous actions that flow from Jesus? Are Christians obeying Scripture by discipling the nations who plead at the door?

The world has come to us, seeking the Gospel. Christians have an unprecedented opportunity to turn back the darkness. Are we salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16) enough for the job?

Think: Disciples are made using open, serving hands; not angry, striking fists.

Pray: “Lord, help me to disciple people of all nations.”

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