minstry – CadreMen Press

Affliction And Wealth

Affliction And Wealth by Kirk Hunt

Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.

Genesis 15:13-14 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 15:12-16 NKJV.

A dream of horror and great darkness fell on Abram, later renamed Abraham. His descendants would suffer mistreatment as strangers (foreigners) for 400 years. Yet, at the end, they would regain their freedom. And they would march out with the wealth of their abusers.

When the nation of Israel came to Egypt they were protected from a great famine. All too soon, they were persecuted and enslaved by the Egyptians. Despite mistreatment, Israel grew in strength and numbers. And Scripture says they plundered the Egyptians as they left.

Perhaps you are suffering through a personal Egypt. Do not think you have been abandoned in that place. God has ordained your exit date. And you will carry valuables from your place of suffering.

Too often, Christian saints think badly of an uncomfortable season. God is not surprised at your situation. He has a plan to grow and enrich you. The payoff will be worth your patient endurance.

Think: God arranges even my difficult seasons for my benefit.

Pray: “Father-God, I thank You, in advance, for my coming blessing.

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.

Dwell Among Your Own

Dwell Among Your Own by Kirk Hunt

And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ”

She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

2 Kings 4:13 NKJV

The Shunammite woman spent time, effort, and money on making a place of rest and restoration for Elisha. Elisha responded to her kindness and generosity with an offer of a favor. The Shunammite responded with “I dwell among my own people.”

In my mind’s eye, I see her response as annoyed or indignant. “I have what I need already. I do not need anything from an outsider.”

Her motives were pure. Her service and benefit to the prophet were intended to further the work of God, nothing more. She wanted nothing from Elisha but the opportunity to serve God and dwell quietly among her Issachar tribesmen.

Do you dwell among your people, or do you serve with an agenda? If your intention is to build God’s Kingdom, that is purpose enough. Also, consider that God has ways of rewarding his faithful servants. Sometimes, despite themselves.

Think: Is my service to God, or do I have an agenda?

Pray: “Father-God, I want to serve You with a pure heart and purpose.

Who Have You Refreshed?

Who Have You Refreshed? by Kirk Hunt

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

2 Timothy 1:16-18 NKJV

Paul was imprisoned in Pagan Rome. His only company, the rotation of Roman Praetorians chained to him. Onesiphorus shouldered his way into this difficult situation, and refreshed the Apostle.

Restoration is never an easy business. At times, it seems easier to start over from scratch. Men and women cannot be rebooted or restarted. You must meet them where they are and minister to them as they are.

Do not wait until you have some rare skill or unique capability. All you need is a sincere heart and an intention to leave someone better than you found them. You may have to shoulder past harsh-looking guards and circumstances to get there.

Perhaps you will need to lavish goods and services. More likely a kind word, followed by a silent but loving presence, means more than you can know. No matter what, show up and do your best to restore a soul.

Think: Who has God called you to refresh and restore?

Pray: “Father-God, help me to refresh and restore one of Your beloved children.