“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.” – Jude 1:16

People will find just about anything to grumble about. Below are actual customer complaints: One person wrote: “We went on a canoe trip but were very disappointed that no one told us there would not be a bathroom onboard. It was very inconvenient.”

Another complained: “There was no sign telling you that you shouldn’t get on the hot air balloon ride if you’re afraid of heights.”

One person did not know: “My trip was ruined when I got sunburned and got sick because of it. They should warn you that the sun is brighter in Mexico than it is in the United States, I would have used sunscreen.”

One person was not told: “We booked an excursion to a water park, but no one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels.”

Another person did not think: “Tour company did not warn me that I would get wet during the river rafting trip. It ruined my $300 leather handbag.”

Finally, one tourist wrote: “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

Grumbling begets grumbling. When we complain we are only practicing for our next complaint. Today in prayer, confess any constant grumbling in your own life and seek to find peace in Jesus Christ.

“By murmuring you undo your prayers, for it is exceedingly contrary to the prayer that you make to God. When you come to pray to God, you acknowledge his sovereignty over you, you come there to profess yourselves to be at God's disposal.” - B.J. Stockman

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 TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

I apologize if you received this devotional too early. Sincerely, Peter Kennedy

“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” – Jude 1:4

In 1971, Jimmie T. Roberts, son of a former Pentecostal minister, created a movement called “The Brethren.” Roberts had become convinced that mainstream churches were too worldly, and wished to create a wandering discipleship patterned on the New Testament apostles. He began recruiting a core of followers in Colorado and California. At first they adopted a communal lifestyle, but later the Brethren lived as itinerants. They acquired the nickname "the Garbage Eaters" after being observed collecting discarded food from dumpsters. During the 1970s, members wore monk-like habits and single members were not allowed to marry.

The movement directs new members to sell their possessions and break ties with their families as a necessary part of earning salvation. Any finances generated are distributed according to need. Families of members have asserted that their relatives are moved about to keep them from reestablishing familial contact.

There are many imposters trying to lead people astray. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that as we study the Bible, we get to know better the only true God, Jesus Christ.  

“By entertaining of strange persons, men sometimes entertain angels unawares: but by entertaining strange doctrines, many have entertained devils unawares.” – John Flavel

God’s Word: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” – Titus 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” – Jude 1:1-2

On July 20, 2012, Marie Isom went to a movie theater with her two teenage daughters in Aurora, Colorado.

Marie said she sat fidgeting in her seat, some 40 or 50 feet away from the man with a gun, who was identified by police as 24-year-old James Holmes. He killed 12 people and injured 70 others in the movie theater that night.

“In that moment, as the rapid-fire shots continued, I truly thought I was going to die” Marie remembers. “And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul, and there wasn’t the slightest doubt that I would be received into heaven, not because of any good thing that I have done but because of His merciful nature and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Marie continued: “Still, as I lay over my daughter, I began praying out loud. I don’t even remember what I prayed, but I don’t imagine it really matters. I’m sure it was for protection and peace. It drew me closer into the presence of God. When there was a pause in the shooting, people began to clamor for the exits. The girls and I jumped up and joined the masses.”

When asked how the shooting had affected her daughters’ faith, Marie replied:

“If anything, both of my girls said it made Him (Jesus) a much more real presence to them; the youngest shared this verse: ‘Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being caught.'”

Peace and protection can only be found in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that in Jesus Christ, no matter what our situation is in life, we have peace.

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

God’s Word: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” – 2 Peter 1:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

"Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” – Philemon 1:15-16

John M. Perkins was born in 1930 in New Hebron, Mississippi. He was raised by his grandmother and extended family, who worked as sharecroppers. In 1947, he moved away from Mississippi at the urging of his family, who worried that he might be in danger following the fatal shooting of his brother, Clyde, by a police officer. He settled in southern California. In 1957, John's son, Spencer, invited him to church and he gave his life to Christ.

In 1960, John moved with his wife and children from California back to Mississippi.

Initially concerned solely with evangelism and Bible literacy, John had a growing conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ addressed spiritual and physical needs.

He supported civil rights and in the fall of 1969, John became the leader in an economic boycott of white-owned stores in Mendenhall, Mississippi. On February 7, 1970, following the arrest of students who had taken part in a protest march in Mendenhall, Perkins was arrested and tortured by white police officers in Brandon Jail.

Remarkably, Perkins emerged from this terrible experience with a commitment to his vision of a holistic ministry — one that saw the bondage racism inflicted on whites as well as the damage and deprivation of the black community. He summarized his philosophy of Christian ministry in the "three Rs" — relocation, redistribution and reconciliation.

For the last decades of his life, John invited white Mississippians and black Mississippians to be reconciled to God and to each other.

The Lord desires us to be reconciled to Him and to others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and seek to be reconciled to others.

“The number one problem in our world is alienation, rich versus poor, black versus white, labor versus management, conservative versus liberal, East versus West . . . But Christ came to bring about reconciliation and peace.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” – 2 Corinthians 5:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” - Philemon 1:6

Howard Hendricks was a longtime professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and speaker for Promise Keepers. He was active in sharing his faith, but the one person he could not reach was his father George Hendricks. George was a military man and rejected the gospel for most of his life.

It wasn’t until the last year of his life that George met Butch Hardman. Butch had heard a sermon Howard had given stating his desire to see his father come to the Lord. He only met Howard once.

One Sunday, Butch was driving a church bus in Arlington, Virginia. He had discharged all of his passengers when he saw a man standing on the corner who reminded him uncannily of Howard Hendricks. Could it possibly be...? He backed up the bus, stopped, got off, and went over to the man.

"Are you by any chance Howard Hendricks' father?"

George was startled, but answered yes. The two sat down for a cup of coffee. A friendship developed.

For a long time Butch did not invite him to attend his church. He simply suggested that George drop by the office for coffee. Patiently he endured dad's cigars and his endless repertoire of war stories. Before long he also learned that dad had been diagnosed as having a terminal throat cancer.

Months later Butch was at his bedside. "Mr. Hendricks, I'll be leaving shortly for a Holy Land trip. Instead of my listening to you tonight, would you let me tell you a story?"

Butch led George to the Lord that night.

We need to share our faith in the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His Gospel and share His good news with others.

“The real problem of Christianity is not atheism, or skepticism, but the non-witnessing Christian trying to smuggle his own soul into heaven.” – James S. Stewart

God’s Word: “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.” – John 1:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” – Philemon 1:4

In May 2001 journalist Giles Brandeth interviewed South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was a powerful experience for Brandeth, for Desmond Tutu was suffering from prostate cancer and there was a real chance this might be the last interview he would ever give. What might Tutu want to talk about? Perhaps the amazing transformation in the politics of his country, and of which he himself had a leading role. No. Here’s what he told Brandeth: “If this is going to be my last interview, I am glad we are not going to talk about politics. Let us talk about prayer and adoration, about faith, hope and forgiveness.” For Tutu these are the things that are the stuff of life.

One of the greatest things you can do is to pray for others. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for your friends and pray for them that Christ would be glorified in your life and your friends’ lives.

“Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbors on our knees.” – Charles H. Brent

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” – Titus 3:14

In 1990, Dave Cooke, the father of four children from Wrexham, North Wales, saw the horror of abandoned children in Romanian orphanages on TV news. He asked friends to help fill a truck with toys and drive it to Romania.

There was an overwhelming response from local people and they raised £60,000 ($75,000). David established Operation Christmas Child as a charity.

On the 12th December 1990, a convoy of vehicles, including trucks donated by local companies, left for Romania with 17 local volunteers. Among the aid on the convoy were the first gift-filled shoeboxes. On their return the volunteers vowed to continue the work.

In 1995, Operation Christmas Child merged with Samaritan’s Purse. Since its humble beginnings, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.

In all that you do, do good. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His goodness and seek to follow the Lord and do what is good.

“Goodness is something so simple: Always live for others, never to seek one’s own advantage.” – Dag Hammarkskjold

God’s Word: “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” – Titus 3:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” – Titus 3:10

In an article entitled “The Most Ridiculous Law In Every State” author Melia Robinson highlights some outdated or ridiculous laws in each state. Below are a few of the laws:

In Arkansas: A pinball machine can't give away more than 25 free games to a player who keeps winning. The statute aims to prohibit machines that encourage gambling.

In Kentucky: Every legislator, public officer, and lawyer must take an oath stating that they have not fought a duel with deadly weapons.

In New Hampshire: It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night. Marine plants and algae are routinely used to make fertilizer and animal feed, which gives it value.

In North Carolina: A bingo game being conducted or sponsored by a commercial organization may not last more than five hours. (Non-profit groups can go wild.)

Finally, in Vermont: The legislature created a law that prohibits outlawing solar collectors and clotheslines, listing both items as "energy devices based on renewable resources."

Unlike the world that gives us some wacky warnings, the Lord warns us to protect us and to provide for us. Today in prayer, praise the Lord loving you and warning you of potential danger.

“If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.” – Catherine Aird  

God’s Word: “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” – Titus 3:9

In an article entitled: “How Genealogy Became Almost as Popular as Porn” that was printed in Time Magazine, author Gregory Rodriguez writes that Alex Haley’s popular book “Roots” and subsequent television mini-series spawned interest in genealogy.

Gregory writes:

“Four decades later, genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the U.S. after gardening, according to ABC News, and the second most visited category of websites, after pornography. It’s a billion-dollar industry that has spawned profitable websites, television shows, scores of books and — with the advent of over-the-counter genetic test kits — a cottage industry in DNA ancestry-testing.”

In a separate 2018 study, it found that more than 12 million people have purchased DNA ancestry-testing kits to discover their own heritage.

Foolish genealogies and pointless controversies waste our time. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and seek to use your time wisely to honor Christ.

“Genealogy: a perverse preoccupation of those who seek to demonstrate that their forebears were better people than they are.”  – Sydney J. Harris

God’s Word: “nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

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

In an article entitled “The Mercy of God,” Pastor David Hocking writes:

“I heard when I was a boy in Sunday school of how a father took a son out to explain this to him. And he had the boy pound nails into a piece of wood. He pounded all these nails into the wood. And the boy kept asking, ‘Well why do you want me to do that?’ ‘Just do what I tell you.’ So he pounded all these nails. Then he said, ‘Now, pull them all out.’ ‘Well, what for? Why should I?’ ‘Just pull them all out.’ So he pulled all the nails out. He said, ‘Now what is left?’ He said, ‘The holes.’

In this life we are going to experience scars as a result of our decisions to walk away from the Lord. Do you know that? There are some of us who are physically still suffering from the result of decisions that we made maybe as young people. When God says that He has removed it, He has removed it from a positional standpoint, though the scars remain for now. My dear friends, the hope of the gospel is that when Jesus Christ comes again, we are going to get a brand new body and we are talking total removal. There will be no more evidence whatsoever. The holes will be gone and we will be made brand new outwardly as we are made brand new inwardly when we come to Christ.”

It is only by God’s great mercy are we saved through Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His mercy.

“Moral indignation never led anyone to Christ, but mercy has.” – William Dever

God’s Word: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” – 1 Peter 1:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

"to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” – Titus 3:2

George Westinghouse was an inventor and an industrialist during America’s Industrial Revolution.

He was the son of a machine mechanic and served in the American Civil War. Soon after the War, George invented the air brake that would be used on railroad cars.

At the age of only 19 he would revolutionize power distribution with the invention of the transformer to allow long distance Alternating Current (AC) power transmission, enabling the power stations of today and the trains of Westinghouse’s visions.

Other inventions followed such as the development of a water meter and a device for placing derailed freight cars back on their tracks.

Unlike many of the industrial barons of his time, Westinghouse maintained a sense of humility. He said: “If someday they say of me that in my work I have contributed something to the welfare and happiness of my fellow man, I shall be satisfied.”

In all that we do, we need to remove our pride and seek to be humble servants of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His humble example on earth and seek to humbly follow Him.

“Humility is strong, not bold; quiet, not speechless; sure, not arrogant.” – Estelle Smith

God’s Word: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good” – Titus 3:1

In an article entitled “What Is a Christian’s Responsibility to Government?” author R.C. Sproul writes:

“For God’s sake we are called to be model citizens. We are told to bend over backwards to honor the king or be obedient to the civil magistrates. That doesn’t mean a slavish obedience to the civil magistrates. There are occasions on which Christians not only may but must disobey the civil magistrates. Anytime a civil government requires a Christian to do what God forbids or forbids them to do what God commands, then the person must disobey. But our basic posture toward government, according to the New Testament, is to be submissive and obedient citizens of the state. We are also given the duty of praying for earthly governments that they may fulfill the tasks God has given to them.”

God has instituted leaders and authorities, but in everything we are to do good and to obey the Lord. Today in prayer, thank Christ for His commandments and laws. Desire to be obedient to His will in all that you do.

"The majority of us do not enthrone God, we enthrone common sense. We make our decisions and then ask the real God to bless our god's decision." - Oswald Chambers

God’s Word: “Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him.” – Deuteronomy 8:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” – Titus 2:15

As a young boy Enrico worked in a factory in Naples, Italy, but had an intense desire to be a singer. When he turned ten years old, he took his first voice lesson that procured a less than encouraging remark from his teacher, “You can’t sing. You haven’t any voice at all. Your voice sounds like a wind in the shutters.”

His mother, however, believed that he could learn to sing. She was very poor, but she hugged him and said, “My boy, I’m going to make every sacrifice to pay for your voice lessons.”

Her encouragement and sacrifice for her son proved to be invaluable. He became known as one of the world’s greatest singers. His name is Enrico Caruso. Caruso made approximately 260 commercially released recordings from 1902 to 1920, which made him an international popular entertainment star.

We all need encouragement in this life and to follow Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for those who have encouraged you during your life and seek to be an encourager to others.

“We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” – Titus 2:11-12

Brent Gambrell was born and raised in a loving family in Florida, but he walked away from God at an early age.

“My family was a great family," he said. He asked Christ into his heart when he was nine years old. After high school graduation, he answered an ad for a singing telegram company. However, he soon found out that the company delivered more than just singing telegrams.

“I started working at the service and I found out it was more than a singer service. It was a singer and stripper service," Brent said. "And that’s how it began.”                          Brent ran the office at the company and eventually was managing dozens of branches all over the state of Florida. The money was great, but he squandered it all on alcohol, drugs, and women.

“The money began to roll in. The party lifestyle just took over my life” Brent said. One evening, Brent left a party at his condo and wandered the streets of Tampa. He ended up sitting on the steps of a church with a homeless man. Brent God saying: “That’s you in 10 years at the rate you’re going.”

That night, Brent invited Jesus to come into his life and change him.

Today Brent has a teaching ministry and is a part-time missionary to Haiti.    

We need to say “no” to the world and its passions and temptations. Only in Christ is there salvation. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you self-control and the strength to say "No" to the world and “Yes” to Jesus.

“What makes resisting temptation difficult, for many people, is that they don’t want to discourage it completely.” – Franklin P. Jones

God’s Word: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.” – Proverbs 1:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” – Titus 2:7

One of the tallest buildings in the world, is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It rises more than 2,700 feet—over half a mile tall. It has 160 floors and is twice as tall as the Empire State Building in New York City. It is home to the world’s fastest elevator that travels at 40 miles per hour. The Burj Khalifa also hosts the world’s highest outdoor observation deck (on the 124th floor) and the world’s highest swimming pool (on the 76th floor).

But the secret to the stability of this massive building is found underground. Before construction began to rise up, workers spent a year digging and pouring the massive foundation that supports the building. The foundation contains some 58,900 cubic yards of concrete weighing more than 110,000 tons. The building is safe because the foundation is solid and it is built with integrity.

Each day, set a good example by walking with integrity. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and strength to have Christ’s integrity in all that you do.

“Be such as a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise.” - Phillips Brooks

God’s Word: “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” – Titus 2:2             

Jascha Heifetz was born in Vilnius, Russia.  He moved as a teenager to the United States, where his Carnegie Hall debut was rapturously received. He was a virtuoso since childhood. Fritz Kreisler, another leading violinist of the twentieth century, said on hearing Heifetz's debut, “We might as well take our fiddles and break them across our knees.”

Years ago, after a celebrated international career on the stage, Jascha became a professor of music at UCLA. When someone asked him why he had left the glamour of performing to become a teacher, Heifetz answered, “Violin-playing is a perishable art. It must be passed on; otherwise it is lost.” Then he went on to say, “I remember my old violin professor in Russia. He said that (if I worked hard enough) someday I would be good enough to teach.”

In all that we do, we should be teaching others to love the Lord and love others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that the greatest commandments are ones we can live by.

“The love of God and the God of love constrain you to love one another that it may at last be said of Christians as it was at first, ‘Behold how they love one another.’” – Ralph Venning

God’s Word: “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

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

At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Bannister set a British record in the 1500 metres and finished in fourth place. This achievement strengthened his resolve to become the first athlete to finish the mile run in under four minutes.

On 2 May 1953, he made an attempt on the British record at Oxford. Paced by Chris Chataway, Bannister ran 4:03.6, shattering Wooderson's 1945 standard. “This race made me realize that the four-minute mile was not out of reach,” said Bannister.

The 1954 season began with great expectations. For the first time Bannister started to train with others. He considered this a “great change.” He trained in his lunch break with friends and then was persuaded to join in some sessions with coach Franz Stampfl, who was working with his friend Brasher.

In consultation with Franz Stampfl, Bannister arranged pacing by his colleagues Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway. Brasher was to take the first two laps and Chataway the third at least.

On 6 May 1954, the race went as planned. With the encouragement of Brasher and Chataway setting the pace, Roger Bannister was the first person to break the 4-minute mile running it in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds.

Each of us needs to encourage believers and non-believers to follow Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the good news we have in Jesus Christ and seek to encourage others to closely follow Him.  

"God intends that we be people who use words to encourage one another. A well-timed word has the power to urge a runner to the finish line, to rekindle hope when despair has set in, to spark a bit of warmth in an otherwise cold life, to trigger healthful self-evaluation to someone who doesn't think much about his shortcomings, to renew confidence when problems have the upper hand." - Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr.

God’s Word: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” – Titus 1:8

Ivan McGuire was a professional skydiver. By the time he was thirty-five years old, he had made over eight hundred jumps and worked as a skydiving instructor. On April 5, 1988, he made his third jump of the day, filming another instructor and a student who jumped from 10,500 feet. But when Ivan attempted to deploy his parachute, he made a tragic discovery: he had forgotten to strap it on.

The Federal Aviation Administration investigated McGuire’s death. The cause of the accident seemed to be he was tired or preoccupied with the filming.

“There was no problem with the first time, during which he videotaped the jump of a student and instructor” Walter Rigsbee, an inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration. “On the second, he forgot to put on his chute but one of the other parachutists brought it to his attention before he boarded the plane.”

McGuire was so interested to film the proper techniques in other’s that he did not control his own situation.

When we are self-controlled, we bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give your gifts, time and talents to the Lord and be self-control.

"The Spirit whom Christians have received is the Spirit of holiness, and nothing unholy can be tolerated in one whom he indwells: self-control is part of the fruit which his presence yields in a believer's life."  - F.F. Bruce

God’s Word: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” – Titus 1:7

In October 2018, artist Said Elatab was so angry and hurt by the low turnout for his art exhibit at the Paterson (New Jersey) Museum that he stacked about 20 of his paintings in his backyard and set fire to them.

This was not a publicity stunt. He was genuinely angry at the turnout.

“There was no plan,” Elatab asserted. “I just snapped.”

Elatab, who said his main inspirations are Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, didn’t burn any of the 40 paintings that were on display at the museum. The works he set on fire came from his home, a basement apartment that doubles as his studio.

Standing near the charred remains of several of his paintings, Elatab talked about how excited he was when he first got the offer to exhibit his work.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “An art show at a museum — that’s a really big deal. No one came. I asked people; they said they were too busy. So I burned my paintings to protest.”

The Lord desires that we would be self-controlled, not quick-tempered. Today in prayer, confess any anger in your life to the Lord and receive His peace.

“Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.”  – Chuck Norris

God’s Word: “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.” – Titus 1:6

In July 2018, the New Jersey State Police posted the photograph of Pastor Jeff Edwards as a wanted man, accusing him of cashing forged checks at the local Wells Fargo. The photo quickly circulated through local media and reached his church, the Parsippany Methodist congregation. Pastor Edwards was mortified.

“I’m a pastor,” he says. “All I have is my reputation.”

The photograph was just the beginning of the nightmare. As his bank repeatedly mishandled simple steps in a routine fraud inquiry, Pastor Edwards eventually found himself in court, charged with a felony and facing three to five years in prison.

What happened is the real criminal deposited forged checks just minutes after Pastor Edwards had used the ATM. The bank’s ATM and surveillance system had misidentified the depositor as Pastor Edwards.

The pastor was exonerated when the real criminal deposited a forged check at another bank ATM. The picture of the depositor did not look anything like Pastor Edwards.

A judge dismissed his case in January 2019, citing the prosecution’s lack of evidence.  

No matter what life throws our way, we should seek to be blameless in all that we do. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that when we follow Him, we can be blameless.

“When we quarrel, how we wish we had been blameless.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

God’s Word: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.” – Genesis 17:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” – Titus 1:4

In their excellent book, “Mending the Divides”, authors Jon Huckins and Jer Swigart describe a Japanese Pottery tradition that articulates the power of peace and reconciliation:

“When we speak of peace, we can call to mind the ancient Japanese pottery tradition called Kintsugi. With this technique, a clay vessel is broken and then put back together, but not in its original form. Instead the restoration process involves the use of pure gold to mend the divides and heal the fissures. The broken vessel is put back together in such a way that it is stronger and more beautiful than before it was broken. In Kintsugi, the scars tell beautiful stories of healing and restoration rather than painful stories of destruction.”

As we draw closer to Christ, we find peace that can only be found in Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the Prince of Peace.

“I know men who would write a check for a million dollars if they could find peace. Millions are searching for it. Every time they get close to finding the peace that you have found in Christ, Satan steers them away. He blinds them. He throws up a smoke screen. He bluffs them. And they miss it! But you have found it! It is yours now forever. You have found the secret of life.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” – Romans 5:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

“a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” – Titus 1:2

In an article entitled “The Hope of Eternal Life,” Billy Graham wrote:

“One of the bonuses of being a Christian is the wonderful hope that extends beyond the grave into the glory of God’s tomorrow. I have talked to doctors and nurses who have held the hands of dying people, and they say there is as much difference between the death of a Christian and of a non-Christian as there is between Heaven and hell. The death of the righteous is not to be feared—it is not to be shunned. It is the shadowed threshold to the palace of God.”

Billy continues:

“Death to the Christian is the exchanging of a tent for a building. Here we are as pilgrims or refugees, living in a frail, flimsy home—subject to disease, pain and peril. But at death we exchange this crumbling, disintegrating tent for a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. The wandering wayfarers come into their own at death and are given the title to a mansion that will never deteriorate or crumble.”

When our hope is in the Lord’s shed blood, we have eternal life in Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him we have been saved from certain death and have eternal life.

“Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever?” – C.S. Lewis

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” – John 3:14-15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON