"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13

British Pastor and Evangelist F.B. Meyer wrote about two Germans who wanted to climb the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. They hired three guides and began their ascent at the steepest and most slippery part. The men roped themselves together in this order: guide, traveler, guide, traveler, guide. They had gone only a little way up the side when the last man lost his footing. He was held up temporarily by the other four, because each had a toehold in the niches they had cut in the ice. But then the next man slipped, and he pulled down the two above him. The only one to stand firm was the first guide, who had driven a spike deep into the ice. Because he held his ground, all the men beneath him regained their footing. F.B. Meyer concluded his story by drawing a spiritual application. He said, "I am like one of those men who slipped, but thank God, I am bound in a living partnership to Christ. And because He stands, I will never perish."

No matter what life may throw your way, stand firm in Christ. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that in Him you can stand in faith and never be shaken.

"The secret of strong and healthy faith is constant cultivation of the presence of God in Christ in the life. Center your attention – your affection on Him – faith comes along without any difficulty. Think of God – not faith!" – Richard C. Halverson

God's Word: "For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 3:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Tom Anderson is the former president of the California Trial Lawyers Association. He was recognized as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in America. He spent four months studying the Bible “to find a loophole, any loophole, in the truths of Christ. Finding none frightened me.” Tom then became a Christian and a defender of the reliability of the Bible.

Tom stated: “Let's assume that Christ did not rise from the dead. Let's assume that the written accounts of His appearances to hundreds of people are false. I want to pose a question. With an event so well publicized, don't you think that it's reasonable that one historian, one eyewitness, one antagonist would record for all time that he had seen Christ's body: `Listen, I saw that tomb - it was not empty! Look, I was there, Christ did not rise from the dead. As a matter of fact, I saw Christ's body.' The silence of history is deafening when it comes to testimony against the resurrection.”

Our faith is founded and grounded on the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the grave. It is a historical fact. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His Resurrection that it is the fact that grounds our faith.

"The Gospels do not explain the Resurrection; the Resurrection explains the Gosples.” – John S. Whale

God's Word: "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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." - 1 Corinthians 14:20

On July 15, 2015, Kyle Smith wrote an article in the New York Post entitled: “Adults are acting like kids, and it needs to stop.”

Smith writes: “Hot trend in publishing: coloring books for grownups, with 1.4 million copies of Johanna Basford’s “Secret Garden” sold.

Hot trend in schooling: In Brooklyn, people closer to middle age than middle school are going back to kindergarten to hone their skills at dressing up in monster costumes, finger-painting and singing “Wheels on the Bus.”

Hot trend in fashion: Celebrities are posting pictures of themselves having a night on the town while wearing matchy-matchy pajamas.”

Smith laments: “Rarely do you hear people say, “Boys will be boys” anymore. Forty years ago people would say this about actual boys; 20 years ago they’d say it about immature men. Today, though, everybody’s yearning for the thumb-sucking years.”

As Christians, we need to be mature and not be childish in our words and actions. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and seek to be a mature Christian in all that you do.

"He is only advancing in life, whose heart is getting softer, his blood warmer, his brain quicker, and his spirit entering into living peace." - John Ruskin

God's Word: "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

In January 2014, Kim McIntyre heard on the radio a woman talking about the need for a kidney transplant for her son. Kim told her daughter Ashley. Ashley felt compelled to help and soon contacted Danny Robinson who needed the transplant. Ashley went as far as being tested herself to see if she were a match. To her surprise she was a match for the transplant. She donated one of her kidneys to Danny in April 2014.

But the story does not end there. Ashley could tell early on that Danny was a "really nice person" and "a good guy." Danny said he already knew Ashley was good and generous.

As the months progressed, a deep love developed between them.

Then on Christmas Day, Danny got on his knees and asked Ashley to marry him.

"I never in a million years imagined this would happen. ... It was a whirlwind," said Ashley, her eyes filling with tears. "It's crazy how it all worked. It was all planned out by God."

The most excellent way of living is to love the Lord and to love others. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He loves you and love Him and others with all of your heart.

"Love is an image of God, and not a lifeless image, but the living essence of the divine nature, which beams full of all goodness." – Martin Luther

God's Word: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." - 1 Corinthians 12:13

On January 21, 2006, American soldiers arrived in an armored vehicle at the edge of the Euphrates River near Rawa in the Anbar Province of Iraq.

The temperature was 46 degrees with 36 mile an hour winds. Visibility was low. The men prepared for the upcoming event and prayed. They gathered around the chaplain as he explains the significance of what they are about to do. The mission leader points to the best spot of entry and leads the way. The three men have stripped off all armor, helmets and are only wearing their camouflage uniforms. They boldly stride into the water of the Euphrates.

They are there to baptize Stephen Stromberg who is an American soldier who has become a Christian.

Upon Stephen’s profession of faith, the chaplain and a Christian friend, baptized Stephen in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into one body. Today in prayer, if you have not made a public profession of your faith in baptism, consider doing so to bring glory and honor to Christ.

"Those who see baptism only as confession of our faith have missed the main point. Baptism is tied to the promise of forgiveness." - John Calvin

God's Word: "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:27-28

Emil Mettler, a restaurant owner in London, was known for his generosity. He often fed people for nothing. If a representative of a Christian organization came in and told him of a need, he would open his cash drawer and give a sizable donation.

One day Emil opened his cash drawer in the presence of a missionary official who noticed a nail among the bills and coins. Surprised at what he saw, the man asked, “What’s that doing there?” Emil picked up the 6-inch spike and replied, “I keep this with my money to remind me of the price Christ paid for my salvation and what I owe Him in return.”

Emil used that nail as his remembrance of Jesus. He owed the Lord a great debt of love and gratitude because Jesus had laid down His life for him (1 John 3:16-23). Emil used that simple object to stimulate his own generosity as he remembered the Savior’s sacrifice.

The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. We need to take part in it in a reflective, appreciative manner. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the Lord's Supper and remember Jesus each time you eat the bread and drink the cup.

"The real presence of Christ's most blessed body and blood is not to be sought for in the sacrament, but in the worthy receiver of the sacrament." - Richard Hooker

God's Word: "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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

On the evening of June 17, 2015, a mass shooting took place at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, United States. During a prayer service, nine people were killed by a gunman, including the senior pastor, state senator Clementa C. Pinckney.

In the wake of the shooting, a month later hundreds of people from opposing groups taunted each other on the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse.

Black Educators for Justice, based in Jacksonville, Florida, held its rally Saturday July 18 on the north side of the Statehouse, where the Confederate flag was removed earlier in the month. Later that same day, the North Carolina-based Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan held a rally on the opposite side of the building to protest the flag's removal.

From the heated rallies emerged a photo of a black police officer helping an elderly white man, who was wearing a National Socialist movement T-shirt, out of the heat. Police officer Leroy Smith said that he didn't think twice about assisting the ailing man.

"I saw a man who needed some help, and I was going to help him," Officer Smith said.

When asked why he thought the photo grabbed the nation’s attention, Officer Smith said:

"There was a KKK rally and a public servant law enforcement officer showed love and compassion in the heat of that."

Never tire in doing good. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to increase your love for others and to seek their good.

“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.” – G.K. Chesterton

God’s Word: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Dan Delzell is the pastor of Wellspring Lutheran Church in Papillion, Nebraska. He wrote: “7 Things You Should Know About Temptation,” which appeared in the Christian Post in June 2014. Here are the highlights of his article:

“If you think you already know all there is to know about temptation, think again. Here are 7 things you should know about this daily visitor who comes knocking on the door of our heart:

1) What you see isn't what you get. The power of temptation lies in the desire to have what is being offered. One of the many problems with temptation is that it doesn't actually deliver the promised goods. Temptation deceives you. It offers one thing, but delivers another. What you see isn't what you get. Instead, you end up getting all the baggage that comes with the decision to give into temptation. 2) The pressure to resist temptation is far less than the pressure from the consequences after giving into temptation.

3) The bait on the hook looks good until you take it. 4) Giving into temptation increases sinful desires. 5) Everyone has the potential to give into temptation over and over again. 6) Christians are free to say "No" to temptation. 7) Your past does not have to define your future. You can have a new beginning today. You can bring your sins to Jesus, and enter the future as a forgiven child of God who is free to say "No" to temptation. The more you know about temptation, the more prepared you are to resist it and grow stronger as a follower of Christ. He resisted temptation perfectly and never sinned, and we can now face temptation with His grace and His strength.”

All of us will be tempted in multiple areas of our lives. We need to look to the Lord and ask for His wisdom in overcoming temptation. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how to best deal with the situations in your life and how to overcome temptation.

"Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of heaven." – Frederick Temple

God's Word: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

Usain Bolt is known as the fastest man on the planet. The Jamaican sprinter is the first man to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records. During two Olympic Games, he has won six Olympic gold medals in sprinting. He is also an eight-time World champion. Usain is also a devout Christian. He crosses himself to exalt the Trinity and he mouths a prayer to the heavens before every race. And after each victory, he publicly gives thanks to God.

Following his second gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, where his time in the 200m was 19.32 seconds, just a few hundredths of a second outside the current Olympic record, Usain added: "I want to thank GOD for everything he as done for me cause without him none of this wouldn't be possible."

We need to take our Christian walk as seriously as an Olympic runner. Today in prayer, spend some extra time reading your Bible and desire to be more like Christ. 

“In the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course.” – Matthew Henry

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” – 1 Corinthians 9:11

Mr. A.A. Hyde, president of Mentholatum Manufacturing Company was a Christian, but wrestled with giving to the Lord. He believed he should be tithing to his church, but he was struggling with an indebtedness of more than $100,000, which in our day would be equivalent to more than $10 million. He even sought Christian counsel and was told that it would be dishonest to pay tithes while under so much debt. Mr. Hyde practiced that advice until one day he was reading the Bible and read: Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” He then realized that God was his first creditor and from that time on he began paying God first. He became so blessed that he paid off all his indebtedness and became a millionaire. Mr. Hyde went on to say, “If a man does not consider God his first creditor and owes you money, he is a poor risk.”

The best investment you can make is financially supporting the pastors and ministers of your church. They work throughout the week to help you grow spiritually; we need to work to support them financially. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom on how best to invest in His work.

“Giving is the thermometer of our love.” – Benjamin R. De Jong

God’s Word: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Corinthians 16:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." - 1 Corinthians 8:9

In 1935, Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, an Akron surgeon, were both hopeless alcoholics. Prior to that time, Bill and Dr. Bob had each been in contact with the Oxford Group, a mostly nonalcoholic fellowship that emphasized universal spiritual values in daily living. In that period, the noted Episcopal clergyman Dr. Samuel Shoemaker headed the Oxford Groups in America. Under this spiritual influence, and with the help of an old-time friend, Ebby Thatcher, Bill had gotten sober and had then maintained his recovery by working with other alcoholics, though none of these had actually recovered. Meanwhile, Dr. Bob’s Oxford Group membership at Akron had not helped him enough to achieve sobriety. When Dr. Bob and Bill finally met in Akron, the effect on the doctor was immediate. This time, he found himself face to face with a fellow sufferer who had made good. Bill emphasized that alcoholism was a malady of mind, emotions and body. This all-important fact he had learned from Dr. William D. Silkworth of Towns Hospital in New York, where Bill had often been a patient. Though a physician, Dr. Bob had not known alcoholism to be a disease. It clicked that this disease needed to be treated with a spiritual solution. This spark led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Is there an area in your life that is an obstacle to others in drawing closer to Jesus? Today in prayer, ask the Lord to help you see any stumbling blocks in your life and pray that you can turn the stumbling blocks into stepping-stones to encourage others.

"We should be careful to do nothing that may occasion weak Christians to defile their consciences." - Matthew Henry

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 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

In May 2012, Jay and Katrina Erickson’s plane crashed into the Zambezi River in Zambia. The missionary couple was attached to a local hospital.

Sadly, the trip was the first one Katrina had taken with her husband since they began serving at the station several months ago. Their two daughters – two-year-old Marina and one-year-old Coral – stayed behind at the hospital while their parents took the flight.

Jay received his training as an aircraft mechanic and bush pilot from Moody Aviation, a branch of the Moody Bible Institute that works in partnership with Spokane Community College in Spokane, Wash., according to his blog. He and his wife, both in their late 20s, were serving as full-time volunteers at the hospital, where she played a number of roles and he transported medical supplies, food, doctors, nurses, missionaries and more in the hospital's Cessna 206 plane.

the weekend in a tragic plane crash in Zambia.

Gordon Hanna, a missionary and administrator of the Chitokoloki Mission Hospital, said the following of the loss of his two friends: “[It is] hard to understand, but we have to put our faith into practice knowing fully that God knows why and is a loving God, and that, as it was His will, we must press on."

Time is short and we need to be faithful all of your life. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to help you make every day count for Him and love others as Jesus loves them. 

"Doest thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin

God's Word: "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." - Romans 13:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts." - 1 Corinthians 7:19

Criss Jami (born Christopher James Gilbert) is a Christian poet and essayist who has been influenced by both author Søren Kierkegaard and theologian C. S. Lewis. In his work “Killosophy”, Criss wrote the following:  

“The Christian does not avoid sin to achieve salvation, but rather salvation brings him to a desire not to sin. The closer that one's spirit is synchronized with the holy knowledge of God, the more he comprehends how and why sin is destructive to himself and others in each and every circumstance. The dwindling desire for sin is a premature gift of Heaven - where there will be no sin, where all will, too, possess that full and complete wisdom; all will have perfect reasons not to sin. In this way, free will might still exist, but the shared wisdom of God will simply outwit all desires, impulses, and needs to sin.”

May the light of Jesus shine through you in all that you do. Today in prayer, seek to follow Jesus Christ in everything you do.

“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” - John Brown

God's Word: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:18

Chelsie Hightower is a ballroom dancer, who is best known for being a regular dance partner, trainer and choreographer on the television show “Dancing with the Stars.”  

She has been on the show since age 19 and has been outspoken on her views of pre-marital sex.

Chelsie said: “I am a virgin, I don’t drink, and I don’t do drugs. There are always temptations, and they come in different ways, but this is really who I am. Nothing or anyone affects how I live my life. It’s not that hard… I definitely know who I am. .. I don’t care what anyone says.”

She continued:  “Sex is a sacred thing; giving it away so easily compromises yourself respect. I don’t believe in using sex to feel prettier or to feel better about yourself. It’s real important thing and you have to be smart about it.”

The Lord has reserved sexual intimacy for marriage. Today in prayer, if you are involved in an affair outside of marriage, flee from it and look to Jesus for strength. If you are not in an affair, seek to remain sexually pure and to honor Christ with your body.

"Within marriage, sex is beautiful, fulfilling, creative. Outside of marriage, it is ugly, destructive, and damning." – John MacArthur

God's Word: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:18

Chelsie Hightower is a ballroom dancer, who is best known for being a regular dance partner, trainer and choreographer on the television show “Dancing with the Stars.”  

She has been on the show since age 19 and has been outspoken on her views of pre-marital sex.

Chelsie said: “I am a virgin, I don’t drink, and I don’t do drugs. There are always temptations, and they come in different ways, but this is really who I am. Nothing or anyone affects how I live my life. It’s not that hard… I definitely know who I am. .. I don’t care what anyone says.”

She continued:  “Sex is a sacred thing; giving it away so easily compromises yourself respect. I don’t believe in using sex to feel prettier or to feel better about yourself. It’s real important thing and you have to be smart about it.”

The Lord has reserved sexual intimacy for marriage. Today in prayer, if you are involved in an affair outside of marriage, flee from it and look to Jesus for strength. If you are not in an affair, seek to remain sexually pure and to honor Christ with your body.

"Within marriage, sex is beautiful, fulfilling, creative. Outside of marriage, it is ugly, destructive, and damning." – John MacArthur

God's Word: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." - 1 Corinthians 5:11

In 2005, a Pakistani high school science teacher Syed Sibtul Hassan Shah went to Dubai. When he came back to his hometown of Wazirabad, Pakistan, he convinced his neighbors to give him their savings, which he doubled in just 7 days, based on a "stock program" that he had learned in Dubai.

Words soon spread of the "Double Shah" and people began investing with him. In 18 months, he took in US $880 million from 3,000 people and was even considered to be the next political leader from the area.

When police arrested Shah on charges of robbery in 2007, thousands of people descended to the streets to protest against his arrest.

In January 2012, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty.

Christ has called us to love people not to love things. Today in prayer, examine your life and get rid of any greed.

"God wants to give us something, but cannot, because our hands are full--there's nowhere for him to put it." - Augustine

God's Word: "Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Luke 12:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?" - 1 Corinthians 5:6

In June 2015, four young Floridian criminals were so pleased with themselves after a score that they used a camcorder they stole to make a nearly three-minute long video boasting about the stolen cash, wearing stolen jewelry and sitting in a stolen car. They ended up leaving the stolen items, including the camcorder, in the stolen vehicle after getting into an accident in Ft. Lauderdale. Ft. Lauderdale police officers recovered the items and tracked them to residential burglaries in Boca Raton and Oakland Park. When Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives in Oakland Park saw the video, they recognized each of the bragging burglars.

Three juveniles and an 18-year-old were arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft, among other things. Detectives believe they have been active in the tri-county area, committing at least 25 residential burglaries in Oakland Park, as well as stealing and burglarizing cars.

Boasting is foolish pride and the Lord hates to see pride in our lives. Today in prayer, confess and pride in your life and seek to live a life of humility.

"Grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth, and shuts it once for all." – Charles H. Spurgeon

God's Word: "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil." - James 4:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 

"I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children." - 1 Corinthians 4:14

On July 3, 2015, Tommie Woodward, age 28, made a fatal error. He disregarded the warning signs not to go swimming.

“One minute he’s there and then the next minute he’s gone,” said waitress Michelle Wright.

What started as a night of fun at Burkhart’s Marina in Orange, Texas ended with the fatal attack.

“I asked him please do not go swimming, there’s a bigger alligator out here, just please stay out of the water,” Wright said.

Workers report they spotted a ten-foot gator in the waters of Adams Bayou this week, prompting them to post a warning sign reading “No Swimming Alligators.”

Investigators said Woodward didn’t pay attention to the posted warnings and pleas from Wright.

“He said blank the alligators and thereupon jumped into the water,” Orange County Justice of the Peace Rodney Price said.

Price said the 28-year old was almost immediately attacked and another young girl jumped in after him.

“Next thing I know this girl is screaming an alligators got him, an alligator’s got him and I grab a flashlight trying to zoom it over the water, trying to find him,” Wright said. “The next thing I know, I don’t even know how long it was, I saw his body floating face down and then he’s up there for a couple seconds and then he gets dragged back down and pulled off.”

“Whether it’s a speed limit sign on a freeway, a fireworks message, whatever, heed the warning sign, follow that because a failure to heed that can result in a terrible tragedy for your family,” Judge Price said.

When the designer of a product or service warns us, we generally listen. When our Creator warns us, we need to heed His warnings. Today in prayer, thank Christ for His Word and the godly men and women in your life. Seek to heed the warnings He has given you so you may grow in His wisdom.

"Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take example from you.”- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2

Charles Spurgeon was known as the “Prince of Preachers”. During his lifetime, Spurgeon preached to around 10,000,000 people. He was the pastor of the congregation of the New Park Street Chapel (later the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London for 38 years. Yet Charles Spurgeon started his ministry by passing out tracts and teaching a Sunday school class as a teenager. When he began to give short addresses to the Sunday school, God blessed his ministry of the Word. He was invited to preach in obscure places in the countryside, and he used every opportunity to honor the Lord. He was faithful in the small things, and God trusted him with the greater things. "I am perfectly sure," Spurgeon said, "that, if I had not been willing to preach to those small gatherings of people in obscure country places, I should never have had the privilege of preaching to thousands of men and women in large buildings all over the land. Remember our Lord's rule, "whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Whatever you have been called by the Lord to do, be faithful in following Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the work He has called you to do and strive to be faithful in all that you do.

"I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness." - Mother Teresa

God's Word: ""His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" - Matthew 25:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" - 1 Corinthians 3:19

Scott McKimmie owned a purple Volkswagen Cabriolet that would not be considered roadworthy by most people. But Scott was an amateur mechanic and was able to modify his car so it would start in an unusual way. The Corby, England man would put the car in gear, then he would walk in front of the car, open the hood, and then he touched two wires together to create an ignition spark.

On a night in August 2014, he did just that after visiting a local pub. Unfortunately Scott failed to remember that he had not set the handbrake. To make matters worse he had modified the purple VW to run with a fast idle to prevent stalling. As black wire touched red wire the engine turned over and started, and the car lurched forward and knocked him over. In short, Scott’s modifications caused his car to run him over killing him.

Coroner Anne Pember recorded a verdict of accidental death with this summary: "It is quite clear that the cause of this tragedy was the unusual starting method Mr. McKimmie used to start his car."

Our “wisest” decisions can look very foolish in time. Today in prayer, ask the Lord for His wisdom in all of your decisions.

"We are ensnared by the wisdom of the serpent; we are set free by the foolishness of God." - Augustine

God's Word: "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:11

In 1979 as a one-time, 13-part series on the Boston PBS station WGBH, the television show “This Old House” has grown into one of the most popular programs on the PBS network. It has produced spin-off shows, a magazine, and for-profit web sites. The show has won 17 Emmy Awards for television excellence.

On the “This Old House” web site, they discuss the importance of a good foundation:

“A good foundation requires a lot more than digging a hole and pouring some concrete into forms. It must be tailored to its site like a custom suit, taking into account soil conditions, water tables, even the quality of the backfill. And as with a custom suit, every detail must be perfect: the base properly compacted, the formwork set up right, the concrete free of voids. Neglect even one of these, and the most carefully poured foundation can fail.”

The only perfect foundation, the one that will hold through any of life’s storms, is Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is our firm foundation and build your life on the surest of cornerstones.

"The doctrine of our Savior and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom, and is the foundation, of all the rest." - Matthew Henry

God's Word: "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." - Isaiah 28:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:5

In late 2008, Hal Hart, age 43, had stage 4 bone cancer and metastatic lung cancer that specialists had claimed was inoperable.

"Some of the doctors believe in God's power, and some of them believe in medicine," he said. "But I believed that God would heal me, and he did" Hal said. "The doctor told me, 'Hal, I wish I could have done more. You have cancer all over your body'."

Hart's immediate decision was to gather his family two children and wife together and pray.

He also rejected chemotherapy, after his mother and wife weren't on board, telling one of his doctors that God was going to heal him.

"She looked at me like I was something from outer space," Hart told New Life Assembly members. "[But] I just had confidence that if God raised Lazarus from the dead after four days without a stink, He healed a man with leprosy...He gave Peter the faith to walk on water...If He's the same yesterday, today and forever and He did it 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 years ago, guess what he'll do today?"

Hal was completely healed by the power of God. Tammy Young, Hal oncologist said the following about Hal’s healing. She said: “absolutely, the power of prayer is an important part of this picture."

Our faith must rest either in the Lord or in someone else. Today in prayer, place all of your cares and concerns in Christ’s hands and have faith in Him.

"It is the heart that senses God, and not the reason. That is what faith is: God perceptible to the heart and not to reason." - Blaise Pascal

God's Word: "Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." - Psalm 78:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

Angus Jones began acting when he was seven and appeared in the movie “The Rookie” when he was just eight years old.

He may be best remembered as the son Jake in the television show "Two and a Half Men." He appeared in that popular show for more than a decade. But in November 2012,

Angus appeared in a YouTube video posted by Alabama-based church Forerunner Chronicles, where he implored viewers to not watch the show and to “stop filling your head with filth.” Angus, then 19 years old and one of the highest-paid teen actors in history, continued: “You cannot be a true God-fearing person and be on a television show like [‘Two and a Half Men’]. I know I can’t,” he said. “I’m not okay with what I’m learning, what the Bible says, and being on that television show.”

He was eventually replaced on the television show during the last couple of seasons and forfeited millions of dollars. He is now content preaching at churches and ministries around the country.

The most important thing in life is to give your heart to Jesus Christ and to follow Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His sacrifice on the Cross and seek to follow Him in all that you do.

"On almost every church in the Western world there is a cross. Why? Why has the cross become the symbol of Christianity? It is because on the cross Christ shed his blood, which has become the cure for sinners who will recognize their spiritual poverty and receive Him as their savior, Master, and Lord." - Billy Graham

God's Word: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many nations expressed their support for the United States. The U.S. also sought out friends who would be strategic military partners in their hunt for Osama bin Laden. One key ally that voiced their support was Pakistan. The United States desired permission to use Pakistani airspace for possible attacks against bin Laden's training camps, and perhaps access to Pakistani military airfields. Also America wanted sharing of Pakistani intelligence on al Qaeda.

Just two weeks after the attacks, General Rashid Qureshi, spokesman for President Pervez Musharraf, said there was “no difference of opinion between Pakistan and America on the issue of combating terrorism.”

“There is complete unanimity between both sides to fight against terrorism,” Qureshi said. He stressed that Pakistan was not involved “in any action plan against Afghanistan” but “our efforts are to crush terrorism wherever it is.”

As Christians, we should find ourselves in “complete unanimity” working together to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give your heart to the Lord and strive to be in unity with other Christians to serve Him.

"As we draw nearer to Christ, we shall be drawn nearer to His people; and in our search for unity with the members we shall be drawn closer to the Head.” – G.T. Manley

God's Word: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" - Romans 15:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS