“‘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

Journalist Andy Rooney shared the following story about Walter and Betsy Cronkite at Walter’s funeral in 2009: “Once while we were sailing in Maine several years ago, we tied up near a little village and Walter and Betsy went into a country store.”

“This strange-looking character comes up to Walter and asks him a question. Walter was always polite to his fans and, with Betsy standing there, Walter said, “Oh sure. We’ve met several times. We’re not really close friends. I talk to him once in a while.”

Outside, Betsy said, “Walter, did you hear who he asked you about?” And Walter, who was hard of hearing answered, “No, I didn’t.” She said, “Well, he asked if you knew Jesus Christ.”

For those who know Christ, we have the assurance that we will have a new life because of Christ’s resurrection. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have eternal life in Him.

“The seed dies into a new life and so does man.” – George McDonald

God’s Word: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“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

On 11th December 1915 the house at number 43 Gasthuisstraat in Poperinge, Belgium opened its doors for the first time, welcoming British soldiers to a new club.

It was called Talbot House, in memory of Lieutenant Gilbert Talbot, aged 23, who was the brother of Padre Neville Talbot. Padre Talbot helped establish the club.

It was a meeting place for men going up to the trenches and men coming back.

The loft was converted into a chapel and became known as “the Upper Room”. On the initiative of the soldiers the chapel was furnished with an altar made from a carpenter's bench found in the garden shed. Candlesticks for the altar were made from bedposts. A portable organ known as a 'groan-box' was used for musical accompaniment. Wooden benches were made or acquired from damaged churches. The altar cloth was donated.

From the early days of its creation the chapel in “the Upper Room” offered a peaceful haven for hundreds of soldiers taking a brief respite from the trenches.

It was in the loft of the house they served Communion — truly a last supper for many. A notice was hung by the front door bearing the message:

“All rank abandon, ye who enter here.”

It was a reminder that we are all sinners needing forgiveness by Jesus.

The Lord has given us a powerfully simple way to remember His broken body and shed blood. It is with bread and wine. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Lord’s Supper and remember His sacrifice for you.

“The link between the cross and the crown is the Table of the Lord. Do not forget, when you sit down at the Communion, that the bread and the cup point back to Christ’s accomplished work, and forward to your accomplished salvation.” – A.T. Pierson

God’s Word: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” – Mark 14:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’” – Luke 19:16-17

In 2004, Britain's Queen Elizabeth turned 78. Her birthday actually falls in April, but her subjects celebrate her birthday with lots of pomp and circumstance on a Saturday each June. Locals and foreigners alike flooded through the royal gates hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen, and be part of the celebration. Representatives of several military units marched past the Queen and her husband Prince Phillip to honor her. Later, while military bands played tributes, Royal Air Force Jets flew overhead in her honor. The most unique feature of the celebration was that the Queen gave gifts to her subjects instead of receiving them. The queen honored several people during the celebration. Ten Brits and others who aided in the aftermath of the November bombing of Britain's consulate in Istanbul received awards. Jamaican born baritone Willard White and English Football Association Director Trevor Brooking received knighthoods, and actor John Hurt became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE. The architect of the new Queen Mary II ocean liner, Stephen Payne was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, as were a couple of other English celebrities. Colin Cross who traveled from Lancashire, northern England for the event said, "It's the greatest free show on earth. They should never do away with the monarchy."

As His subjects, we honor Jesus with our praise and worship, and He is the one who bestows the greatest gifts to His followers. Today in prayer, praise Christ for the gifts He has given you and seek to use them for Christ’s glory.

“Each of us, as members of the Body of Christ, has been given at least one spiritual gift.” – Bruce Kemper

God’s Word: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

While very ill, John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, called to his wife and said, "Read me that Scripture where I first cast my anchor." After he listened to the beautiful prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17, he seemed to forget his weakness. He began to pray, interceding earnestly for his fellowmen. He prayed for the ungodly who had thus far rejected the gospel. He pleaded in behalf of people who had been recently converted. And he requested protection for the Lord's servants, many of who were facing persecution. As Knox prayed, his spirit went home to be with the Lord. The man of whom Queen Mary had said, "I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies," ministered through prayer until the moment of his death.

The Lord desires that we have passion and persistence in our prayers. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is faithful to answer and seek to be persistent in seeking His will.

“The paradox of prayer is that it asks for a serious effort while it can only be received as a gift. We cannot plan, organize or manipulate God; but without a careful discipline, we cannot receive him either.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

God’s Word: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” – Luke 2:10-12

Consider the story of one young man. Sick and puny as a baby, he remained frail and delicate all his days. Later, as a pastor, his illnesses were so severe that he could not serve his growing congregation. Instead he wrote them letters filled with hope and good cheer. Even though his body was frail his spirit soared. He complained once about the harsh and uncouth hymn texts of his day. His father challenged him to write a better one. He did. He wrote over 750 hymns, mostly hymns of praise. When his health finally broke in 1748 he left one of the most remarkable collections of hymns that the world has ever known. His name? Isaac Watts. What was his contribution to the Christmas season? Probably the most sung of all the Christmas hymns, “Joy to the World; the Lord is come.”

Could Isaac Watts have written so, if his life had been easy? No one knows. It is amazing, though, how often people who struggle through life have souls with both depth and height.

There is a joy to every heart that receives Jesus as Lord. Today in prayer, give praise to the Lord for coming to earth to save you.

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.” – Isaac Watts

God’s Word: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” – Luke 2:13-14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTION FOR CHRISTMAS

 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” – Matthew 2:1-2

In 2017, it was learned that ancient Chinese astronomers might have cracked exactly where the star of Bethlehem was, and where it can now be found in the sky.

Chinese astrologers first saw the star in 5 B.C. They spotted a nova 5 star along the Meridian of the star Altair.

The Gospel of Matthew details how the three wise men saw the same star in the East and followed it to Bethlehem where Jesus was lying in a manger.

According to Ron Allen, an author and the founder of the International Star Bible Society, several clues now point towards a star that could truly be the Star of Bethlehem.

Mr. Allen suggests that if stargazers use the coordinates left by the ancient Chinese astrologers they can locate the star today.

The route is longitude north up the meridian of the star Altair about 25 degrees.

Starwatchers say the location points to a black hole in the night sky known as X-1 Cygnus, that is the Cygnus constellation, or northern cross.

Mr. Allen said since a black hole is the remains of a large nova, X1 Cygnus is most likely the star of Bethlehem.

The real star of Bethlehem is Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of every heart’s desire. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He came to earth to save you.

“The birth of Jesus is the sunrise of the Bible.” – Henry van Dyke

God’s Word: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:8-11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTION FOR CHRISTMAS

"If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." - Luke 17:4

C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian authors in the last century, recounted his continual attempts to forgive someone who had been cruel to him. He prayed for the man, at first for no other reason than because Jesus told him to.  But then, he writes to a friend: “Last week, while at prayer, I suddenly discovered - or felt as if I did - that I had really forgiven someone I have been trying to forgive for over thirty years. Trying and praying that I might. When the thing actually happened - sudden as the longed-for cessation of one's neighbor's radio - my feeling was, "But it's so easy. Why didn't you do it ages ago?"  So many things are done easily the moment you can do them at all. But till then, simply impossible, like learning to swim. There are months during which no efforts will keep you up; then comes the day and hour and minute after which, and ever after, it becomes impossible to sink.” Lewis then makes it clear that his ability to forgive was quite unlike learning to swim in this respect:  it was not of his own doing.  He reflected, "a discord has been resolved and it is certainly the great Resolver who has done it."

The Lord calls upon us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven by Him. Today in prayer, thank Christ that you have been freed from your sins and then forgive others in the same way.

"They who forgive most will be most forgiven." - Philip J. Bailey

God's Word: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores.” – Luke 16:19-20

In 1954, the late Dr. J. Raymond Knighton answered a call in his tiny office at the Christian Medical Society in Chicago. Ray had a reputation for knowing “every medical missionary in the world,” so when a major pharmaceutical company wanted to donate $25,000 in surplus medicines, they knew just who to call.

Ray and his secretary spent three months distributing 11 tons of medicines where they were needed most.

Thus began the Medical Assistance Programs (MAP)--a faith-based nonprofit providing essential medicines for mission clinics and hospitals in developing countries around the world.

Since 1954 MAP has served billions of people with medicines and medical supplies through the help of partners, donors, mission hospitals, clinics, and medical mission teams.

Since this humble beginning, MAP International has grown to become one of the most trusted charities in the United States. Millions of people with a heart for ‘the least of these’ have given their time, talent and treasure to MAP to provide hope for those in despair.

No matter where you live, you can minister to the poor. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to those in need and minister to them.

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.” – George Bernard Shaw

God’s Word: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” – 1 John 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:9-10

In 1992, farmer Peter Whatling called his friend Eric Lawes, who owned a metal detector, to help him find a hammer he had lost in his field. Instead, he found treasure. Inside the oak chest was a collection of silver spoons, gold jewelry, and coins, all dating back to the 4th or 5th century CE. Whatling called in help, and archaeologists managed to find all sorts of other treasures buried in the same field. The cache of treasure was from the late Roman/early Byzantine era. There are 15,000 coins, about 100 spoons and ladles, 29 pieces of gold jewelry, silver vases, beakers and bowls, as well as a pepper pot (forerunner of the pepper shaker) cast to resemble a stately woman. The treasure was valued at $3.8 million.

The hoard was bought by the British Museum, though it was so valuable the museum had to call in funds from donors like the National Art Collections fund to afford it. As for the errant hammer? That’s now in the British Museum, too.

"Everyone who uses a metal detector hopes to find a treasure," said Lawes. "But this was beyond my wildest dreams."

When someone comes to Christ in faith, it is a miracle. Today in prayer, rejoice in the Lord that He actively seeks and has found millions who trust in Him.

“There is no one so far lost that Jesus cannot find him and cannot save him.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."” – Luke 14:12-14

One of Europe’s most celebrated hiking trails is  “Camino de Santiago,” or “the Way of St. James.” Annually, some 300,000 pilgrims walk some or all of the 780km route from France to Spain seeking spiritual renewal.  

In 2017, the bishops of Spain and France published a letter emphasizing the importance of hospitality for people who host pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, offering guidelines for how they can welcome and care for the spiritual needs of those making the long trek.

In the letter the bishops noted that hospitality is a tradition that has been practiced in all ages and civilizations, and “is not to question or to prosecute, but only to welcome, to give food and drink, a bed and money for the trip, words of esteem and direction.”

Giving hospitality to strangers means getting out of our comfort zone and showing the love of Jesus Christ to others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gifts He has given you and seek to give hospitality to others.

“We all depend on God’s grace and provision; we are all guests of a gracious and generous host. As we welcome others to our tables and into our lives, we remember, represent, and anticipate God’s hospitality.” – Christine D. Pohl

God’s Word: “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:5

The Venice Marathon covers 26.2 miles through historic country towns, across the Liberty Bridge and on to the island of Venice itself. The finish is in the center of the romantic city of canals.

But in October 2017, it was a nightmare for some of the marathon leaders. At the 16-mile mark, a motorcycle guide led the race’s frontrunners astray from the course. Instead of following standing guide’s directions, the frontrunners continued to follow the pace motorcycle who had turned off the course.

The leading pack at about 16 miles ran “several hundred meters” in the wrong direction before realizing their mistake. They then doubled back but had lost considerable amount of time.

Only one of the runners who took the wrong route finished in the top 4 of the race.

Have you taken a wrong road in your walk with Jesus? Today in prayer, turn away from any sin in your life and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do.

“Repentance is not a popular word these days, but I believe that any of us recognize it when it strikes us in the gut. Repentance is coming to our senses, seeing, suddenly, what we've done that we might not have done, or recognizing ... that the problem is not in what we do but in what we become.” – Kathleen Norris

God’s Word: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE

“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