“I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” – Philippians 4:13-14

Pastor Tim Brown ministered to students at Hope College in Michigan. One of his students was Tim VanderVeen. The student was "six feet something else" and always was strong and healthy. He graduated from Hope College with glorious honors, an All-American in soccer. Upon graduation he took a job with Prince Corporation and climbed the ladder of success quickly in three years.

It was three years after graduation that Pastor Tim ran into the former student. He was in the beginning stages of leukemia. For the next three years, he battled the deadly disease.

Pastor saw him one last time just before he went home to be with the Lord.

"Death was hanging on the curtains," Pastor Tim remembered. "His mother was sitting in the corner quietly crying. You would cry too. Tim's shoulders were no longer three axe handles wide; his hair was no longer curly. I am sure he would have liked to release one of those beautiful smiles but his strength was all gone. I got down on one knee so that we could look at each other eyeball to eyeball.

I said, "Hi, Tim."

He said, "Hi, Tim."

A long, awkward pause followed our first exchange. I had been a pastor for a long time, but I still didn't know what to say then and there. I didn't say anything. Tim broke the silence. He said, "I've learned something." Now, I know this much at least, as Shakespeare puts on the lips of John of Gaunt in Richard II, "Where words are scarce they are seldom spent in vain, for they breathe truth who breathe their words in pain." So I asked him, "What have you learned?"

He said, "I have learned that life isn't like a VCR." I didn't get it then any more than you are getting it now, so I said, "Hey, partner, I don't get it." He said, "Life isn't like a VCR-you can't fast-forward the bad parts."

A pretty long stretch of silence followed while I tried to get my mind around his uncanny wisdom. He broke this silence too saying, "But I have learned something else . . ."

"What's that?" I said expectantly.

"I have learned that Jesus Christ is in every frame. And right now that is just enough!""

Jesus Christ is in every frame of our lives. Today in prayer, look to the Lord for your confidence and trust in His power.

“All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian's life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. "I can-through Christ!" was Paul's motto, and it can be our motto too.” - Warren Wiersbe

God’s Word: “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“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

Robert Ekvall was born in China, the son of American missionaries. He and his wife ministered in China and he taught at the Bible school his father had founded in Gansu province. The couple decided the Lord was calling them to Tibet to minister to those in the most rural areas.

While at their lonely, far-away station in Tibet, they wrote: "We do not want a radio; we are content in our far-off field, and do not need any earthly thing to help or make it possible to go on with the work; contentment is our portion."

Their friend, in a letter continues: "That is God-given, for only so could they have been content to live as they did, for the love of souls. Their front yard was anything but inviting, but it was for the good of their people who would be free to come, animals and all. Mail reached them every three weeks or so (perhaps). Just living among the wild Tibetans, with all their unclean ways and smells, their rough, ugly style of doing things, then to be "contented."

You can have contentment anywhere once you have found Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter what circumstance you find yourself, you can be content in Jesus.

“It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are.” - James Mackintosh

God’s Word: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9

Pastor Rick Warren is the senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. He has said the following about putting our faith into practice:

“Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. We must become doers of the word (James 1:22 KJV).

I understand this is a hard step, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn.

We fool ourselves when we assume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it.

Actually, you can be so busy going to the next class or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to implement what you’ve learned. You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24 NIV).

Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17 NIV).”

As you reflect on the Word of God, what are some things you can put into practice? Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to follow Him and then put your faith into practice.

“Some dear friends think the GOSPEL can only be accepted. But Jesus & Paul modeled how to live it, serve it & share it daily.” – Rick Warren

God’s Word: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

By age 35, Mike Krieg had achieved his dream - to own a multi-million dollar custom home-building company. He put all of his energy into making more money, leaving little time for his family.

"I didn't care that I wasn't raising my kids," Mike said. "I didn't care that I wasn't being a good husband, and in a short period of time, got divorced. I left my wife and children."

Mike remarried, but felt guilty that he was not the father he wanted to be. He moved his company from Colorado to Arizona in an attempt to run away from the pain he was causing himself and his children. Then his business began to have problems.

"I got to thinking about my two kids in Colorado that I had left," he said. "The movie, The Passion of the Christ, had just come out. The thought just struck me to take my kids to go see this movie; and I don't know why. I drove up to Colorado from Arizona, took my kids to see this movie. It was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen in my life. I was sitting there with my two children, I think they were 10 and 12-years-old at the time, and they're crying their eyes out, and they're getting it. And I'm getting it, and I can't believe it."

Early the next morning, Mike drove back to Arizona. He was about two hours into the trip and still reflecting on the movie when he lost control of his truck.

"I screamed out to God I didn't want to die and I wanted to be a better husband to my wife and I wanted to be a better daddy to my kids. And all this happened in an instant. Everything turned white," Mike said. "This was about a 60 mph head on crash with another truck."

Mike was taken to the hospital. Doctors found that he was uninjured and was released after an hour and a half. 

"And I get back down to Arizona, and nothing's the same. I don't care about my company anymore. I don't care about the money. I don't care about any of it. There's something else in my mind and in my heart now: to live! And I have to get my heart and my head around it. I choose to. I want that. All I know is God saved my life, and I don't care about anything else in my world right now." 

Mike committed his life to Christ. However, in the wake of the accident, his construction company folded. After a legal settlement with the crash victims, he was left with $3,000 to his name.

"I didn't have a job. All I knew is that I wanted to serve the Lord. And my prayer was, 'Lord, give me direction.'"

Mike said God directed him to take a new approach in the business of real estate.

"In the mornings I would pray," he said. "I would pray that the Lord would give me wisdom and knowledge to serve others."

Today, Mike has rediscovered financial success and has a stronger family because he is pursuing Christ.

Now that we have asked Christ into our lives, everything else is secondary. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a heart to desire Him and Him alone in all that you do. 

“A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.” – Henry Ward Beecher

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Hans Christian Anderson was a Danish author who is best remembered for his fairy tales. Some of his most famous stories include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", and "The Emperor's New Clothes." Some of his more than 150 stories have inspired plays, ballets, and films.

But Hans was a constant worrier. He had a fear of dogs, he feared eating pork because of trichinosis, and he dreaded that fellow passengers in a stage or a train were going to murder him or give him a deadly disease. He had a constant fear of going mad. His fear of dying in a fire was so great that he packed a rope in his suitcase when he traveled in order to escape from a window. He fretted over missing trains, losing luggage, having the wrong stamp on his passport or losing his passport altogether. 

On one voyage, he worried about swallowing a pin in his meat, he was anxious about a small spot above his eye, and he complained about his knee pain.

His insecurities led him to the morbid fear of being buried alive. It vexed him so that he carried a note around stating "I only seem dead."

There is no worry that the Lord cannot overcome; we just need to give our worries to Him. Today in prayer, give the Lord all of your worries and receive from Jesus His perfect peace.

“No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear.” – George Macdonald

God’s Word: “"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5

In his book "Improving Your Serve," Pastor Chuck Swindoll talks about being gentle: "We may think, Blessed are the weak for they shall become doormats. In our rough and rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft, and virtually spineless. Not so! The Greek term is extremely colorful, helping us to grasp a correct understanding of why the Lord sees the need for His people to be gentle. The word is used several ways in extra-biblical literature:

• A wild stallion that has been tamed, brought under control, is described as being "gentle."
• Carefully chosen words that soothe strong emotions are referred to as "gentle" words.
• Ointment that takes the fever and sting out of a wound is called "gentle."
• In one of Plato's works, a child asks the physician to be tender as he treats him. The child uses this term, "gentle."
• Those who are polite, who have tact and are courteous, and who treat others with dignity and respect are called "gentle" people.

So then, gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity. Clearly, it includes a Christlikeness, since Jesus uses the same term to describe His own character (Matthew 11:28-29)."

There is strength in gentleness when we are firmly rooted in Christ.  Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of gentleness and seek to be more like the Savior.

“Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity.” – Charles Swindoll

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1

In October 2012, Pastor Karma Patras was arrested the Punjab Province of Pakistan on the charges blasphemy.

Pastor Karma was in a worship assembly in a Christian's home, when he attempted to explain the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid-ul-Adha) celebrated by Muslims, citing some biblical passages. Some Muslim neighbors heard the talk and accused the Pastor Karma of blasphemy, referring everything to the imam of the nearby mosque. From the loudspeakers of the mosque could be heard the appeal "to punish Pastor Karma Patras, who is a blasphemer and infidel." Hundreds of Muslims streamed out of the mosque, beating Pastor Karma and his family. Police arrested him and took him jail.

But the pastor stood firm in his faith and on February 28, 2013, after more than 120 days of incarceration, Pastor Karma was released. His Muslim accuser told the court that he falsely accused the pastor and had no objection to his release.

No matter what life may throw at you, stand firm in Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in this chaotic world, He is our solid ground!

“Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philippians 3:20

On May 25, 1948, Garry Davis, a former United States Army flier entered the American Embassy in Paris, renounced his American citizenship and, as astonished officials looked on, declared himself a citizen of the world. He remained by choice a stateless man — entering, leaving, being regularly expelled from and frequently arrested in a spate of countries, carrying a passport of his own devising, as the international news media chronicled his every move.

In 1979, the U.S. courts agreed that Davis was not a U.S. citizen and was indeed a foreign alien. 

His rationale for renouncing his citizenship was simple, if there were no nation-states, he believed, there would be no wars.

Davis was widely regarded as the dean of the One World movement, a quest to erase national boundaries that today has nearly a million adherents worldwide. Interestingly, he lived his latter years in the U.S., in a limbo between citizen and alien, a status that he had cheerfully embraced for 65 years.

For all who know Jesus Christ, we have a citizenship, a home in Heaven. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that through His grace, we have a Heavenly home.

“Socrates, being asked what countryman he was answered, ‘I am a citizen of the whole world.’ But ask a Christian what countryman he is, and he will answer, ‘A citizen of heaven.’” – William Secker

God’s Word: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household” – Ephesians 2:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 

At the 2008 Penn Relay track meet, Alicia Follmar of Stanford University ran the leadoff leg for her school in the women's distance medley relay. Alicia had to run 1,200-meters and then hand off the baton to her teammate. She was in third place and she had just finished the first lap when she became entangled with the legs of another runner. She fell hard onto the track and sustained some bad abrasions to her legs and stomach. Then one of the slower runners inadvertently spiked her head. Blood started running down her face, the gash would later require five stiches.

Alicia did not stay down for long, she reacted. She sprang to her feet and started running hard again. For the final two laps, she moved from tenth place back to third before handing off the baton to her teammate. She ran her career best 1,200 split time of 3 minutes, 26 seconds.

"I've never seen an athlete get up from something like that," said Stanford coach Edrick Floreal. "I was giving her kudos for getting up, and to finish the race, it was certainly impressive. That's a phenomenal split by itself considering she fell." 

Life has a way of knocking us down, but don’t stay down! Press on following Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through His perseverance salvation has come to you. 

“All things are possible to him who believes, yet more to him who hopes, more still to him who loves, and most of all to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues.” – Brother Lawrence

God’s Word: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” – Philippians 3:17

The Louvre in Paris is perhaps the most famous art museum in the world. It displays originals by such masters as Delacroix, Michelangelo, Rubens, da Vinci, Ingres, Vermeer, and many others.

Since 1793, the Louvre has encouraged aspiring artists to come and copy the masters.

Thousands of artists have done so, including great classical painters from Turner to Ingres, Impressionists from Manet to Degas, and modernists like Chagall and Giacometti. “You have to copy and recopy the masters,” French artist Edgar Degas insisted, “and it’s only after having proved oneself as a good copyist that you can reasonably try to do a still life of a radish.”

One artist, Amal Dagher, a 65-year-old Lebanese born man, has been duplicating art at the Louvre for 30 years. Dagher remains in awe of the masters and continues to learn from them. He said, "If you're too satisfied with yourself, you can't improve."

We all need to have godly examples and to be godly examples. Today in prayer, praise Christ for the godly men and women in your life and strive to be more like Jesus.

“If doing a good act in public will excite others to do more good, then “Let your Light shine to all” Miss no opportunity to do good.” – John Wesley

God’s Word: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” – Philippians 3:4

The television show "Saturday Night Live" has been a pioneering comedy show for more than 30 years. Many popular comedians got their start on the show. It is the only live entertainment show left on national television. Its 90 minutes of no retakes have produced some of the show's most famous flubs ever. But for a majority of the performers, particularly the musicians, things work extremely well.

However, in 2004, musical guest Ashlee Simpson lacked confidence in her own abilities. She performed her hit single "Pieces of Me" without incident during the show's first musical number. But when she came back to sing a second time, her band started playing and the first lines of Ashlee singing "Pieces of Me" could be heard once again. The music was pre-recorded!

Simpson, meanwhile, was holding her microphone at her waist. She looked momentarily confused as the band plowed ahead with the song and the vocal from the recording was quickly silenced.

A flustered Simpson danced a bit of a jig, and then she walked off the stage.

Everyone on the show was stunned by what happened, including producer Lorne Michaels, who didn't know Simpson was planning to lip-sync. When asked if he would have allowed lip-syncing on the show, Michaels replied: "No, we can't do that."

We cannot put our confidence in our own talents; we need to place our faith in the One who has given us our talents and abilities.  Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride. Give thanks to Jesus for all the talents and abilities He has given you. 

“Talent is God-given; be humble.” – John Wooden

God’s Word: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” – Philippians 3:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” – Philippians 3:1

Cyprian was born into a wealthy family in Carthage in 200 AD. During his childhood, Christians were persecuted throughout the Roman Empire.

Just before he became a Christian leader, Cyprian wrote his unbelieving friend Donatus about the joy he had found in his own life:

"Donatus,"-he said, in effect,-"this is a cheerful world indeed as I see it from my fair garden, under the shadow of my vines. But if I could ascend some high mountain, and look out over the wide lands, you know very well that I should see: brigands on the highways, pirates on the seas, armies fighting, cities burning, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please applauding crowds, selfishness and cruelty and misery and despair under all roofs. It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a company of quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not: they are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are the Christians,-and I am one of them."

Do not let any troubles come between you and your joy of the Lord. Today in praise, rejoice in Jesus that He has given you eternal life.

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 2:21

Nine-year-old Kanye Ortiz is a devoted fan of the Houston Texans football team. His favorite player is defensive end, J.J. Watt. So in August 2013, Kanye and his family attended one of the team's open practices and waited hours for an autograph from the star player.

But once Kanye finally had a signed football, he made an incredible decision -- he decided to give it away to a boy who couldn't get his own autograph.

Zuriel Sanchez, age 15, also attended the open practice in hopes of having his ball signed by his football hero, but his wheelchair made it difficult to get through the crowd.

"I saw that he had his football, but couldn't get it signed," Kanye said. "Then I got mine signed so I felt really bad for him. So I'm like, man, I'm just gonna give my football away."

Zuriel, who suffers from a birth defect called spina bifida, wasn't expecting the generosity.

"No one had ever done that [for] me," he said.

Others were amazed at Kayne's selflessness.

He replied: "If you do something nice for someone, it will help you later on in life. If you be nice and generous, God will bless you for that."

The Lord calls us to look beyond our own interests and to look to the interests of God and others. Today in prayer, confess any sin of selfishness and seek to be selfless in all that you do.  

“There is no smaller package than a person all wrapped up in himself.” – Peter C. Moore

God’s Word: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” – Philippians 2:14

After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about complaints with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.

S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.

S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit

S: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield.

S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent

S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.

S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.

S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.

S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.

S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.

S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.

S: Aircraft warned to: straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.

S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.

S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.

S: Took hammer away from midget

As Christians, we need to curb our complaining and take everything to the Lord in prayer. Today in prayer, confess any sin of complaining and change your complaint into a prayer for help to the Lord.

“Murmuring is wasted breath, and fretting is wasted time.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:6-7

Prince Harry was born on 15th September 1984. The younger son of Prince Charles and Lady Diane, Harry is the fourth in line to the throne held by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

He attended the prestigious Eton College where he graduated in 1998. The Prince then took a year off to visit Australia, Argentina and Africa. While in Africa, Harry visited the small country of Lesotho. Lesotho is a country surrounded by South Africa with a population of 2 million people. Lesotho has the 3rd highest rate of HIV in the world and there are over 37,000 children under 14 living with HIV.

Harry met Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family.
He was moved to help the vulnerable children of that country. He started the charity “Sentebale” which means 'Forget me not' in Sesotho. The name was chosen "as a memorial to the charity work of our own mothers, as well as a reminder to us all not to forget Lesotho or its children."

Harry produced a television documentary that brought attention to the children.  He continues to spend time serving the children letting them know that they are not forgotten and they are loved.

Jesus was a servant and He desires that we also serve others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of being a servant and give Him thanks for the multiple opportunities we have to serve others.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much . . . it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

God’s Word: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

In March 1970, John Wickham visited Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California and He gave his life to the Lord. He was a teenager who was also a very talented guitarist.

"After I became a Christian I didn't play in front of anybody for two years," said John. "It was just a huge ego thing for me. And it was very obvious when I started it just felt weird and so I just read the Word. I kept practicing, I never stopped playing. People would tell me, 'You have a gift, you should use it.' But I just knew I wasn't supposed to just then. I read later in Romans that he that ministers let him wait on his ministry and I needed to wait on it; I needed to just be a Christian and grow."

John would become a pioneer in contemporary Christian music. He was the lead guitar for the band known as "The Way" and later the group "Parable".

Today, John is an Associate Pastor and Worship Leader at Maranatha Chapel in San Diego. He is still as talented as he was 40 years ago. But on Sundays when there are guest musicians, John can be found playing backup guitar and contributing where he is needed. He has grown in humility and has found he can serve the Lord in many positions. 

The Lord desires that we love Him and humbly walk with Him. Today in prayer, confess any pride and seek to love the Lord, to love others, and to humbly walk with Jesus.

“They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud.” – John Flavel

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“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

In December 2012, five-year-old Garrett Himel of Sulphur, Louisiana was having behavioral problems in school. His grandfather, Ray Himel, wanted to encourage the boy to be good.

"I told him if you get great marks for the whole month of January, then Papa is going to write a letter to President Obama to tell him what a good grandson I have," said Ray.

Little Garrett, who has dreams of being President of the United States, was good for the next two months. So Ray wrote a nice letter to the President telling him about little Garrett.

A few weeks later, the boy was surprised when a package came special delivery from the White House.

In the package was a picture of the first dog, Bo Obama, along with a map of the White House and a letter signed from the President.

President Obama wrote, "If you dare to be bold and creative, to love and be loved, to work hard every day, and to serve your community, I am confident you will achieve your dreams."

Pat told his grandson the encouraging news: "This is the letter from Mr. Obama telling you to be a good boy and then maybe one day you could be President."

In Jesus Christ, we have all the encouragement we need in His Word. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter what situation we find ourselves, we have His Word that can encourage us.

“This ministry of consolation and encouragement is not to be regarded as inferior and of secondary importance. Did we but discern it, we are daily surrounded by lonely, aching and sometimes broken hearts.” – J. Oswald Sanders

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” – Philippians 1:27

Stuart Briscoe began preaching when he was 17 years old and continues to do so well into his 80's. He was born in Millom, Cumbria, England in 1930, and began working in a bank right after high school. 

Just weeks after he began working in the bank, his boss told him that if a certain man came into the bank looking for him, "tell him I'm out."

Briscoe replied, "Oh, are you planning to go somewhere?"

"No, I just don't want to speak to him, so tell him I'm out."

"Let me make sure I understand--Do you want me to lie for you?"

The boss blew up at him. He was outraged, angered.

Stuart prayed and God gave him a flash of insight. "You should be happy, because if I won't lie for you, isn't it safe to assume that I won't lie to you?"

Stuart's integrity eventually led him to become personal assistant to the chief inspector of the bank before he devoted his life to preaching.

As Christians, we represent Jesus Christ here on earth. Our lives should be ones of integrity. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His supreme example of a life lived well and seek to be a person of integrity.

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

God’s Word: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Ben Carlson was a “baseball rat” growing up. He dreamed of playing professional baseball. His dreams came true when he was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 2009 draft. He was a home run hitter, but it was a foul ball that changed his life. The slugging first baseman had been playing for only 3 months when “I hit a foul ball into the stands and that’s when the ball hit Luke in the head.”

Four-year old Luke Holko was sitting with his parents Chad and Nicole in the front row down the first-base line of Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio when the foul ball knocked the young boy unconscious and he was rushed to the hospital. Ben struggled to finish his at-bat. Luke’s condition was updated from the hospital and passed on in the dugout.  After the game in the clubhouse Ben learned Luke might not live through the night.

”I just remember praying, I mean, just like probably a lot of people when bad things happen to them. That’s when they come to God. And I just said ‘Lord, save his life,’” remembers Ben.

Luke’s condition stabilized but he was still in a coma. Ben visited the family at the hospital. He was overcome with guilt.

“That’s the first time we met him face to face,” says Luke’s dad, Chad. “He came down the hallway. You could tell he was a baseball player just by walking down the hallway and we met him. Come up gave us a big hug. He was in tears. We were in tears.”

Ben did some soul searching and decided that he needed to get serious about his walk with Jesus. In 2010, Ben stopped playing professional baseball and began preparing for a lifetime of ministry. Little Luke fully recovered and is a normal little boy.

Ben said: “When you truly experience Him for yourself in those moments of ¬¬desperation where you need a Savior, through the last year and a half, that I’ve been following Him, it’s been the most amazing journey I’ve ever taken in my life. And I’d give up everything in my past life to continue to follow Him.”

Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life, but you have to desire to want to live for Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for He is wonderful and seek to live your life for Christ.

"Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils, and the resurrection of all his joys." - John H. Aughey

God’s Word: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” – Philippians 1:17

Bobby Rush is a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 1st congressional district, serving since 1993. The district is located principally on the South Side of Chicago.

Rush is also an ordained pastor with a Masters Degree in Theology. He is Pastor of the Beloved Community Christian Church.

In 2006, the small congregation moved into a $800,000 building. The old 1922 Gothic-style building, which features spires and seven towering stained-glass windows--along with water stains on the ceiling and missing plaster. Rush saw the building as a cornerstone of his vision of the South Side. Rush bet his personal and political fortunes on an ambitious set of plans for Englewood.

He led an effort to build 550 affordable homes near the church. Rush's community development corporation, Rebirth of Englewood, also had plans for a $1.2 million technology center and a new cultural arts program.

But some of the neighborhood leaders question Rush's motives, complaining that he seemed more interested in building a political juggernaut than rebuilding the neighborhood.

Today, Pastor Rush sees rows of empty pews and an equally spare collection plate.

The Lord warns against selfish ambition. Today in prayer, confess any sin of ambition and seek to follow Jesus.

“The best ambition is: Who shall be servant of all.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” – Philippians 1:4

In 2011, Michael and Dorris Fortson founded the orphanage "Neema House" in Tanzania. The couple, who are in their 70's, had been on the mission field in Tanzania since the mid-1960's. They discovered that only three of 22 orphanages in the area would accept children under age 3 due to associated risks and financial burdens.

The couple began accepting as many neglected children as possible. The orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania, cares for about 30 abandoned babies.

At the orphanage, there are days when almost all of the babies are sick, snotty-nosed and suffering from diarrhea, Dorris Fortson said. On those days, she understands why people ask, "For the love of God, how can anyone do this?"

"Yes, that is why," she replies, with a smile full of joy. "For the love of God."

Jesus came to bring us life and joy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that anywhere and at any time, we can have the joy of Jesus.

“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart.

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart” – George Willis Cooke

God’s Word: “Be joyful always” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2

On April 6, 2014, flash floods hit the island of Kauai. More than 100 hikers were stranded as their trail was cut-off by fast-flowing waters.

One young hiker, Zach Greenberg, was caught in the waters and swept downstream. He was able to

climb up onto rocks on the opposite side of the stream, and was reportedly stranded there for over four hours until he was rescued.

Zach's dad recounted the tense moments leading up to his rescue.

"He slipped and let go of his sister's hand so he didn't pull her in and I tried to grab his hand and I slipped and so my daughter, who was in the backpack with me, got swept in the river with me and Zach got swept in the river in really high force rapids and we went over a couple of little drops and seemed like forever," said Rich Greenberg. "I got out of the river and took my daughter off my back with the backpack and ran down to see if he was okay because I knew he had passed me, panicking and got there to find him across the river and safe, only by the grace of God."

The Lord is gracious in all that he does and He desires us to show grace to others.  Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His loving grace and share that grace with others.

“Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians