“‘He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'’ Then they remembered his words.” – Luke 24:6-8

In September 2021, a scorned wife raided her ex-husband's cryogenics lab and stole the frozen brains of people who hoped to be brought back to life.

Valeria Udalova, age 59, and staff from her cryogenics company grabbed the remains of people who paid thousands of dollars hoping they could be resurrected.

Some of the corpses were from Britain and the US and were stored in Valeria's ex-husband Danila Medvedev's lab in the Moscow region of Russia.

The lab is Russia's leading cryo-storage facility.

They drained liquid nitrogen from giant Dewar flasks containing frozen bodies and grabbed these and some detached human brains, then loaded them on trucks. 

Police were called and intercepted the macabre cargo of human remains preserved by “Frankenstein” technology which offered humans the chance to "come back to life” in the future.

For those who know Christ, we have the assurance that we will have a new life because of Christ’s resurrection. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have eternal life in Him.

“The seed dies into a new life and so does man.” – George McDonald

God’s Word: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” – Luke 23:43

On January 23, 1546, Martin Luther traveled to Eisleben, his hometown, to arbitrate a family dispute between two brothers, the counts of Mansfield. Through his mediation, the two reconciled. However, Luther, sixty-two years old and weary of the many demands on his life, fell ill. Knowing the end was near, he wrote his last will and testament. It began with the words, “I am well known in heaven, on earth, and in hell,” a true statement of the result of his bold Christian testimony throughout his life.

In his last moments, Luther was asked by his friend Justus Jonas, “Do you want to die standing firm on Christ and the doctrine you have taught?” He answered emphatically, “Yes!” Luther's last words were: “We are beggars. This is true.”

When we have faith in Christ, we have the assurance that as we pass through death, we will have everlasting life in Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He freely gives eternal life to all that trust in Him.

“It is not darkness you are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely, for Christ is with you. It is not unknown country, for Christ is there.” – Charles Kingsley

God’s Word: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19

Bloomingdale's Department Store takes pride in introducing chic fashions to trend-hungry New Yorkers. So in 1989, it seemed perfectly appropriate that the department store was the first in town to sell the latest product of perestroika: imported Soviet rye bread, hot off the flight from Moscow. Bloomingdale's last week was selling the two-pound loaves (price: $6) at the rate of 30 an hour. Two types were offered: Rjanog, a sour rye variety, and Borodinsky, a sweeter bread flavored with coriander. The Russian-made bread was dubbed “peace bread” and was also being offered to customers at the posh Waldorf-Astoria hotel and the Russian Tea Room. U.S. entrepreneur Fred Kayden arranged the imports after 7 1/2 months of negotiations with Soviet officials and a "perestroika entrepreneur" in Moscow.

The Lord has given us a powerfully simple way to remember His broken body and shed blood. It is with bread and wine. It brings His peace to all who believe. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Lord’s Supper and remember His sacrifice for you.

“The link between the cross and the crown is the Table of the Lord. Do not forget, when you sit down at the Communion, that the bread and the cup point back to Christ’s accomplished work, and forward to your accomplished salvation.” – A.T. Pierson

God’s Word: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” – Mark 14:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE    †

“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” – Luke 21:1-4

In 2014, Bill Kiker came into a significant amount of money when he sold part of his company to United Rentals. Bill and his wife Cheryl are Christians and they wanted to be good stewards of all that the Lord had given to them. Bill’s desire to grow closer to God prompted the couple to talk to their pastor in Beaumont, Texas about opportunities to give. Their pastor mentioned the Hope Center, a crisis pregnancy clinic in Beaumont.

The clinic was facing a balloon payment on their mortgage of $235,000. The Kikers were in full agreement with this Christian organization and they decided to pay off the entire payment.

The Kikers had experienced an unplanned pregnancy in their family and knew that their gift would be used by God to touch the unborn.  

Though Christmas Day has passed, it is never too late to give to those in need. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and a generous heart to give to others in need.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

God’s Word: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” – 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'" - Luke 2:28-32

Her name is Kim Phuc, though you likely know her by the “Napalm Girl.” Her image made the world gasp. Some called it a turning point in the Vietnam War—a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of Kim in 1972, age 9, running along a puddled roadway in front of an expressionless soldier. Kim remembers “I was photographed with arms outstretched, naked and shrieking in pain and fear, with the dark contour of a napalm cloud billowing in the distance.

My own people had dropped bombs on Route 1 in an effort to cut off the trade routes for the Viet Cong rebels. I had not been targeted. I had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those bombs have caused me immeasurable pain over the course of my life. Forty-five years later I am still receiving treatment for the burns that cover my arms, back, and neck. But even worse than the physical pain was the emotional and spiritual pain. For years I bore the crippling weight of anger, bitterness, and resentment toward those who caused my suffering. Yet as I look back over a spiritual journey that has spanned more than three decades, I realize the same bombs that caused so much pain and suffering also brought me to a place of great healing. Those bombs led me to Jesus Christ.

My salvation experience occurred on Christmas Eve. It was 1982. I was attending a special worship service at a small church in Vietnam. The pastor, Ho Hieu Ha, delivered a message many Christians would find familiar: Christmas is not about the gifts we carefully wrap and place under a tree. Rather, it is about the gift of Jesus Christ, who was wrapped in human flesh and given to us by God. As the pastor spoke, I knew in my heart that something was shifting inside of me.

A decade removed from the defining tragedy of my life, I still desperately needed peace. I had so much hatred and bitterness in my heart. Yet I was ready for love and joy. I wanted to let go of my pain. I wanted to pursue life instead of holding fast to fantasies of death. When Pastor Ho finished speaking, I stood up, stepped out into the aisle, and made my way to the front of the sanctuary to say “yes” to Jesus Christ.

When I woke up that Christmas morning, I experienced my first-ever heartfelt celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

My faith in Jesus Christ is what has enabled me to forgive those who had wronged me—no matter how severe those wrongs were.”

We need to remember that God sent His Son to a war-torn world, in desperate need of His love. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, and was resurrected as a payment for our sins. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His gift of salvation in Him.

"Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;

love was born at Christmas-- Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead, love incarnate, love divine;

worship we our Jesus-- what should be our sacred sign?

Love shall be our token love be yours and love be mine;

love to God and neighbor love for prayer and gift and sign." - Christina Rossetti,

God's Word: "And all mankind will see God's salvation." - Luke 3:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS  †

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:6-7

During the Christmas season, it seems every business wants to capitalize on the “giving season”.

In 2007, the British hotel chain Travelodge, determined to help make amends for that “no room at the inn” business back in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, offered free Christmas accommodations to married British couples named Mary and Joseph.

Travelodge said that starting Christmas Eve and lasting until Twelfth Night, 5 January 2008 to couples matching its criteria were to get a one-night stay for free.

Sandy Leckie, manager of Travelodge's inn at Covent Garden in London, said there may not be any gold, frankincense, or myrrh in the rooms set aside for the Marys and Josephs, but “it's definitely more comfortable than a stable.”

This Christmas, receive and adore the gift of God – Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for coming as a man to die for our sins.

“Giving is a really big thing around Christmas, as well it should be. Christmas is about giving, and it all stems from the greatest gift the world has ever received - the gift of Jesus Christ.” – Monica Johnson

God's Word: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’” – Luke 19:16-17

In 2020, Tom Moore was 99 years old. The former Army Captain was a veteran of World War II and was deservedly retired. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he wanted to do his part. Amidst the tribulations of the coronavirus outbreak, Moore set himself a challenge: to raise funds for National Health Service Charities by walking 100 laps around his garden before his 100th birthday on April 30. Using his walker, Moore’s initial goal was to raise 1,000 British pounds. Soon the press heard of his endeavor and Moore raised a staggering 33 million pounds for medical charities.

The British Army veteran became a national hero during the lockdown for his achievement. Then on 17 July 2020, Queen Elizabeth II personally knighted the 100-year-old Captain Moore.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Moore “a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus. On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure.”

As Christians, we honor Jesus when we bring glory to Him. Today in prayer, praise Christ for the gifts He has given you and seek to use them for Christ’s glory.

“Each of us, as members of the Body of Christ, has been given at least one spiritual gift.” – Bruce Kemper

God’s Word: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE   †

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

In the book “The Benedict Option”, Rod Dreher writes: “I told the priest how, in response to a personal crisis, my own orthodox priest back in Louisiana had assigned me a strict daily prayer rule, praying the Jesus prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”) for about an hour each day. It was dull and difficult at first, but I did it out of obedience. Every day, for a seemingly endless hour, silent prayer. In time, though, the hour seemed much shorter, and I discovered that the peace I had conspicuously lacked in my soul came forth.

After I was spiritually healed, my priest explained his reasoning for directing me to give myself over to that simple meditative prayer: “I had to get you out of your head.”

He meant that I was captive to an intellectual tendency to try to think my way out of my troubles—a strategy that always ended in failure for me. What I really needed to do was to quiet my mind and still my heart to open it to God’s grace. He was right.”

The Lord desires that we have passion and persistence in our prayers to Him. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is faithful to answer and seek to be persistent in seeking His will.

“The paradox of prayer is that it asks for a serious effort while it can only be received as a gift. We cannot plan, organize or manipulate God; but without a careful discipline, we cannot receive him either.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

God’s Word: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." - Luke 17:4

During a late-September major league baseball game in 1996, Roberto Alomar became enraged when umpire John Hirschbeck called him out on strikes. Alomar got into an argument and spit in the umpire's face, earning a five-game suspension and a place in baseball infamy.

Alomar made matters worse afterward by saying he thought Hirschbeck was under stress because his 8-year-old son, John Drew, had died of a rare brain disease in 1993 known as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

Alomar and Hirschbeck made public apologies to each other on April 22, 1997, standing at home plate and shaking hands forgiving one another in front of the crowd before a baseball game. “You know, I just wanted to put it behind us,” Hirschbeck said.  “I said something to him once and it just flooded out how sorry he was.”

Hirschbeck and Alomar joined forces to raise awareness about ALD and to raise funds for research. “We are now great friends,” said Alomar. “We have done some things with charity. God put us maybe in this situation for something.”

The Lord calls upon us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven by Him. Today in prayer, thank Christ that you have been freed from your sins and then forgive others in the same way.

"They who forgive most will be most forgiven." - Philip J. Bailey

God's Word: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores.” – Luke 16:19-20

In his book “Practical Justice: Living Off-Center in a Self-Centered World”, Kevin Blue tells the story of kindness shown by Reid, Dave, and John toward Robert:

“While in college these young men developed a friendship with Robert, who was struggling on the streets. One night they invited him to join them for dinner and treated him to a meal at the school cafeteria. Then they invited him to stay over in their room that night after their Bible study. He agreed.

Before long, word had gotten around the dorm that there was a homeless man on the floor. The resident assistant heard and called security, and three of the largest security guards we had ever seen showed up in the hall. They were so big that two of them could not walk side by side as they went down the hall. They proceeded, along with the RA, to ask the guys about the incident. The conversation went something like this: “Is there a homeless man in the dorm here? We heard that there was. Our friend Robert is here. Is there a problem? We are allowed to have friends in the dorm, aren’t we?”

Silence, awkwardness, and an eventual departure ensued. Dave, Reid, and John washed Robert’s clothes and offered him the chance to take a shower. By the end of Robert’s stay, they knew what it was to be hated by the world. But they also had a witness to what the kingdom was about like few others, and people either hated or loved them for it, depending on their perspective.”

No matter where you live, you can minister to the poor. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to those in need and minister to them.

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.” – George Bernard Shaw

God’s Word: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” – 1 John 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:9-10

In 2020, first-time treasure hunter Ole Ginnerup Schytz had only been out with his new metal detector for a few hours when he stumbled onto an astounding discovery: a stash of 1,500-year-old gold artifacts dated to the Iron Age. Now, experts have deemed the find—made in a field near the town of Jelling in southwestern Denmark —one of the largest and most important in Danish history.

Ole recalls hearing the device activate, then moving aside soil to uncover a small, bent piece of metal.

“It was scratched and covered in mud,” he said. “I had no idea, so all I could think of was that it looked like the lid of a can of herring.”

The amateur metal hunter had actually unearthed what turned out to be the first of 22 pieces of sixth-century gold jewelry. In total, the trove weighed just over two pounds.

He called the find “the epitome of pure luck.”

He added, “Denmark is [16,621 square miles], and then I happened to choose to put the detector exactly where this find was.”

When someone comes to Christ in faith, it is a miracle. Today in prayer, rejoice in the Lord that He actively seeks and has found millions who trust in Him.

“There is no one so far lost that Jesus cannot find him and cannot save him.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

"Then Jesus said to his host, 'When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'" – Luke 14:12-14

In 2016, at the Congo Palace Hotel in Athens, Greece, more than 100 ministers, elders, and ministry leaders gathered to discuss strategies for hospitality in serving refugees. These Christian leaders desired to serve and share Christ with the wave of refugees flooding into the continent from troubled, predominantly Muslim nations, including Syria and Iraq.

The five-day Refugee Ministry Workshop took place just a few miles from Mars Hill, where the apostle Paul told the people of Athens about the “unknown god” they worshiped.

One of the speakers, a native of Iran who asked that his name be withheld for security reasons, told about his own conversion to Christianity when he came to Greece as a refugee 10 years prior. He now leads a Farsi-speaking church in Germany.

Giving hospitality to strangers means getting out of our comfort zone and showing the love of Jesus Christ to others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gifts He has given you and seek to give hospitality to others.

“We all depend on God’s grace and provision; we are all guests of a gracious and generous host. As we welcome others to our tables and into our lives, we remember, represent, and anticipate God’s hospitality.” – Christine D. Pohl

God’s Word: “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:5

On October 25, 1964, playing in San Francisco, the Minnesota Vikings led 27-17 in the fourth quarter. The game seemed in the bag – especially when the San Francisco fumbled the ball in their own territory and Jim Marshall, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound Vikings defensive end, recovered it. Marshall started off running and running...all by his lonesome – toward the wrong end zone. Everyone knew what was going on except Marshall, who had got turned around. A disbelieving play-by-play announcer exclaimed that Marshall “is running the wrong way; thinks he’s scored a touchdown.” Upon arriving in his end zone in solitude, a pleased Marshall tossed the ball in nonchalant celebration. The referees awarded San Francisco two points, for a safety. A San Francisco player rushed up, patted Marshall on the arm and said, “Thanks, Jim.” Very fortunately for Marshall, the Vikings held on in that game 27-22 – and Marshall had a successful 20-year career. But he will always be remembered for going the wrong way and scoring a safety for the opponent.

Have you taken a wrong road in your walk with Jesus? Today in prayer, turn away from any sin in your life and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do.

“Repentance is not a popular word these days, but I believe that any of us recognize it when it strikes us in the gut. Repentance is coming to our senses, seeing, suddenly, what we've done that we might not have done, or recognizing ... that the problem is not in what we do but in what we become.” – Kathleen Norris

God’s Word: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE   †

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” – Luke 12:22

In 2018, the Rubin Museum in New York City mounted a participatory art installation entitled “A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful.” Artist Candy Chang and writer James A. Reeves asked: “visitors to anonymously write their anxieties and hopes on vellum cards and display them on a 30’ x 15’ wall for others to see.”

Tracy A. Dennis-Tiwary, a psychology and neuroscience scholar, notes that over 50,000 cards were submitted. The cards, writes Dennis-Tiwary, “reflected … immense optimism and fear. … It was not obvious unless you looked closely, but the juxtaposition of the two card types revealed a pattern: the anxieties and hopes were often the same. … The monument showed how anxiety and hope go hand in hand.”

Chang and Reeves wrote that: “Anxiety and hope are defined by a moment that has yet to arrive.” Put another way, said Dennis-Tiwary, “when we imagine and prepare for the uncertain future, anxiety and hope are intrinsically intertwined, forever transforming from one to another.”

The Lord is in control of everything; there is no need to be anxious. Today in prayer, give your hopes and fears to Him and relax in Christ’s peace.

“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” – Phillips Brooks

God’s Word: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38

In 1984, Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity's director said: “(He is willing) to do anything he can in an attitude of serving others. He's not putting himself above other people even though he is easily in a position to do so. He's not exalting himself.” That's what Millard said of former President Jimmy Carter who gave up a vacation to the Virgin Islands to work for 10-12 hours a day on a burned-out tenement on Lower East Side of Manhattan. He could have stayed in the presidential suite at the Waldorf Astoria, but he joined the other 48 members in the host Southern Baptist Church in downtown Manhattan. He joined the others by wearing a name tag, riding on a bus all night long from Georgia, sleeping in a bunk bed--he and Rosalynn were offered a private room but turned it down so a newlywed couple could have it. The former President isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty as he serves others.

The Lord has called us to serve others. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can better serve others for Him.

“As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth living; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end!” – David Brainerd

God’s Word: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †