“That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Pastor Hao Zhiwei of Egangqiao Church in China’s Hubei province has been in custody since her arrest in July 2019 for collecting offerings and preaching without authorization, both condemned by the authorities.  On February 11, 2022, the Ezhou Echeng District People’s Court sentenced her to eight years, to which she intended to appeal.

Her eldest son Paul wrote her a letter after learning her sentence on the same day. After reading his letter, she was joyful and replied with the following:

Paul, Peace to you.

This is the first time mom has received your letter, I am beyond happy.

Seeing you grow in good health; I am deeply grateful. God is faithful, He is watching over and pastoring you [and your brother].

Let’s pray together in one heart and mind for your brother [Moses], we will certainly see a miracle.

Missing your growth is painful to me as well. I hope that you would persist in diary-writing. Once we reunite, you can share it with me. I especially like to read your stories regarding your growth.

For these two years and seven months, I have also grown a lot! I had never played Sudoku before, but during my time here, I have become a master. There is nearly not one that I can’t do! I hope you can practice early so we can have a competition once we reunite.

Do not worry too much about me. My cellmate received her sentence on the 10th: 12 years. Today is the 18th, and she has not been able to sleep. Once I received my first indictment on the 11th, I only had trouble sleeping the first night. I was praying about it and was able to sleep well since then. God’s peace amazingly descended on me.

Wishing you an early happy 19th birthday!

Mom who loves you forever

Many Christians in the world are enduring persecution for their faith in Christ. Today in prayer, pray for those who are persecuted that they may be strengthened in their faith as they endure hardship and that their persecution may soon end. 

“The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.” – J.C. Ryle

God’s Word: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” – Romans 5:3-5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2022, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 CORINTHIANS  †

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

Joseph Alleine was an English Puritan pastor and author who died when he was 34 years old. But in his short life he made the most of it for the Lord.

When Joseph was studying at Oxford he had many friends, but if their visits interrupted his studying he wouldn’t let them in, saying, “It is better that they should wonder at my rudeness than that I should lose my time; for only a few will take notice of the rudeness, but many may feel my loss of time.”

He lived his life with purpose, evangelizing to as many lost people as he could. His entire life was an illustration of his saying, “Give me a Christian that counts his time more precious than gold”. When the week began he would say, “Another week is now before us, let us spend this week for God”, and each morning, “Now let us live this one day well!”

Today in prayer, thank the Lord for your salvation and ask Him to give you wisdom in every opportunity to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Him.

“It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” – Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise” – Ephesians 5:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“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. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” – Colossians 4:3-4

In January 2016, Muslims in a town in Pakistan's Punjab Province seized a church’s property. After police arranged a reconciliation meeting between the Muslims and members of the congregation, the Muslims instead armed themselves with guns and machetes and attacked the Christians in their homes.

Bashir Masih, a Pakistani Christian, said area Muslims have "made it almost impossible" for church members to worship even in their homes. "We obtained written approval from the district police chief, Rai Ijaz, to hold a three-hour prayer meeting in the private courtyard of a Christian, Javed Masih, on January 3, which was a Sunday," said Masih, adding that the police chief had also assigned two policemen to provide security at the venue. When the congregation of about 30 Christians began worshipping, Rashid Jutt, a Muslim in his late 20s, arrived to disrupt the meeting, Masih said. "We feel that the entire Muslim community has turned against us for standing up against their aggression," he said. "Even the local police are on the Muslims' side, as raids were being conducted to arrest Christian boys while no effort is being made to arrest Jutt and his accomplices, whom we have named in our police complaint for attacking our homes and beating up our boys."

Christians are under attack throughout the world. Today in prayer, remember in prayer Christians in countries where it is dangerous to be a believer.

“The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.” – J.C. Ryle

God’s Word: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

Charles Spurgeon first began preaching at New Park Street Baptist Church as a teenager and on his first Sunday there were eighty people. Yet during his thirty-seven years of ministry there, the congregation blossomed to well over 14,000 members, the largest evangelical church in the world.

Robert Hall, who wrote a biography on Spurgeon, wrote: “Much is made of the combination of [Spurgeon’s] beautiful speaking voice, a dramatic flair and style that was captivating, a powerful commitment to a biblical theology, and his ability to speak to the people of his day in a manner that addressed their deepest needs. Undoubtedly, all of these were of major importance. But they don’t explain the most important ingredient.

When people would walk through the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Spurgeon would take them to a basement prayer room where people were always on their knees interceding for the church. Then the pastor would declare, “Here is the powerhouse of this church.”

Prayer is powerful! Today in prayer, devote yourself to prayer throughout the day lifting up your prayers to the Lord.

“Prayer fills man's weakness with God's omnipotence and opens the gates to new fields of achievement.  It makes the weak strong and the simple wise." – Oliver G. Wilson

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19

Chris Spielman has made a living as a tough, hard-nosed linebacker in the National Football League. His intense play and love for the game are well-known by those who follow the sport. But when his wife was diagnosed with cancer before the 1998 season began, Chris chose to miss an entire year of football to take care of her. He told reporters that his decision was based on his love for his family. He explained, "I told Stephanie that I want to be the one to take her to treatments. I want to be the one to hold her hand. I want to be the one to take care of my kids when she can't." 

He shared how his faith came into making the decision. "I had to do something if a football player did on a field he'd be shot for treason: I had to surrender," said Chris, alluding to his spiritual surrender to a loving God. "I was then able to go home and serve."

Husbands love your wives as Christ loves you. Today in prayer, pray for your spouse and family’s needs.

“Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.” – Zig Ziglar

God’s Word: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Tomas Borge was a cofounder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front in Nicaragua.

On February 4, 1976, during the revolution, he was arrested and sent to prison. While there he was subjected to the most extreme torture for over 500 hours.

After the revolution Borge was freed and become the Minister of the Interior. He was a Christian and had a unique way of extracting revenge.

In this book, Borge explains:  “After having been brutal tortured as a prisoner, after having a hood placed over my head for nine months, after having been handcuffed for seven months, I remember that when we captured these torturers I told them: ‘The hour of my revenge has come: we will not do you even the slightest harm. You did not believe us beforehand; now you will believe us.’ That is our philosophy, our way of being.”

On one particular day Tomas found one of his torturers in jail. He walked up to this man who had inflicted such terrible, relentless and brutal pain upon him and said, “I am going to get my revenge from you”. He then held out his hand and said, “This is my revenge, I forgive you.”

One of the most appreciated gifts of all is the gift of forgiveness. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for forgiving you and forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you.

“Only one petition of the Lord’s Prayer has any condition attached to it: it is the petition for forgiveness.” – William Temple

God’s Word: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

On September 7, 2011 a plane crashed near the City of Yaroslavl, Russia killing everyone onboard. One of those who died was the professional Russian ice hockey player Ivan Tkachenko.

Days after the crash, it became known that just minutes before the crash, Ivan made an anonymous charitable donation of $16,000 to a 16 year old girl, Diana Ibragimova, who has been ill for several years. 

Later it was revealed that Ivan had for the last four years of his life anonymously donated almost 10 million rubles (over $300,000) for the treatment of children suffering from serious diseases.

Ivan was posthumously recognized by the International Fair Play Committee, which acknowledges good sportsmanship and kindness in athletics, for his selfless kindness to children with serious diseases.

In all that you do, be kind to one another. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that Jesus Christ is a living example of kindness.

“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.” – John MacDonald

God’s Word: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” – Galatians 5:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” – Colossians 3:9

On August 22, 2016, late night television host Jimmy Kimmel's ‘Lie Witness News” team hit the streets of Los Angeles. They asked those passing by for their reaction to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's "big statement" (a statement that never happened). 

Several people were caught on camera lying about the fictitious speec .

"It was just coming back at 'em," one man said when asked if Clinton showed strength during her speech.

Another person, asked about how Clinton's plan would affect the banks, said: "It might cause the market to surge, I'm not entirely sure, I'm not an economist or anything, but it might cause some fluctuations."

One man hilariously went as far to say that the fictional event was "the announcement we were waiting for" and proceeded to dig himself deeper into a hole. Along with praising the way Clinton "said it" and "where she was at," the man recalled watching the announcement with his daughter at a Hard Rock Cafe. And when asked if he thought the candidate sounded "shrill," he replied — after asking for the word's definition — "Yeah, I think she was." 

Jesus Christ is the Truth. Satan is the father of lies. We need to stand with our Savior first in foremost by telling the truth. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He stands for truth and seek to put away any lies in your life.

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” – Sir Walter Scott

God’s Word: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” – Proverbs 30:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8

On September 14, 2016, in northeast Cheyenne, Wyoming, a 77-year-old man shot three people, killing one, at the senior apartment complex where he lived. Larry Rosenberg, the shooter, killed himself as police closed in on him. Rosenberg had become enraged at the poker playing in the common areas on the retirement home. Three nights a week, several people gambled all night poker and ended up sleeping in the common areas on the sofas and recliners. Rosenberg wasn’t the only person with concerns about poker games. After numerous complaints to management, Rosenberg angrily decided to take matters into his own hands.

One person who knew Rosenberg was Margaret Rosso, the daughter of one of the residents. “He started getting more and more distant, complaining about the facility and about people and just kind of pulling away, isolating himself more and more,” Rosso said.

Anger is sin and it leads to other sins. Today in prayer, confess any sin of anger to the Lord and seek His peace in all that you do.

“Anger, if not restrained, it’s frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.” – Seneca

God’s Word: “"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” – Ephesians 4:26

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

Blind Willie Johnson was an American gospel blues singer-guitarist and evangelist. The Texan’s landmark recordings completed between 1927 and 1930—thirty songs in total—display a combination of powerful "chest voice" singing, slide guitar skills, and originality that has influenced later generations of musicians. Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton have all recorded or re-interpreted Willie’s songs.

Even though Johnson's records sold well, as a street performer and preacher he had little financial wealth in his lifetime.

There is one song of Willie’s that has stood above the others - "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground." It is a short ballad of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Willie’s melancholy, gravel-throated humming of the guitar part creates the impression of "unison moaning." The song is deeply empathetic of Jesus’ passion in the Garden, praying to the Father, as He set His mind on things above.

The song struck a popular following and has been used in movies and television shows.

In 1977, Carl Sagan and a team of researchers were tasked with collecting a representation of Earth and the human experience for sending on the Voyager space probe to the outer solar system. Among the 27 songs selected for the Voyager Golden Record, "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" was included.

When we set our minds on Jesus, we find our true purpose in life. Today in prayer, set your mind on Jesus in all that you do.

"To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain."  - Henry Drummond

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. 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.” – Hebrew 12:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules” – Colossians 2:20

Almost every state there are odd laws on their books that would surprise most people. For instance:

In Alaska, state now has a law on the books that bars you from giving a moose a beer. In Connecticut, for a pickle to legally be called a pickle, it must bounce. Sleeping in a cheese factory, bakeshop, confectionery, or creamery is illegal under Illinois' Sanitary Food Preparation Act. You may not catch fish with your bare hands anywhere in Indiana. 

In Ohio, giving fish alcohol is prohibited. Under Wisconsin state law, no butter substitutes may be fed to students, patients, or inmates of any state institution unless a doctor prescribes it for their health. 

In Florida, if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

And in Kansas, if two trains meet on the same track, neither train shall proceed until the other has passed.

Through God’s grace, we are free from the principles of this world. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have freedom in Him.

“You cannot legislate the human race into heaven.” – Charles Henry Parkhurst

God’s Word: “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.’” – Acts 16:30-31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.” – Colossians 2:18

Abraham Lincoln was a man of immense talent and ambition. However, he made humility his habit and was willing to own up to his errors. 

In 1863, as the battle of Vicksburg was developing, the President followed the battle closely on tactical maps and had definite opinions, which he kept to himself, on how General Grant should proceed.

General Grant won the battle, but in a different manner than Lincoln had envisioned.  

On July 13, President Lincoln wrote Grant: “I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgement for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg, I thought you should do, what you finally did–march the troops across the neck, run the batteries with the transports, and thus go below; and I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I…” The letter then humbly concluded: “I feared it was a mistake. I know wish to make the personal acknowledgement that you were right, and I was wrong.”

As historian James M. McPherson tersely observed: “Grant was…Lincoln’s man the rest of the war.”

Each of us needs to have the mindset of humility. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of humility in all that you do.

“The smaller we are, the more room God has for us.” – Croft M. Pentz

God’s Word: “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – 1 Peter 5:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14

In 1957, during the Cold War, attorney James Donovan defended the Soviet spy Rudolf Abel, after many other lawyers refused. Abel was convicted, but Donovan was successful in persuading the court not to impose a death sentence.

In 1962, James was asked to be the lead negotiator with Soviet and East German mediators to free captured American pilot Francis Gary Powers. After many days of tough talks, James successfully mediated for the exchange of Powers, along with American student Frederic Pryor, who was held by the East Germans, for the still-imprisoned Rudolf Abel, whom Donovan had defended five years earlier.

In June 1962, his alma mater Fordham put it another way: Upon giving Donovan an honorary degree, the University called him “the most successful American practitioner of metadiplomacy” during the Cold War, someone who could operate above and beyond the usual diplomatic channels to disarm “the world’s best jugglers of words and ideas” and win “a striking victory for his country.”

Everyone needs “The Advocate and Mediator”, Jesus Christ, who cancelled our debt of sins and made things right. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He intercedes for you.

“Christ’s work as Mediator was unique; it was to restore us to divine favor and to make us sons of God, instead of sons of men.” – John Calvin

God’s Word: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8

Claude Vorilhon was born in Vichy, Allier, France in 1946. Raised in a Catholic boarding school, he ran away at age 15. As a teenager he became a rising teen pop star on the radio releasing 6 singles.

He then became a sports journalist and followed professional car racing.

In the book Le Livre qui dit la vérité ("The Book Which Tells the Truth"), Vorilhon stated that he had an UFO alien visitation on 13 December 1973. 

He began to call himself Raël, which claims he was in touch with ‘God’. He founded the UFO religion of Raëlianism. He believes that life on the earth was created scientifically by extraterrestrials, and prophets like Buddha, Jesus etc. are just Elohim (this cult’s name for the ETs). Raëlianism strives for world peace, sharing, democracy and nonviolence, and also has a very liberal attitude towards sex. According to this cult, through mechanisms like human cloning and mind transfer, humans can achieve eternal life.

There are endless hollow and deceptive cults vying for your attention. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him we have eternal life and an eternal hope.

“There is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful, which is prejudicial to religion, and sets up the wisdom of man in competition with the wisdom of God, and while it pleases men’s fancies ruins their faith; as nice and curious speculations about things above us, or of no use and concern to us; or a care of words and terms of art, which have only an empty and often a cheating appearance of knowledge.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge” – 1 Timothy 6:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” – Colossians 2:2

Actress Debbie Reynolds was only 19 at the time the film “Singin’ in the Rain” was shot. She said she was so scared and overwhelmed that she hid under a piano to try to calm herself. The piano was covered with a white sheet that draped down almost to the floor. Suddenly she became aware of two feet invading her “safe space.” She was crying.

“Who is under there?” said the voice. When she came out it was acclaimed dancer Fred Astaire. He was shooting a film in a nearby studio.

“What’s the matter?” He asked. Debbie told him she was afraid she wouldn’t get her dance steps right and embarrass herself before Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, who were two accomplished actors and dancers.

“Come with me,” said Fred. Astaire, Debbie said, never allowed outsiders onto his closed sets, but Debbie said he took her onto his set, rehearsed her dance steps and sent her back to the other set with renewed confidence. It took several dozen takes of the big dance scene – the one that ends with all three tipping over a couch and that her feet were bloody, but it worked thanks to her persistence and Fred Astaire’s encouragement and help. That scene, along with the entire film, still delights audiences today.

We all need to be encouraged and to encourage others that in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you have a Heavenly Father and family who want you to become all God has designed you to be.

“Encouragement is food for the heart, and every heart is a hungry heart.” – Pat Morley

God’s Word: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:19

In 1992, Joe Avila was driving drunk near Fresno, California. He struck and killed a young woman named Amy Wall. After wrestling of what to do, Joe checked into a six-month sobriety program with the Salvation Army. A few months into the program, he came to a decision that would impact him, his family, and the Wall family, too. Just before Easter of 1993, he entered the courthouse and confessed to hit-and-run death of Amy.

Joe spent the next seven and a half years behind bars at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, California.

In prison, Avila spent his time working with hospice patients and serving in the chapel. He shared the Gospel with his fellow prisoners—the highlight of his incarceration. 

On January 6, 1999, Joe Avila went home to his family and friends.

When the weekend arrived, he and his wife discussed attending church on Sunday—their first time together. 

New Hope Community Church was waiting to welcome Joe and his family with open arms.

"The pastor had been preparing the congregation for my return for several months," he says. 

Not long after Joe’s release, his mentor called to say that Amy's father Rick Wall wanted to meet with him.

Joe had a long meeting with Rick. Rick told him about the two days a year when he visits Amy's grave—on her birthday and the anniversary of her death.

During that meeting, something miraculous occurred.

"Rick Wall, Amy's father, forgave me before I even asked him to forgive me," Joe remembered. Rick told him, "Joe, I know what you've been doing for a long time now, even when you were in prison, and I approve of it."

Joe's prayers for reconciliation were being answered.

He next met with Amy's mom, who asked him to watch a three-hour video of Amy's life before their meeting. 

"I really got to know Amy that night," he said, "and how precious she was and what a tragedy happened when I took her life."

Joe admitted it was painful to seek forgiveness from the Walls, but he knew God could use the situation for His glory if he did.

Forgiveness and reconciliation is a rare and beautiful expression of Christ’s love. Today in prayer, confess and sin that may be in your life and seek to be reconciled to anyone who you are estranged.

“Why should the world believe in reconciliation when it doesn’t see the church reconciled? And the church is not going to be reconciled even if it gets all the issues solved. It will be reconciled only through Jesus Christ. He is the Reconciler.” – Richard C. Halverson

God’s Word: “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” – Colossians 1:15-16

Scientists at the Toyota Research Institute of North America have discovered it is possible to build an invisibility cloak made from everyday materials. The overarching concept works with the basic principles of light.

We see objects when light bounces off of them and into our eyes. For example, we can make out the shape of a bookshelf in the dark when beams from a nightlight reflect off the shelf’s edges and then scatter into every direction, including the direction of our eyes.

But to make a bookshelf disappear, scientists knew that they would need to reroute the light around it, thereby creating a visual black hole where the object stood. That was previously thought impossible to achieve with everyday materials. 

The team decided to approach the problem with mirrors and polarizers — easy-to-find optical filters that prevent certain types of light waves from coming through — in an attempt to obscure how an object is seen.

To do this, they built a “cloak” that would, in effect, project whatever was behind the “invisible object” in front of it, creating a simple optic fake-out. Their cloaking device was a mirrored box surrounded by polarizing lenses. Objects that the researchers wanted to “disappear” — for example a yellow cylinder — were inserted in the box. They then put a toy car behind the box. The light hitting the car bounced off the mirrors and through lenses, essentially bending around the cylinder. The light was then refocused as a projection of the car in front. While the cylinder appears to have vanished, it’s merely been replaced by an image of what was behind it.

“This would be the first time they’re combining an invisibility cloak with the projection of an image,” said Xiang Zhang, a University of California Berkeley engineering professor who was an author of the first-ever optical cloak study in 2009. “That’s really cool — we never thought about doing those things together.”

Though humans struggle with the invisible and rely on the visible, everything is in plain sight to the Lord. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the image of the invisible God and that all things, both visible and invisible, were created by Him and for Him.

“I can study the life of Jesus Christ, for He alone reveals God in totality. He alone is the ‘image of the invisible God.’” – Jon Courson

God’s Word: “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.” – John 1:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” – Colossians 1:13

In July 2015, James Gagliardi was hiking the Appalachian Trail. He had successfully walked 1,200 miles when he lost his footing and fell about 40 feet onto a ledge and then continued to roll another 200 feet down the mountain. He had fallen off of the Pinnacle in Albany Township in Pennsylvania.

Nearby hikers witnessed his fall around 8:30 p.m. and called 911. In response, about 50 rescue workers were called to the scene.

James suffered a spinal fracture, rib fracture, laceration on his spleen and concussion. He was in the ICU for two days. He did not have any recollection of his fall.

James’ father Jamie Gagliardi was appreciative of his son’s rescuers: "The fact that he had people working there to get him out of there is just amazing. We just thank God."

We too have fallen and needed to be saved. Yet in our darkest moments, Jesus Christ came into our lives and rescued us, giving us eternal life. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for saving you!

“Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ.” – Andrew Murray

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully” – Colossians 1:11

In 1970, while students at Humboldt State University, Mike and Judy Phillips began what would become the One Way BookShop as a small, informal source of Christian books and materials for their fellow students. Over the next two decades God prospered those small beginnings, and now the bookstore is a thriving part of the Humboldt County Christian community.  Mike's first published book was about his wife's pregnancy and the birth of their twin sons. After several more nonfiction titles, Mike undertook a lifelong dream to renew the popularity of Scottish writer George MacDonald, whose teachings had been central to Mike and Judy's spiritual growth. Mike began editing some of MacDonald's lengthy novels, heavy with Scottish brogue, into shorter and more readable editions, with some of the work being done right at the bookstore counter between customers.  Through the years, God has continued to guide Mike in the production of books emphasizing strong spiritual values and unforgettable characters. In addition to being best sellers in Christian bookstores all across the country, Mike's books have been offered through several book clubs, have been translated into a number of foreign languages, and have been published in over 120 editions in all, with sales of over 3 million. Mike is today recognized as one of the Christian bookselling industry's most prolific and versatile authors.  On the subject of patience, Mike said: “The best things are never arrived at in haste. God is in no hurry; his plans are never rushed.”

One of the great fruits of the Spirit of God is patience. It is through patience that we mature and become more like our Savior. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His patience towards you and seek to be a more patient person.

“He who waits on God never waits too long.”- Chuck Wagner

God’s Word: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” – Colossians 1:9

In 1996, Pastor Mark Batterson of National Community Church was walking by a dilapidated building near Union Station in Washington D.C. It was a crack house and it had been neglected for twenty-five years.

“I felt like God said, this would make a wonderful coffeehouse,” Mark remembered. So for the next six years, Mark and his church would regularly go out to the property and persistently prayed for it. They prayed also that God would provide the several million dollars it would take to purchase and renovate the property. In 2002, God answered those prayers. The church received the money and submitted a bid for the property. Miraculously they got the property even though four other potential buyers had outbid the church.

In 20026, after four years of planning and renovation, Ebenezers coffeehouse opened. It became a highly popular gathering spot and financially viable business. Ebenezers’ profits have helped fund more than 30 mission trips worldwide. The building is used for Saturday night church services and is the modern day “well” where people congregate and meet Jesus.

Don’t just pray once, be persistent in your prayers. Today in prayer, lift up to the Lord someone who needs your prayers.

“Pray often.” – John Bunyan

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” – Colossians 1:3

An easy reminder on how to pray is the Five Finger Prayer. The following is the Five Finger Prayer:

Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

One of the best gifts you can give others and yourself is prayer. Today in prayer, look to the Lord with expectancy and pray for some of the needs of your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, as well as yourself.

“I have benefited by my praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself.” – Samuel Rutherford

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN COLOSSIANS