“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” – John 21:18

Cline Rex Paden was a prominent Churches of Christ evangelist and missionary who, in 1962, founded what became the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas. The institute offers college-style instruction in Lubbock and a series of satellite schools in forty-six states and in such countries as Austria, Bahamas, Belarus, Bermuda, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, England, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Indonesia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, and Trinidad. Such schools allow individuals to study the Bible in depth with instruction adapted to their schedules and particular circumstances. 

Cline was referred to as "The Gray Eagle", for his keen vision and wisdom. His biographer documented Cline’s impact on many people, particularly young ministers and missionaries whom he trained over the decades.

But in 2006, at the age of 86, Cline suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Housebound, he was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. After decades of traveling, Cline died peacefully at his home in 2007.

Christ wants us to follow Him our entire lives. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has a plan for you and resolve to follow Him your entire life.  

“If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.” – Thomas Aquinas

God’s Word: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29

Gary Davis was born in Laurens, South Carolina. Of the eight children his mother bore, he was the only one who survived to adulthood. He became blind as an infant. His “Grandma Annie” had been born a slave and, importantly, was a religious woman who would introduce him to his first spiritual song "Children Of Zion" - a move that may well have influenced Davis' decision to play mostly gospel-based songs throughout his lengthy career.

He began singing in church as a youth and his mother gave him his first guitar. He ventured into playing the blues and it wasn’t until he was 38 years old that he gave his life to the Lord. Three years later, in 1937, Gary was ordained as a minister at

Free Will Baptist Connection Church in Washington, North Carolina. His newfound passion for God with his considerable abilities as a blues guitarist produced some of the most dynamic gospel music ever recorded.

The Reverend Gary Davis continued to travel the country and play until his death in 1972 at the age of 76. Near the end of his life, suggestions by those nearest to him that he was getting too old for the life of a travelling musician met with the steely response. “God put me on this earth to spread his Gospel and sing his truth,” replied Gary “And Lo' help me, that's what I'm bound to do until the day he knocks me down dead.”

Faith is seeing beyond our own eyesight. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a Rewarder to all who have faith in Him.

“Faith is an active creative force.” – J.H. Oldham

God’s Word: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’” – Mark 9:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.” – John 19:38

Eliezer Sobel was born in New Jersey in 1952. He is a “Second Generation Holocaust Survivor” who suffers from the fear of others. His Jewish, German grandmother died in a Nazi concentration camp.

He pinpoints one of his earliest fears of others to when he was a schoolboy. Eliezer remembers: “An over-sized galoot of a guy showed up out of the blue one afternoon, as I was walking the one and a half blocks home from Hebrew School. He glared at me like the big bad wolf, and growled: ‘Are you Jewish, kid?’ To which I instantly squeaked, ‘No, I’m Catholic.’ ‘Good,’ he said, ‘Because I beat up the Jewish kids.’ I nodded and slowly turned away and continued walking home, cautiously, glancing over my shoulder to see if he was watching me, as I gradually picked up speed, my heart racing, tears coming, then running full speed and at last crashing through my front door to find myself facing a gathering of my parents and relatives.

I gasped for air and spilled out my story, as if I had just narrowly escaped annihilation in the gas chambers and crematorium. Their response was to laugh when I told them the bit about being Catholic, and my Uncle Sam assured me, ‘You did the right thing.’ Which triggered an instant theological dispute in my mind between my Uncle Sam and Rabbi Bodnick, who had taught us in Hebrew School that it was a sin to deny one’s Jewish heritage, even at the cost of life and death.”

Do not let the fear of others affect your testimony of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He stood up and died for you and give any fears that you have to Him.

“Jesus came treading the waters; and so he puts all the swelling tumults of life under His feet. Christians – Why be afraid?” – Augustine

God’s Word: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” – John 19:11

Since the 1950's when Wichita's airport first opened, most pilots knew one of the runways, 1R/19L, by heart.

The designated runway numbers represent the angle of the runway to magnetic north.

But in 2019 that is about to change. It will be redesignated 2R/20L.

Why the change? It is due to the earth’s magnetic pole slowly shifting. In the more than 60 years of operation, there has been about 6 degrees of shift. That is enough to redesignate a runway.

"It’s a critical update for navigational accuracy," says Elizabeth Isham Cory with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The airport will have to repaint all numbers on the runways and replace all taxi signage. Additionally, the airport must notify all authorities of the changes and coordinate with the FAA to update the information on charts and equipment.

It's a process that will likely cost $350,000.

Jesus Christ does not shift and He does not change. He is the Truth and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the Truth and in Him there is no shifting.

"Stand firm for Christ in your life. Nothing else will make a difference." – Charles Colson

God’s Word: “ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, ‘Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?’ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” – John 18:26-27

Soon after Jolen Engle became a Christian in 1996, she wondered how Peter could deny the Lord after all the time he spent with Jesus. “Peter was completely devoted to Christ,” Jolen wrote. “So it just did not make any sense to me as to why or how he could deny the One True God.

I thought to myself, ‘I would never deny the Lord.’ Later, I would eat my words.”

But 13 years later, Jolen described her life: “When I got saved, my trials started immediately, and I had continued living in the storms ever since.  My life before Christ was never as painful as my life was with Christ, yet, of course, what I had with Christ was eternal life and without Him was eternal damnation. However, thirteen years of pain, heartache, long-suffering, afflictions, persecution, broken relationships, spiritual warfare, etc.  I was done!”

Then one Sunday, she went to church and felt isolated in a congregation of 2000 people. She left for the bathroom before the final song and when she returned she stood alone in the foyer. A woman, who Jolene had never met, was prompted by the Lord to approach her. The woman asked if she could pray for Jolene and Jolene replied “sure.”

The woman then prayed that Jolene: “Words she used were illness, healing, sickness, provisions, long-suffering, afflictions, strength for a warrior, and then she prayed that I would know and remember that God’s Word says, ‘He would never leave me nor forsake me.’

Tears came down my face as I heard this prayer that came straight from God.”

Many times we try to face the world alone without the love of Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

“Oh, friends. We need to ask ourselves where we’re denying Jesus’ truth in our lives. Where are we denying Jesus’ healing? Or denying Jesus’ forgiveness — for ourselves or others? Where are we denying Jesus’ redemption? Where are we denying Jesus’ hope?” - Lysa TerKeurst

God’s Word: “The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” – John 17:20

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential, and his book “The Cost of Discipleship” has been described as a modern classic.

He was also known for his staunch resistance to Nazi dictatorship, including vocal opposition to Hitler's euthanasia program and genocidal persecution of the Jews. He was arrested in April 1943 by the Gestapo and imprisoned for two years before he was executed.

In his book “Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community,” Bonhoeffer writes the following about intercession, which is praying for one another:  “A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses. I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me. His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner.”

We need to be men and women who regularly pray intercessory prayers for the salvation of others. Today in prayer, look to the Lord and pray for those who you know who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

“To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way we can express our love for them.” – John Calvin

God’s Word: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

In 1928, the Kellogg-Briand Pact was drafted and 31 countries initally signed the treaty, with another nine countries signing in 1929. The pact was an international agreement in which signatory states promised not to use war to resolve "disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them.”

“Kellogg-Briand is everyone’s favorite whipping boy when it comes to failed treaties,” said David Sloss, a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law. Sponsored by France and the United States and touted as an agreement that would “outlaw war” after World War I, Kellogg-Briand renounced “war as an instrument of national policy.” Not only did the treaty fail profoundly in its stated purpose — Japan went to war in Manchuria just a few years after signing, and the accord did not prevent Word War II or any of the wars that followed — but it ushered in a century of “armed conflicts” as governments strove to misrepresent war as something else, because war had been made illegal.

Only the Lord can give peace. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have peace in Him because we trust that He died for our sins.

“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?” – Gerard Majella

God’s Word: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

In the tiny village of Maribor in Slovenia grows the oldest wine-producing vine on earth. The Žametovka vine was planted over 400 years ago in front of the Old Vine House and according to Guinness’s Book of World Records it’s the oldest producing vine on earth.

Known as “Old Vine” the vine was planted the Ottoman Empire was at its height of power and as their invaders closed in, the local Maribor residents pushed them back beyond the city walls. Despite its location along the front of the house that served as part of the city’s wall, the old vine survived. It outlasted the Napoleonic empire’s tour of Europe and continued producing grapes even as allied forces bombed the town when Nazi’s invaded during WWII.

Each year it produces about 70 to 120 pounds of grapes, which is fermented and put into about 100 miniature bottles. The bottles are given to VIPs to the town.

When we stay connected to Christ, we can continually produce fruit. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has chosen you to be His instrument on earth and seek to stay connected to Him and to do His will.

“I was but a pen in God's hand, and what praise is due to a pen?” – Richard Baxter

God’s Word: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” – John 15:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6

In the winter of 951, Bishop Godescalc of the French village Le Puy-en-Velay returned from an overland journey to the shrine of St. James. The shrine is located about 1000 miles away, across the Pyrenees, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. To mark his successful return from this first pilgrimage Godescalc had the diminutive Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe built atop the towering volcanic core in the center of town.

The chapel is perched atop a 279-foot-tall volcanic formation and was completed in 962. The chapel later became a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. In 1429, the mother of Joan of Arc, Isabelle Romée, was said to have come to the site to pray.

Today, visitors can only reach the chapel via 268 stairs that have been carved into the volcanic rock.

The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. We all must put our faith in Him to receive eternal life. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father.

“Christ is the only way to salvation.” – Ulrich Zwingli

God’s Word: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:14-15

Boys Town was founded on December 12, 1917, as an orphanage for boys. It was orginally called the "City of Little Men". Edward J. Flanagan, a Roman Catholic priest working in Omaha, Nebraska at that time founded it. The City of Little Men pioneered and developed new juvenile care methods in twentieth-century America.

In 1941, Father Flanagan was looking at a magazine called “The Messenger” when he came across a drawing of a boy carrying a younger boy on his back, with the caption, “He ain't heavy Mr., he's my brother.” Father Flanagan thought the image and phrase captured the spirit of Boys Town, so he got permission and commissioned a statue of the drawing with the inscription, “He ain't heavy Father, he's my brother.” The statue and phrase became the logo for Boys Town.

The greater things in life are serving God and serving others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has called you to follow Him and to be a servant.

“Wash what is dirty, water what is dry, heal what is wounded. Bend what is stiff, warm what is cold, guide what goes off the road.” – Stephen Langton

God’s Word: “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35

Chaim Potok’s book “Chosen” tells the story of Danny Saunders, the son of a strict Hasidic Jew. For many years Danny’s father, though very human, never speaks to Danny, except when teaching him out of the Talmud. One day the mystery is revealed. Rabbi Saunders explains that God has blessed him with a brilliant son, a boy with a mind like a jewel. When Danny was 4 years old his father saw him reading a book and was frightened. The book described the suffering of a poor Jew, yet Danny enjoyed it!

“There was no soul in my 4-year-old Daniel, there was only a mind”

The rabbi cried to God “What have you done to me? A mind like this I need for a son? A heart I need for a son, a soul I need for a son, compassion…righteousness, strength to suffer and carry pain…”

So Rabbi Saunders followed an ancient Hasidic tradition and brought the boy up in silence, for then “in the silence between us he began to hear the world crying.”

Jesus has compassion for the world. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He is our model of compassion and seek to have a tender heart toward others.

“You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion.” – Meister Eckhart

God’s Word: “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people.” – Jeremiah 9:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me” – John 10:25

In 2012, Teresa MacBain had a secret, one she was terrified to reveal.

“I'm currently an active pastor and I'm also an atheist,” she said. “I live a double life. I feel pretty good on Monday, but by Thursday — when Sunday's right around the corner — I start having stomachaches, headaches, just knowing that I got to stand up and say things that I no longer believe in and portray myself in a way that's totally false.”

Her secret was taking a toll, eating at her conscience as she went about her pastoral duties week after week — two sermons every Sunday, singing hymns, praying for the sick when she didn't believe in the God she was praying to.

“On my way to church again. Another Sunday. Man, this is getting worse,” she told her phone in one recording. “How did I get myself in this mess?”

MacBain, 44, was raised a conservative Southern Baptist, but she had questions about the Bible which nagged her. She finally came out as an atheist and left the pastorate.

When asked whether she missed God, she answered: “No, no. I can't say that I do.”

Do not let any question interfere with your faith in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is worthy of our faith in Him.

“None but the Lord himself can afford us any help from the awful workings of unbelief, doubtings, carnal fears, murmurings. Thank God one day we will be done forever with ‘unbelief’” – Arthur W. Pink

God’s Word: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’ Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” – Mark 9:23-24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:14-15

On April 30, 2019, a gunman entered a classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Riley Howell, age 21, hurled himself at the gunman and was fatally shot. Authorities said he knocked the gunman off his feet and helped end what could have been a deadlier massacre, where two students were killed and four others were wounded.

"He took the fight to the assailant. Unfortunately, he had to give his life to do so, but he saved lives doing so," Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Kerr Putney said.

Riley was a Christian and he laid down his life for others. His aunt, Morgan Howell Moylan, said: “He did such a heroic thing. He was everybody's protector. You felt safe when you were with Riley."

"His faith was strong and he knew what he had to do when people needed him most," the family said in a statement. "He was always the guy you could count on and he delivered."

Riley’s sister said: "He put others before himself. He always has."

There is no greater love than dying for someone, and that is precisely what Jesus Christ did for you. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He voluntarily laid down His life for you.

“God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’” – John 8:31

In May 2011, Police in New Jersey investigated an accident in which the driver claimed his GPS told him to ignore the end of a road and to drive straight into a house, seriously injuring two people in the car.

It happened early Saturday morning where New Road meets Ridge Road in South Brunswick, N.J., a central Jersey community a few miles north of Princeton.

Traffic engineers designed it so that you can either turn left or right onto Ridge Road.

But faced with that choice in the dark and foggy early morning hours, the motorist told police he followed his GPS.

At a T intersection, where the only options were left and right, the driver opted instead to follow his GPS guidance and go straight. He missed the initial stop sign, ran over the lip of the curb, and continued for another 100 feet before hitting a house. Unfortunately, two passengers who were not wearing seat belts were hurt and taken to the hospital. "This stuff really happens," a police spokesman remarked.

It is curious that some people are overly obedient to machines, but will not follow the Lord. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a heart that is ready and willing to follow after Him.

“Nothing is really lost by a life of sacrifice; everything is lost by failure to obey God’s call.” – Henry P. Liddon

God’s Word: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.” – John 7:13

Georg Gärtner was born in Poland. He enlisted in the German Army in 1940 at age 19, and fought in the North African Campaign with the Afrika Korps. He was captured by Allied troops in Tunis in 1943 and was taken to the United States as a prisoner of war.

At the end of the war, Gärtner was terrified at the thought of being repatriated to his hometown, which was now occupied by the Soviet Union, and decided to escape. Several weeks after the war's end, he escaped from his prison camp in Deming, New Mexico, on September 22, 1945.

He moved between various towns on the US West Coast, working as a lumberjack, dishwasher, or laborer. Having studied English as an officer candidate, he perfected his command of the language, created a new identity as Dennis F. Whiles, obtained a Social Security card in that name, and invented a biography in which he had been raised in an orphanage after his parents had been killed in a traffic accident. He eventually settled in Norden, California. He got married and seemingly had dropped off the map. The FBI ceased searching for him in 1963.

In 1984, after his wife threatened to leave him because he would not share his past, Georg fearfully confessed all to her. Then after years of delay, Georg became a U.S. citizen in 2009.

As Christians, we should never be fearful of men and we are to always stand-up for the truth. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we need not be fearful of anyone.

“Whenever I hear about Christ as Savior it appears that he saves us from sin – and I don’t wish to deny that – but in my experience he does more than that: he releases us from fear, and I think fear is the great killer.” – Ivor Smith-Cameron

God’s Word:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.” – John 6:43

In a civilized game, John McEnroe was pretty much as uncivil as you could be.

Throwing rackets, insulting umpires—McEnroe's reputation is built around his whining and complaining about calls that did not go his way.

If there were a stat for most cursing and making a crowd gasp, John McEnroe would be tennis' all-time leader.

John McEnroe had more than one temper tantrum on court. He’s been filmed shouting at umpires on countless occasions; calling one a “jerk” and another “pathetic”, he’s thrown his racket or used it to knock dramatically knock things over. But he is perhaps best known for shouting this line at an umpire during a match in 1981: “You can’t be serious, man. You cannot be serious! That ball was on the line!"

Chronic complaining is a sin. Today in prayer, confess any sin of grumbling and complaining to the Lord.

“Anyone who complains or grumbles is not perfect, nor even a good Christian.” – John of the Cross

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me” – John 5:39

Charles Feinberg was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in an Orthodox Jewish community, graduating from the Hebrew Institute of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh in preparation to be a rabbi. In 1930, after studying the New Testament, he gave his life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Chosen People Ministries.

After his conversion, he studied theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, and in 1935 he started broadcasting radio messages. He began teaching at Biola in 1948 when he became a member of the Jewish Department and professor of Old Testament and Bible Exposition.

In 1952 Charles Feinberg became the dean and professor of Semitics and Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary. He was known for his vast knowledge of Jewish history and Hebrew attracted many eager students. In his lifetime he read through the Scriptures 154 times!

The Bible is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Throughout its books, it declares that Jesus is Lord of all. Today in prayer, worship the Lord and give Him all of your life for His glory.

“The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ.” – John Stott

God’s Word: “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’” – Luke 24:44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’” – John 4:34

In her book “Second Calling”, Dale Bourke writes that years ago, she attended a conference. When it was over, her friend Bruce offered her a ride to the airport. As they were about to leave, another man asked if he could join them. As they drove away from the hotel, she and Bruce asked the man where he worked, and he mentioned a Christian organization. Bruce said, “I have fond memories of that group, because I attended a retreat of theirs one time, and that’s where I became a Christian. It was in 1972 in New Hampshire.” Bruce went on to explain that eventually his whole family became Christians and went into Christian work. His sister was a Wycliffe missionary and Bruce himself became publisher of a major Christian publishing house, which brought many significant Christian books to the public. Bruce finished the story with a flourish saying that the retreat had had worldwide impact when you think about it. The man was silent. Dale and Bruce though that maybe they were boring him. Then the stranger quietly said, “I led that retreat. It was my first time as a conference leader, and I felt like a total failure. Until this moment, I have always believed it was one of the biggest failures of my life.” Dale Bourke wrote, “What had seemed like the simple act of offering a ride to a stranger had turned into a powerful reminder that God uses our efforts whether we realize it or not. I may spend the rest of my life doing things that don’t seem at all successful. Yet only God knows the purpose. I am called simply to be faithful.”

Do you desire to do God’s will in your life? Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He desires you to live for Him and seek to do His will every day.

“Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” – Augustine

God’s Word: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” – Acts 20:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 in the village of Pouy, France. His parents were peasant farmers and from childhood he had a desire to become a priest. At 15, his father sent him to seminary, managing to pay for it by selling the family's oxen.

On 12 October 1604, he received his Bachelor of Theology from the University of Toulouse.

In 1617, Vincent contacted the Daughters of Charity and they then introduced him to poor families. Vincent then brought them food and comfort. He organized the wealthy women of Paris to collect funds for missionary projects, founded hospitals, and gather relief funds for the victims of war and to ransom 1,200 galley slaves from North Africa.

He is best remembered as someone who was humble, who looked after the poor and who loved Jesus.

As we grow in Christ, we need to become more humble and to give more glory to the Lord. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is worthy of our praise and give Him glory throughout the day.

“We must view humility as one of the most essential things that characterizes Christianity.” – Jonathan Edwards

God’s Word: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” – John 3:3

Joanna Reed Shelton was born in the flat lowlands of Texas, in the far southeastern corner near the Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Her parents occasionally took her brother and Joanna to church. Both had been raised in the church and felt they should expose their children to the Bible and religion.

But as an adult, Joanna shunned religion. Then she received an email invitation to the 120th-anniversary celebration of a church in Osaka—a church founded by her great-grandfather, a 19th-century Presbyterian missionary. Feeling a pull to go to Osaka for the celebration, she went and was fascinated by the church and that her great-grandfather had begun.

She returned home and, after a few years, embarked on a book about my great-grandfather.

“I knew that if I hoped to understand what drew him into ministry in Japan, I needed to learn more about Christianity. So, for the first time, I began to read the Bible in a meaningful way, under the guidance of two devout relatives. A long-suppressed inner flame burned brighter as I read and contemplated the Scriptures” said Joanna.

She gave her life to Jesus and continues to follow Him.

“For the first time, I felt I understood the true meaning of faith, as hope in things unseen. I understood, too, how Jesus taught us what it means to be God’s people, loving one another as we love ourselves. Only through love can we help bring God’s kingdom to life on earth as it is in heaven” she said.

Happiness, peace, and contentment can only be found in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him you have a rich, eternal life.

“For a soul to come to Jesus, is the grandest event in its history.” – Joseph Alleine

God’s Word: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” – John 2:11

In June 2014, Grayson Kirby was thrown from a demolition derby car at the Mid-Atlantic Power Festival in Ruckersville, Virginia.

The accident left him in a coma. His lungs were crushed and nearly every other bone in his body was broken. His brain also suffered multiple strokes and hemorrhages and his kidneys were failing. If he did wake up, he would likely—to put it bluntly—be a vegetable. 

But his family refused to give up and turned to prayer. Thousands of people in the community and beyond kept Kirby in their thoughts and prayers and wore red shirts designed to show support for the injured man.

In a final attempt to revive Kirby, doctors hooked him up to a machine typically used for transplant patients, not trauma patients. Whether it was due to a divine intervention or medical intervention (or both), it worked. 

Ten days after the accident, Kirby opened his eyes and mouthed the words, “I love you,” to his father. 

The doctors couldn’t believe it, and neither could Kirby. 

“I’m humble, I’m grateful, just amazed.” Kirby said. “I know that God saved me. I know that prayer and believing saved me.”

The same God who performed miracles in the Bible continues to do so to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He continually shows us His glory and place your faith in Him.

“A miracle is an event beyond the power of any known physical law to produce; it is a spiritual occurrence produced by the power of God, a marvel, a wonder.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” – Exodus 14:31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” – John 1:12

In March 1945, John Charles Flaugher was born in Los Angeles to Irene Flaugher, an unmarried woman from Kentucky who became pregnant through a relationship with John Bourgholtzer, a U.S. Army corporal of German background. Actors Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman adopted him shortly after his birth. They named him Michael Reagan. When Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman divorced in 1949, little Michael was sent to boarding school.

When he was eight years old, a photographer sexually molested Michael at school for a year.

The trauma stayed with Michael for decades.

In 1973, he met Colleen, a Christian girl he met on a blind date. They married two years later. He was offered a book deal to “tell all” in 1987. As he was writing his book, he wrote about the photographer. Michael realized he had to tell his dad about the incident before the book was published. Ronald was understanding and embraced his son. Soon after Michael gave his life to Christ.

“That’s why [the book is called] “Twice Adopted” -- first by my parents then by God. If that didn’t happen, we’re not having this conversation,” Michael said. “I am a free man.”

Michael continued: “There will always be pain, but I think also God has allowed me to show the pain so that, when I give my testimony, it brings other people forward.”

No matter what our situation in life, the Lord of the Universe wants to adopt us as His children and give us a wonderful eternity. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a loving God and He has given us the right to become His children through Jesus Christ.

“Unless we have seen in Jesus what God is like we would never even have dared to think of ourselves as being able to become the children of God. It is what Jesus is that opens to us the possibility of becoming the children of God.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN