“We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:11

Michael Musto is an American journalist who has long been a prevalent presence in entertainment-related publications, as well as on websites and television shows. He is best known as a columnist for The Village Voice, where he wrote the La Dolce Musto column of gossip, nightlife, reviews, interviews, and political observations for almost three decades, starting in 1984.

From 1993 to 2000, he was one of the most prominent columnists on The Gossip Show, an E! program which featured colorful reporters relaying celebrity dish, and again, Musto was out and flamboyant on the show. He was featured on the cover of New York magazine in a 1994 "Gossip Mafia" story that spanned New York's most influential tattlers.

Gossip is a sin that breaks relationships. Today in prayer, confess any sin of being a busybody and seek to have God honoring relationships.

“Busy souls have no time to be busybodies.” – Austin O’Malley

God’s Word: “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9

In an article entitled “How to Be an Awesome House Guest” Samantha Brown gives the following advice:

·     Remember, you’re not staying in a hotel! There’s a huge difference between staying in someone’s guest room and staying in a hotel. Don’t conflate the two.

·     It’s better to be flexible than demanding. Never be that guest that makes your host regret agreeing to be a host.

·     Be mindful of house rules and customs. Always check with your host about their house rules and customs.

·     Communicate your plans. Be very clear when you are arriving and when you are leaving.

·     Communicate your food requirements. Guests should make it known in advance what their eating restrictions and food allergies are.

·     Bring something to share. Share some things you like with your hosts and let them get to know you better. Better yet, ask them if they’d like anything from where you’re coming from!

·     Lend a hand in the kitchen. Most hosts will absolutely love it if you help out in the kitchen.

·     Refresh everyone’s drink or offer to be the bartender.

·     Don’t be a shower hog. Anyone who takes over thirty minutes in a bathroom getting ready, especially if it’s the only bathroom in the house, needs to work on speeding things up.

·     Clean-up after yourself. When you leave, ask if the host would like you to strip the bed and deliver dirty towels to the laundry room.

·     Assure your host how much you’re enjoying yourself. Words of affirmation – most hosts who care will always be a little worried you’re not enjoying yourself in their home.

The Lord never desires that we should never be a burden to others. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the work He has given you and be diligent in all that you do.

“No one is useless in the world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.” – Charles Dickens

God’s Word: “And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.” – 2 Corinthians 11:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

In his book “The Economics of Neighborly Love” Tom Nelson wrote: “On Christmas Eve in Tehran, house-church pastor Farshid Fathi and his family were awakened to the frightening sounds of the Iranian security police pounding at their door. After the police searched his apartment and seized his computer, Farshid was arrested and sent to Evin prison.

Farshid’s crime was being a follower of Jesus. Behind bars and often in solitary confinement, Farshid was deprived of his freedom, his material possessions, and his livelihood. For six years, Farshid had very limited contact with his family, yet in the midst of the crucible of material and relational deprivation, Farshid lived a God-honoring flourishing life.

In a note sent from prison, Farshid described his difficult experience as a lovely wilderness where his good Shepherd was with him. Like many other members of the persecuted church around the globe, Farshid’s story reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances and times of relational and material deprivation, followers of Jesus can and do flourish.”

The Lord has a plan for you. Be faithful, stand firm and keep following Jesus. Today in prayer, ask the Lord that you may be faithful in following Him in all your ways and in all of your days.

“The faithful person lives constantly with God.” – Clement of Alexandria

God’s Word: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless” – Psalm 18:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

In June 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 13 counterfeit Rolex watches and 12 pairs of designer brand sunglasses in Pittsburgh. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the shipment was valued at $573,200, had the products been authentic.

The international trade in counterfeit consumer goods is illegal. It steals revenues from trademark holders and tax revenues from the government, it funds transnational criminal organizations, and the unregulated products can threaten the health and safety of American consumers.

“Unsuspecting consumers could be victimized twice by counterfeit products, such as these fake Rolex watches, because they may end up paying close to authentic prices for cheaper knockoffs, and they’ll learn that the product isn’t warrantied should it need repair,” said James Hindes, CBP’s Acting Port Director in Pittsburgh. “Customs and Border Protection urges you to protect your families by purchasing authentic consumer products from reputable retailers.”

When evil comes, it will be disguised as good. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you discernment in all that you do.

“You may imitate, but never counterfeit.” – Honore de Balzac

God’s Word: “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” – Matthew 24:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.’ – 2 Thessalonians 1:5

Pastor Dan Baumgartner wrote: “We have an outdoor church readerboard (yep, manual, press-in-the-grooves-black-plastic-letters) near a busy street that I enjoy changing every couple of weeks. The challenge of saying something meaningful in a few words that is not a cheesy church cliché or bad pun always interests me. A month ago I put up this: Lord, how can I delight you this day? 

As these things tend to happen, the person the sign most impacted for the next two weeks was... me. Every time I drove by the sign, or saw it across the campus, I thought about that one-day assignment. What would please the Lord THIS day? A glance or two at scripture gave me all sorts of good leads: 

• God delights in those who revere him, trust him, and put their hope in his unfailing love (see Psalm 147:11),
• God delights in honesty and fair-dealing (see Proverbs 11),
• God delights in truth-telling, but hates lies (see Proverbs 12:22),
• God delights in steadfast love, justice, and righteousness (see Jeremiah 9:24).

Am I this kind of person, do my character and actions display these things? Do yours? All of them bring God delight, every time, every day. One day, this day.

God will judge each person justly. Today in prayer, rejoice in God’s judgment and in His mercy toward you.

“None are ruined by the justice of God but those that hate to be reformed by the grace of God.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:4

Pastor Bradley Long shared the following: “An American pastor once asked an Indonesian missionary who works among Indonesians but with a different people group from his own, “Are you afraid you’ll get caught?” Christian mission work in Indonesia has risks – sometimes from the government, radical Islamists, and/or even from one’s own friends and family.

As soon as the question was translated into Bahasa Indonesian, this missionary smiled enormously and said something in Indonesian. His wife, who works for the same organization, elbowed him and said something and then his boss said something and they all started belly laughing!

When the laughter died down, they translated the whole scene into English. When the missionary heard the question – “Are you afraid you’ll get caught?” – he smiled and said, “The worst can happen is I’ll go to heaven,” and his wife said, “You can’t go without me!” and his boss said, “Let’s all go together!”

Needless to say, the American pastor did not expect that response! The blessing of following Jesus was so strong that the Indonesian missionary’s gut response to a serious question about safety was JOY in knowing God. What a basis for serving the Lord!”

There are many areas of the world where Christians are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Today in prayer, pray for those who face persecution and that they may persevere in Christ.

“Persecution for righteousness’ sake is what every child of God must expect.” – Charles Simeon

God’s Word: “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:3-4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“pray continually” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Pastor Shine Thomas in India said: “It is said the early African converts to Christianity were very faithful to pray. As their houses were small huts with lots of people, each believer reportedly had separate spots in the forest where they poured out their hearts to God. The paths to these spots became distinctly marked; and when any one began to decline in prayer time, it was soon apparent to others. They would then kindly remind him, saying, “Brother, the grass grows on your path, please pray.”

What about you? Does the grass grow on your path to God? For the Christian, prayer should be one of the most natural things we do every day, every moment of the day.

Let’s develop this discipline and train up our family and children in this discipline.”

Let your prayers to the Lord be continual. Today in prayer, open your heart to the Lord and talk to Him throughout the day in prayer.

“Conversational prayer is a dialogue with God, not a monologue to God.” – Mark Stepherson

God’s Word: “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” – Ephesians 5:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“Be joyful always” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

In her book “Courgeous Joy”, Mary Carver writes: “One day an ad from one of my favorite stores showed up in my email inbox. Splashed across the top in big letters was the phrase “JOY MAKERS.” Of course, the ad was pointing shoppers to deals on toys, electronics, appliances, and cozy styles. Our Generation dolls, child-size John Deere electric tractors, smart TVs, Fujifilm Polaroid-style cameras, fleece jammies, and blanket scarves—apparently this is the stuff joy is made of. The message was loud and clear: joy comes from having stuff. The pictures looked promising, but we all know better. Honestly, I love giving and receiving gifts.

It’s one of my top love languages. I love finding just the right gift for that wow factor or to make someone feel deeply loved. That Christmas I paid attention during all the gift-getting and unwrapping. As my daughters, nieces, and nephews tore through piles of presents, there was excitement. There was laughter and merriment, but it only lasted for a time. Even though I love gifts, I’ve realized through the years that no gift brings true lasting joy.

Our culture too often confuses joy with happiness. Joy is more nuanced than happiness. Joy emanates out of God’s unconditional and fierce love for us, while happiness can be fickle and fleeting, like a quickly forgotten Christmas present. In other words, joy is a state of being rather than an emotion.”

No matter what circumstance we find ourselves, we can find Jesus. And in Jesus, we can find joy. Today in prayer, seek the Lord in all that you do and He will give you joy.

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” – James 1:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Storyteller Megan McKenna captures idleness to act on our desires in a wonderful parable:

“There was a woman who wanted peace in the world and peace in her heart, but she was very frustrated. The world seemed to be falling apart. She would read papers and get depressed. One day she decided to go shopping, and she went into a mall and picked a store at random. She walked in and was surprised to see Jesus behind the counter. She knew it was Jesus, because he looked just like the pictures she’d seen on holy cards and devotional pictures. She looked again and again at him, and finally she got up her nerve and asked, “Excuse me, are you Jesus?” “I am.” “Do you work here?” “No,” Jesus said, “I own the store.” “Oh, what do you sell here?” “Oh, just about anything!” “Anything?” “Yeah, anything you want. What do you want?” She said, “I don’t know.” “Well,” Jesus said, “feel free, walk up and down the aisles, make a list, see what it is you want, and then come back and we’ll see what we can do for you.”

She did just that, walked up and down the aisles. There was peace on earth, no more war, no hunger or poverty, peace in families, no more drugs, harmony, clean air, careful use of resources. She wrote furiously. By the time she got back to the counter, she had a long list. Jesus took the list, skimmed through it, looked up at her and smiled. “No problem.” And then he bent down behind the counter and picked out all sorts of things, stood up, and laid out the packets. She asked, “What are these?” Jesus replied, “Seed packets. This is a catalog store.” She said, “You mean I don’t get the finished product?” “No, this is a place of dreams. You come and see what it looks like, and I give you the seeds. You plant the seeds. You go home and nurture them and help them grow and someone else reaps the benefits.” “Oh,” she said. And she left the store without buying anything.”

The Lord warns us not to be idle, but to be diligent to do His work. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the work He has given you and seek to do it with all your heart.

“Even if you're on the right road, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

God’s Word: “If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.” – Ecclesiastes 10:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:8

In his book “Memory Rescue”, Daniel G. Amen writes: “The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the success of the human species. It enables us to learn from our mistakes and make plans. When the PFC is healthy, we behave consistently in ways that enable us to reach our goals. When it works as intended, we are organized, goal directed, thoughtful, empathetic, and able to express feelings appropriately. The PFC is often called the executive part of the brain and is closely associated with judgment, impulse control, attention span, self-monitoring, problem solving, and critical thinking.

The prefrontal cortex is the brain’s brake. It stops us from saying or doing stupid things. I was once at a conference with a 42-year-old friend I’ll call Joelle. She had been in a car accident that damaged her PFC a few years earlier. As we sat waiting for the next presentation, we overheard two women in the row in front of us talking about why they were heavy. One said to the other, “I don’t know why I’m overweight; I just eat like a bird.” In a voice loud enough for everyone around us to hear, my friend said, “Yeah, like a condor.” Horrified, I gave Joelle a look that asked, Why would you say that out loud? Meanwhile the embarrassed and angry women moved away from us. Joelle put her hand over her mouth and said, ‘Oh no, did that get out?’”

We need to be self-controlled in all areas of our Christian walk. Today in prayer, as you face choices and challenges this day, ask the Lord to give you the strength to be self-controlled. 

“Control your appetites before they control you.” – John Climacus

God’s Word: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Peter Greave was a British national who endured a challenging and tumultuous life, which took a severe turn in 1939 when he contracted leprosy while stationed in India. He returned to England, half-blind and partially paralyzed, and took up residence in a compound managed by a group of Anglican sisters. Unable to work and feeling ostracized by society, he became embittered and even contemplated suicide.

He meticulously planned to escape the compound several times, but each time he hesitated, realizing he had nowhere else to go. One morning, in an unusual moment for him, he rose early and wandered the grounds. Drawn by a buzzing noise, he found himself at the chapel, where the sisters were praying for the patients. 

On the chapel walls, they had written the names of those they were praying for, and among them, he found his own name. This unexpected moment of connection and recognition profoundly altered the trajectory of his life. He began to feel wanted and experienced a sense of grace. He would go on to marry one of the nurses, became a writer, publishing both novels and an autobiography entitled “The Second Miracle”. 

Only in Jesus Christ can we find true hope. Today in prayer, praise Christ that when we place our trust in Him, we receive eternal life.

“Do not look to your hope, but to Christ, the source of your hope.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

In her book “Liturgy of the Ordinary”, Tish Harrison Warren writes: “While my husband, Jonathan, was getting his PhD, he got to know a former Jesuit priest turned married professor—a holy man, a provocateur, and a favorite among his students. Once a student met with him to complain about having to read Augustine's Confessions. “It’s boring,” the student whined. “No, it’s not boring,” the professor responded. “You’re boring.”

What Jonathan’s professor meant is that when we gaze at the richness of the gospel and the church and find them dull and uninteresting, it’s actually we who have been hollowed out. We have lost our capacity to see wonders where true wonders lie. We must be formed as people who are capable of appreciating goodness, truth, and beauty.

The kind of spiritual life and disciplines needed to sustain the Christian life are quiet, repetitive, and ordinary. I often want to skip the boring, daily stuff to get to the thrill of an edgy faith. But it’s in the dailiness of the Christian faith—the making the bed, the doing the dishes, the praying for our enemies, the reading the Bible, the quiet, the small—that God’s transformation takes root and grows.”

The Lord is honored when we quietly serve Him. Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus for the quiet moments of each day.

“O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.” – Clement of Rome

God’s Word: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

William Law was a Church of England priest who lost his position at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, when his conscience would not allow him to take the required oath of allegiance to King George I. He became a simple pastor and author.

In his book “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life”, Law writes: “It was this…intention that made the primitive Christians such eminent instances of piety, that made the goodly fellowship of the Saints and all the glorious army of martyrs and confessors. And if you will here stop and ask yourself why you are not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you that it is neither through ignorance nor inability, but purely because you never thoroughly intended it.”

The Lord calls us to be like Him and to be Holy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we are called to be holy and listen to Jesus to live a pure and holy life.

“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: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:15-16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

In his book “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit”, author Christopher J.H. Wright says: “Joy must be morally clean. God warned Israel not to be tempted by the kind of debauched “joy” of the Canaanite festivals, which included sexual immorality, drunkenness, gluttony, and idolatry. They had two terrible object lessons about where that kind of sinful “joy” could lead. 

First, there was the wild orgy that happened at the foot of Mount Sinai while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. And the second was in Moab, when they were tempted into immorality at Baal Peor on the advice of the pagan seer Balaam. 

By contrast with such sinful excess, Israel’s feasts were to be full of fun and food, but not full of drunken immorality. They were to be occasions that the whole family could enjoy together without embarrassment.”

Sexual immorality ruins lives and it is sin. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His warning on sexual immorality, confess any sin of sexual immorality in your life and pray that you will not fall into any temptation.

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

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Not long before his death, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the congregation at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church:

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. Every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize; that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards; that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school. I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.”

We need to bring the love of Christ to the world. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you can share the good news of the Gospel with those who He has placed in your life.

“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.” – Teresa of Avila

God’s Word: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:5

In his book “An Unhurried Life”, Alan Fadling admits “I am a recovering speed addict.” Beginning with this confession, Pastor Fadling goes on to describe his journey out of the fast lane and into the rhythms of Jesus.

He defines one of our greatest temptations in the modern age—hurry:

“Hurry is a great temptation. Hurry looks like impulsive, knee-jerk reactions: “I’ll act now because I may never have another chance!” The temptation to hurry is fueled by the lie that the only good to be had must be grabbed now or never.

Jesus’ encounter with the devil in the wilderness right after his baptism at the Jordan illustrates the hurried nature of temptation and a holy response to it. Jesus is a master of the unhurried response to tempting suggestions.”

We are all tempted in different areas of our lives. But the Lord is faithful and we can resist temptation through the power of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, confess any weaknesses to temptation and ask the Lord to deliver you from sinning.  

“Believe that as sure you are in the way of God you must meet with temptations.” – John Bunyan

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” – 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

In his book “Be A People Person”, Dr. John C. Maxwell writes: “Dr. Maxwell Maltz was a plastic surgeon who often took disfigured faces and made them more attractive. He observed that in every case, the patient’s self-image rose with his and her physical improvement. In addition to being a successful surgeon, Dr. Maltz was a great psychologist who understood human nature.

A wealthy woman was greatly concerned about her son, and she came to Dr. Maltz for advice. She had hoped that the son would assume the family business following her husband’s death, but when the son came of age, he refused to assume that responsibility and chose to enter an entirely different field. She thought Dr. Maltz could help convince the boy that he was making a grave error. The doctor agreed to see him, and he probed into the reasons for the young man’s decision.

The son explained, “I would have loved to take over the family business, but you don’t understand the relationship I had with my father. He was a driven man who came up the hard way. His objective was to teach me self-reliance, but he made a drastic mistake. He tried to teach me that principle in a negative way. He thought the best way to teach me self-reliance was to never encourage or praise me. He wanted me to be tough and independent. Every day we played catch in the yard.

The object was for me to catch the ball ten straight times. I would catch that ball eight or nine times, but always on that tenth throw he would do everything possible to make me miss it. He would throw it on the ground or over my head but always so I had no chance of catching it.” The young man paused for a moment and then said, “He never let me catch the tenth ball—never! And I guess that’s why I have to get away from his business; I want to catch that tenth ball!” This young man grew up feeling he could never measure up, never be perfect enough to please his father. I would not want to be guilty of causing emotional damage to my wife, my children, or my friends.”

We all need encouragement to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the encouragement you have received and seek to encourage others in following the Lord.

“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.” – Robert Collier

God’s Word: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

In a commencement speech at Rice University, author Kurt Vonnegut shared some of the wisdom of his life. He went on to share a story about his uncle:

“One thing which Uncle Alex found objectionable about human beings was that they seldom took time out to notice when they were happy. He himself did his best to acknowledge it when times were sweet. We could be drinking lemonade in the shade of an apple tree in the summertime, and he would interrupt the conversation to say, "If this isn't nice, what is?"

So, I hope that you Adams and Eves in front of me will do the same for the rest of your lives. When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause a moment, and then say out loud: ‘If this isn't nice, what is?’”

There is a joy living with Jesus and leading others to Him. Today in prayer, pause a moment and thank the Lord for all the people who have helped you in your Christian life and seek to help others in their walk with the Lord.

“A great part of heaven’s bliss for the redeemed will be the joyful presence of those whom they have been used to reach.” – John MacArthur, Jr.

God’s Word: “Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Pastor Steve Brandon writes: “A few weeks ago, Darryn and I traveled to India. In order to get there, we were required to bring our passports, which are proofs of our citizenship of the United States. And with our passports came some privileges. We are citizens of the United States of America. You mess with us, and you will have to answer to the administration of our country. But, with our passports comes responsibility as well. We are citizens of the United States of America. We are to conduct ourselves as worthy members of our country.

The parallels with our passage here this morning is clear. We are citizens of heaven. As such, we have privileges of being children of God. Our sins are forgiven. There has been reconciliation through our adoption. But, we also have responsibility. We are to represent Him well. We are to live as citizens, ‘in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.’”

Live your life worthy of Jesus Christ. When you do, the Lord will bless you with greater opportunities. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the wonderful news of the Gospel and be encouraged to let Jesus shine through in all that you do.

“God, the King, wants his royal children to live lives worthy of their paternity and position.” – J.I. Packer

God’s Word: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:9

William Carey (1761-1831), is considered to be the father of modern evangelical Christian missions, was a tentmaker in India, working as a factory manager and university professor while fulfilling his mission duties.

At the time, international mission work was a new and controversial idea in the Church, and tentmaking was the only way for Carey to support his ministry.

He began to learn the Bengali language to communicate with others. A friend owned two indigo factories and needed managers, so Carey moved with his family west to Midnapore. During the six years that Carey managed the indigo plant, he completed the first revision of his Bengali New Testament and began formulating the principles upon which his missionary community would be formed, including communal living, financial self-reliance, and the training of indigenous ministers.

His example has led thousands of Christian missionaries to support themselves while ministering overseas.

Ministry is not just for the full-time pastor. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for tent-maker pastors and seek to be more involved in ministering to others.

“The man who has had the greatest impact on my life as a Christian and mentor was my father, who was a bi-vocational pastor. When he passed away a few years ago, the words he used to define his ministry were carved on his gravestone: ‘I work to live, but I live to preach.’” - Seaborn Dell

God’s Word: “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4-5

While working as a lab technician at a nuclear facility operated by General Electric in 1984, Vera English was alarmed by the frequency of radioactive spillages. English contacted both her supervisor and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about her concerns, but nothing was done and English was fired shortly after. After a 10 year long legal battle, her Supreme Court case, English v. General Electric Company, set a precedent that allowed whistleblowers to pursue cases under state law. English’s landmark victory also set precedent for the use of whistleblower protection laws in other nuclear energy cases, and demonstrated how existing whistleblower laws can be used to protect against corporate retaliation. Ms. English told her story in the video “How to Blow the Whistle and Win,” a 1994 documentary produced by the National Whistleblower Center.

The Lord desires that we please Him, not the desires of men. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that we should live our lives so that we speak as men and women approved by God.

“Whether men be pleased or displeased, or how they judge you, or what they call you, will seem a small matter to you as their own interest, in comparison to God’s judgment. You live not on them. You can bear their displeasure, censures, and reproaches, if God be but pleased.” – Richard Baxter

God’s Word: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it” – 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Mike Shildt became manager of the San Diego Padres. He is outspoken about his faith in Christ and shared his testimony years ago:

“I took some wrong turns before surrendering myself to the Lord. I grew up in an Episcopal Church and always had a belief in God. I just didn’t accept/live the teachings. As I got into my college and young adult years I strayed from God and was more dedicated to earthly pleasures.”

Shildt soon learned something was missing, and began turning his life over to the Lord. “It was only after trying to do it myself that I realized the emptiness I was feeling couldn’t be filled by me alone. So, I turned to God and anchored to His teachings. It created a peace within me and opened up my world in how I should live. I now have clarity as to my purpose in life and serving others with God’s spiritual gifts He has bestowed upon me.”

Trust in the Lord in all you do, and let others know where your trust lies. Today in prayer, place your faith in Jesus knowing that you are in the best of hands.

“Everyone knows how to have faith. We do it all the time in countless ways. When I get in a car and turn the ignition key I have faith that my car will start. When I pick up a ballpoint pen and press it down on a sheet of paper, I'm exercising faith in the ability of that pen to write. When I sit down to eat and put my wife's cooking into my mouth I am exercising faith that my wife hasn't poisoned the food. Day by day, in countless ways we exercise faith in the people or things around us. Likewise, when Jesus asks us to have faith in him he is only asking us to do what is natural for us to do.” – Bill Gordon

God’s Word: “See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright-- but the righteous will live by his faith” – Habakkuk 2:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her accolades include two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. The 31-year-old singer is known for her four-octave vocal range, which extends into the whistle register.

Because of this wide vocal range, she is able to sing songs in a wide variety of keys.

Ariana has been a hit on the talk show circuit for her impressions of many female singers and actresses.

Some of her best imitations are Whitney Houston singing “I Will Always Love You”, as well as singing in the styles of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Rihanna, and Shakira. She also spoofs actresses Jennifer Coolidge, Elizabeth Gillies, and Jennifer Lawrence with hilarious impressions of them.

How much better it is to imitate Jesus Christ and godly believers. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the example mature Christians have shown you and seek to be more like Jesus Christ in all that you do.

“Imitate Christ, who is supremely perfect and supremely holy, and you will never ere.” – John of the Cross

God’s Word: “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” – 1 Corinthians 4:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2025, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †