purpose – 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.

The Coat Is Just a Symbol

The Coat Is Just a Symbol by Kirk Hunt

And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

Genesis 37:33-34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 37:31-35 NKJV

Jacob wept loud and long. His sons had convinced him Joseph was dead. As they watched the old man howl in grief and heartache, perhaps they realized, in that moment, that the tunic was only a symbol.

Joseph’s tunic (called a “coat” in the King James Version of the Bible) was a symbol of Jacob’s love and favor regarding Joseph. They could strip the coat off Joseph’s back, but they could not pull Jacob’s feeling off his son. Men and women can steal a symbol from you, but they cannot touch God’s feelings about you.

God gave you a calling or anointing. Do not confuse your title, certificate or badge with God’s love and purpose for you. A symbol is a poor substitute for the authentic article in your life.

The coat kept Joseph warm. The coat made Joseph stand out. The coat was just a symbol of Jacob’s love for Joseph.

I praise God for your title, office or certification. You worked hard. You earned it. Those outward things are just a symbol of Father-God’s love and purpose for you.

Think: Do I love the symbol or do I love God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me see the real article of Your love and purpose in my life.

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.

The King’s Purpose

“The King’s Purpose” By Kirk Hunt

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 NKJV

Mankind, through Adam, had caused the separation from God. As any loving Father would, God made a way to mend the breech. “God with us,” is both purpose and outcome.

Jesus willingly gave up the eternity and splendor of heaven to walk among us. Not just for proximity but to give man back what had been lost. Jesus restored direct access to, fellowship with, God.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifices, we can once against speak directly with God. Because of His dedication to God’s purpose, we have been restored as God’s sons and daughters. Jesus has restored walking with God in the garden.

Perhaps your garden is soft and grassy. It could be that your garden is hard and rocky. What is important is that you know you have a garden, and that God walks there with you.

We work, live and play in the garden where God has placed us. Consider this Christmas that God with us is truer now, than it has ever been. He came and restored the connection. Now He calls to you, “Come walk with Me.”

You are part of His plan and strategy. No matter how much you have surprised others, He saw everything about you, long ago. Take time this season to simply walk with Him. He has a purpose He wants to reveal you.

Think: God’s purpose is to walk with me. Do I walk with Him?

Pray: “Lord, as I build Your Kingdom, help me to enjoy walking with You.”

The King’s Announcement

“The King’s Announcement” By Kirk Hunt

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13–14 NKJV
Please also read Luke 2:1–20

Humble shepherds witnessed a celebration by the King. Literal angels sang of the birth of Jesus, our Messiah. Scripture does not mention an angelic worship band or praise dancers, but my imagination likes to add them to the scene.

After millennia, evidence of the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 could be seen by mere men. Since the fall in Eden, sin kept mankind from full reconciliation with God. Jesus’ birth was the (earthly) beginning of the process of restoring the fellowship on humanity with God.

And God celebrated. The long separation of man from God would soon end. Adam’s breech would be repaired by God’s own son.

Like Jesus, you were born for purpose. God has a plan for you and your life. And He will celebrate you in fulfilling the purpose He ordained for you.

The shepherds were not just passive witnesses. The found their way to Jesus and joined the angels in celebration and worship. God’s celebrations are open to any with a heart open to Him.

You too can be an active participant in God’s celebrations. Find your purpose in the Kingdom and begin fulfilling it. Join in with others who are completing the work for which they are ordained.

Follow your calling. Fulfill your purpose. You may not see or hear a choir of literal angels, but you will feel His joy in your heart, nevertheless.

Think: God celebrates the fulfillment of His purpose in my life and others.

Pray: “Lord, as I and others build Your Kingdom, I look forward to celebrating with You.”