“But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us;

you, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.” – Isaiah 63:16

Martin Luther entered the monastery in 1505. He was gripped by fear of an angry God who could never be pleased. Desperately seeking forgiveness from this distant, wrathful God, Luther confessed his sins three times a day, for as much as six hours at a time, afraid to miss the smallest sin. Moved to the depths of despair, Luther once declared: “Love God? I hated him!” For young Luther, thinking of God brought only fear and anxiety.

Luther described this period of his life as one of deep spiritual despair. He said, “I lost touch with Christ the Savior and Comforter, and made of him the jailer and hangman of my poor soul.”

But then from 1510 to 1520 Luther lectured on the Psalms, and on the books of Hebrews, Romans, and Galatians. As he studied these portions of the Bible, Luther understood the doctrine of justification—God's act of declaring a sinner righteous—by faith alone through God's grace. He began to teach that redemption was a gift of God's grace, attainable only through faith in Christ. 

Salvation is God’s grace to us. Today in prayer, give thanks to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

“But this Christ or Redeemer took not upon him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, that is, human nature, that in the nature which sinned he might make the expiation required.” – Adam Clarke

God’s Word: “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” – Isaiah 44:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.” – Isaiah 56:1

Karl Menninger was an American psychiatrist and author. In his first book, “The Human Mind”, Menninger argued that psychiatry was a science; and that the mentally ill were only slightly different than healthy individuals.

Dr. Menninger once gave a lecture on medical health and answered questions from the audience. Someone asked, “What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?” Most people thought he would say “Go see a psychiatrist immediately,” but he didn’t. To their astonishment, Dr. Menninger replied, “Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person.”

Dr. Menniger had a firm grasp on the fact that helping others is, oftentimes, the best way to help oneself.

Helping others brings glory to our Heavenly Father. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can do what is right today. 

“The time is always right to do the right thing.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

God’s Word: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD” – Isaiah 55:8 

Joni Eareckson Tada wrote: “My husband, Ken, serves as a track-and-field coordinator for Special Olympics. There is always band music, colorful banners, and flags everywhere. Scattered across the infield are teams of mentally handicapped young people.

“A few years ago at the games, Ken blew his whistle to signal the contestants for the 50-yard dash. A Down’s syndrome girl with thick glasses and a short, stocky boy in baggy shorts were the first to line up. There was a moment of stillness, then a bang from the starting gun. Off they sprinted--six contestants bobbing and weaving down the track.

"Suddenly the boy in baggy shorts began running toward his friends in the infield. Ken blew his whistle to direct him back to the track, but it was no use. At that point, the Down’s syndrome girl, who was just a few yards from the finish line, turned around, ran toward him, and gave him a big hug. Together they got back on the track and completed the race arm-in-arm, long after the rest of the contestants had crossed the finish line.”

She ends by saying, “We must run the race not to please ourselves, but to please the Lord. That often means taking time to stop and put our arms around a weaker friend who needs to get back on track. Have you watched a fellow believer get spiritually confused, and yet you’ve kept on going? Jesus doesn’t seem as preoccupied with 'winning' as we do. The important thing is how we run the race. And we are called to run it, bearing with the failings of those who are weak.”

God’s ways are far greater than anything we could plan. Today in prayer, give praise to the Lord that His ways are best. 

“The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend.” – A.W. Tozer 

God’s Word: “How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!” – Psalm 92:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer.” – Isaiah 54:8

Rip Parker has a common thread with the 75 or so homeless people he feeds every night. He too has been down and out, troubled and lonely.

After buying 14 dry cleaning franchises in the Dallas area, Rip said he got caught up in the “greedy world of making money” and lost sight of priorities that really mattered – his own health and the well being of his fellow man.

Rip’s business failed in the mid-1970s, causing him to lose nearly $300,000, his livelihood, and his marriage.

“I got too wrapped up in material possessions – it cost me my marriage,” Rip said.

“Today, I literally have a closer walk with the Lord and try to do benevolent-type work for those less fortunate. God expects this of us – we’re supposed to be our brother’s keeper and helper.”

Rip has learned compassion after experiencing God’s compassion. 

“God says that there will always be the poor and the homeless among us. I feel like it’s my duty to help them out,” Rip said.

The Lord has compassion on you. Today in prayer, give praise to Jesus that He loves you and is compassionate toward you. 

“His is a loving, tender hand, full of sympathy and compassion.” – D.L. Moody

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6

Pastor Craig Larson wrote the following illustration about sin: “In 1982, "ABC Evening News" reported on an unusual work of modern art-a chair affixed to a shotgun. It was to be viewed by sitting in the chair and looking directly into the gun barrel. The gun was loaded and set on a timer to fire at an undetermined moment within the next hundred years.

The amazing thing was that people waited in lines to sit and stare into the shell's path! They all knew that the gun could go off at point-blank range at any moment, but they were gambling that the fatal blast wouldn't happen during their minute in the chair.

Yes, it was foolhardy, yet many people who wouldn't dream of sitting in that chair live a lifetime gambling that they can get away with sin. Foolishly they ignore the risk until the inevitable self-destruction.”

Though we are all sinners and sin causes death, Jesus paid the price for our sins. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He paid the price for our sins. 

“On the cross, Jesus Christ — who was without sin — took upon Himself your sins and mine, and He endured the divine judgment that we deserve for our sins. He paid the price for our salvation, and now He offers it to us as a gift — free and fully paid for.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” – 1 Peter 3:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5

In November 1996, King Hussein of Jordan pardoned a man who had been given a three-year sentence for slandering him. King Hussein left his palace in Amman and drove 60 miles south to the prison at Swaqa. There he picked up a prisoner and took him to his home in the capital.

The king had pardoned Laith Shbaylat, serving a three-year sentence for slandering the king and his family. Laith had denounced the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty of 1994 as an act of treason.

The king explained his actions by saying that he could not hold a grudge and that the man's imprisonment was a burden on his soul.

This is an amazing account of a pardon. What prisoner would not be astounded to look up and see the king or the president, reaching out a hand to lead him to freedom? For those who know Jesus Christ this is a wonderful reality. 

Jesus not only pardoned our sins, He took the punishment for them. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that through His death we have life in Him. 

“The death of Christ as our substitute is the heart of the gospel. It’s not just that He died, but that He died for our sins.” – Gil Rugh

God’s Word: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:24-25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;” – Isaiah 51:1

Randy Johnson is a former major league baseball pitcher. At 6 feet 10 inches tall, he was an imposing figure on the pitching mound. Nicknamed “The Big Unit”, he holds five of the seven highest single-season strikeout totals by a left-hander in modern history.

In 1996, Randy said: “About three years ago, I had a traumatic experience in my life—my dad passed away. I was on the brink of becoming a Christian anyway, but when my dad passed away, I finally made the vow to the Lord that he could have my life, and I would glorify him on and off the field. In the past three years, I have had more heart and more desire, and I feel that’s a direct reflection of my Christian beliefs and lifestyle. There’s only one way to be on this earth, and that is to be a Christian.”

We were designed to be in fellowship with our Creator. Today in prayer, seek Jesus with your whole heart and you will be satisfied. 

“The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.” - Rick Warren

God’s Word: “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – Psalm 105:3-4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ ‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!’” – Isaiah 49:14-15

In his book, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for A Hat”, Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist chronicles the story of Jimmie. Jimmie was a 49-year-old patient of Sacks in 1975. He walked into the doctor's office with a cheery "Hiya, Doc! Nice morning! Do I take this chair here?" He was cooperative and answered all the questions as Dr. Sacks checked his memory. He remembered his childhood home, friends, school, and the Navy, which he had joined in 1943. He was stationed on a sub and could still remember Morse code. He recalled vividly his service in the Navy through the end of the war in 1945, but that's where the memories stopped.

When asked how old he is he believed he was a young man, he was shocked by his appearance when Dr. Sacks asked him to look in a mirror. He believed there was some sort of practical joke being played on him. Even more interesting, when Dr. Sacks left the room and returned a few minutes later Jimmy had no memory of ever meeting the doctor!

Dr. Sacks wrote he is “isolated in a single moment of being…. he is a man without a past (or future), stuck in a constantly changing, meaningless moment”. Dr. Sacks diagnosed Jimmie with Korsakov’s Syndrome.

Though we may forget God, the Lord always remembers us. Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus that He deeply loves you and never for a moment forgets you.

“Once we experience God in our loneliest place—the place where we feel most abandoned by humans—we begin to comprehend that he is always there. He has always been there. His love and comfort surround us no matter where we go.” – Mary Fairchild

God’s Word: “Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.” – Isaiah 44:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.’” – Isaiah 43:10

In January 1930, Britain's King George V was to give the opening address at a special disarmament conference, with the speech relayed by radio to the United States. As the broadcast was about to begin, a man tripped over the generator wires that energized the network.

