“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

Nellie Pickard loved to tell people about Jesus Christ. By being sensitive and easy-going, she said, any believer can turn most situations or discussions into opportunities to share Christianity.

She did it so often that she wrote a series of books describing how she witnessed in everyday situations. In her book “Just Say It!” Nellie told about her phone call to a health-food store. She had noticed that bee pollen was on sale, so she asked the manager about the benefits of using it. "You'll live forever," he replied.

To Nellie, the words live forever were an open invitation. "I know you're joking," she said, "but I know I'm going to live forever, and not because I buy your bee pollen."

His response was encouraging. "I'd like to hear about it. I'm really interested in why you think you're going to live forever." Although he did not trust Jesus as Savior at that time, Nellie had planted the seed by being wise "toward those who are outside" (Col. 4:5).

Today in prayer, thank the Lord for your salvation and ask Him to give you wisdom in every opportunity to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Him.

“It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” – Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise” – Ephesians 5:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” – Colossians 4:3-4

As the number of coronavirus-stricken patients continues to rise in China, with more than 500 cases recently confirmed in four prisons, the friends and family of imprisoned Christians are very concerned for the health of their loved ones.

Rencheng Jail in China’s eastern province Shandong has confirmed 207 cases of the virus. A Christian human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, has been incarcerated in the same province at Linyi Prison. Wang’s wife Li Wenzu has not been able to learn about his updates, as her regular visit time on February 13 “was canceled due to the ongoing spread of Coronavirus.”

Very concerned for the health of her husband, she called the Linyi Prison and asked to speak to Wang on the phone, only to be quickly shut down by the staff.

Please pray for protection for Christians who are still incarcerated in the Chinese cells, such as Pastor John Cao, elder Hu Shigen, Pastor Zhang Shaojie, Pastor Bao Guohua, and others whose lives could be greatly endangered if the epidemic reaches their prisons.

Christians are under attack throughout the world. Today in prayer, remember in prayer Christians in countries where it is dangerous to be a believer.

“The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.” – J.C. Ryle

God’s Word: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

Oswald Chambers was an early-twentieth-century Scottish Baptist and Holiness Movement evangelist and teacher, best known for the devotional book “My Utmost for His Highest”.

On the subject of prayer, Chambers wrote:

“Men always ought to pray, and not lose heart. Jesus also taught the disciples the prayer of patience. If you are right with God and God delays the answer to your prayer, don’t misjudge Him. Don’t think of Him as an unkind friend, or an unnatural father, or an unjust judge, but keep at it. Your prayer will certainly be answered, for ‘everyone who asks receives.’ Pray and do not cave in. Your heavenly Father will explain it all one day. He cannot just yet because He is developing your character.”

Prayer is powerful! Today in prayer, devote yourself to prayer throughout the day lifting up your prayers to the Lord.

“Prayer fills man's weakness with God's omnipotence and opens the gates to new fields of achievement.  It makes the weak strong and the simple wise." – Oliver G. Wilson

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19

Henry Allen "Harry" Ironside was a Canadian-American Bible teacher, preacher, theologian, pastor, and author who pastored Moody Church in Chicago from 1929 to 1948.

Pastor Ironside once had a recently married young man come to him and say, “I need your help. I’m in an awful state. I’m drifting into idolatry.”

“What’s the trouble?” asked Dr. Ironside.

“Well, I’m afraid that I’m putting my wife on too high a plane. I fear that I love her too much and I’m displeasing the Lord.”

“Are you, indeed?” asked Ironside. “Do you love her more than Christ loved the church?”

“I don’t think so,” replied the young man.

“Well, that’s the limit,” replied Ironside, “for we read, ‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her.’”

Husbands love your wives as Christ loves you. Today in prayer, pray for your spouse and family’s needs.

“Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.” – Zig Ziglar

God’s Word: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Nobuo Fujita was a Japanese fighter pilot with the distinction of being the only pilot to have flown an enemy aircraft that bombed the mainland of the United States. In 1942, during World War II, his plane dropped incendiary bombs, with the intent to start massive forest fires in the Pacific Northwest.

The bombing accomplished its mission sparking fires in Oregon’s dense and vast forests. One town that was greatly affected by Fujita’s raids was Brookings, Oregon.

Twenty years later, in 1962, Fujita returned to the United States for the first time since his raids and visited the town of Brookings. He brought with him a 400-year-old Samurai sword as a final symbol of his surrender and good will, which the town accepted. The town displays this symbol to this day as a sign of forgiveness and the friendship forged between the town and the man who tried to destroy it.

One of the most appreciated gifts of all is the gift of forgiveness. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for forgiving you and forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you.

“Only one petition of the Lord’s Prayer has any condition attached to it: it is the petition for forgiveness.” – William Temple

God’s Word: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

On the morning of 22 December 2019, a bus driver for the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) was driving her route when she spotted something terrifying. Irena Ivic was on a busy freeway overpass when she saw a barefoot toddler wandering alone across the street.

Irena stopped her bus, ran across the street and picked up the child.

“Oh my God, I was so upset,” said Irena. “Baby was so scared and cried.”

The baby girl was unharmed. Irena then called authorities -- and the child fell asleep in her arms as the police arrived on the scene.

“I couldn't believe that somebody left the child on the street,” Irena said.

The baby’s mother had gone to a nearby church and the child had wandered off.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele honored Irena calling her actions “humanity at its best.”

“She did a lot more than her job. She did the right thing,” Abele said. “I don't take that kind of compassion for granted.”

In all that you do, be kind to one another. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that Jesus Christ is a living example of kindness.

“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.” – John MacDonald

God’s Word: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” – Galatians 5:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” – Colossians 3:9

In February 2020, right across the street from where the 92nd Annual Academy Awards took place, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” interviewed people on the street. There are nine nominees for best picture, so they asked people about a bunch of stuff they made up about the nominated films. None of this stuff happened but that did not stop people from lying.

In the segment known as "Lie Witness News", Kimmel caught several people lying on camera. Here are some of the foolish lies that they told: One young man said that the violent bank robbery scene in “It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” did not bother him.  Another said that Larry David did a good performance as “The Riddler” in the movie “The Joker”.

Finally, one man agreed that the song: “Tonight We Are Going to Party Like It’s 1917” should win best song.

Jesus Christ is the Truth. Satan is the father of lies. We need to stand with our Savior first in foremost by telling the truth. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He stands for truth and seek to put away any lies in your life.

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” – Sir Walter Scott

God’s Word: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” – Proverbs 30:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8

Slobodan Jankovic was a Serbian basketball player who, on April 28, 1993, was playing for Panionios of the Greek Basketball League. In a playoff game against Panathinaikos, Jankovic was called for an offensive foul, which disallowed the basket he had just scored. It was his fifth foul, which meant he was out of the game. In a moment of rage, Jankovic stormed over to the goal post and slammed his head against the padded concrete stanchion. When he did, he caused permanent damage to his spinal cord and was unable to walk for the rest of his life.

After using a wheelchair for the final 13 years of his life, Janković gained weight, which exerted much stress on his heart. He died of heart failure at the age of 42, on June 28, 2006 while on a holiday cruise.

It was the ultimate price for anger.

Anger is sin and it leads to other sins. Today in prayer, confess any sin of anger to the Lord and seek His peace in all that you do.

“Anger, if not restrained, it’s frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.” – Seneca

God’s Word: “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” – Ephesians 4:26

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

The widespread use of submarines in war began in World War I. They were primarily used for laying mines. The submarine mission has expanded greatly and along with anti-shipping and anti-submarines missions, the submarine can be used in support of Special Forces operations and reconnaissance work. Many world navies utilize the submarine, primarily as a deterrent element in their territorial waters. Today there are more than 500 submarines in the world.

