“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” – Revelation 22:3-4

In 1977, Lawrence McKinney was wrongfully accused of rape and first-degree burglary in Memphis, Tennessee. He was sentenced by a jury of his peers to 100 years in prison and spent nearly 32 of those years in confinement until his release in July 2009 following DNA testing that proved he was innocent.

During his time in prison, Lawrence accepted Christ as his Savior and he decided to change his life and to serve the Lord.

"If you find Jesus, he can do the things you need him to do," he said. "When I found Jesus, I put all my problems in his hands."

Following his release, Lawrence moved to Lebanon. He works at Lifeway in Nashville in its warehouse, ministers to youth at Lebanon Church of God every third Saturday and leads a jail ministry at Wilson County Jail.

"I know God was in control. I'm a free man now," Lawrence said.

Serving the Lord throughout eternity will be a constant joy. It will be an abundant life where we will feel honored and privilege to serve our great God. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for eternal life you have in Him and serve Him gladly all day long.

“My heaven is to please God and glorify him, and to give all to him, and to be wholly devoted to his glory; that is the heaven I long for.” – David Brainerd

God’s Word: “Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.’” – Revelation 7:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

Christian musician Brenton Brown remembers losing his first born child just before the girl was to be born: "I remember feeling so much despair and sadness in the following months that when I considered all the tragedy taking place on the earth I was overwhelmed. I thought about how people across the globe were experiencing hardship and loss as great and greater than ours, and it left a gaping hole in my heart. We staggered beneath the weight of grief. We trudged through each day, numb with loss and bewildered. But we also remembered the saints. We remembered the faces and the stories and accounts of God's deliverance and comfort from saints across the earth. We remembered the songs of God's faithfulness through testing. And slowly, like the passing of the seasons, we began to see that our God is not just a good friend in a difficult situation. He is also the Almighty, the creator of the heavens and the earth. Right now, the entire universe rests upon the word of His power."

In Heaven, all of our tears will be turned to joy when we are found with our Savior. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He will turn our tears to joy.

"You're amazing God, You're amazing God

You can bear the weight of every heavy heart

You can heal the pain, You can clean the stain

You can turn our tears into songs of praise

You're amazing God!" - Brenton Brown

God’s Word: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” – Revelation 7:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” – Revelation 20:11-12

On the evening of March 4, 1974, a nine-year-old boy residing in Lake Wales, Florida was forcibly raped. Police arrested 19-year old Jams Bain, though evidence was shaky. James claimed that he had been at home watching television at the time of the attack; this alibi was supported by Bain's sister.

A 2001 Florida statute made it possible for certain cases to be reopened for DNA testing. Upon hearing this, James presented four handwritten motions for the DNA evidence in his case to be tested. In all, the case came before the Circuit Court five times and was denied all five times. With the aid of the Innocence Project of Florida and Tenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Bob Young, James was finally granted access to post-conviction DNA testing. The state sent the DNA found on the victim's underwear to the DNA Diagnostics Center. This testing excluded James as the source of the DNA.

The Polk County State Attorney, Jerry Hill, then joined the defense in a motion to declare James innocent. On December 17, 2009, Judge James Yancey signed the order releasing James Bain from prison after 35 years.

There are many injustices in this world, but Jesus Christ will have the final word when He judges our lives. Today in prayer, Praise the Lord that when you trust your life to Jesus, your name appears in the book of life!

“Tomorrow’s history has already been written. At the name of Jesus every knee must bow.” – E. Kauffman

God’s Word: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” – Matthew 16:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God" - Revelation 19:1

As a teenager, Annie Lopert became angry with her dad for his rage around the home. She became angry with her boyfriend for lying and cheating on her. She wanted power over her own life and she thought she found power when she became a prostitute.

But the reality of the sex business soon became apparent. She remembers: “I was beaten, raped, kidnapped, strangled, suffocated, guns put in my mouth, hair cut off, tied up, gagged, put in trunks of cars, bones broken, spit on, kicked, pushed, and stalked by crazy men.”

For 16 years, she endured the hellish world of prostitution and drugs. Through a friend, she escaped prostitution, and while watching Joyce Meyer on television she heard the words "God loves you" and her heart melted. That day, Jesus saved Annie.

Today, Annie heads an international, Christian faith-based nonprofit organization that addresses prostitution, sex trafficking, and sexual violence and exploitation linked to pornography and the sex industry.

God is in the rescue business. He hears our cries for help, and saved us with His finished work on the Cross. Today in prayer, praise Jesus Christ that He is your Savior!

"Seek not to explore the heights of the divine majesty, but to find salvation in the saving deeds of God our Savior." - William of St. Thierry

God's Word: "And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." - Revelation 7:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." - Revelation 17:14

In 1916, Charles E. Butler finished his painting entitled "The King of Kings." It took three years to complete. It showed Christ with a crown of thorns upon His head standing before the cross, and about Him were gathered 157 monarchs, all on their knees paying homage to the Divine King.

The faces of all the rulers were exact portraits. Kneeling among the group was the American representative, George Washington. Among the other monarchs were Napoleon and Oliver Cromwell. Yet the eye is always drawn back to the King of Kings.

In April 1936, on the tenth birthday of Princess Elizabeth, her mother gave her a copy of this painting to be hung in the Princess’ room.  It was a reminder that though Elizabeth would one day become Queen of Great Britain, she too would have to bow her knee to the King of Kings.

Jesus Christ is the “King of Kings” and He changes lives. Today in prayer, give praise to the King of Kings.

"And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" - Georg Friedrich Handel

God's Word: "to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords" - 1 Timothy 6:14-15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” – Revelation 16:21

During the afternoon and evening hours of April 10, 2001, a long-lived high precipitation (HP) supercell thunderstorm traversed portions of Missouri and southwest Illinois producing catastrophic hail damage. The HP supercell produced a swath of large hail approximately 245 miles (395 km) in length and up to 22 miles (35 km)  in width as it moved east through the highly populated Interstate 70 corridor from southeast of Kansas City through St. Louis. Most of the hail ranged in size from 1.00-3.00 inches in diameter, however south of the largest hail, marginally severe hail (0.75-1.00 inch) also caused considerable damage as it was propelled by 70+ mph downburst (rear flank downdraft) winds. This storm has been named the "Tristate Hailstorm" and is considered the most costly hailstorm in U.S. History with insured losses of $1.5 billion. Known Missouri insurance claims consist of 120,000 home claims, 65,000 auto claims, and 8,000 commercial claims. It is believed nearly every home and business in northern St. Louis County suffered hail damage.  All of the SUVs parked outside at the Ford Motor Company assembly plant in Hazelwood were damaged (hundreds), while in the adjacent community of Florissant, every home was estimated to have received damage. Twenty-four commercial and military aircraft at Lambert St. Louis International Airport were also damaged. Uninsured losses are unknown.

In the end days, the hailstorm described in Revelation 16, will be larger than any previous storm ever recorded. But with this coming event comes the good news that a New Heaven is coming. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He uses nature to drive us into His loving arms and in Him we can find peace in the storm.

“Jesus taught men to see the operation of God in the regular and the normal – in the rising of the sun and falling of the rain and growth of plants.”  – William Temple

God’s Word: “Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.” – Revelation 11:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.’” – Revelation 15:3

Lewis Sperry Chafer was an American Presbyterian clergyman and educator. He studied at New Lyme Academy and Oberlin Conservatory and College; and studied under C. I. Scofield. Lewis was ordained in 1900, and began his ministry as a traveling evangelist and a Bible lecturer. He later taught Bible at Philadelphia School of the Bible, in 1924 he founded the Evangelical Theological College (now Dallas Theological Seminary) and was its president and a professor of systematic theology until his death.

One of the books that he wrote was "Salvation: God's Marvelous Work of Grace."

Written in 1917, the book is now a classic that clearly and directly defines and explains the scriptural, theological, and practical aspects of each facet of the salvation Jesus secured for us. The book explores atonement, grace, propitiation, forgiveness, justification, imputation, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, redemption, and glorification. In the end, Dr. Chafer concludes that all of the marvelous works of God point to salvation, and salvation is possible because God's love is all that a sinner really needs.

All of the Lord’s marvelous works are to bring us to salvation and restored fellowship with Him.  Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His love towards you.

"O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

Is my Savior's love for me!" - Chris Tomlin.

God’s Word: “And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” – Revelation 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

"And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth." - Revelation 14:3

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. He preached the following on Revelation 14:3:

"There is a story told in the history of brave Oliver Cromwell, which I use here to illustrate this new song. Cromwell and his Ironsides before they went to battle bowed the knee in prayer, and asked for God's help. Then, with their Bibles in their breasts, and their swords in their hands-a strange and unjustifiable mixture, but which their ignorance must excuse-they cried, "The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge;" and rushing to battle they sang-

'O Lord our God, arise and let

Thine enemies scattered be,

And let all those that do thee hate

Before thy presence flee.'

They had to fight uphill for a long time, but at last the enemy fled. The Ironsides were about to pursue them and win the booty, when the stern harsh voice of Cromwell was heard-"Halt! halt! now the victory is won, before you rush to the spoil return thanks to God;" and they sang some such song as this-"Sing unto the Lord, for he has gotten us the victory! Sing unto the Lord." It was said to have been one of the most majestic sights in that strange, yet good man's history."

In Heaven, we shall sing praise to Jesus for conquering death. Today in prayer, sing to the Lord that He is Lord of all.

"I've got, got the victory

I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus,

Yes I do!

He is our mighty conquerer,

In Him I will trust, all my battles He'll fight.

I've got, got the victory

I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus.

For me He died but He rose on the third day

That's why I have true victory everyday!" - Yolanda Adams

God's Word: "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him." - Psalm 98:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” – Revelation 13:16-17

In the United States, low-income families can be issued an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. EBT is an electronic system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card. Common benefits provided via EBT are food and cash benefits. Food benefits are federally authorized benefits that can be used only to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash benefits include state general assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and refugee benefits.

In October 2013, an EBT computer error occurred in the Walmart stores in Louisiana cities of Mansfield and Springhill. EBT cards temporarily failed to display credit limits.

Once people realized that there were no limits on the EBT cards, shelves were emptied and customers filled their grocery carts. From 7 to 9 p.m., people were loading up their carts, but when the cards began showing limits again around 9, one woman was detained because she rang up a bill of $700.00 and only had 49 cents on her card. She was held by police until corporate Walmart said they wouldn't press charges if she left the food. Many others abandoned their carts that were full of groceries.

Technology already exists that can limit what is bought and sold. Today in prayer, ask Jesus for wisdom on how to properly use technology as it continues to become more complex.

“The seal of God marks out people belonging to him, and so for preservation for his kingdom. The mark of the beast similarly identifies men as his servants, and this mark they cannot live.” – G.R. Beasley-Murray

God’s Word: “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.” – Revelation 14:9-10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.’” – Revelation 12:10

In 1940 Mildred Gillars from Portland, Maine obtained work as an announcer with the Reichs-Rundfunk-Gesellschaft (RRG), German State Radio.

By 1941, as the U.S. State Department was counseling American nationals to return home, Gillars chose to stay in Germany. 

On December 7, 1941, Gillars was working in the studio when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was announced.

Until 1942 Gillars’ broadcasts were largely apolitical. Then in 1942, Gillars was cast in a new show called Home Sweet Home. She became known as “Axis Sally.”

Her regular propaganda program had the goal to make American forces in Europe feel homesick. A running theme of these broadcasts was the false accusations of infidelity of soldiers' wives and sweethearts while the listeners were stationed in Europe and North Africa.

She once visited an American POW camp, Stalag 2B, and shouted at the American prisoners that they were ungrateful for their good conditions.

After WWII, Gillars was arrested and found guilty of treason and served 13 years in prison. 

Satan, the Great Accuser, has been hurled down through Christ’s victory on the Cross. Today in prayer, rejoice and praise God that He is Lord of all and the Great Accuser has been vanquished.

“His (Satan’s) accusations against the righteous continue day and night. But by the virtue of the death of Christ he is unable successfully to lodge a charge against God’s elect.” – Robert H. Mounce

God’s Word: “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.” – Zechariah 3:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” – Revelation 9:20-21

General Tomoyuki Yamashita was an Imperial Japanese Army general during World War II. He was put on trial for war crimes relating to the Manila Massacre and many atrocities in the Philippines and Singapore against civilians and prisoners of war.

Specifically, he was charged and found guilty of a "deliberate plan to massacre and exterminate a large part of the civilian population of Batangas Province as a result of which more than 25,000 men, women, and children all unarmed noncombatant civilians, were brutally mistreated and killed."

During his trial, he clearly stated the facts as he saw them. He seemed detached of how his orders were carried out by others. At no time did he show remorse of the war crimes.

Following an appeal, Yamashita was sentenced to death by hanging. He remained unrepentant to the end. His last words were: “Before my God I have told the truth. I do not believe that I have sinned. I think that I-my soul-will live forever.”

Unrepentant sin cannot only harden our hearts, but it can give us a false sense of self-identity. Today in prayer, confess and repent of any sin in your life and thank the Lord for His gift of grace.

“A noble mind disdains not to repent.” – Alexander Pope

God’s Word: “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.” – Revelation 2:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.” – Revelation 9:3

On Monday March 4, 2013, Israel announced a "locust alert" after large swarms were spotted in the Cairo area. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warned that wind and climate conditions increased the chances of an entomological cross-border invasion.

The Israeli Ministry of Agriculture set up a hot line for swarm sightings. By Tuesday, grasshoppers the size of small birds were reported on balconies and in gardens in central and northern Israel. But the largest concentration, an ominous black cloud of millions, settled for the night near the tiny rural village of Kmehin in Israel's southern Negev desert, not far from the border with Egypt.

Potato farmers in the area complained that their fields were being ruined. Drivers said they could not see through their windshields for all the bugs flying in their direction.

Eli Hanev, an Israeli farmer said: "Three thousand years ago God sent the Egyptians a plague of locusts, now we are getting them back."

During natural calamities, Christ is still Lord of all. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter what calamity may occur, God is always in control.

“Oh! For a spirit that bows always before the sovereignty of God.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt.” – Exodus 10:18-19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.” – Revelation 8:7

The summer of 1825 had been dry and warm in Canada and the northeast United States. There had been a large crop yield that year and the barns were filled with the bounty of the harvest. The barns and homes were all built of wood. The weather was exceptionally warm that October.

On the morning of October 7, a fire ignited in the Miramichi area of New Brunswick. There were violently strong winds that morning and the flames burned at a speed of one mile per minute. A gentleman named William Wright who was working in the woods was the first to warn of the fire.  He ran into town of Newcastle, New Brunswick and warned the people by beating a drum.  Unfortunately, no one listened; they all thought it was a rain storm.  In less than 3 hours, Newcastle lost 248 of its 260 buildings.

The Miramichi Fire remains the largest and deadliest wild fire in Canadian history as well as in the northeast of the United States.  An estimated 3 million acres of forest burned. At least 160 people died but the toll may have been much higher since an unknown number of loggers in the area may have perished.

Horrific events continue to occur, but in these tragedies Jesus can be found. Today in prayer, pray those who have been through a terrible event so they may find comfort when they place their faith in Christ.

“In this picture of terror John has the vision of God using the elemental forces of nature to warn man of the final destruction to come.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire.” – Revelation 16:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” – Revelation 7:9

College Park Church in Indianapolis, Indiana takes a special holiday offering during its three services on the Sunday prior to Christmas. For the Christmas 2013 offering, went to Wycliffe Bible Translators. More than $1 million was donated.

"At College Park Church, we have a particular passion that those who have never had an opportunity to hear about Jesus may do so, and thereby may find life in Him," said Nate Irwin, pastor of global outreach at the church.

"Almost by definition, people who don't have the Scriptures in their own language fall into that category of unreached people. This is why we're particularly excited about this year's Christmas Offering, as it will provide the opportunity of finding life through Jesus via the Scriptures for seven unreached people groups in Asia, with a total population in excess of one million. We are delighted to be able to partner with the experience and wisdom of Wycliffe Bible Translators in this endeavor."

Wycliffe USA President and CEO Bob Creson accepted the gift and said: "In the next 12 years or so, we're going to see the start of the last Bible translation program in the world, and College Park Church is taking seriously its calling to be a part of completing that mission."

There will be believers from every tribe and nation in heaven. Today in prayer, give thanks that the Gospel is traveling throughout the earth. Pray for those who are delivering its eternal message of Good News. 

“God had only one Son – and He was a missionary.” – David Livingstone

God’s Word: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” – Revelation 6:9

Perhaps the greatest persecutor of Christians was the Islamic ruler Tamerlane, also known as Timur.

He lived from 1336 until 1405. Timur started out as a sheep-rustler and a bandit but then he began envisioning that his rule was the restoration of the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan. He grew up in what is now Uzbekistan to rule a huge empire that stretched from Baghdad in the west to Delhi in the east.

Scholars estimate that his military campaigns caused the deaths of 17 million people, amounting to about 5% of the world population, leading to a predominantly barbaric legacy.

Biographer William Rubinstein wrote: "In Assyria (1393-4) Tamerlane got around  ‘he killed all the Christians he could find, including everyone in the, then, Christian city of Tikrit, thus virtually destroying Christianity in Mesopotamia.’”

Many Christians throughout history have suffered and died for the Gospel. Today in prayer, give thanks to those faithful Christians who have died for the faith. Pray for those who today are facing persecution in the world.

“You can kill us, but you cannot hurt us.” – Justin Martyr

God’s Word: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” – Revelation 5:12

The Ghent Altarpiece is a very large and complex early 15th century Flemish panel painting. The work was principally executed and completed by Jan van Eyck between 1430 and 1432. It is comprised of an altarpiece of 12 panels, eight of which are hinged shutters.

The altarpiece is housed in the St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. The one item that makes it unique is the center panel known as "Adoration of the Lamb."

This panel captures the Lamb standing on an altar. The Lamb has a wound on its breast from which blood gushes into a golden chalice, yet it shows no outward expression of pain, a reference to Christ's sacrifice. The Lamb's head is turned, making direct eye contact with the viewer of the panel.

Surrounding the Lamb are one group of winged angels and four groups of people. They represent the variety and vastness of all of those who will bow before Christ in Heaven and worship Him.

Jesus is the Lamb of God and He is also our lamb who takes away our sins by His death on the Cross. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His triumph over sin and death.

“The precious Lamb of God gave up his precious fleece for us.” – Christopher Nesse

God’s Word: “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” – Revelation 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say” – Revelation 4:10

William Temple was a minister, a writer of philosophy, and the Archbishop of Canterbury during the early twentieth century. In his book "Readings On St. John's Gospel," he wrote the following on worship:

"For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose -- and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin."

We need to look to Jesus and respond to Him in worship. Today in prayer, actively worship the Lord, adoring Him as Lord of all.

“We are saved to worship. All that Christ has done for us in the past and all that He is doing now leads to this one end.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” – Psalm 95:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

In St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, there is a door known as the "Holy Door". This door is also called the "Door of the Great Pardon". This door is bricked up on the inside. It is only opened on Jubilee years, once every 25 years. It is a tradition which began in the 1400's. The last Jubilee Year was 2000.

On the first day of the Jubilee Year the Pope strikes the brick wall with a silver hammer, and so opens the door to let in the pilgrims into the sanctuary.

The earliest account seems to be that of the Spanish pilgrim Pero Tafur in 1437. He connected this Jubilee event with immunity from punishment for Christian sinners who took sanctuary there.

Some Popes mistakenly thought this privilege was grossly abused and ordered the door to be walled up at all seasons except during certain times of special grace of the Jubilee Year.

Christ Jesus is continually knocking on the door of our hearts. Every day is a season of grace with the Lord. He desires all of us to open our hearts to Him and for us to dwell with Him. Today, knock down any brick walls in your heart and let Jesus live and reign in you. 

“True conversion will involve the mind, the affection, and the will.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” – John 14:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” – Revelation 3:17

In August 2001, David Lee Edwards, a 46 year high old high school dropout and former convict, won $27 million in the Powerball lottery. He was so broke he couldn't even celebrate at McDonald's for dinner. Upon receiving the check, David stated: "I would like to accept it with humility. I want this money to last, for me, for my future wife, for my daughter and future generations." This is precisely when life started to go downhill.

Palm Beach financial planner James Gibbs laid out a plan for David that would have enabled him to earn $85,000 per month in interest for the rest of his life by following a conservative investment plan. Gibbs put $16 million worth of the winnings into extremely safe bonds and annuities to preserve a good chunk of the wealth, but David cashed them out.

He went on a buying spree of private jets, mansions, as well as expensive jewelry and cars.

In 2004, Palm Beach police were called to their mansion after Shawna stabbed David with a crack pipe during a drug fueled rage. The drugs continued and both Shawna and David contracted hepatitis from using dirty needles.

By 2006, David was broke. He eventually checked into drug rehab but was discharged and sent to a hospice.

In November 2013, David Lee Edwards died penniless and alone at a Kentucky Hospice.

Money does not make us rich. Knowing Jesus Christ makes us truly wealthy. Today in prayer, confess any sin that takes your heart away from Jesus and seek Him in all that you do.  

“Temporal prosperity is very unfavorable for spiritual development.” – Charles Simeon

God’s Word: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” – Revelation 3:10

The Reverend Thomas Moody served in Lukunga (the Congo) Africa with the American Baptist Missionary Society from 1890 to 1908. In his first 16 years on the mission field, he saw 1300 people come to know Jesus. He helped establish 19 village schools where 334 students attended.

However, the trials he faced were enormous. He reported during one five year period, “one half of the white population of 1200 died, and only 3 or 4 were killed by the natives.” He served long stretches alone at the field station while his wife was stateside.

Reverend Moody gave the following advice to missionaries: “Patience with the children, patience with the Christians, patience with the preachers and patience with your very best helpers. But God who has called us to this work will also give grace sufficient.”

The Lord calls us to endure patiently the trials that come our way. Today in prayer, look to Jesus and patiently endure any hardship in your life.

“He deserves not the name of patient who is only willing to suffer as much as he thinks proper, and for whom he pleases. The truly patient man asks (nothing) from whom he suffers, (whether) his superior, his equal, or his inferior...But from whomever, or how much, or how often wrong is done to him, he accepts it all as from the hand of God, and counts it gain!” - Thomas a Kempis

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 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

On January 2, 2014, authorities in Malaysia seized hundreds of Bibles from the Bible Society of Malaysia and detained two of their officers. Much of the tension is the use of the word “Allah” in the Malay Bible.

A court in October 2013 barred a Malaysian Catholic newspaper from using “Allah” to refer to the Christian God in its Malay-language edition — a verdict welcomed by Muslim conservatives, but which sparked concern among Christians, a minority in the multi-faith country.

“We have been using [the Bibles] ever since the society started [in 1985], and even before that,” said Bible Society spokesman Lee Min Choon. “This is the first time we have been raided.”

It was not clear whether Lee and his colleague would continue to be held or charged. Tensions against Christians in Malaysia have been slowly rising in the past few years.

Christians still face persecution in this world. Today in prayer, pray for believers that face persecution that they may be faithful to Jesus.

“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: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” – 2 Timothy 3:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” – Revelation 2:5

Festo Kivengere is the former Anglican Archbishop of Kigezi, Uganda. He was also an evangelist and affectionately known as the “Billy Graham of Africa.” In an article of Decision magazine, he said, "My uncle, the chief, was sitting in court one day with his courtiers around him when a man came and bowed in the African way. He was rich in cattle and was well known as a man who sought God through the spirits of dead relatives. He had come with eight cows that he left some twenty yards away.

'I have come for a purpose, sir,' the man said.

'What are those cows for?' asked the chief.

'Sir, they are yours.'

'What do you mean they are mine?'

'They are yours. When I was looking after your cattle, I stole four and now they are eight, and I am bringing them.'

'Who arrested you?'

'Jesus arrested me, sir, and here are your cows.'

There was no laughter, only a shocked silence. My uncle could see this man was at peace with himself and rejoicing.

'You can put me in prison or beat me up,' the man said, 'but I am liberated. Jesus came my way and I am a free human being.'

'Well, if God has done that for you, who am I to put you in prison? You go home.'

A few days later, having heard the news, I went to see my uncle. I said to him, 'Uncle, I hear you got eight free cows!'

'Yes, it's true,' he said.

'You must be happy.'

'Forget it! Since that man came, I can't sleep. If I want the peace he has, I would have to return a hundred cows!'"

Festo said that later this chief did repent and come to Jesus Christ!

The Lord desires us to repent of our sins. The sooner we turn away from our sins, the quicker we are relieved of the guilt of sin and restored to fellowship with Christ and others. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life, repent and turn away from sin and follow Jesus.

“A Christian is not one who never goes wrong, but one who is enabled to repent and begin over again after each stumble—because of the inner working of Christ.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne” – Revelation 1:4

In the early 2000’s, Christian musician Phil Wickham and his friend Josh Farro wanted to write a worship song. Within 20 minutes they had a chorus and some rough ideas for verses. They recorded it on a lo-fi demo version into my laptop just to remember the song. Over the next year or two, the song idea was passed on to a pastor friend who went to the UK and passed it on to someone else. “I'm not totally sure the story, but it ended up on someone's iPhone who went to a conference at Bethel Church in Redding, CA.” said Phil.

Jeremy Riddle, who is one of the worship leaders there, asked if he could rewrite the verses and put it on their Bethel Live CD.

Phil loved the idea and said:  “He nailed it and hit it out of the park with amazing lyrics about the greatness of the God who gave His life for us. What he did with it was so great, and ever since, I've been leading the song in its current form at my home church. I'm just so happy to have been part of the writing of the song.”

God’s Grace. There is no greater gift! Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His Amazing Grace to you.

“This is amazing grace


This is unfailing love


That You would take my place


That You would bear my cross


You'd lay down Your life


That I would be set free


Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me” – Phil Wickham and Jeremy Riddle 

God’s Word: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 1:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2014, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS