“Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” – Luke 12:22

James Hudson Taylor was a British medical missionary to China. He spent 51 years in China and was responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions.

He shared two thoughts on anxiety and worry.

“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient.” 

His final thought on worry:

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus."

The Lord is in control of everything; there is no need to worry. Today in prayer, give your anxieties and worries to Him and relax in Christ’s peace.

"Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all of his confidence in God." – Thomas `a Kempis

God’s Word: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” – Luke 11:4

John Bradford was a 16th Century evangelist and English reformer. He was imprisoned for his allegiance to the Church of England and martyred in 1555. While in captivity he watched many prisoners as they were led to their execution. Watching these men walk to their death, he famously said, “There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford”. When he was finally executed for his beliefs, and just prior to being burned at the stake, he looked to the gathered crowd and begged the forgiveness of anyone he had wronged. He also offered forgiveness to those who had wronged him (and even to those who were about to execute him). John understood the blurry distinction between the “good guys” and the “bad guys”. None of us are good. All of us deserve punishment. Our fallen nature warrants the judgment of God and begs the forgiveness of others. A forgiving heart is grounded in the attitude: “There, but for the grace of God, go I”.

All of us need forgiveness and all of us need to forgive others. Today in prayer, seek to forgive all that have wronged you.

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” –Alexander Pope

God’s Word: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27

Dr. Fred Shepherd spent more than 30 years in Eastern Turkey as a medical missionary. He started a school of medicine and 221 men graduated from there to aid in the terrible disease and suffering throughout the country. His records show that by 1914 he had seen 6000 patients in his clinic, called on others in over 2000 homes, and had only 800 paying patients.

Dr. Shepard’s service was so significant that he received decorations from the Red Cross and President Taft in 1909 and from the Sultan of Turkey in 1911. The Sultan said, “The decoration bestowed upon you is nothing compared with your most admiring sympathy shown to the suffering humanity.”

In 1908 the largest Protestant church in Turkey held a silver anniversary of Fred Shepard’s ministry there. It was filled with Moslems, Catholics, Gregorians, and Jews as well as Protestants. For two hours these folks stood and talked about what Dr. Shepard had done for them.

While reflecting over his ministry he said that the celebration was really not about him but about one even greater; God and His love. “Because I have understood a little about that love, I try to let others know about it. This is my purpose in life. I did not come to this country to make money or a reputation. I came to bear witness that God is love. If by my work I have been able to show you him, I have had my reward and I thank him.”

We need to love our neighbors just as Jesus does. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you eyes to see those in need and wisdom on how to help them.

“Man may dismiss compassion from his heart, but God never will.” – William Cowper

God’s Word: “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” - Matthew 22:39

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."” – Luke 9:41

David Wilkerson was an American Christian evangelist, best known for his book “The Cross and the Switchblade.” He was the founder of the addiction recovery program “Teen Challenge”, and founding pastor of the non-denominational Times Square Church in New York City. His sermons are known for being direct and frank against apostasy and serious about making the commitment to obey Jesus' teachings. He emphasized such Christian beliefs as God's holiness and righteousness and God's love toward people.

On the subject of unbelief, Pastor David said:

“Likewise today, some Christians are content to merely exist until they die. They don't want to risk anything, to believe God, to grow or mature. They refuse to believe his Word, and have become hardened in their unbelief. Now they're living just to die.”

When questions or life circumstances arise, draw near to Jesus in faith. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is our Rock and in Him we can place our entire faith.

“None but the Lord himself can afford us any help from the awful workings of unbelief, doubtings, carnal fears, murmurings. Thank God one day we will be done forever with ‘unbelief’” – Arthur W. Pink

God’s Word: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:13-14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."” – Luke 8:24-25

Pastor Haddon Robinson told the following story: “Years ago, Monroe Parker (an evangelist) was traveling through South Alabama on one of those hot, sultry Alabama days. He stopped at a watermelon stand, picked out a watermelon, and asked the proprietor how much it cost. “It’s $1.10,” he replied. Parker dug into his pocket, found only a bill and said, “All I have is a dollar.” “That’s OK,” the proprietor said, “I’ll trust you for it.” “Well, that’s mighty nice of you,” Parker responded, and picking up the watermelon, started to leave. “Hey, where are you going?” the man behind the counter demanded. “I’m going outside to eat my watermelon.” “But you forgot to give me the dollar!” “You said you would trust me for it,” Parker called back. “Yeah, but I meant I would trust you for the dime!” “Mack,” Parker replied, “You weren’t going to trust me at all. You were just going to take a ten-cent gamble on my integrity!”

Do you trust the Lord with all areas of your life or are you taking just a gamble on His integrity? Today in prayer, praise Jesus that in Him you can place your faith of all areas of your life.

“Faith is to believe what we cannot see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.” - Augustine

God’s Word: “"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."” – Mark 9:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” – Luke 7:47

Alexander III was Tsar of Russia from 1881-1894. His rule was marked by repression, and in particular by persecution of Jews. His wife, Maria Fedorovna, provided a stark contrast, being known for her generosity to those in need. On one occasion her husband had signed an order consigning a prisoner to life in exile. It read simply  “Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia.” Maria changed that prisoners life by moving the comma in her husband’s order. She altered it to “Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia.”

In Christ God has changed the comma that stood against us. From “Pardon impossible, send to Siberia” comes the good news of salvation: “Pardon, impossible to send to Siberia.”

One of the most powerful ways to show God’s love is forgiveness. Today in prayer, forgive those who have wronged you, just as Christ as forgiven you.

“We have a free, full, final, forever forgiveness in the atoning work of Christ.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

God’s Word: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

"Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." - Luke 6:20

In 2010, Bill and Sue McLeod were retiring from their careers and had three adult children and five grandchildren. The couple considered slowing down. Then they learned that over 26,000 children attending San Diego schools have been identified as homeless and food insecure.

Having grown up in an underprivileged home with five siblings, Bill knew firsthand the struggles and challenges of food insecurity at a young age as well as its long-term effects.

In 2011, the couple launched the non-profit ministry “Got Your Back San Diego.”

The ministry provides a backpack and 6 meals for the weekends, so kids won’t go hungry when they are not in school.

“At first we had no idea what we were doing,” said Sue McLeod. “We just knew we wanted to feed kids and do our part in the fight against childhood hunger. With no supporters and limited resources of our own, we knew we couldn’t do everything, but we were determined to do something. So we started with 22 kids at Olive Elementary School in Vista. In year two we took what felt like a quantum leap and committed to feeding 150 kids in five schools. By the end of year six, Got Your Back provided over 285,000 meals to hungry kids! Now, in our seventh year, we are committed to 500 students in grades K through 5 in the cities of Vista, Oceanside, and Carlsbad schools.”

During this holiday season, remember the poor. Today in prayer, thank Christ that the poor in spirit are blessed by Him, and ask the Lord how you can help the poor in your community.

"Poverty is no sin." - George Herbert

God's Word: "Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" - James 2:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." - Luke 5:27-28

In 2015, Abu Radwan and his family converted to Christianity after they fled Syria to Lebanon. He said it's a genuine conversion, though he does say he thinks it might help him get resettled in the West.

“Of course it was a difficult decision,” Abu Radwan sais. “I was born into a Muslim family.”

The family is from the city of Homs in Syria. They sought refuge in Lebanon at the beginning of the war in 2011. Then in 2015, Abu Radwan said Jesus appeared to him in a dream.

“I started going to the church,” he said. “I believed that Jesus was coming to help us, to save us.”

Seven months later, he decided to become a Christian.

“We accepted him as a member of the church and baptized him, together with his wife and children," said Bishop George Saliba. “And we take care of him.”

Jesus is calling many people from all over the world to follow Him. Today in prayer, pray for those who do not know Christ that they may know that He is Lord and follow Him.

"Following Christ has nothing to do with success as the world sees it. It has to do with love." - Madeleine L'Engle

God's Word: "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him." - Matthew 4:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

"When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." - Luke 4:13

One of the largest freshwater turtles is the alligator snapping turtle. Found primarily in the southeastern United States, these massive turtles have been known to weigh close to 250 pounds. They are carnivorous, and while their diet is primarily fish, they have been known to eat almost anything else they can find in the water—even in a few cases small alligators! The alligator snapping turtle relies on a uniquely deceitful method of foraging for fish.

The turtle will lie completely still on the floor of a lake or river with its mouth wide open. At the end of the turtle’s tongue is a small, pink, worm-shaped appendage. The turtle wiggles the end of its tongue so that it looks like a worm moving through the water. When a fish comes to eat the worm, the turtle’s jaws rapidly close, trapping the fish so that it cannot escape.

Similarly to the snapping turtle’s lure, temptation comes in the guise of something desirable, but it always carries destruction with it in the end. If we could see the end result rather than the tempting part, it would be far easier to resist. But Satan knows this, so he cleverly disguises what is deadly in the guise of something pleasurable.

Temptation can come at anytime. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to make you aware of any temptations and have Him lead you away from all temptation.

"When evil desire finds you armed with the fear of God and the determined to resist, it will flee far away from you.” – Hermas, the Shepherd

God's Word: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”- Matthew 6:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38

Jim Irwin was the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 15. In July 1971, it became the fourth Apollo moon landing and Jim was the eighth person to walk on the Moon.

He spent eighteen of his sixty-six hours on the moon outside the spacecraft. He and fellow astronaut David Scott covered over seventeen miles of the surface in a specialized vehicle people dubbed the “moon buggy.” The two astronauts collected 170 lbs. of lunar rocks and sand.

Upon returning to earth, Jim, a professed Christian believer, declared, “As I was returning, I realized that I am not a celebrity but a servant. So I am here as God’s servant on Planet Earth to share what I have experienced, that others may know the glory of God.”

The Lord has called us to serve others. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can better serve others for Him.

“As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth living; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end!” – David Brainerd

God’s Word: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE