“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

In 1902, the Secret Service began protecting the President of the United States.

On the morning of March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency, President Ronald Reagan had finished delivering a luncheon address to AFL-CIO representatives at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The hotel was considered the safest in Washington due to its secure, enclosed passageway called "President's Walk", built after the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy.

But waiting outside was John Hinckley, Jr. and he began shooting at the presidential party. President Regan was struck in the ribs by a bullet. Press Secretary James Brady received a wound to the head. A Secret Service agent and D.C. police officer were also wounded and survived. The Secret Service continues to review their procedures to minimize any attack.

Only the Lord can rescue us and protect us from every attack. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that that He is our Protector.

"God charges His angels to guard His saints, and He does not charge them in vain. This is not a more general command; it is a sort of imperative personal charge that God lays upon His angels. "Take care of My children; they are in My road - the King's high road of rectitude. Watch over them, and do not suffer them to be hurt."" - Charles Spurgeon

God’s Word: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY            

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” – 2 Timothy 4:16

One day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attack the Philippines. Five months later, the last military stronghold of American/Filipino resistance fell at Corregidor. Several thousand Americans became Prisoners Of War.  

By early 1945, 513 American soldiers were still alive at the Cabanatuan prison camp, but they were giving up hope. The US Army was on its way back, but the POW’s had heard the frightening news that prisoners were being executed as the Japanese retreated from the advancing U.S. Army.

Their wavering hope was however met by one of the most magnificent rescues of wartime history. In an astonishing feat 120 US Army soldiers and 200 Filipino guerrillas outflanked 8000 Japanese soldiers to rescue the POW’s.

Alvie Robbins was one of the rescuers. He describes how he found a prisoner muttering in a darkened corner of his barracks, tears coursing down his face. "I thought we’d been forgotten," the prisoner said.

"No, you’re not forgotten," Robbins said softly. "You’re heroes. We’ve come for you."

Though friends or family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is faithful and will never leave us.

"It is when God appears to have abandoned us that we must abandon ourselves most wholly to God." - Francois Fenelon

God’s Word: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

Dr. Norman Geisler is a prolific Christian author, professor, speaker, evangelist, and theologian.  As a child, he went to a vacation Bible School because he was invited by some neighbor children. He went back to the same church for Sunday School classes for 400 Sundays. Each week he was faithfully picked up by the same bus driver. Week after week he attended church, but never made a commitment to Christ. Finally, during his senior year in High School, after being picked up for church over 400 times, he did commit his life to Christ. What if that bus driver had given up on Geisler at 395?

What if the bus driver had said, "This kid is going nowhere spiritually, why waste any more time on him?"

Keep the faith in Christ! Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is faithful and seek to faithfully follow Him.

“Regret looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.” – John Mason

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5

At 3:30 am on September 30, 1882, the pleasure cruiser “Robert E. Lee” caught fire thirty miles north of New Orleans, killing 21 people.

When the captain discovered the fire, he told his first mate to rush down through the saloon and down every corridor to wake everyone up. He didn't have time to give explanations.

Strangely some became angry at haven been awaken rudely. They thought it was a drunkard or a practical joker.

Some were amused. They laughed until you could here them screaming in terror as the flames overcame them.

Others heard the warning but just couldn't believe it and waited to here it again more clearly. But as the young man ran down the corridor his message was harder to hear. In another few minutes they were swept down into a frightful death.

But there were some who heard the warning and to believed it to be true. They awakened from their sleep and made their escape to safety.

This is exactly the way the world is treating the warnings of God. Some become angry with the straight Gospel. Others are amused. They get entertained. Then there are those who hear the Gospel and then they gradually cease to hear. Waiting for a convenient season to set things straight with God.

There are some though, who here God's warning and accept Jesus into their lives, putting on the garment of salvation and escaping a burning hell. And it is for their sakes that we must keep on proclaiming the Gospel.

Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but everyone can share the Gospel. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can share the Good News with others.

"No man on earth is getting along 'pretty well' without Jesus Christ." - William Fraser McDowell

God’s Word: “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

John Smith was born an orphan on 27 June 1790 in Northamptonshire, England. On 12 December 1816 he was ordained at Tonbridge Chapel.

John was commissioned a missionary under the auspices of the London Missionary Society and arrived in what is today the country of Guyana in South America. He lived at the 'Le Resouvenir' plantation, where he preached at Bethel Chapel, primarily attended by African slaves.

He preached against the evils of slavery. In what has come to be known as the 'Demerara rebellion of 1823', about ten to twelve thousand slaves drawn from plantations on the East Coast of the country rebelled.

John was subsequently charged by the Dutch authorities with promoting discontent and dissatisfaction in the minds of the African slaves, exciting the slaves to rebel, and failing to notify the authorities that the slaves intended to rebel.

He was found guilty and given the death sentence for his Biblical preaching against slavery.

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season in delivering His Word. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His great patience and seek to be patient in all that you do.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit."  - Christina Rossetti

God’s Word: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Pollster George Barna wrote “The State of the Church in 2002”. Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here’s what he found about their knowledge of the Bible:

• 48% could not name the four Gospels.

• 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus’ disciples.

• 60% of American Christians can’t name even five of the 10 Commandments.

• 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.

• 71% of American Christians think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse (Ben Franklin said it).

George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible, but by and large they don’t know what it says. And because they don’t know it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates."

The Bible is the best text for living life. Today in prayer, praise God for His Word.

"The Bible has always been regarded as part of the Common Law of England." - Sir William Blackstone

God’s Word: “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” – Psalm 119:45

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” – 2 Timothy 3:10

John McClung is a 30-year-old Christian who is a runner, musician, and lawyer living in the mountains of eastern Arizona.  

In his blog, he writes about ultra marathons, endurance races that are 100 miles or more. In his article “Why Ultrarunning is the Most Christian Sport” he explains:

“I expected feats of endurance and the human will among the runners, and I did see that. But what really made the biggest impression was seeing the non-runners--the volunteers, pacers, crewmembers, and friends and family--and the way they gathered around, supported, and loved the runners to the finish. I couldn't help but be reminded of Jesus washing his disciples' feet, of the Good Samaritan, or of the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. In fact, I had two phrases running through my head the whole weekend: "Christ-like love", and "a servant's heart." Those two phrases sum up for me what is special about ultrarunning, and why I want to continue to be a part of it.”

In all that you do, run full out for Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life. Endure hard times and bring glory to the Lord.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." - William Barclay

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:7

Sir Alfred Jules "Freddie" Ayer was a British philosopher known for his promotion of logical positivism, particularly in his books “Language, Truth, and Logic” and “The Problem of Knowledge.”

Ayer was a Special Operations Executive and MI6 spy agent during the Second World War. He was an atheist, who belittled faith in God.

Using logic he stated: “For to say that "God Exists" is to make a metaphysical utterance which cannot be either true or false.”

But Ayer experienced a near death experience. He said some curious public statements, but would always retract them.

In 2001, Doctor Jeremy George, the attending physician during Ayer’s near death experience, claimed that Ayer had confided to him: "I saw a Divine Being. I'm afraid I'm going to have to revise all my books and opinions." He never did.

The Lord desires us to seek knowledge AND the Truth. Today in prayer, ask Jesus that you may seek after truth, bringing you into a deeper relationship with Him.

 “Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.” –  1 Timothy 2:3-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy” – 2 Timothy 3:2

A sin that is odious to God and men alike is boastfulness. The Greek philosopher Aesop wrote the following fable entitled “The Boasting Traveler”:

“A MAN who had traveled in foreign lands boasted very much, on returning to his own country, of the many wonderful and heroic feats he had performed in the different places he had visited. Among other things, he said that when he was at Rhodes he had leaped to such a distance that no man of his day could leap anywhere near him as to that, there were in Rhodes many persons who saw him do it and whom he could call as witnesses.  One of  the bystanders interrupted him, saying:  "Now, my good man, if this be all true there is no need of witnesses.  Suppose this to be Rhodes, and leap for us."

He who does a thing well does not need to boast.”

We need to avoid boasting. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride and boasting. Seek to humbly walk with Jesus.

"Jesus Christ is a God whom we approach without pride, and before whom we humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal

God’s Word: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” – Proverbs 8:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” – 2 Timothy 2:25

British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is best known for his poems “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, “Christabel”, and “Kubla Khan.” He also was a strong Christian and once said: “Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a life and a living process.”

Samuel once had a discussion with a man who firmly believed that children should not be given formal religious instruction, but should be free to choose their own religious faith when they reached maturity. Coleridge did not disagree, but later invited the man into his somewhat neglected garden. "Do you call this a garden?" the visitor exclaimed. "There are nothing but weeds here!"

"Well, you see," Coleridge replied, "I did not wish to infringe upon the liberty of the garden in any way. I was just giving the garden a chance to express itself."

The Lord desires us to give gentle instruction to bring about desired change and glory to Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gentle instruction you have had in your life and seek to gently instruct others.

“The gentleness of Christ is the comeliest ornament that a Christian can wear.” – William D. Arnot

God’s Word: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” – 2 Timothy 2:23

In March 2015, in Lancaster, California, one person was arrested after an alleged nail polish dispute led to a fistfight between the owner of a California nail salon and a customer.

The owner Kathy Nguyen apparently refused to paint the nails of the customer’s 1-year-old daughter due to her age.

When Kathy refused Tawana Davis’ request, Davis hurled two nail polishes off the shelf and started painting the little girl’s nails herself.

Kathy claims that she was attacked when she tried to take back the polish, but Davis tells a completely different story.

Davis claims she brought her own polish to the salon and was attacked while she was holding her daughter.

“When she hit me with my daughter in my hand, I felt like as long as she was still standing, me and my daughter were in danger,” Davis said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies came to the store after the owner hit a silent panic button and called 911.

Davis was arrested on suspicion of robbery and later released from jail after posting bond.

Nguyen suffered an eye injury and had some of her hair pulled out.

Davis said she is planning to file a lawsuit because her daughter was traumatized by the incident.  She also wants the charges against her dropped.

ion, should be at least long enough to reach from his body to the ground."

Avoid foolish arguments. At best they are a diversion and they could lead to divisiveness. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom in all things and to avoid foolish arguments.

“If we must disagree, let's disagree without being disagreeable.” – Lyndon Baines Johnson

God’s Word: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” – 2 Timothy 2:19

June and Wally Blume own the ice cream businesses Moose Tracks and Denali Flavors, Inc. Their ice cream flavors are some of the most popular in the country.

June grew up in the church, but was heavily influenced by the occult.

“I had a friend whose grandmother was solidly in the occult. She read crystal balls, tealeaves, cards and all of those kinds of things. She would invite me to go. We would have readings.”

June continued to go her deeper into the occult.

She even planned to host a séance.

But then she started to have physical problems such as the simple act of walking across the room became unbearable.

“I was in pain constantly,” June remembers. Doctors could not diagnosis her problem.

Then one day June asked her sister, who was a Christian, why her life was such a mess?

“She was very straight with me. She said, ‘June, it’s because you have sin in your life.’ She took me straight to Deuteronomy chapter 18 and showed me according to the Word that I was going to someone other than our Father for information. That was an abomination to God. I said, ‘What do we do?’ She said, ‘Would you like to repent and recommit your life to the Lord?’ I said, ‘Yes, I would like to do that.’ So she led me in that prayer.”

June’s search to fill the void in her life and her pain were over. She and Wally had given their lives fully to Jesus.

Jesus desires for everyone to turn from sin and to bring Him glory. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for saving you.

"Repentance is not a fatal day when tears are shed, but a natal day when, as a result of tears, a new life begins." - Ilion T. Jones

God’s Word: “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." – Exodus 34:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

In November 2012, the fourth annual National Bible Bee finals were held in in Sevierville, Tennessee. The teenagers took turns quoting passages of Scripture from memory for over an hour without making a single error, causing the contest – and the winner of the $100,000 grand prize – to be determined by a tiebreaker.

The eventual winner Sophie Haire of Havre de Grace, Maryland said that each of the finals participants wanted the others to succeed.

"It wasn't like it was an intense, hard competition that was grueling," said Sophie. "It was like a family experience where we were all supportive of each other and wanted each other to keep going."

Sophie described the work preparing for the National Bible Bee:

"At times it would seem tedious, and I would wonder why I was doing it, but God would just give me this desire to learn more about His Word and so I would just keep plugging along. And it became more enjoyable, actually, down towards the last few weeks just because he gave me such a love for His Word at that point."

Each of us should strive to know Jesus better and that means knowing God’s Word. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Bible and spend some extra time reading God’s Word. 

“God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” – 2 Timothy 2:10

Lita Kurtzer wrote the following poem “I Refuse To Be Discouraged”:

“I refuse to be discouraged,

To be sad, or to cry;

I refuse to be downhearted,

and here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty,

Who's sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me,

and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful,

Jesus is His name;

Though everything is changeable,

My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;

Beginning to the end,

His presence is my comfort,

He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,

To bring my head down low,

I call upon my mighty God;

Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten

to rob me from my peace;

He draws me close unto His breast,

Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,

and weakness takes control;

He gathers me into His arms,

He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,

My life is in His hand,

The "Son of the Lord" is my hope,

It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,

My eyes are on my God;

He has promised to be with me,

as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,

To Heaven's throne above;

My prayers have reached

the heart of God,

I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything,

My eyes are on His face;

The battle's His, the victory is mine;

He'll help me win the race.”

In this life, we will face hardship and we need to endure. Today in prayer, look to Jesus and do not be discouraged because He will help you win the race.

“Even when the gospel demands much, even when it leads to an effort which seems to be beyond human ability and to a future which seems dark with every kind of threat, remember that it is good news, and remember that the world is waiting for it.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” – Colossians 1:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.” – 2 Timothy 2:9

The maximum penalty for owning a Bible in North Korea is death. Some are given a lesser penalty and the offender, and three generations of his or her family, to be sent to prison camps for life. So in such an oppressive country, does the Bible ever get into the hands of people? The answer is yes!

When the winds cooperate, Bible balloons imprinted with Mark, the shortest of the four Gospels in the Bible, are released into the air toward North Korea. The Bible balloons eventually deflate and land in North Korea after floating the distances determined by the number of holes poked in them.

For 30 minutes every day, Christian North Korean defectors in South Korea broadcast the Bible into North Korea by reading the Bible in the North Korean dialect.

Some North Korean refugees in China hear the Gospel from the underground Christians in China, believe it, and volunteer to return to North Korea with Bibles and radios capable of tuning into those Bible-reading radio broadcasts from South Korea.

The Word of God does not have any barriers and can reach any heart at any time. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His gift of the written Word, the Bible.

"The Scriptures and the words of Jesus possess a terrible power in themselves and a wonderful sweetness. Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul, and a love of the prophets and of those men who were friends of Christ possessed me." - Justin Martyr

God’s Word: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.” – 2 Timothy 2:4

Missionary Hudson Taylor learned a valuable lesson on obedience when he was nineteen years old. He was in the poor town of Drainside late one night to witness to and pray over a sick woman with starving children. As he tried to pray, his words choked in his mouth because he had in his possession a silver coin that would answer his prayer and alleviate their sufferings somewhat. "Hypocrite!" he heard his heart condemn him. "Telling people about a kind and loving Father in Heaven — and not prepared to trust Him yourself, without your money!" He gave them his last coin -- only one bowl of porridge between him and poverty! As he ate that last meal he remembered the Scripture, "He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord."

The next day Hudson received a package. In it was a gold coin — worth ten times the silver coin. He cried out triumphantly, "That's good interest! Ha! Ha! Invested in God's bank for twelve hours and it brings me this! That's the bank for me!"

Whatever the Lord calls you to do, He will also provide the resources and strength to accomplish it. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has called you to follow Him. Be obedient to follow the Lord in all that you do. 

“As we begin to focus upon God, the things of the Spirit will take shape before our inner eyes.” – A. W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3

In December 1998, Wes Bentley founded Far Reaching Ministries (FRM). He then started the Chaplains training program for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). FRM is now the recognized Chaplin training arm for South Sudan and have trained over 400 chaplains.

The training is difficult. The men rise before 5 AM, run six to eight miles in the mountains, study the Bible for over 7 hours a day, do homework and are involved in worship. The men who graduate as chaplains are often found on the front lines, encouraging and ministering to the South Sudanese Army.

These chaplains have earned a reputation among the Islamic enemy forces for being brave and fearless.  The Jihadists call the chaplains, “The army of God that is not afraid to die for their faith.”

Like a good soldier of Christ, we need to endure all that comes before us. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for any hardship you face, knowing that He will give you strength to stand.

“We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.” - Henry Ward Beecher

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 1:13

Christian author Charles Colson, in his book “Against the Night”, wrote the following about sound teaching: "I’m reminded of E.B. White's comment: 'People have re-cut their clothes to follow the fashion...People have remodeled their ideas, too -- taken in their convictions a little at the waist, shortened the sleeves of their resolve, and fitted themselves out in a new intellectual ensemble copied from a smart design out of the very latest page of history.'"

Charles went on to say: “When slavery to fashion invades the church, our latest ideas are yesterday's fads. We adopt the world's agenda -- just a few years too late. Many churchmen sport theological bell-bottoms.”

Each of us needs to follow and give sound Biblical teaching. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that sound teaching is found in the Bible.

“A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth or art to be taught.” - John Milton Gregory

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” – 2 Timothy 1:8

On February 26, 2015, a group of 20 Indian Christians claimed that they were detained and beaten by police while on a mission trip in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in northern India.

They said the incident took place after they had been distributing pamphlets.

The group, who are from the Hebron Church in Hyderabad, said they had faced some difficulties from the community where they were witnessing. They left the area but were pursued by locals, who then reported them to the police.

Surendra Kumar, one of the group, said: "The police picked us up and took us to the police station. We were made to get out of the police van by being kicked and then, inside the police station, the cops lined us up and hit us with belts on our hands and wrists."

No matter what you may face in this life, do not be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the Good News Jesus wants everyone to accept. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He was not ashamed of you to die for your sin. Ask the Lord for strength that you may bring Him honor in all that you do.

“Once inside eternity, we are going to be very embarrassed at the smallness of our faith.” – Leonard Ravenhill

God’s Word:  “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Greg Armstrong is an ultramarathon runner. He is ranked number 5 in the United States. He has completed 14 races of 100 miles or more. His best time for running 100 miles is 15 hours, 34 minutes.

He knocks out from 100 to 200 miles per week while teaching, coaching and helping provide clean water for communities around the globe.

“Running built my character at a very young age — mentally, physically and spiritually,” said Greg, 40, who has taught for the past 10 years at Friendship Christian School in Lebanon, Tennessee. “It provides a time for prayer and for applying disciplines to your spiritual life.”  

Greg is quick to give Christ the glory in his running. “I have a lot of time for prayer and recognize God’s strength even more in my life. Hopefully, it’s time I can grow as a person.”

We bring glory to the Lord when we exhibit self-discipline. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the gifts He has given you and seek to be self-disciplined in all that you do.

“The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.” - Vince Lombardi

God’s Word: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” – Proverbs 1:1-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” – 2 Timothy 1:3

In February 2015, a Syrian Christian named Amir wrote the following desperate plea on Facebook as ISIS guerrillas attacked another village in its unrelenting pursuit of Christians:

“Peace to you in Jesus’ name. Please pray for our brothers and sisters. ISIS today kidnapped 90 Christians from one village, and now they are trying to enter another village to take more Christians…Please, please we have ministry there! We have brothers and sisters there! ISIS has started to kidnap and kill the Christians in that area. We have very bad situation now as a Christian. We have nothing to do [but] pray and ask you to pray with us. Yes, we need your prayers with us and our families in Syria. God be with you.”

As you hear about world events, please remember to pray. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the extraordinary privilege to come to Him at anytime in prayer.

"I am so busy now that if I did not spend three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †