"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Hillary Morgan Ferrer is the founder of Mama Bear Apologetics. She has a burden for providing accessible apologetics resources for busy moms. She has a master’s in biology and her specialties are scientific apologetics, dealing with doubt, and identifying causes and solutions for youth leaving the church.  

In her book, Hillary said the following: “I want my churched-up, prayed-up, pre-school kid to be a skeptic too! Why? Because being a skeptic means that he will question what is presented to him. This is important because I will not always be the one presenting the ideas. A child who understands how to discover truth is primed for a faith that lasts much longer than that of a child who is merely presented with the truth.”

Our faith is founded and grounded on the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the grave. It is a historical fact. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His Resurrection that it is the fact that grounds our faith.

"The Gospels do not explain the Resurrection; the Resurrection explains the Gospels.” – John S. Whale

God's Word: "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words." - Luke 24:6-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." - 1 Corinthians 14:20

Why do some adults act like two-year-olds? Two eminent psychologists looked at this condition. Dr. Sigmund Freud postulated that unmet childhood needs get “stuck.” When your needs as an infant, baby, or child are not satisfied, then you become emotionally stuck in that place, seeing the world through the lens of unsatisfied needs. Ultimately, you hold onto childish expectations that stem from chronic dissatisfaction.

Freud’s colleague, Edmund Bergler, postulated something a bit more interesting, however. Bergler suggested that we become so accustomed to those unmet needs that we actually begin to (unconsciously) enjoy being stuck in the regressed state. Therefore, we don’t really want to let go and grow up. This leaves us stuck in what is essentially a self-sabotaging way of being.

No matter what is causing immature behavior, adults need to start behaving like adults.

As Christians, we need to be mature and not be childish in our words and actions. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and seek to be a mature Christian in all that you do.

"He is only advancing in life, whose heart is getting softer, his blood warmer, his brain quicker, and his spirit entering into living peace." - John Ruskin

God's Word: "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

THE GREATEST IS LOVE                                                   Wednesday – July 28, 2021

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

American writer Saul Bellow published a collection of traditional Jewish tales, including a stunning vignette about what it means to love others. It’s often quoted because it is so apt, and so true:

“In a small Jewish town in Russia, there is a rabbi who disappears each Friday morning for several hours. His devoted disciples boast that during those hours their rabbi goes up to heaven and talks to God.

A stranger moves into town, and he’s skeptical about all of this, so he decides to check things out. He hides and watches. The Rabbi gets up in the morning, says his prayers, and then dresses in peasant clothes. He grabs an axe, goes off into the woods, and cuts some firewood, which he hauls to a shack on the outskirts of the village. There an old woman and her sick son live. He leaves them the wood, enough for a week, and then sneaks back home.

Having observed the rabbi’s actions, the newcomer stays on in the village and becomes his disciple. And whenever he hears the villagers say, ‘On Friday mornings our rabbi ascends all the way to heaven,’ the newcomer quietly adds, ‘If not higher.’”

The most excellent way of living is to love the Lord and to love others. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He loves you and love Him and others with all of your heart.

"Love is an image of God, and not a lifeless image, but the living essence of the divine nature, which beams full of all goodness." – Martin Luther

God's Word: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." - 1 Corinthians 12:13

French writer Henri Barbusse tells of a conversation overheard in a trench full of wounded men during the First World War. One of the men, who knew he only had minutes to live says to one of the other men, “Listen, Dominic, you’ve led a very bad life. Everywhere you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear, so, here, take my wallet, take my papers, my identity, take my good name, my life, and quickly, hand me your papers that I may carry all your crimes away with me in death.”

The Good News is that through Jesus, God makes a similar offer. Something wonderful happens to us when we trust Christ and are baptized. When we are baptized, we publically identify ourselves with Jesus and our name is clear before God. 

In Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into one body. Today in prayer, if you have not made a public profession of your faith in baptism, consider doing so to bring glory and honor to Christ.

"Those who see baptism only as a confession of our faith have missed the main point. Baptism is tied to the promise of forgiveness." - John Calvin

God's Word: "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS     †

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:27-28

In October 1971, the Shah of Iran invited 60 kings, queens, and heads of state to celebrate the 2,500 years of the Persian Empire. Three days before the gala banquet, eighteen tons of food arrived. According to the list, this included: 3 tons of beef, pork, and lamb, as well as half a ton of fowl and game. The celebration included 2500 bottles of champagne, 1000 bottles of Bordeaux, as well as 1000 bottles of Burgundy.

There were 50,000 songbirds imported from Europe.

The cost of the celebration was $100 million, but it was not the costliest table ever spread. The communion table is the costliest table ever spread. The elements on it cost very little, but the communion feast cost the Son of God His life.

The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. We need to take part in it in a reflective, appreciative manner. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the Lord's Supper and remember Jesus each time you eat the bread and drink the cup.

"The real presence of Christ's most blessed body and blood is not to be sought for in the sacrament, but in the worthy receiver of the sacrament." - Richard Hooker

God's Word: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" - Luke 22:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

On May 1, 2021, Westchester (New York) police officers Cartwright and Velez were dispatched to a Dollar Tree store after a call for a possible shoplifting. 

After the store manager directed the officers to the person of interest, they approached the man and realized he was homeless and “just looking for socks,” police said.

Officer Cartwright consulted with the manager and decided the best possible outcome would be to buy the man the socks he was allegedly trying to steal.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll buy you a couple pairs of socks, but you gotta stop stealing,” the officer said.

He told the store associate he’s going to pay for over two dozen pairs of socks before asking the man which color socks he wanted.

“Listen, I know how important it is to have a nice pair of socks, especially when you’re out runnin’ around,” the officer said.

Officer Velez said: “Swing by headquarters, we can get you some information…at least get you a bed and a shower. I know with COVID, it’s tough.” 

Never grow tired of doing good to others. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to increase your love for others and to seek their good.

“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.” – G.K. Chesterton

God’s Word: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Sofia Cheung was a beautiful woman from Hong Kong who loved to take “selfies” standing on the edge of cliff sides.

She began her risky hobby in March 2021 and soon had more than 11 thousand followers on Instagram. The fame tempted her to travel to more popular destinations and take greater risks. 

On 10 July 2021, she hiked to a remote spot known as Ha Pak Lai Park. It is known for its stunning waterfall. Sofia wanted to take a picture of herself on the waterfall’s edge at sunset. But as Sofia moved into position, she lost her footing, causing her to fall 16 feet into the deep pool below.

Her friends called emergency services, which quickly rushed her to the hospital. However, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

All of us will be tempted in multiple areas of our lives. We need to look to the Lord and ask for His wisdom in overcoming temptation. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how to best deal with the situations in your life and how to overcome temptation.

"Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of heaven." – Frederick Temple

God's Word: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

Allyson Felix is the daughter of an ordained minister and professor of New Testament at The Master's Seminary in Sun Valley, California. She is fast, really fast. 

“For me, my faith is the reason I run. I definitely feel I have this amazing gift that God has blessed me with, and it’s all about using it to the best of my ability,” Allyson said.  

She’s already won six Olympic gold medals and three silvers, but Allyson faces a tough task on the 2021 Olympic team. At 35, she’ll be looking to become the oldest U.S. Olympic 400m sprinter in history and make her first Games as a mother. She gave birth to a daughter through an emergency C-section at 32 weeks in November 2018.

“I’m currently a work in progress and like anyone else I face struggles every day. My goal is to be more Christ-like each and every day and that is not an easy task. I know that I’m trying to be something different from [other Olympic runners] and after I run I hope that people can distinguish [Christ-like] character in the way I present myself.”

In all that you do, follow Jesus. Today in prayer, spend some extra time reading your Bible and desire to be more like Christ.  

“In the Christian race, all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” – 1 Corinthians 9:11

By the late 1880s, A.A. Hyde had become one of Wichita’s wealthiest men. He was a banker but he lost his money when the economy went bust. Hyde tumbled into debt owing more than $100,000.

It was during this low point that Hyde became convinced he needed to tithe to the Lord. Many men have said they consider it dishonest to give God a tenth of their incomes when they were in debt. Mr. Hyde said he agreed with that thought until one day it flashed upon him that God was his first creditor. Then he began to pay God first and all the other creditors were eventually paid in full.

By 1889, Hyde began experimenting with a menthol-based salve that would relieve minor muscle aches and pains. He called it Mentholatum and the product, which is still sold today, made Hyde a fortune. Throughout the rest of his life, A.A. Hyde gave generously to the Lord’s work.

The best investment you can make is financially supporting the pastors and ministers of your church. They work throughout the week to help you grow spiritually; we need to work to support them financially. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom on how best to invest in His work.

“Giving is the thermometer of our love.” – Benjamin R. De Jong

God’s Word: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Corinthians 16:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." - 1 Corinthians 8:9

In 1992, German artist Gunter Demnig wanted to commemorate World War II individuals at exactly the last place of residency—or, sometimes, work—which was freely chosen by the person before he or she fell victim to Nazi terror, euthanasia, eugenics, deportation to a concentration or extermination camp, or escaped persecution by emigration or suicide.

He began the Stolpersteine project, which literally means, “stumbling stone”. Each stone is a sett-size, ten-centimeter (3.9 in) concrete cube bearing a brass plate inscribed with the name and life dates of victims of Nazi extermination or persecution.

The majority of Stolpersteine commemorate Jewish victims of the Holocaust.  

Most countries in Western and Central Europe have these stumbling stones.

As of December 2019, 75,000 Stolpersteine have been laid, making the Stolpersteine project the world's largest decentralized memorial.

Is there an area in your life that is an obstacle to others in drawing closer to Jesus? Today in prayer, ask the Lord to help you see any stumbling blocks in your life and pray that you can turn the stumbling blocks into stepping-stones to encourage others.

"We should be careful to do nothing that may occasion weak Christians to defile their consciences." - Matthew Henry

God's Word: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS  †

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

When American professional football started in 1892, games consisted of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime. There was no game clock on the scoreboard, so it was up to the referee to notify the team captains of time remaining in the half, and he was to do so at some point between 10 and five minutes left. The referees kept the official time with the stadium clock being unofficial.

In 1949, the rulebook changed granting a timeout upon the signal that two minutes remain in each half.

The two-minute warning serves as a tension-building time. Teams rely on the two-minute warning as an extra timeout.

“It kind of resets the stage for the last two minutes of the game,” retired quarterback Rich Gannon said. “You look at the NFL today, and every game is a one-score game just about. So when you think about a one-score game, those last two minutes are critical. If the good teams are to finish well late in games, that two-minute is a big deal. A veteran quarterback who’s real good in a two-minute drill, and a team that understands how to execute in those situations. I don’t see that going anywhere.”

Just as a football team can win or lose in two minutes, our time is short.  We need to be faithful all of your life. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to help you make every day count for Him and love others as Jesus loves them. 

"Doest thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin

God's Word: "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." - Romans 13:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts." - 1 Corinthians 7:19

“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! …I’m an emergency aircraft. I need to land!” Pilot John Tougas called over the radio to Jacksonville terminal radar approach control facility. On August 30, 2020, John had departed that morning from Naples, Florida, heading north, in his Beechcraft Bonanza when he suddenly lost power at an altitude of 5,000 feet.

Hearing John’s Mayday call was veteran FAA air traffic controller Harry Kaufman. Harry began assessing John’s situation and realized that the Bonanza was a glider with no power to fly. For the next few minutes, Harry gave specific small turns to John so he could land at Jacksonville airport. At 4,000 feet John entered the clouds and was completely dependent on Harry’s instructions. It wasn’t until 600 feet above the ground that John came out of the clouds and could see the runway and was able to land safely.

John, a retired naval aviator and former Boeing test pilot said: “I’ve never had a controller do a better job of talking me down to a safe landing under pressure than that guy.” It took Harry’s skill and John’s obedience to Harry’s radio calls to result in a safe landing.

The Lord desires for us to have a life that is pleasing to Him, but we need to follow His commands. Today in prayer, seek to follow Jesus Christ in everything you do.

“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” - John Brown

God's Word: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:3-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:18

In September 2002, Erika Harold won the Miss America Pageant. Erika, who took her faith in Christ seriously, advocated that she would wait until marriage to have sexual relations with her husband. Her message on abstinence for teenagers did not sit well with the Miss America pageant organizers in Atlantic City and they ordered her to change her message. Then, in the face of controversy, they reversed their decision but made Erika promise that she would couch her message in the more politically correct theme of "teen violence."

She became a national spokesperson for Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a national advocacy group.

Then in the first week of her reign, she also adopted a secondary platform for sexual abstinence. On October 8, 2002, Harold gave a speech at the National Press Club in Washington during which she stated that she would talk about sexual abstinence and that she "will not be bullied" into dropping the topic from her platform. Thirty-eight members of Congress sent her a letter of support, encouraging her to press on with her "healthy message of abstinence until marriage."

The Lord has reserved sexual intimacy for marriage. Today in prayer, if you are involved in an affair outside of marriage, flee from it and look to Jesus for strength. If you are not in an affair, seek to remain sexually pure and to honor Christ with your body.

"Within marriage, sex is beautiful, fulfilling, creative. Outside of marriage, it is ugly, destructive, and damning." – John MacArthur

God's Word: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." - 1 Corinthians 5:11

In 1997, during a Sunday service at Christ Christian Home Missionary Baptist Church in Compton, California, Robert Gomez told the congregation his adoptive father had died and left behind a fleet of cars. He said the church members could buy the 16 cars from Gomez and his friend James Nichols for $17,000. Congregants were told the money was a "conveyance fee" of roughly $1,000 to $1,100, each vehicle's estimated title transfer and tax liability. Once the estate cleared probate, the vehicles would be delivered to their new owners. Later that day, church members flocked to give Nichols money orders and cashier's checks.

The problem was there was no “rich adoptive father” or “fleet of cars”. The congregants were the first of 4,000 people to be cheated out of $21 million in the “miracle car scam”. The greedy Gomez and Nichols conned people in numerous states for the next five years.

On June 5, 2003, both men were found guilty of counts of interstate fraud and money laundering. Both were sentenced to prison for more than 20 years.

Christ has called us to love people not to love things. Today in prayer, examine your life and get rid of any greed.

"God wants to give us something, but cannot, because our hands are full--there's nowhere for him to put it." - Augustine

God's Word: "Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Luke 12:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?" - 1 Corinthians 5:6

In 2011, Rashia Wilson of Tampa, Florida boasted she was the "queen of IRS tax fraud" on her Facebook page while stealing as much as $20 million, according to court documents.

From at least April 2009 through September 2012, Wilson and her co-conspirator, Maurice J. Larry, engaged in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by negotiating fraudulently obtained tax refunds. They did so by receiving U.S. Treasury checks and pre-paid debit cards loaded with proceeds derived from filing false and fraudulent federal income tax. 

A prosecutor said Wilson used the money stolen from taxpayers for "personal greed and glorification." Wilson bought a $90,000 car and a $30,000 birthday party for her 1-year-old daughter with the money, according to court documents.

She was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and being a felon in possession of firearms. The Court also ordered her to forfeit $2,240,096.39, which constitutes the proceeds traceable to the offense.

Boasting is foolish pride that the Lord hates.  Today in prayer, confess and pride in your life and seek to live a life of humility. 

"Grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth and shuts it once for all." – Charles H. Spurgeon

God's Word: "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil." - James 4:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children." - 1 Corinthians 4:14

In the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, Argentinean race driver Juan Manuel Fangio qualified for the lead pole position at the beginning of the race. On the first lap, one of the drivers behind Juan had skidded and crashed. In the resulting melee, eight other drivers crashed and by the end of the second lap, only nine of the 19 starters remained. The track was soaked from spilled fuel.

As Fangio began his second lap, he first noticed “The spectators … were not looking at me leading the race but the other way," he said, and instinctively Juan raised his hand to warn drivers behind him of the danger. He then saw the Yellow Caution flag warning the drivers of danger. Juan eased up on his speed and navigated through the massive pile-up. 

Because he heeded the warning, he was able to win the race. 

When the Lord warns us, we need to heed His warnings. Today in prayer, thank Christ for His Word and the godly men and women in your life. Seek to heed the warnings He has given you so you may grow in His wisdom. 

"Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take an example from you.”- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

God's Word: "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." - 1 Corinthians 10:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2

Bertoldo de Giovanni is a name even the most enthusiastic lover of art is unlikely to recognize. He was the pupil of Donatello, the greatest sculptor of his time, and he was the teacher of Michelangelo, the greatest sculptor of all time. Michelangelo was only 14 years old when he came to Bertoldo, but it was already obvious that Michelangelo was enormously gifted. Bertoldo was wise enough to realize that gifted people are often tempted to coast rather than to grow, and therefore he kept trying to pressure his young prodigy to work seriously at his art.

One day he came into the studio to find Michelangelo toying with a piece of sculpture far beneath his abilities. Bertoldo grabbed a hammer, stomped across the room, and smashed the work into tiny pieces, shouting this unforgettable message, "Michelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!"

Whatever you have been called by the Lord to do, do it faithfully for Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the work He has called you to do and strive to be faithful in all that you do.

"I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness." - Mother Teresa

God's Word: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" - Matthew 25:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" - 1 Corinthians 3:19

In October 2015, a single-engine plane crash at Missoula International Airport in Montana. Patrick Carter, age 52, of Monroeville, Alabama, was killed when his small biplane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff.

During the investigation, it was found that Carter had just bought the plane and was flying home to Alabama. Carter had 10,000 hours of flight time and an instructor certificate. When he landed at Missoula it was the end of his second leg of flying. But during the first two takeoff climbs, aviation fuel (100-octane gas) had entered the cockpit and sloshed around his feet!

Carter contacted a mechanic at Missoula. The mechanic recommended NOT FLYING until the issue--a fuel-venting problem--was resolved.

This experienced pilot overruled the mechanic's recommendation and said he would fly the plane anyway, but as a concession to safety he would fly with the electrical system offline.

The NTSB report states, "The pilot was [likely] distracted by fuel entering the cockpit and failed to maintain adequate airspeed as he returned to the airport to rectify the [fuel] problem resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin."

Our “wisest” decisions can look very foolish in time. Today in prayer, ask the Lord for His wisdom in all of your decisions.

"We are ensnared by the wisdom of the serpent; we are set free by the foolishness of God." - Augustine

God's Word: "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:11

In 1917, the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright was given the challenge of building the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the world. Wright's investigation showed that a solid foundation could be "floated" on a sixty-foot layer of soft mud underlying the hotel, which would provide a shock-absorbing but solid support for the immense building.

Despite numerous delays in construction, Wright’s Imperial Hotel opened on September 1st, 1923. That same day the great Kanto earthquake would devastate Tokyo and the surrounding area. Having left Japan in the fall of 1922, Wright was in Los Angeles at the time. It would be ten long days of conflicting reports before confirmation was received that the hotel still stood. Finally, a dramatic telegram from Tokyo by Baron Okura, the key financial promoter of the Imperial Hotel, arrived proclaiming,

“Hotel stands undamaged as monument of your genius. Hundreds of homeless provided by perfectly maintained service. Congratulations. Okura.”

The only perfect foundation, the one that will hold through any of life’s storms, is Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is our firm foundation and build your life on the surest of cornerstones.

"The doctrine of our Savior and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom and is the foundation, of all the rest." - Matthew Henry

God's Word: "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." - Isaiah 28:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:5

James Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. He is credited with inventing soul and funk music and he was a major figure of 20th-century music. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul". He had 17 songs become number 1 on the music charts.

In April 1968, James was in Boston when Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered.

On the morning after the assassination, Boston city officials were scrambling to prepare for an expected night of unrest. Similar preparations were being made in cities across America. But Boston would be nearly alone among America’s major cities in remaining quiet and calm that turbulent Friday night, thanks in large part to James Brown. 

Responding to a comment on the power he was wielding to be able to do that, James said, "That's not power. That's influence. Only God has power."

Our faith must rest either in the Lord or it rests in something inferior. Today in prayer, place all of your cares and concerns in Christ’s hands and have faith in Him.

"It is the heart that senses God, and not the reason. That is what faith is: God perceptible to the heart and not to reason." - Blaise Pascal

God's Word: "Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." - Psalm 78:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

In November 1982, as Vice President, George Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, he was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev’s widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev’s wife performed an act of great courage and hope. She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband’s chest. There in the center of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband. 

The most important thing in life is to give your heart to Jesus Christ and to follow Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His sacrifice on the Cross and seek to follow Him in all that you do. 

"On almost every church in the Western world, there is a cross. Why? Why has the cross become the symbol of Christianity? It is because on the cross Christ shed his blood, which has become the cure for sinners who will recognize their spiritual poverty and receive Him as their savior, Master, and Lord." - Billy Graham

God's Word: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †

AGREE WITH ONE ANOTHER Thursday – July 1, 2021

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Christian authors Jon Huckins and Jer Swigart wrote the following in their book “Mending the Divides”: “We were recently with a collection of pastors in San Diego and were asked to share about our common call to peacemaking. Fully aware of the posturing and isolation of many of these churches, we found it a sacred experience to see these individuals gathered together representing their respective communities. Also fully aware of the inherent tension resting under the surface, we opened with this: “If the apostle Paul were still around and wrote a letter to the church in San Diego, it wouldn’t be labeled First Presbyterian, First Baptist, Calvary, Evangelical Covenant, or any other denominational name. It would be labeled ‘the Church of San Diego.’”

As Christians, we should find agree to work together to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give your heart to the Lord and strive to be in unity with other Christians to serve Him. 

"As we draw nearer to Christ, we shall be drawn nearer to His people; and in our search for unity with the members we shall be drawn closer to the Head.” – G.T. Manley

God's Word: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" - Romans 15:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS †