“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:18

In 1902, Edgar A. Guest wrote the following poem entitled “Sermons We See”:

“I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see a good put in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;

I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.

When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind

Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me

To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.

And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today

Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many; men believe what they behold;

One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,

For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.”

In all that you do, do good deeds to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, thank the Jesus for every opportunity He sends your way and seek to do good to bring glory to the Lord.

"The greatest thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years." - C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:8-9

Around the year 400 AD, the Egyptian Christian Arsenius was determined to live a holy life. So he abandoned the ease of Egyptian society to follow an austere lifestyle in the desert.

During the fifty-five years of his solitary life he was always the most plainly clad of all. Even while engaged in manual labor he never relaxed in his application to prayer and literally he prayed without ceasing. Arsenius was a man who was very quiet and often silent. He is most famous for always saying, “Many times I spoke, and as a result felt sorry, but I never regretted my silence.”

Yet whenever he visited the great city of Alexandria, he spent time wandering through its bazaars. Asked why, he explained that his heart rejoiced at the sight of all the things he didn’t need.

Contentment cannot be found in things of this world. It only can be found in knowing Jesus and loving Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life and be content in all that He has given you.

"Contentment is realizing that God has already provided everything we need for our present happiness." – Bill Gothard

God’s Word: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Philippians 4:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13

Louella Parsons was the Queen of Hollywood gossip. She was one hundred percent loyal to the movie industry. For more than thirty years she reined supreme as motion picture editor for William Randolph Hearst’s Universal News Service. Louella’s byline sold millions of newspapers and Hearst considered her his best reporter giving her absolute power over the content of her column. As Hedda Hopper wrote in her biography, The Whole Truth and Nothing But, “With the Hearst newspaper empire behind her, Louella could wield power like Catherine of Russia. Hollywood read every word she wrote as though it was a revelation from San Simeon (the name of Hearst’s mansion), if not Mount Sinai. Stars were terrified of her. If they crossed her, they were given the silent treatment; no mention of their names in her column.”

So it was not a surprise that few grieved when Parsons died in 1972. Only three or four Hollywood figures attended her funeral. She is best remembered for making so many enemies in the movie industry.

Gossip is a sin. Today in prayer, confess any sin of gossip in your life to the Lord and seek to refrain from listening and spreading gossip.

“Have you heard of the terrible family They,

And the dreadful venomous things They say'

Why, half the gossip under the sun,

If you trace it back, you will find begun

In that wretched House of They.” - Ellen Wilcox Wheeler

God’s Word: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

In October 1980, the Reverend Richard Sam Jones was arrested in Brunswick County, North Carolina for abandonment and non-support of his wife and six children.

Jones, his real name was Samuel Morris Swindell, was pastor of Supply Baptist Church.

In May 1975, he faked his own death by leaving an abandoned car with blood on a bridge. A body was never found.

In October 1980, just months before he was declared legally dead, Sheriff Leland Brinson was able to piece together Swindell’s con game.

During the five years of his disappearance, Mrs. Swindell had collected $12,000 from the North Carolina Division of Health Services in order to provide for her family. She hadn’t received any money or any communication from Swindell after his disappearance.

Many in Pastor Swindell’s church supported him during the court proceedings, overlooking his abandonment of his family. “He is our beloved pastor and he always will be our beloved pastor,” said four women from Supply Baptist.

Men - your first responsibility to provide for the material and emotional members of your family. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your family and ask Jesus how you can better provide for them.

"A man's family is also part of his work for the Lord. So if he fails with his family, he fails to qualify to be a minister." - Mary LaGrand Bouma

God’s Word: “If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.” – 1 Timothy 5:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” – 1 Timothy 4:14

Zig Ziglar, a Christian author and motivational speaker, told the following story:

“Oil was discovered on some Oklahoma property belonging to an elderly Native American. All his life he had been poverty stricken, just eking out a living. But the discovery of oil had suddenly made him a very wealthy man. The first gift he bought himself was a very big Cadillac. He wanted the longest car in the county, so he added four spare tires on the trunk. He would dress up in his new clothes and everyday he would take his Cadillac into the hot dusty little town nearby. He wanted to see everyone and he wanted everyone to see him. He was a friendly old soul, so when he was riding through town he would turn in all directions to wave at all the people as he rolled by.

Interesting enough, he never ran into anybody nor into anything. The reason for this was that directly in front of that big beautiful auto was two horses harnessed to it and pulling it. There was nothing wrong with the car’s engine. It was because the old Native American had never learned to drive it. He had never learned how to insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it on. Under the hood was 100 plus horsepower ready and willing and raring to go, but the old man was content to use the two horsepower hooked to the front of the car.”

The Lord has given each of us unique gifts and talents he wants us to use to their maximum capability to bring glory to Him. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can best serve Him with the talents and gifts He has given you.

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." – Galileo

God’s Word: “So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Chris Galanos graduated at the top of his engineering class from Texas Tech University in 2003 as a Computer Science major.

He also is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Biblical Languages.

In 2007, twenty-five year old Chris founded Experience Life Church in Lubbock, Texas in his living room.

Seven years later, the church has an average weekly attendance of over 3,500 people.

The non-denominational church has repeatedly appeared on lists of the country's fastest-growing churches. They broadcast services on a regional television station, worship to original music and flashing stage lights, and baptize by the hundreds.

The church also holds a popular weekly gathering for the college crowd downtown near Texas Tech University, Galanos' alma mater. "It's more difficult for people in their 20s and 30s to connect with a pastoral staff in their 50s and 60s," said the married dad of two. "We present the Bible in a way that's engaging to young people."

No matter what your age, the Lord desires that you be an example to other Christians. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can be an example of His love to others.

"We who are older should always be careful to encourage the desire of the young to serve, and let no one despise their youth!" - Mark Copeland

God’s Word: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” – Titus 2:7a

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” – 1 Timothy 4:7

Even though South Korea is predominately a Christian nation, many Korean folks take old wives’ tales seriously. For example, it is believed that when you move into a new home, the evil spirits and ghosts from the old home move right in with you. It is thought that they slip into the removal van and hide between your furniture to make sure they also end up at the new address.

There are certain “safe” days every month, when the evil spirits are not present or not paying attention, and Korean removal companies will often mark these days on their calendars. Residents will hastily move into their new homes on these days. To trick the spirits even further, they don’t clean up behind them before leaving for their new home. It is said that this throws the evil ghost guys off track, making them think they haven’t moved, until they’re firmly established in the new house. Only then will the spirits realize their original and unwilling landlords have moved, by which time it’ll be too late to follow them. Fortunately the old wives’ tale does not include anything about the spirits haunting the newly moved-in family at the old residence.

Old wives tales and myths are time wasters and can potentially lead us astray from following the Lord. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you discernment to stay away from godless myths.

“Fancies and devices of men in the worship of God are contrary to truth and piety.” - Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6

In 1989, a riot in Hillsborough, England resulted in the death of 96 soccer fans and the injury of 700 more.

Kelvin MacKenzie, the editor of The Sun in 1989, allowed the headline to be entitled “The Truth” and then preceded to highlight dubious facts such as “some fans picked pockets of victims.”

But 23 years later, in 2012, Kelvin MacKenzie issued a retraction of the false accusations.

“THE Sun’s reporting of the Hillsborough tragedy 23 years ago is without doubt the blackest day in this newspaper’s history.

The Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report into the disaster lays bare the disgraceful attempt by South Yorkshire Police to hide their culpability behind a smokescreen of lies.

It highlights a concerted campaign by senior officers to smear the innocent by fabricating lurid allegations about Liverpool fans — and then feeding them to the media.

But it is to the eternal discredit of The Sun that we reported as fact this misinformation which tarnished the reputation of Liverpool fans including the 96 victims.

Today we unreservedly apologise to the Hillsborough victims, their families, Liverpool supporters, the city of Liverpool and all our readers for that misjudgment.

The role of a newspaper is to uncover injustice. To forensically examine the claims made by those who are in positions of power.

In the aftermath of the Hillsborough tragedy we failed.”

As best as possible, we need to point out wrongs and correct them. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the correction you have received during the years and ask that He give you the courage to correct others in love.

"Often times God asks us to take risks in order to be obedient to Him. This is especially true when He speaks to us about our need to confront others when they are unmistakably caught in the cycle of unrepentant sin." - Rich Grimes

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” – 1 Timothy 4:1

Sir Thomas Scott was the Chancellor of England and a wealthy member of the British Parliament during the sixteenth century. During his lifetime, he immersed himself in a lavish lifestyle associated with the great medieval barons.

Though he worked closely with many men of faith, he had little room for religion in his own life. He became a consistent scourge of the Roman Catholics. In his first term in Parliament, he was appointed to a joint committee with the House of Lords to confer with the Royal lawyers on how to deal with Mary, Queen of Scots, the Catholic Queen. He soon became the leading voice calling for her execution.

On December 30, 1594, Scott, at the age of 59, lay dying. Realizing the foolishness of his life, he uttered the following last words:

“Until this moment, I thought there was neither God nor Hell…Now I know and feel that there are both, and I am doomed to perdition by the just judgment of the Almighty…”

There are many who think they know the key to life, but unless they know Jesus they are going down the wrong path. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is faithful and seek to follow only Jesus.

“Therefore true believers shall not apostatize, but shall stand fast, and shall be kept even to the end.”  – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.” – Mark 13:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 3:13

Princess Alice was born in Windsor Castle in 1885, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

When she was a young child, her deafness was diagnosed and by the age of eight she had become a fluent lip reader. This handicap may have made her especially sensitive to the underprivileged and outcast.

She married Prince Andrew of Greece in 1903 and the couple had five children.

During World War II, Princess Alice lived in the Athens worked with the Swedish and Swiss Red Cross.

While in German occupied Greece, a family of Jews needed to be sheltered. Alice took them into her home and hid them until the end of the war.

Following her husband’s death, in January 1949 the princess founded a nursing order of Greek Orthodox nuns – the Christian Sisterhood of Martha and Mary. She decided to withdraw from the world and to serve the Lord in prayer.

The government of Israel honored her faith and for sheltering the Jewish family from the Nazis.

By faithfully serving the Lord here on earth, we will be prepared to reign with Him and to serve Him in heaven. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can serve Him.

“We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God, who is sending love letters to the world.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” – Ephesians 6:7-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

"They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons." - 1 Timothy 3:10

Since the beginning of currency, there have been forgers who want to create counterfeit money. Ancient gold coins were faked by filling them with lead; counterfeits as simple as a slug were used to defeat older vending machines; and these days counterfeit bills are made using printing presses or laser printers.

The ability to detect counterfeit bills is a valuable skill to learn by anyone who handles money on a regular basis. To encourage this skill the United States Secret Service prints a pamphlet called “Know Your Money” that describes how to detect counterfeit bills. The guide assumes that the person receiving a bill will pay attention to the details of the bill.

One tool that money handlers have is a pen made by DriMark Products. A cashier merely marks a bill with this pen, and if the mark is yellowish, amber or clear then the currency is valid. If the mark turns dark brown or black then the currency is counterfeit.

The pen is testing for starch in the paper. Real currency does not have any starch in it. Most counterfeit paper does.

In a similar way, our faith is tested for authenticity and strength. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through testing, your faith will increase.  "We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them." - Charles C. West God's Word: "Test everything. Hold on to the good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?” – 1 Timothy 3:5 

In 1924 Bill Havens was set to go to the Olympic games in Paris as a rower. He was the best in the United States and considered to be the best in the world. His wife was about to give birth and he believed he ought to stay with her. It was a tough decision.

However, twenty-eight years later Bill knew he had made the right decision. His son, Frank Havens, became an Olympic athlete. Frank won the same event in which Bill would have competed more than a quarter of a century earlier. Frank in winning the gold medal in the 1952 Helsinki Games set a world record.

During the Olympics, Bill received a telegram from Frank:

"Dear Dad: Thanks for waiting around for me to get born. I'm coming home with the gold medal you should have won. Your loving son, Frank.”

Our first ministry is to our family to see them grow in Christ Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your family and seek to teach and to encourage them to grow in Christ.

"The mind of Christ is to be learned in the family. Strength of character may be acquired at work, but beauty of character is learned at home. There the affections are trained."  - Henry Drummond

God’s Word: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” – 1 Timothy 5:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are a Christian couple that married on July 21st, 1984. They have 19 children and are their own reality television show entitled "19 Kids & Counting."

Michelle normally has a smile on her face, but she revealed that she has a dark side, as most people do. In an on-camera confessional, Michelle explained that she has had trouble dealing with her anger at times and has turned to God for help.

"I don't always stay calm," she said. "Years ago the Lord really broke my heart about my anxiousness and my anger. I think we all struggle with that. The feelings of frustration and anger building up, and how do we deal with that?"

She explained that she found the answer she was looking for in a book she was reading with her younger children.

"The one point that stuck in my heart, just pierced through my being, was the point about a soft answer turns away wrath," Michelle noted. "I just began to cry. I said, 'I want you children to know that mommy loves you and I really am a nice person and I don't want you to think I'm this mean mommy.'"

"God is really convicting me about my anger problem and my heart of not showing you God's kind of love during these times and moments of my mommying you. Would you please forgive me?" she asked her children.

Everyone wrestles with the sin of anger. Today in prayer, give any anger you have to Jesus. Then worship the Lord and accept His peace.

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing." - Will Rogers

God’s Word: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” – Proverbs 29:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Bettie Mae Page was an American model that gained a significant profile in the 1950s for her pin-up photos. She has often been referred to as the "Queen of Pinups", her jet-black hair, blue eyes and trademark bangs have influenced artists for generations.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Bettie lived in California in her early adult years before moving to New York City to pursue work as an actress. There, she began to find work as a pin-up model, and posed for dozens of photographers throughout the 1950s.

Then in 1959, she was lying on a sea wall in Key West when she saw a little Baptist church with a white neon cross on top. Bettie, also known as the “Dark Angel,” walked inside and asked Christ into her life.

She went on to work with Billy Graham as a counselor and also counseled teenage girls.

Jesus desires all men and women to be saved. Today in prayer, pray for those people you know who have not accepted Christ as their Savior.

“Only in Jesus Christ do we have assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sins, entrance into God’s family, and the guarantee of heaven forever when we die.” – Luis Palau

God’s Word: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” – Colossians 4:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone” – 1 Timothy 2:1

On January 19, 2015, three 14-year-old boys fell through the ice on Lake St. Louis in Missouri.

When rescuers arrived, one was almost out of the water, another was holding onto the ice and John Smith couldn't be found.

When they found John’s lifeless body, he had been under the ice for 15 minutes.

Dr. Kent Sutterer and his team performed CPR on John for 27 minutes with no success.

"He was dead for 45 minutes," said Dr. Sutterer.

The doctor called John's mother into the room to give her the news of her son’s death.

"She started praying loudly," said the doctor.

"I don't remember what all I said," recalled John's mother, Joyce Smith. "But I remember, 'Holy God, please send your Holy Spirit to save my son. I want my son, please save him.' And they hadn't been getting a pulse at that time, so all of a sudden I heard them saying, 'We got a pulse, we got a pulse.'"

"Within a matter of a minute or two, his heart started again," says Dr. Sutterer.

John was able to fully recover.

Our prayers are answered by our all powerful Heavenly Father. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that we can take all prayer requests directly to Him, and He intercedes for us.

"To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." - John Calvin

God’s Word: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:18-19

American radio personality Paul Harvey told about a 3-year-old boy who went to the grocery store with his mother. Before they entered the grocery store she said to him, "Now you’re not going to get any chocolate chip cookies, so don’t even ask." She put him up in the cart & he sat in the little child’s seat while she wheeled down the aisles. He was doing just fine until they came to the cookie section. He saw the chocolate chip cookies and he stood up in the seat & said, "Mom, can I have some chocolate chip cookies?" She said, "I told you not even to ask. You’re not going to get any at all." So he sat back down. They continued down the aisles, but in their search for certain items they ended up back in the cookie aisle. "Mom, can I please have some chocolate chip cookies?" She said, "I told you that you can’t have any. Now sit down and be quiet." Finally, they were approaching the checkout lane. The little boy sensed that this may be his last chance. So just before they got to the line, he stood up on the seat of the cart and shouted in his loudest voice, "In the name of Jesus, may I have some chocolate chip cookies?" And everybody round about just laughed. Some even applauded. And, according to Paul Harvey, due to the generosity of the other shoppers, the little boy and his mother left with 23 boxes of chocolate chip cookies.

Are you looking to Jesus and growing in faith? Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a rewarder to all those who place their faith in Him.

"Faith is taking God at His word.  Faith is not belief without evidence.  It is belief on the very best of evidence -- The Word of Him "that cannot lie."" - R.A. Torrey

God’s Word: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

Rosaria Champagne Butterfield was a leftist lesbian professor who “despised Christians.” In 1997, she wrote an article derailing Christians. Pastor Ken Smith of the Syracuse Reformed Presbyterian Church replied in a kind and inquiring manner. He “didn't argue with my article; rather, he asked me to defend the presuppositions that undergirded it. I didn't know how to respond to it, so I threw it away.”

But Rosaria fished out the letter and was challenged to read the Bible. As she read the Bible, she started to change. She met Ken and his wife Floy the three became friends. Rosaria regularly visited Ken’s church and enjoyed his preaching.

“Then, one ordinary day, I came to Jesus, openhanded and naked. In this war of worldviews, Ken was there. Floy was there. The church that had been praying for me for years was there. Jesus triumphed.”

Jesus has triumphed over the world. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He came into the world to save sinners.

"Almighty God, through the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death. Through his resurrection you have restored innocence and eternal life. We who are delivered from the power of the devil may live in your kingdom. Give us grace that we may believe this with our whole heart. Enable us, always, to steadfastly praise and thank you in this faith, through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” – 1 Timothy 1:12

In 2011, Richard Stearns, the president of World Vision, visited a church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, one year after the devastating earthquake. The church's building consisted of a tent made from white tarps and duct tape, pitched in the midst of a sprawling camp for thousands of people still homeless from the earthquake.

In the front row of that church sat Demosi Louphine, a 32-year-old unemployed single mother of two. During the earthquake, a collapsed building crushed her right arm and left leg. After four days both limbs had to be amputated, but she was serving her church by leading the choir, standing on her prosthesis and lifting her one hand high in praise to God...

Following the service, Richard met Demosi and her two daughters, ages eight and ten, who were living in a tent just five feet tall and perhaps eight feet wide. She had lost her job, her home, and two limbs, but she was deeply grateful because God spared her life on January 12th last year (2010)..."He brought me back like Lazarus, giving me the gift of life," says Demosi...[who] believes she survived the devastating quake for two reasons: to raise her girls and to serve her Lord for a few more years.

Richard commented: "It makes no sense to me as an 'entitled American' who grouses at the smallest inconveniences--a clogged drain or a slow Wi-Fi connection in my home. Yet here in this place, many people who had lost everything...expressed nothing but praise." Then he continued, "They have so much more to offer me than I to them. I feel pity and sadness for them, but it is they who might better pity me for the shallowness of my own walk with Christ."

In serving Christ we find His joy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He will give you strength if you faithfully serve Him.

"The measure of a man is not how many servants he has, but how many men he serves." - D.L. Moody

God’s Word: “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness” – Colossians 1:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” – 1 Timothy 1:7

Brian Tamaki is the founder and current leader of Destiny Church, a group of Pentecostal Christian churches in New Zealand. He has appointed himself bishop of these 15 churches, and has often attracted the attention of the media due to his outlandish ideas: such as prophesying that Destiny Church would soon be ruling New Zealand, and getting the men of his church to swear their allegiance to him by wearing wedding like rings with his name on them. In 2008 it was reported that Destiny Church was planning on building a holy city in South Auckland, New Zealand.

But many believed he crossed the line when he stated that there was no bodily resurrection of Christ. He backed off that position, but then began stating that Christians are spiritually the same thing as God. He has even said that he is the “Tangible Expression of God”.

The truth is Jesus Christ is the only tangible expression of God. Hedied for our sins on the Cross. We can receive His grace of eternal life by trusting in His sacrifice. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and sensitivity toward false teaching.

"False teachers cannot comfort or make happy a timid conscience; they only make hearts confused, sad, and melancholy so that people are gloomy and act sad." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” – Hebrews 13:9a

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5

Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane once told a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you're getting a divorce. That will really hurt him." With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!" And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting "as if." For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing. When she didn't return, Dr. Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?"

"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him." Her actions had changed her feelings.

The Lord desires us to love just as Jesus loves us. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life to the Lord. Seek to love others as Christ loves you.

“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” – Henry Van Dyke

God’s Word: “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY