leadership – CadreMen Press

Justice Not Greed

Justice Not Greed by Kirk Hunt

‘Thus says the Lord God: “Enough, O princes of Israel! Remove violence and plundering, execute justice and righteousness, and stop dispossessing My people,” says the Lord God.

Ezekiel 45:9 NKJV

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?

“Enough.” The princes had a lot, but insisted on cheating to get more. The poor and disadvantaged were victims and targets. The rich and privileged, insisted on lying and cheating to get more. Maybe you have seen or heard of similar circumstances in recent history?

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 be 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 CadreMen Press.

Rebellious Princes

Rebellious Princes by Kirk Hunt

How the faithful city has become a harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers

Your princes are rebellious,
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes,
And follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

Isaiah 1:21; 1:23 NKJV

We would recognize the leaders of Isaiah’s era. Greedy thieves, concerned only about themselves and not the people they are supposed to lead. They were in open rebellion against God, regardless of the words that they spoke.

Too many of the leaders in this modern era, the princes of our time, are in open rebellion against God. They clearly reject God and Scripture, regardless of the words that come out of their mouths. You can see it in their actions that generate confusion, disruption and anxiety for everyone (but themselves).

The divine right of kings is the idea that a monarch is accountable only to God Himself. History, and current events, are full of examples of men and women who proved the folly of such unaccountability. Leaders are mere humans, and their acts should be held accountable to Scripture and law. “Following the money” is a simple test of good, or bad, leadership.

Hold your leadership, and yourself, accountable. Grade your acts, and that of others, with Scripture. Your actions, and theirs, should lead to certainty, stability and calm.

Think: True and good leadership should be held accountable to God and Scripture.

Pray: “Lord, help me to lead in Your will and according to Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Not My Own Will

Not My Own Will by Kirk Hunt

And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.

But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.”

Numbers 16:28, 30 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Moses declared God’s Will, before witnesses. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ended with an abrupt, final, and unappealable act of God. Moses understood the mutiny of these men was not against a human leader, but directed at the sovereign God of the universe.

As a man or woman of God, it is not supposed to be about your feelings, vision, or thoughts. You are an instrument of Father-God. From the first gasp through the last sigh, it is supposed to be God’s Will that commands and controls.

Do we, and they, sometimes forget who is supposed to be in charge of the universe, yet alone local affairs? To our shame and peril, we sometimes forget that God is big and we are small. Korah, and his co-conspirators, paid for their God-directed rebellion with their lives.

Make very sure you are performing God’s will and not your own. Your blessing and safety lay in Father-God’s will. And trust that God will address the mutineers at His convenience.

Think: Whose will am I trying to enact?

Pray: “Not my own will but Yours, Father-God.”

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.

Respect Their Offering

Respect Their Offering by Kirk Hunt

Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”

Numbers 16:15 NKJV
Please also read Numbers 16:1-40

Leadership is a tricky business. A faithful leader works to benefit the followers and the organization. He or she must work for the good of everyone, yet not harming any of them (or themselves). If you have a good leader, respect their offering.

The rebellion (mutiny) of Korah and others against the leadership of Moses is a prime example of disrespect for a leader. Despite witnessing the plagues against Egypt, they rebelled. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea, they challenged the leadership of Moses (and Aaron). Despite the miracle of God’s daily provision (manna) they were determined to take over for themselves.

Confident in his leadership and actions, Moses does not call out for God to smite them, only that God not respect or accept the rebels’ offering of incense. In the middle of peril and disrespect, Moses was thinking like a good leader. If only the mutineers had accepted Moses’ offering of service and God’s authority.

Will you face mutineers? Perhaps. Should you continue to offer your service and leadership to God? Yes, you should. If God respects your offering, He will see you through.

Think: Does God respect my offering of service? Does my leadership respect God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to give an offering that You will respect.”

Who Is The Troubler?

“Who Is The Troubler?” By Kirk Hunt

Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals.

1 Kings 18:17–18 NKJV
Please also read 1 Kings 18:7–18

We see it a lot in modern America. Problems and issues come up, and the chief troublemaker(s) lay the blame at the feet of others instead of themselves. The real troubler, too often, is the very leader or administrator who is supposed to know better and guide better.

Yes, Elijah declared the drought that God sent. It was Ahab’s deliberate leadership to idolatry, and repression of God’s true worship, that caused God to hold the rain. In willful disobedience, Ahab remained defiant against God and His messenger, despite his own suffering and that of the nation.

Nearly three millennia later, men and women still try to shift the blame for their failings and wrongdoing. Ahab fought against the very God of heaven, yet expected someone else to take the blame. If common folk can see through your pretense, clearly God’s omniscience never sees anything but your error and wrongdoing.

King and prophet met in confrontation. One represented error, heresy and rebellion against God. The other represented the God of heaven in a call to contrition and repentance. Where would you stand then? Where do you stand now?

Think: Godly men and women take responsibility for their errors or wrongdoing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to take responsibility for the things I do or lead.”