Batteries powered early conventional submarines, and to recharge those batteries requires a diesel engine, which needs oxygen. This means that conventional submarines had to remain at periscope depth from the surface.

Now, conventional submarines are made to travel under the water, but every submarine is equipped with a periscope by which it seeks those things that are above. It travels in the water, but the well being of those in it depends on knowledge of what is above. In a similar way, our lives need to look above for our own well being.

When we set our minds on Jesus, we find our true purpose in life. Today in prayer, set your mind on Jesus in all that you do.

"To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain."  - Henry Drummond

God’s Word: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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.” – Hebrew 12:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules” – Colossians 2:20

Throughout the world, there are odd laws that are on the books. Here are just a few of them:

In Western Australia – You may not own more than 110 pounds of potatoes at one time.

In Thailand - You can only purchase alcohol during lunch time (11-2 p.m.) or dinner (after 5 p.m.). That includes in bars and restaurants.

In Switzerland – You're not allowed to flush the toilet after 10 p.m. as it's considered noise pollution.

In Singapore – It is illegal to chew gum.

In Scotland - If a stranger knocks on your door asking to use the toilet you must let them in.

Finally, in the French town of Sarpourenx, the mayor issued an edict forbidding people from dying within the city limits unless they'd already purchased a burial plot in the local cemetery.

Through God’s grace, we are free from the principles of this world. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have freedom in Him.

“You cannot legislate the human race into heaven.” – Charles Henry Parkhurst

God’s Word: “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.’” – Acts 16:30-31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.” – Colossians 2:18

Aidan was an Irish monk who later became bishop of Northumbria (Northern England and parts of Scotland) in 635. He also founded the famous monastery at Lindisfarne in Northern England. There is a story told of his friend and King, Oswin, who ruled a province in England and who gave the bishop an expensive horse as a gift. Soon after receiving the gift, a beggar approached Aidan and asked for money.

Aidan did one better, he dismounted from the steed, and promptly gave the man the horse, along with all its costly trappings. Eventually, this reached the king’s attention, who promptly scolded the generous bishop: “Why did you give away the horse that we specially chose for your personal use when we knew that you had need of one for your journeys? We have many less valuable horses that would have been suitable for beggars.” Aidan responded, saying “Is this foal of a mare more valuable to you than a child of God?” The king thought about his friend’s words, abruptly got on his knees at Aidan’s feet, and begged for forgiveness. 

Each of us needs to have the mindset of humility. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of humility in all that you do.

“The smaller we are, the more room God has for us.” – Croft M. Pentz

God’s Word: “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – 1 Peter 5:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14

Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a Christian denomination known for their working toward peace. In 1947, the Quakers, represented by the British Friends Service Council and the American Friends Service Committee, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The first recorded instance of Quakers being involved as “mediators” was in 1850, when Joseph Sturge and two colleagues tried to bring peace between Denmark and the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein.

These two duchies have long been disputed territory between Denmark and Germany. The citizens were divided between their loyalties of Denmark and Germany. After months of mediation, Sturge wrote: “I feel little expectation of any benefit arising from the attempt, except the conviction that we have done what we can to prevent the continuance of war. I hope we shall do no harm.”

Everyone needs “The Advocate and Mediator”, Jesus Christ, who cancelled our debt of sins and made things right. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He intercedes for you.

“Christ’s work as Mediator was unique; it was to restore us to divine favor and to make us sons of God, instead of sons of men.” – John Calvin

God’s Word: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8

In 1930, Guy Ballard, a mining engineer, was hiking on the slopes of Mount Shasta in northern California. He claimed Saint Germain, a European nobleman who died 120 years prior, had appeared to him and began training him to be a "Messenger". Ballard published his experiences in a series of books. His philosophies are known as the "I AM" Activity, and its members popularly known as "I AM" Students.

The St. Germain movement calls itself “the guardian and protector of the authentic "I AM" Teaching, the Sacred Knowledge given to mankind by the Ascended Master Saint Germain through the Messengers Mr. and Mrs. Ballard.”

The St. Germain movement grew and by 1940 the religious group had over one million members worldwide. Its numbers began to decline after Ballard's death in December 1939. 

It is a cult, not based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

There are endless hollow and deceptive cults vying for your attention. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him we have eternal life and an eternal hope.

“There is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful, which is prejudicial to religion, and sets up the wisdom of man in competition with the wisdom of God, and while it pleases men’s fancies ruins their faith; as nice and curious speculations about things above us, or of no use and concern to us; or a care of words and terms of art, which have only an empty and often a cheating appearance of knowledge.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge” – 1 Timothy 6:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” – Colossians 2:2

Joel Manby is the CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, a company that operates theme parks, aquariums, and other family attractions. In 2010, Manby was featured in the TV hit, “Undercover Boss.” In the show, he mentioned that he took a job with Herchend because of their Christian values. While working undercover, Joel discovered what most of the bosses discover. Their employees work hard, have overcome many challenges and have good ideas. At the end of the show, when the workers find out they’re working alongside their boss, Manby seemed genuinely touched when people wept at the words, “Well done,” from him.

In a later interview, Joel said he has come to the conclusion that CEO ought to stand for Chief Encouragement Officer.

We all need to be encouraged and to encourage others that in Jesus Christ, we are children of God! Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you have a Heavenly Father and family who want you to become all God has designed you to be.

“Encouragement is food for the heart, and every heart is a hungry heart.” – Pat Morley

God’s Word: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:19

Dr. Athanase Hagengimana, an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School discussed the contributions of religion to truth and reconciliation in Rwanda. His observations are based on interviews and psychological assessments of more than 300 perpetrators of genocide detained in a Rwanda prison.

Dr. Hagengimana said he found the prisoners to be open and willing to describe the atrocities they committed, because many had been "saved" and were "born again." "If you are born again, you are a new person," Dr. Hagengimana said. "The old person is no longer there. You don't have a relationship with the old guy. Now you are a new person who is clean and you are not ashamed to tell what the old person did."

Many new churches, which came to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, reached out to the prisoners. Not only did the churches preach forgiveness among the victims' survivors, but they preached to the killers in prison about the importance of the "apology." He observed, "In my experience, people who have killed have more problems than people who are grieving. Guilt is more painful than sorrow."

Dr. Hagengimana said, "I have witnessed survivors who, full of religion, have healed from trauma and can reconcile with criminals. And I have seen criminals be born again, free to confess what they did. They went to the family of survivors and apologized and revealed everything, and they are now functioning."

Forgiveness and reconciliation is a rare and beautiful expression of Christ’s love. Today in prayer, confess and sin that may be in your life and seek to be reconciled to anyone who you are estranged.

“Why should the world believe in reconciliation when it doesn’t see the church reconciled? And the church is not going to be reconciled even if it gets all the issues solved. It will be reconciled only through Jesus Christ. He is the Reconciler.” – Richard C. Halverson

God’s Word: “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” – Colossians 1:15-16

In 1672, in the first paper that he submitted to the Royal Society, Isaac Newton described an experiment in which he permitted sunlight to pass through a small hole and then through a prism. Newton found that sunlight, which looks white to us, is actually made up of a mixture of all the colors of the rainbow. This was the first recorded experiment in the science of spectroscopy.

Centuries later, the concept of spectroscopy was expanded greatly to include any interaction with radioactive energy as a function of its wavelength or frequency.

This means scientists are able to measure and classify energy not only in the visible spectrum, but also the invisible wave spectrum such as microwaves, terahertz waves, infrared waves, near infrared waves, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, and gamma wavelengths through spectroscopy.

Though humans struggle with the invisible and rely on the visible, everything is in plain sight to the Lord. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the image of the invisible God and that all things, both visible and invisible, were created by Him and for Him.

“I can study the life of Jesus Christ, for He alone reveals God in totality. He alone is the ‘image of the invisible God.’” – Jon Courson

God’s Word: “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.” – John 1:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” – Colossians 1:13

On August 13, 1963, miners Henry Throne, David Fellin and Louis Bova entered the Sheppton coal mine in Sheppton, Pennsylvania.

That day, the roof of the mine collapsed, trapping the three miners 300 feet below ground. After several days a borehole successfully revealed that two of the miners, Henry Throne and David Fellin, had survived in a small, narrow chamber. Bova was never found. Rescuers dropped provisions to the miners and subsequent larger boreholes were made, including the final large hole bored with the assistance of billionaire Howard Hughes, and the two surviving miners were successfully raised to the surface on August 27.

Throne and Fellin were rescued after spending two weeks underground.

Henry Throne said: “Until now, I never went to church more than a couple of times in my life. Now I’ll go regular. I want to keep thanking God.”

We too have fallen and needed to be saved. Yet in our darkest moments, Jesus Christ came into our lives and rescued us, giving us eternal life. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for saving you!

“Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” – Titus 3:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully” – Colossians 1:11

In November 1660, John Bunyan was arrested and spent the following twelve years in jail because he preached without the required license from the religious authorities. If he had promised to stop preaching, they would have let him out of jail. He had a wife and children, including a blind daughter. He said that when his wife and children would leave after visiting him in jail, it was like tearing his flesh from his bones to see them go. But, he refused to promise to stop preaching in order to secure his release.

While in prison, Bunyan had a copy of the Bible and of John Foxe's “Book of Martyrs”, as well as writing materials. He also had at times the company of other preachers who had been imprisoned. It was in Bedford jail he developed patience that led to his writing “Grace Abounding” and he started work on the classic Christian book “The Pilgrim's Progress”.

One of the great fruits of the Spirit of God is patience. It is through patience that we mature and become more like our Savior. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His patience towards you and seek to be a more patient person.

“He who waits on God never waits too long.”- Chuck Wagner

God’s Word: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” – Colossians 1:9

Pastor D.L. Moody wrote: “When I was in London there was a leading doctor in that city, upwards of seventy years of age, wrote me a note to come and see him privately about his soul. He was living at a country seat a little way out of London, and he came into town only two or three times a week. He was wealthy and was nearly retired. I received the note right in the midst of the London work, and told him I could not see him. I received a note a day or two after from a member of his family, urging me to come. The letter said his wife had been praying for him for fifty years, and all the children had become Christians by her prayers. She had prayed for him all those years, but no impression had been made upon him. Upon his desk they had found the letter from me, and they came up to London to see what it meant, and I said I would see him.

We talked for some time, and he accepted.”

Don’t just pray once, be persistent in your prayers. Today in prayer, lift up to the Lord someone who needs your prayers.

“Pray often.” – John Bunyan

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

PRAYING FOR OTHERS                                   Monday - February 3, 2020

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” – Colossians 1:3

In 1949 a group of retired missionaries from China, with a few faithful praying friends, met for their regular missionary prayer meeting in Adelaide, South Australia. A great prayer burden and sense of urgency came on them as they gathered together. All felt especially burdened for Hayden Melsap, then assigned to the China Inland Mission. They unanimously decided to drop all preliminaries and go “straight to prayer.” They prayed until they all felt a sense of peace and relief. 

A few years later, Hayden Melsap traveled to Australia, the missionaries asked him if he recalled any unusual occasion at that time. To their amazement, they found that on that day and hour Hayden and at least two other missionaries were backed against a wall in a courtyard in China, with communist guns pointed at them. Just as the officer was about to issue the command to fire, the door of the courtyard opened and a higher official entered. Shocked to see what was about to happen, he shouted, “Stop!” The official then stepped up, put his arm around Melsap, and led him and the others to safety. 

One of the best gifts you can give others is prayer. Today in prayer, look to the Lord with expectancy and pray for some of the needs of others.

“I have benefited by my praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself.” – Samuel Rutherford

God’s Word: “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” – Romans 1:9-10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS