^“But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.” – John 19:15

In his book “The Cross of Christ”, John Stott writes: “Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion, except in extreme cases of treason. Cicero in one of his speeches condemned it as crudelissimum taeterrimumque supplicium, ‘a most cruel and disgusting punishment’. A little later he declared: ‘To bind a Roman citizen is a crime, to flog him is an abomination, to kill him is almost an act of murder: to crucify him is – What? There is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed.’ Cicero was even more explicit in his successful defence in 63 BC of the elderly senator Gaius Rabirius who had been charged with murder: ‘the very word “cross” should be far removed not only from the person of a Roman citizen, but from his thoughts, his eyes and his ears…

If the Romans regarded crucifixion with horror, so did the Jews, though for a different reason. They made no distinction between a ‘tree’ and a ‘cross’, and so between a hanging and a crucifixion. They therefore automatically applied to crucified criminals the terrible statement of the law that ‘anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse’ (Deut. 21:23) ….They could not bring themselves to believe that God’s Messiah would die under his curse, strung up on a tree. As Trypho the Jew put it to Justin the Christian apologist, who engaged him in dialogue: ‘I am exceedingly incredulous on this point.’”

The most abhorrent death, crucifixion, preceded the most wonderful of miracles, resurrection from the dead. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His death and resurrection for you.

“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.” – William Penn

God’s Word: “When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” – John 19:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTION For Good Friday                    †

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Tony Evans, in his book “Kingdom Men Rising”, writes the following:

“When you purchase a game of checkers, you’ll notice that on the top of each piece is the insignia of a crown. That is because each checker was created to become a king. Once it is crowned because it has successfully made it to the other side of the board, it will have the right and authority to maneuver and function at a much higher level than it could prior to being crowned.

The reality is, however, that most individual checkers will not successfully make it to the other end of the board to be crowned, because the opposition will jump them and knock them out of the game. Whether a checker achieves its created goal of being crowned as a king is fully determined by the moves that are made underneath the hand of the one controlling it.”

Let the controlling hand in your life be Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when we are faithful to walk with Him, He is with us.

“Regret looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.” – John Mason

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

Bible Commentator J. I. Packer said, "Certainty about the great issues of the Christian faith and conduct is lacking all along the line. The outside observer sees us staggering on from gimmick to gimmick and stunt to stunt like so many drunks in a fog, not knowing at all where we are or which way we should be going. - Preaching is hazy; heads are muddled; hearts fret; doubts drain strength; uncertainty paralyzes action....Unlike the first Christians who in three centuries won the Roman world, and those later Christians who pioneered the Reformation, and the Puritan awakening and the Evangelical revival, and the great missionary movement of the last century, we lack certainty. Why is this? We blame the external pressures of modern secularism, but this is like Eve blaming the serpent. The real truth is that we have grieved the Spirit...we stand under divine judgment.”

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season in delivering His Word. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His great patience and seek to be patient in all that you do.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit." - Christina Rossetti

God’s Word: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

John Ortberg, in his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” writes: “The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is to get the Scriptures through us.

Some churches give people the idea that the only way to transformation is knowledge. There is an assumption that as people’s knowledge of the Bible rises, their level of spiritual maturity rises with it.

… Knowledge about the Bible is an indispensable good. But knowledge does not by itself lead to spiritual transformation. When Paul urged the Christians at Rome to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds,” he was thinking of far more than just the acquisition of information. “Mind” refers to a whole range of perceiving, understanding, valuing, and feeling that in turn determines the way we live.

…While knowledge is vital and should be prized, it also poses some dangers. It often demolishes humility. The sobriquet “know-it-all” is never used as a compliment. The Bible itself contains some warnings: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

Both human experience and the Bible teach that increased knowledge – even knowledge of the Scriptures – does not automatically produce transformed people.”

The Bible can transform life. Today in prayer, praise God for His Word. 

"The Bible has always been regarded as part of the Common Law of England." - Sir William Blackstone

God’s Word: “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” – Psalm 119:45

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY           †

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” – 2 Timothy 3:12

In March 2024, three members of Pastor Y Khen Bdap’s family were arrested for meeting in a house church in Vietnam. Pastor Bdap’s younger brother Y Qui Bdap, his son Y Nam Bkrong and his nephew Y Kic Bkrong were arrested by Police in Dak Lai Province. Their house church is one of many churches and denominations not officially recognized by the Vietnamese Communist Party. After one week in prison, they were released. Christians are subject to regular harassment and discrimination from local and state authorities. 

Pastor Y Khen Bdap, who was sentenced a decade ago to four years in prison for his religious activities, confirmed the three men arrested and released are members of his family. He affirmed that harassment continues for Christians in their area. 

Christians have, are and will be persecuted. Today in prayer, pray for those who are persecuted for the faith in Jesus Christ.

"Affliction is the best book in my library." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” – John 15:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” – 2 Timothy 3:10

Most of the world's top marathon runners come from an ethnic group, the Kalenjin, which represents 0.06% of the world's population, and from a small town, Iten, which is located in Kenya's Rift Valley and is known as the 'city of the champions'.

This is not surprising since 8 of the 10 fastest long-distance runners in history are Kenyans.

And many of those champions are Christians.

Here’s what John Njoroge Miaka, who won the Madrid marathon in 2000 and the Valencia marathon in 2001, had to say:

“Kenya is not like Europe or America. Christianity holds us up. We expect miracles. Even runners who do not go to church carry small Bibles around with them and read their Bibles for inspiration. They trust in the God of the Bible”

In all that you do, run full out for Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life. Endure hard times and bring glory to the Lord.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." - William Barclay

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:7

Pastor Craig Groeschel, in his book “Soul Detox”, writes the following: “Recently at church I asked our congregation, “How many of you battle with self-deception?” A few people in the crowd raised their hands. Then I asked, “How many of you know someone who is very self-deceived?” You guessed it. Almost everyone knew someone else who’s guilty of self-deception. Chances are you do too. You probably know someone who thinks more highly of themselves than they should. Or you might have a relative who thinks he’s funny, but everyone else thinks he’s annoying. You likely know someone who has a problem but will deny it until the cows come home.

It’s hard to be objective about ourselves. I laughed as I explained to our church that we have a statistical problem. Almost no one in our church believes that they are self-deceived, and yet almost everyone knows someone who is. Why? Because we have an unlimited capacity to deceive ourselves. As we lie to ourselves (“I’m a great singer”), we start to believe our lies. The more we tell the lies, the more we believe they are truth.”

The Lord desires us to seek Him and we will know the truth. Today in prayer, ask Jesus that you may seek a deeper relationship with Him.

“Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” – 2 Timothy 2:25

During the 1537 siege of Turin, Italy, a young French barber-surgeon abandoned the conventional wisdom about the treatment of bullet wounds, giving rise to a revolution in surgical techniques and pedagogy. Ambroise Paré was not a physician — it was not until more recent centuries that it became usual for a surgeon to be a holder of a MD degree — but his dedication to empirical observation and reasoning elevated the position of the barber-surgeon. He set the stage for the modern melding of scientific medicine and the invasive procedures that define surgery at the turn of the 21st century.

He set forth 5 duties a surgeon must perform. It required both strength and gentleness. Paré wrote: “There are five duties of surgery: to remove what is superfluous, to restore what has been dislocated, to separate what has grown together, to reunite what has been divided, and to redress the defects of nature.” 

The Lord desires us to be good surgeons as we give gentle instruction. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gentle instruction you have had in your life and seek to gently instruct others.

“The gentleness of Christ is the comeliest ornament that a Christian can wear.” – William D. Arnot

God’s Word: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” – 2 Timothy 2:23

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Christian pastor who stood up in defiance of Nazi Germany, said the following regarding stupidity:

“Against stupidity we have no defense. Neither protests nor force can touch it. Reasoning is of no use. Facts that contradict personal prejudices can simply be disbelieved — indeed, the fool can counter by criticizing them, and if they are undeniable, they can just be pushed aside as trivial exceptions. So the fool, as distinct from the scoundrel, is completely self-satisfied. In fact, they can easily become dangerous, as it does not take much to make them aggressive. For that reason, greater caution is called for than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.”

Avoid foolish arguments. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom in all things and to avoid foolish arguments.

“If we must disagree, let's disagree without being disagreeable.” – Lyndon Baines Johnson

God’s Word: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” – 2 Timothy 2:19

In his book “Evil and the Justice of God”, N.T. Wright wrote: “The famous American psychotherapist M. Scott Peck was for many years an agnostic. He learned his psychiatry according to the standard model in which there was no such thing as evil. But at around the same time as, to his own surprise, he came into the Christian faith, he came to recognize that in some cases at least it was not enough to regard certain patients, or in some cases the families of certain patients, as simply ill or muddled or misguided.

He was forced to come to terms with a larger, darker power, for which the only word was evil. He wrote his book People of the Lie to articulate this unpopular viewpoint… In People of the Lie Peck argues, against all his traditional liberal education and previous understanding, that there is such a thing as a force or forces of evil which are supra-personal, supra-human, which appear to take over humans as individuals or, in some cases, as entire societies.

Using the language of the demonic is so fraught with problems and so routinely sneered at within liberal modernism that it might seem dangerous even to mention it. Yet many of the most serious analysts of the last century have been forced to use this language as a way of getting at, and trying to account for, what happened.”

Jesus desires for everyone to turn from sin and to bring Him glory. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for saving you.

"Repentance is not a fatal day when tears are shed, but a natal day when, as a result of tears, a new life begins." - Ilion T. Jones

God’s Word: “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." – Exodus 34:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

Shane Claiborne, in his book “Rethinking Life”, wrote the following: “Several years ago, a radio DJ in my home state of Tennessee was interviewing a friend of mine, Jim Wallis. This DJ was an interesting cacophony of things: he was a Jewish country music DJ who didn’t seem to be very interested in religion. He confessed to Jim that he had read a lot of the Bible, and there were parts of it that he loved. Other parts he found confusing. And then he said, ‘But I’ve always liked the stuff in red,’ referring to Bibles that print the words of Jesus on red to set them apart. Then he said, ‘You all seem to like the red letters. You should call yourselves red-letter Christians.’ And it stuck. Red Letter Christians. It has turned into a movement, around the country and increasingly around the world, of people who aspire to live as if Jesus meant the stuff he said.”

Each of us should strive to know Jesus better and that means knowing God’s Word. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Bible and spend some extra time reading God’s Word. 

“God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” – 2 Timothy 2:10

David Brooks, in his book “The Social Animal”, writes the following: 

“In 1997 Gary McPherson studied 157 randomly selected children as they picked out and learned a musical instrument. Some went on to become fine musicians and some faltered. McPherson searched for the traits that separated those who progressed from those who did not. IQ was not a good predictor. Neither were aural sensitivity, math skills, income, or a sense of rhythm. The best single predictor was a question McPherson had asked the students before they had even selected their instruments: How long do you think you will play?

The students who planned to play for a short time did not become very proficient. The children who planned to play for a few years had modest success. But there were some children who said, in effect: “I want to be a musician. I’m going to play my whole life.” Those children soared. The sense of identity that children brought to the first lesson was the spark that would set off all the improvement that would subsequently happen. It was a vision of their future self.”

Desire to follow Jesus no matter what. Today in prayer, look to Jesus and do not be discouraged because He will help you win the race.

“Even when the gospel demands much, even when it leads to an effort which seems to be beyond human ability and to a future which seems dark with every kind of threat, remember that it is good news, and remember that the world is waiting for it.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” – Colossians 1:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.” – 2 Timothy 2:9

India is one of the most populous countries with some 1.4 billion people. India’s constitution protects religious freedom citing that “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice, and propagate religion.” Despite codified law at the national level, state legislatures can and have passed anti-conversion laws. 

Currently, 13 of the 28 Indian states have anti-conversion laws. Officials say the purpose of the laws is to prohibit force, fraud, or inducement by minority religions on low-caste Hindus.   

Interfaith marriages are also illegal. For instance, if a Hindu spouse converts to Christianity to marry, both spouses break the anti-conversion laws. 

Thankfully, each year some 2.5 million Bibles are distributed to people hungry for God’s truth.

The Word of God does not have any barriers and can reach any heart at any time. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His gift of the written Word, the Bible.

"The Scriptures and the words of Jesus possess a terrible power in themselves and a wonderful sweetness. Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul, and a love of the prophets and of those men who were friends of Christ possessed me." - Justin Martyr

God’s Word: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.” – 2 Timothy 2:4

In his book “God’s Purpose for Your Life” Pastor Charles F. Stanley writes:

“Fishermen with any experience on the Sea of Galilee knew that the optimal time to catch fish was during the night in shallow water. During the day, the fish dove deep, where it was far more difficult to successfully sink nets to catch them. However, when Jesus instructed Peter to fish during the day, he obeyed—even though he was tired and not completely certain Jesus knew what He was asking.

Perhaps you remember a time when God asked you to do something beyond what you thought reasonable. You did not know if what you were hearing was the right thing to do because it appeared so counterintuitive. Maybe you are in such a season right now. Understand without a shadow of doubt that you will never go wrong obeying God. Peter did as Jesus asked and pulled in so many fish that his nets began to break. The same will be true in your situation. You may not know exactly why God is calling you to do as He instructs, but you can be sure that when you do as He says, you will experience a blessing beyond your imagination.”

Whatever the Lord calls you to do, follow Him with all of your heart. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has called you to follow Him. Be obedient to follow the Lord in all that you do. 

“As we begin to focus upon God, the things of the Spirit will take shape before our inner eyes.” – A. W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3

Shortly after midnight on February 26, 1852, just 2 miles off the coast of Africa, the troopship HMS Birkenhead struck a rock and began to settle into the ocean. On its decks, 124 women and children rushed into lifeboats while 454 English soldiers stood at attention on the deck. There was not enough room for them on the lifeboats. Major Seton gave the word of command, “Stand still, and die like Englishmen.”

Once the deck broke up, all were plunged into the ocean. Some 170 soldiers battled exposure, sharks and a rough shoreline to survive the sinking.

The sinking of the Birkenhead is one of the earliest maritime disaster evacuations during which the concept of "women and children first" is known to have been applied. "Women and children first" subsequently became standard procedure in relation to the evacuation of sinking ships.

The term "Birkenhead drill" became defined as courageous behavior in hopeless circumstances and appeared in Rudyard Kipling's 1893 tribute to the Royal Marines, "Soldier an' Sailor Too".

Like a good soldier of Christ, we need to endure all that comes before us. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for any hardship you face, knowing that He will give you strength to stand.

“We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.” - Henry Ward Beecher

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 1:13

In his book “Contending For Our All” author John Piper writes:

"To the emerging church that would like to minimize doctrine, Athanasius would say, 'Our young people in Alexandria die for doctrine about Christ. What do your young people die for?' Athanasius would have grieved over statements like 'It is Christ who unites us; it is doctrine that divides.' He would have grieved because he knew this is the very tactic used by Arian bishops to cover the councils with fog so that the word Christ could mean anything. They think they have done something profound and fresh, when they call us away from doctrine. In fact, they have done something very old and worn and deadly."

Each of us needs to follow and give sound Biblical teaching. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that sound teaching is found in the Bible.

“A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth or art to be taught.” - John Milton Gregory

God’s Word: “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” – Titus 1:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” – 2 Timothy 1:8

In his book “Good News is for Sharing”, Leighton Ford writes: “What makes people hesitate to share their faith? Here are some of the fears that have been mentioned to me: "I am afraid I might do more harm than good." "I don't know what to say." "I may not be able to give snappy answers to tricky questions." "I may seem bigoted." "I may invade someone's privacy." "I am afraid I might fail." "I am afraid I might be a hypocrite." Perhaps the most common fear, however, is that of being rejected. A survey was given to those attending training sessions for the Billy Graham crusade in Detroit. One question asked, "What is your greatest hindrance in witnessing?" 9% said they were too busy to remember to do it. 28% felt the lack of real information to share. None said they didn't really care. 12% said their own lives were not speaking as they should. But by far the largest group were the 51% whose biggest problem was the fear of how the other person would react!”

No matter what you may face in this life, love the Lord and do not be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the Good News and Jesus wants everyone to accept. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He was not ashamed of you to die for your sin. Ask the Lord for strength that you may bring Him honor in all that you do.

“Once inside eternity, we are going to be very embarrassed at the smallness of our faith.” – Leonard Ravenhill

God’s Word: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Daniel Goleman, in his book “Emotional Intelligence” writes the following about self-discipline in a story called “The Samurai and the Zen Master” :

“A belligerent samurai . . . once challenged a Zen master to explain the concept of heaven and hell. But the monk replied with scorn, “You’re nothing but a lout—I can’t waste my time with the likes of you.” His very honor attacked, the samurai flew into a rage and, pulling his sword from its scabbard, yelled, “I could kill you for your impertinence!”

“That,” the monk calmly replied, “is hell.” Startled at seeing the truth in what the master pointed out about the fury that had him in its grip, the samurai calmed down, sheathed his sword, and bowed, thanking the monk for the insight. “And that,” said the monk, “is heaven.””

We bring glory to the Lord when we exhibit self-discipline. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the gifts He has given you and seek to be self-disciplined in all that you do.

“The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.” - Vince Lombardi

God’s Word: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” – Proverbs 1:1-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                    †

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” – 2 Timothy 1:3

In 1972 Joan Baez was a singer and activist who was always working on a cause. During the Vietnam War, she traveled to Hanoi with a peace delegation and was there during an American bombing campaign that lasted 12 days. During those days, she often sang the Lord’s Prayer. “We spent the whole time in the basement of our hotel. I have never been so afraid in my life. I thought I was going to die. But I learned something—when the flames start coming towards you everyone starts praying, even the atheists and the agnostics, but when the flames start fading away we all go back to the structures and beliefs that we had before.”

So what was Joan’s “structure and belief”? Joan’s parents were Quakers and her faith in Christ was her strengthened knowing that God heard her prayers during those 12 days.

Prayer is releasing God’s power. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the extraordinary privilege to come to Him at anytime in prayer.

"I am so busy now that if I did not spend three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY    †