In a flash, Harold Vivian, chief control operator of the Columbia Broadcasting Company, grasped the disconnected live cables. His actions restored the circuit, channeling the king’s speech with his agitating body. Shaking with 250 volts of electricity flowing through his body, Harold held on for twenty continuous minutes. Millions of people listening to fifty-nine radio stations in the United States and Canada heard the speech because of Harold’s actions. He was the living link that allowed the king's message to get through.

The Lord has allowed each of us to tell others about His goodness and grace. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you an opportunity today to be His witness. 

“A good witness isn't like a salesman, emphasis is on a person rather than a product. A good witness is like a signpost. It doesn't matter whether it is old, young, pretty, ugly; it has to point the right direction and be able to be understood. We are witnesses to Christ, we point to him.” – John White

God’s Word: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” – Isaiah 42:1

Steve Sjogren is the founding pastor of Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife Janie started with a small group of five people that ultimately grew under his leadership to a weekend attendance of over 6,000 attendees.

Their motto is, ‘Small things done with great love are changing the world’. They carry out random acts of kindness like paying for a stranger’s coffee or writing a ‘thank you’ note to a shop assistant. 

The congregation has discovered the power and impact of serving others by ‘showing God’s love in practical ways’. People from outside were attracted because of what they saw happening on the inside. They were attracted by the sheer undiluted power of God released through ‘acts of kindness’.

Jesus came as a servant of God to bring us back to Himself. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that by serving others we become more like Him. 

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service.” – Martin Luther King

God’s Word: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.” – Matthew 12:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

In April 2014, research from the United Kingdom looked into the neurobiology of the "freeze" response to fear. Before deciding to flee or fight, most mammals freeze for a few milliseconds to assess the situation before making the next move.

Sometimes staying frozen in place is the best defense, sometimes it’s not. One problem with the freeze response in daily life is that it can cause people to become paralyzed by fear.

For the first time, neuroscientists at the University of Bristol have identified a brain pathway that may be the root of the universal response to freezing in place when we are afraid. Their revolutionary study discovered a chain of neural connections stemming from the cerebellum. When activated by a real or imagined threatening stimulus, these neural connections can cause the body to automatically freeze.

The researchers found that taking a few deep breaths in any fearful situation will stimulate the vagus nerve and the "rest-and-digest" aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system. This relaxation response unclamps the neurobiological grip of fear and allows us to "unfreeze" and move freely.

When we become fearful, we need to relax and let the Lord strengthen us, help us and uphold us. Today in prayer, if you are in the grip of fear, rest in the Lord and He will deliver you from all fears. 

“Don’t try to hold God’s hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you do the trusting.” – The Rev. Prebendary Webb-Peploe

God’s Word: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Peter Nye of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation gives some information about how eagles soar: “

“All birds share aerodynamics of airplanes. Bird wings are designed to achieve lift through differences in pressure as air moves over and under the wing. Birds, including eagles, also have hollow (yet very strong) bones to decrease total body weight and help in flight. Unlike many other birds, though, eagles are fairly heavy, bulky birds. Because of this, they need a lot of room and a lot of energy to take off, not unlike an airplane. They are not birds designed for quick flight and maneuvers. Rather, they really shine as soaring birds, using their large wings, once airborne, taking advantage of air currents and natural thermals, to float almost effortlessly at great heights and over long distances.

Eagles tend to use very little energy when they fly so high. Even though they can reach altitudes of over 10,000 feet, they are usually soaring to these heights and taking long glides to cover ground, then soaring up again and repeating the process.”

In Jesus, our lives can take flight. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that when we walk with Him, He carries us to greater heights. 

“You know how the eagle wings are obtained. Only in one way—by the eagle birth. You are born of God. You have the eagles’ wings. You may not have known it: you may not have used them, but God can and will teach you to use them.” – Andrew Murray  

God’s Word: “who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” – Psalm 103:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail 

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“No one living in Zion will say, “I am ill”; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven.” – Isaiah 33:24

In 2017, filmmaker David Freid released a short film entitled “Nobody Dies in Longyearbyen”. It about Longyearbyen, Norway, one of the most northernmost towns in the world. The town of about 2100 residents is situated on the Svalbard archipelago and is the home of the Global Seed Vault. Freid went to investigate the rumor that no one is allowed to die in Longyearbyen and discovered that if climate change results in the permafrost melting in places like this, diseases from long ago may be released back into the world.

But for more than 70 years, not a single person has been buried in Longyearbyen. That’s due to the region’s year-round sub-zero temperatures: Bodies don’t decompose but are preserved, as if mummified, in the permafrost. Should anyone die there, the government of Svalbard requires that the body is flown or shipped to mainland Norway to be interred.

In heaven, there will be no more illnesses, no more death. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He will put an end to illness and death. 

“He that blotteth out our transgressions will heal our souls.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Christian author F.B. Meyer wrote: “The Hebrew is very significant. ‘Perfect peace’ is Peace, peace. As though the soul dwelt within double doors, like some chambers which we have entered, which had double windows against the noise of the street, and a baize door within the ordinary one to deaden the sound of voices from the next apartment. Understand, dear soul, that it is thy privilege to live inside the double doors of God’s loving care. He says to thee, ‘Peace, peace.’ If one assurance is not enough, He will follow it with a second and a third. The city is strong, the bulwarks and walls are massive, salvation is appointed and prepared; but the gates do not frown with iron or move heavily on hinges of stone, they open musically and gently.

We remember how, on the evening of his resurrection, our Lord spoke the double peace. Peace, because of his wounds, the peace of the justified; and peace, because He was sending his apostles forth, as the Father had sent Him. The one is the peace of the evening, when we come back to our home, wounded and soiled: the other of the morning, when we dwell in the will of Him who chose our lot and path. His blood and his will — these are the double doors of our peace.

We must see to it that our mind is stayed on God. For mind the margin suggests imagination. It is through our imaginings that we get perturbed and defiled. We anticipate and fancy so many ogres; we harbor such dark forebodings; chambers of imagery are thrown open to such unseemly company; hence our perturbation. Do not imagine, but trust; do not anticipate, but leave God to choose. ‘Looking forward strains the eyesight; looking upward opens heaven.’”

Keep your mind focused on Jesus and you shall have peace, peace. Today in prayer, throughout the day think upon Jesus. 

“The habit of reckoning on Christ is the key to a restful life.” - F. B. Meyer

God’s Word: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” – Isaiah 11:1

Bob Morris is a horticulture expert and professor emeritus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He writes a gardening column for the Las Vegas Review-Journal Newspaper. He was asked the following question: “If a fruit tree gets infested with borers in the main trunk and seems likely to die, can I cut off the trunk and allow the tree to grow back from this stump?”

Bob answered: “Yes, but it depends on the fruit tree where the new growth occurs and the kind of growth that results from damage. In my opinion, it’s worth the effort since you will know whether or not this is successful in a couple of months after you cut off the trunk.”

Bob concluded: “The best luck is from plum or pluot, apricot, apple, pear, and many others.”

Though King David had many descendants, only Jesus was the Promised Son. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He is good and keeps His promises. 

“The royal authority of the house of David had lain dormant for 600 years when Jesus came as King and Messiah. When Jesus came forth, it was like a new green Branch coming from an apparently dead stump.” – David Guzik

God’s Word: “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.” – Acts 13:22-23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century. Born on the island of Corsica, Napoleon rapidly rose through the ranks of the military during the French Revolution. After seizing political power in France in a 1799 coup d’état, he crowned himself emperor in 1804. Shrewd, ambitious and a skilled military strategist, Napoleon successfully waged war against various coalitions of European nations and expanded his empire. 

Napoleon said the following about Jesus Christ: “I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, and the gods of other religions. That resemblance does not exist. There is between Christianity and whatever other religions the distance of infinity.”

Jesus rules over all. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He is Mighty God. 

“If you had a thousand crowns you should put them all on the head of Christ! And if you had a thousand tongues they should all sing his praise, for he is worthy!” – William Tiptaft

God’s Word: “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

Jenny Graves, Distinguished Professor of Genetics, La Trobe University, wrote the following about the virgin birth: “Christmas seems an appropriate time to ask whether it’s biologically possible to have a virgin birth. And you may be surprised to hear that it is possible – just not for humans, or any other mammals. Experiments with mice and other mammals show an egg must be fertilised with a sperm to kick off development of any kind. Just stimulating a mammal egg with chemicals or electricity doesn’t trigger it to divide normally.

It seems you need particular proteins from sperm to set up waves of calcium ions in the egg, which trigger further changes leading up to copying all the DNA and chromosomes, and dividing into two cells.

But you need more than just a protein trigger supplied by the sperm. You also need two copies of each chromosome in the fertilised egg. Normally one set is provided by the mother (in the egg nucleus) and one by the father (in the sperm nucleus).” Dr. Graves goes on to say that in theory, it is possible, but unlikely, to have a virgin birth in any mammal, including humans. 

The virgin birth is a miraculous event signally the start of the most extraordinary life on earth – Jesus. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He became a man. 

“Therefore Mary, having a man betrothed and being nevertheless a virgin, by yielding obedience, become the cause of salvation both to herself and the whole human race.” - Irenaeus

God’s Word: “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 1:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” – Isaiah 6:1

Chris Falson is a worship leader living in Capistrano Beach, California. 

In early 1993, Chris had just moved from his native Australia to the Los Angeles area. He began working with Maranatha! Music as a producer, songwriter, and artist. 

In 1993, as he was reading Isaiah 6 one day, he was captured by the imagery of the Lord sitting on His throne in heaven. He wrote the Christian song “I See the Lord”, which appeared on his first album “Standing on the Rock” with Maranatha!

Expressing his goal in writing praise songs, Chris said: “My greatest hope is to paint a picture of worship to people, churched and especially unchurched, that they understand and relate musically culturally and spiritually.”

One day we shall see the Lord and we shall worship Him. Today in prayer, worship Jesus and praise Him for His glory. 

“I see the Lord seated on the throne exalted

And the train of His robe fills the temple with glory

And the whole earth is filled And the whole earth is filled

And the whole earth is filled with His glory” – Chris Falson

God’s Word: “Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.” – John 12:41

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth.

Here they come, swiftly and speedily! Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps; not a belt is loosened at the waist, not a sandal strap is broken.” – Isaiah 5:26-27

In May 2020, senior rabbis from five continents called in an open letter for “a return to Jewish unity” ahead of the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

The signatories, including some of the most respected religious figures in countries such as France, South Africa and Argentina, urged Jews around the world to rebuild strained or broken relations.

Referring to the unity shown when the Jewish people stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, they said that in preparation for this year’s Shavuot “let us do everything we can to return to this sublime moment of complete Jewish unity”.

The letter said: “We humbly call on you to seize this unique moment in history to strengthen Jewish unity and togetherness in every way possible. We encourage very practical steps towards realising this ideal.

“If you are in a situation of conflict, tension, resentment or anger with another, reach out to them to peacefully resolve the matter. If you know of anyone in similar strife, encourage them to do the same. This call to action is built on the idea that unity is not a noun, it is a verb. It is not something we talk about, it is something we do.”

Only Jesus can unify people. Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus that we are united in Him. 

“Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it.” - Joni Eareckson Tada

God’s Word: “I will whistle for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and they shall be as many as they were before.” – Zechariah 10:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.” – Isaiah 3:12

Pastor Gene Brooks writes the following: “In Liberia, West Africa, where Amanda and I lived for a while and which is still in our hearts, the nation began a descent from the most prosperous, advanced nation on the continent in 1980 to ranking by Money Magazine in Jan. 2004 as the worst place to live in the world, the month we arrived, ranking behind Iraq and Afghanistan. What happened? In 1980, an illiterate Army sergeant named Samuel Doe stormed the Presidential palace with a few men, assassinated President Tubman, and took over the country. When another rebel leader named Charles Taylor threatened to oust President Doe in 1989, he famously said to Liberian citizens in an effort to get support, ‘Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t know.’ Charles Taylor eventually did take the government over. Today he is being tried before the Hague’s International Court for war crimes.”

The Lord will judge those who were placed in authority. Today in prayer, pray for America’s leaders that they may follow Christ. 

“The rulers shall therefore come face to face with an angry God and shall have the sentence of judgment passed upon them for such conduct. This statement is true not only with reference to the leaders of Israel but to those public officials of all nations who abuse the rights and prerogatives of their offices.” – David Cooper

God’s Word: “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” – Matthew 15:14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH

“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;’” – Isaiah 1:18-19

Nelson Mandela took a stand against apartheid in South Africa and was a political prisoner for 27 years. 

Soon after his release, Nelson was asked, “When you were released from Robben Island prison in 1990, you greeted the crowd with the raised fist of the African National Congress.  But a moment later, you bowed your head before you spoke. What were you thinking?”

Nelson replied, “When I first saw the crowds waiting for me, I raised my right arm with the clenched fist of the ANC because I was reminded of all the struggle we had been through.

But then I realized that things could not be like that. I remembered the Bible study group I had joined at the prison, and I heard the voice of Jesus telling me to speak for peace.”

Nelson could have called the black South Africans to rise up against their white oppressors, but instead, he called them to peace and said that he had fought against both white and black domination.

Jesus came to reconcile us to God and to others. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is our reconciliation.  

“God did not wait for a change of heart on our part. He made the first move. Indeed, He did more than that. He did all was necessary to secure our reconciliation, including our change of heart. Even though He is the One offended by our sin, He is the One who makes amends to Himself through the death of Christ.” – Jerry Bridges

God’s Word: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” – Matthew 5:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2020, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN ISAIAH