"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13

John Greenleaf Whittier was a Christian poet who lived in New England during the 19th century. He was an outspoken advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. The following is his poem of encouragement “Don’t Quit”:

“When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don't quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out, Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

For all the sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”

No matter what life may throw your way, don’t quit looking to our Lord for your strength. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that in Him you can stand in faith and never be shaken.

"The secret of strong and healthy faith is constant cultivation of the presence of God in Christ in the life. Center your attention – your affection on Him – faith comes along without any difficulty. Think of God – not faith!" – Richard C. Halverson

God's Word: "For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 3:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." - 1 Corinthians 14:20

Father Colin Stephenson is a British Roman Catholic priest and an author. He wrote the following about his cousin who also was a Roman Catholic priest during World War II:

"At the beginning of the war, the monks of Nashdom were evacuated to the Girl's School at Laleham, and I went over to see my cousin there. The discomfort was more than their rule required, for the rooms had been built for very small girls and the beds were to scale. Here all the rooms had been named after flowers and at night there was some activity as members of the Community crept round transferring the card reading 'Pansy' to someone else's door.”

As Christians, we need to be mature and not be childish in our words and actions. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and seek to be a mature Christian in all that you do.

"He is only advancing in life, whose heart is getting softer, his blood warmer, his brain quicker, and his spirit entering into living peace." - John Ruskin

God's Word: "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

On 14 November 1965, an American infantry battalion found itself outnumbered 8 to 1 in the Ia Drang Valley, South Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war. The infantry commander closed the helicopter-landing zone due to intense enemy fire. But Captain Ed Freeman volunteered to risk his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time to deliver critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion.

After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to the intense enemy fire, Ed flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted.

When he finished the day, Ed revealed he had been wounded himself - 4 times in the legs and left arm.

Years later he was asked what motivated him to risk his life so many times.

“When you get into a situation like this, it is you and your buddy” said Ed. He continued: “And the bond becomes very tight, and I think you wouldn’t hesitate to lay your life on the line for them because they would do the same thing for you.”

The most excellent way of living is to love the Lord and to love others. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He loves you and love Him and others with all of your heart.

"Love is an image of God, and not a lifeless image, but the living essence of the divine nature, which beams full of all goodness." – Martin Luther

God's Word: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." - 1 Corinthians 12:13

The first American missionary to Kachin people in Burma was Albert J. Lyon. He went to Bhamo (Manmaw) in February 1878 to minister but Lyon died from malaria one month after his arrival. The following year, the Reverend William H. Roberts, also from America, established a 34-year mission to the Kachin people. In March 1882, Reverend Roberts saw the first fruits of his ministry when 7 Kachins were baptized. Through the years, the work among the Kachin people grew. In December 1977, a very large mass baptism was conducted to begin the Kachin Baptist Centennial Jubilee. There were 6213 believers who were baptized on that day, with more than 100 ministers assisting in the baptism. Then thirty years later in March 2008, a second large mass baptism was conducted in the same place during the “Kachin Theological College's Golden Jubilee” celebration. There were 2899 Christians who were baptized on that day. Baptism, the outward expression of faith in Christ, has connected the Kachin believers for more than 100 years. In Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into one body. Today in prayer, if you have not made a public profession of your faith in baptism, consider doing so to bring glory and honor to Christ.

"Those who see baptism only as confession of our faith have missed the main point. Baptism is tied to the promise of forgiveness." - John Calvin

God's Word: "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:27-28

In the Belgian town of Poperinge, stands a building known as “Talbot House.” It was a former Belgian home that was donated to the British Army during World War I. An Army Chaplain, the Reverend Philip “Tubby” Clayton, saw a use for the property as a soldier's club. It became a rare place where soldiers could meet and relax regardless of rank, an Every-Man's Club.

A notice was hung by the front door bearing the message:

“All rank abandon, ye who enter here.”

From late 1915 until the end of the war, thousands of soldiers came to Talbot House for a few moments of refuge from battle. Chaplain Clayton said it was a place “where friendships could be consecrated, and sad hearts renewed and cheered, a place of light and joy and brotherhood and peace.”

The loft of Talbot House was converted into a chapel and became known as “the Upper Room”. On the initiative of the soldiers the chapel was furnished with an altar made from a carpenter's bench found in the garden shed. Candlesticks for the altar were made from bedposts. Wooden benches were made or acquired from damaged neighboring churches.

Whereas the rooms downstairs were full of song and laughter, the chapel was different. Chaplain Clayton was very aware that many of the men who arrived for a service would be killed in battle. Clayton described these services as “difficult”.

In the Upper Room, Communion was served. For many soldiers who came to the Upper Room, they literally ate their last supper.

The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. We need to take part in it in a reflective, appreciative manner. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the Lord's Supper and remember Jesus each time you eat the bread and drink the cup.

"The real presence of Christ's most blessed body and blood is not to be sought for in the sacrament, but in the worthy receiver of the sacrament." - Richard Hooker

God's Word: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" - Luke 22:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Just after midnight on July 20, 2012, a crowded Aurora Colorado theater was beginning to watch the movie, when a gunman tossed gas canisters into the crowd and began shooting dozens of people. Nineteen-year-old Allie Young sprang to her feet to warn others. A bullet pierced her neck and she fell to the floor bleeding. Her friend, twenty-one year old Stephanie Davies, pulled her into an aisle, and then put pressure on her wound and dialed 911. Allie told her friend to run, but Stephanie refused. When paramedics came, Stephanie stayed with her friend and helped carry her to the ambulance. It was her unselfish act that saved Allie’s life.

When President Obama visited Aurora two days later, he retold both Allie’s and Stephanie’s acts of heroism.

"I don't know how many people at any age would have the presence of mind that Stephanie did, or the courage that Allie showed," the President said. Both women truly did not look after their own interests, but rather the interests of others.

Our sinful nature does not naturally seek the good of others. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to increase your love for others and to seek their good.

“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.” – G.K. Chesterton

God’s Word: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Lolo Jones is an Olympic hurdler for the United States. She attended eight schools in eight years while her single mother, Lori, often held down two jobs to support her family of six. Lolo's father spent most of her childhood in the Air Force or, later, in state prison. In third grade, the Jones family settled in the basement of a Des Moines Salvation Army church. She began living on her own while in high school and she became a track star.

Lolo faces many of the same temptations as everyone else, but as a Christian, she has learned to overcome them. She is 29 years old and has remained a virgin.

"It's just something, a gift that I want to give to my husband," Lolo said. "But please, understand, this journey has been hard.

If there's virgins out there, I'm going to let them know, it's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life — harder than training for the Olympics, harder than graduating from college, has been to stay a virgin before marriage."

She also is tempted by food, but she has learned the way out of this temptation: "One meal a week, I have whatever I want. During the last Olympics, it was wings. This year, it’s burritos. When you allow yourself a cheat, it helps you stay motivated to keep up a healthy lifestyle.”

All of us will be tempted in multiple areas of our lives. We need to look to the Lord and ask for His wisdom in overcoming temptation. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how to best deal with the situations in your life and how to overcome temptation.

"Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of heaven." – Frederick Temple

God's Word: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

In March 2008, the Big Ten Indoor Track Championships were held at the University of Minnesota. Heather Dorniden represented Minnesota in the 600 meter race. Prior to the race she was reminded that the team’s long-time equipment manager had passed away that year. “And my coach said to me before the race, ‘Sometimes you don’t know if you have a next year or even a tomorrow, so just go out there and run it the best that you can’” remembered Heather.

There were four women in the final heat of the race. After two laps, only 7 meters separated the four. Then with 200 meters to go and in the lead of the pack of four runners, Heather’s feet got tangled up with those of a Penn State runner, and she fell in a heap on the track.

By the time she scrambled to her feet, she trailed the lead pack by about 30 meters with less than 200 meters to go.

At first, Heather just vowed to finish the race. Then she was bolstered by the enthusiasm of the hometown fans, who saw her making her move. “It got so loud, and then I heard the announcer saying, ‘And watch out for Heather Dorniden!’ I was like, ‘I’m actually still in the race.  Sweet.’”

She exploded past Fawn Dorr, the Penn State runner, at the start of the last turn. On the final straightaway she left an Indiana runner in her wake and at the tape she nudged past teammate Jamie Dittmar. “That last 50 meters, I hit a gear that I never knew I had,” Heather said.

“It’s probably one of my greatest running memories of all time. It’s something that is completely unexplainable to me besides through a higher power. I feel like the Lord just filled me up and gave me the opportunity to show what amazing things can happen through Him.”

Everyone takes a spill in life, but pursue the Lord with all of your heart. Today in prayer, spend some extra time reading your Bible and in prayer, desiring to be more like Jesus. 

“In the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course.” – Matthew Henry

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.” – Hebrews 12:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” – 1 Corinthians 9:11

Craig Groeschel is the Senior Pastor at LifeChurch.tv. The church has 20,000 in attendance at 11 locations across the country, and a satellite video link provides each campus with Pastor Craig's sermon every week.

One of his more popular messages has preached centers on tithing. Craig refers his congregation to Malachi 3:10, where God challenges His people to bring a tithe—ten percent of their income—to Him. "Test me in this," He tells Israel. "It's the only place in all of Scripture where we are given permission to test God," he said. "If you want to test Him, we'll give you the chance."

LifeChurch.tv has developed the "Three-Month Tithing Challenge." Participants commit, via the Internet, to tithe to the church for three months. If at the end of the challenge participants are not convinced of God's faithfulness, they can get a full refund of all they have given. According to Pastor Craig, "If something didn't work out for you, you contact the church, we'll cut you a check for every penny you gave."

In early 2010, Allison Davis took the Challenge. “Giving to the church was never a priority in my life,” she said. She had a part-time job which barely covered her bills. After beginning the Challenge, she received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service saying there was a correction to her income taxes and she received a $400 refund check. But the Lord did not stop there. A few weeks later Allison received a promotion, became a full-time employee with full benefits and a tuition waiver so she could obtain her Masters Degree.

“Through giving, the Lord has taught me that not only to be obedient with my finances, but to really put my faith and trust in Him in all aspects of my life,” said Allison.

The best investment you can make is financially supporting the pastors and ministers of your church. They work throughout the week to help you grow spiritually; we need to work to support them financially. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom on how best to invest in His work.

“Giving is the thermometer of our love.” – Benjamin R. De Jong

God’s Word: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Corinthians 16:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." - 1 Corinthians 8:9

Rick Warren is pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, which is currently the eighth-largest church in the United States. He is also author of the popular Christian book “A Purpose Driven Life.”

But Rick found that his weight had become a stumbling block to others. He had gained 3 pounds each year during his 30 years at Saddleback.

Addressing the problem of obesity, Rick said: "I can't ask you to get healthy if I won't."

So in January 2012, Rick decided to make his stumbling block a stepping stone for others. He pledged to lose 90 pounds during a 52-week plan. Called “The Daniel Plan,” based on the prophet Daniel who chose healthy eating instead of the king's rich foods, he began to eat healthy and to exercise regularly.

"The Bible says that God wants you to be as healthy physically as you are spiritually," said Rick. "The plan will help you feel better, look better, have more energy, get in shape, and use your body the way God wants you to."

"Why are we doing this? Because Jesus died for your body and the Holy Spirit lives in your body. The Bible says we will one day be held accountable before God on how we were stewards of the body He gave us.”

By May 26, and 19 weeks into the program, Rick had lost 36 pounds.

Rick also reported that some 14,00 people have participated in The Daniel Plan and have collectively lost more than 190,000 pounds.

Is there an area in your life that is an obstacle to others in drawing closer to Jesus? Today in prayer, ask the Lord to help you see any stumbling blocks in your life and pray that you can turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones to encourage others.

"We should be careful to do nothing that may occasion weak Christians to defile their consciences." - Matthew Henry

God's Word: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

In 2008, Senait Oqbazgi Habta was arrested for her faith in Eritrea. The 26-year old had been attending a bible study at her university with 15 other students. For two years she and the other students were imprisoned in large metal shipping containers where they suffered suffocating heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. They were deprived of fresh air, sanitation and any medical attention.

In April 2010, Senait’s health became critical. Her captors offered Senait her freedom and medical attention if she would recant her Christian beliefs, but she knew her time was short and she refused their demands. When the camp officials finally relented and allowed Senait to be moved to the Sawa Medical Centre it was too late. Suffering from malaria and severe anemia, she died shortly after her transfer at the young age of 28.

Be faithful all of your life because our lives are short. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to help you make every day count for Him and love others as Jesus loves them. 

"Doest thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin

God's Word: "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." - Romans 13:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts." - 1 Corinthians 7:19

Robert Murray M'Cheyne was a minister in the Church of Scotland from 1835 to 1843. On October 2, 1840, following the ordination of the Reverend Dan Edwards as a missionary to the Jews in Germany, Robert encouraged his friend to be holy: “I trust you will have a pleasant and profitable time in Germany. I know you will apply hard to German; but do not forget the culture of the inner man, —I mean of the heart. How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his saber clean and sharp; every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God’s sword, —His instrument, —I trust a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”

May the light of Jesus shine through you in all that you do. Today in prayer, seek to follow Jesus Christ in all that you do.

“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” - John Brown

God's Word: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:18

Tim Tebow is a 24-year-old Christian who plays quarterback in the National Football League. He also has decided to wait until marriage before having sexual relations.

"Yes, I am," Tim answered when he was asked if he was a virgin.

"I'm definitely single and having a good time."

Tim’s parents served as missionaries in the Philippines for years, and continue to operate an orphanage in one of the most impoverished areas. They also serve God and others through the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association.

Tim has put his faith into action by establishing and devoting his time and energy, when not on the football field, to The Tim Tebow Foundation. The foundation is responsible for numerous charitable endeavors, primarily geared at assisting impoverished and/or critically ill children.

"I haven't changed. I just want to be a great role model....and with attention you can do a lot of positive things," Tim said. "And our goal here is to change the lives of thousands of kids."

The Lord has reserved sexual intimacy for marriage. Today in prayer, if you are involved in an affair outside of marriage, flee from it and look to Jesus for strength. If you are not in an affair, seek to remain sexually pure and to honor Christ with your body.

"Within marriage, sex is beautiful, fulfilling, creative. Outside of marriage, it is ugly, destructive, and damning." – John MacArthur

God's Word: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." - 1 Corinthians 5:11

In September 2010, Shawn Merriman, a former bishop in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colorado, plead guilty to cheating at least 67 investors out of more than $20 million.

Merriman, the man behind the Ponzi scheme spanning 14 years, received the maximum sentence of 12 and a half years behind bars and $20.1 million in restitution. He'll also serve three years probation once out of prison.

Since the early 1990s, Merriman told his victims they were getting annual returns of 7 to 20 percent from stock market investments.

However, in 2009, the Aurora man admitted he was spending the money on himself, rather than investing it in the stock market.

Merriman lived in a million dollar home in Aurora where in 2009, federal agents seized his assets including a new motor home, a classic car collection, boats and motorcycles. The U.S. government will now have to auction off those items to try and recover money for Merriman's victims.

Most of his victims were fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, friends of friends, or fellow hobbyists.

"I know saying I'm sorry doesn't make things right," he said. "Each of my investors is a great person who doesn't deserve what I did to them."

Greed is a sin, it puts things above people and the Lord. Today in prayer, examine your life and confess any sin and follow Christ in all that you do.

"God wants to give us something, but cannot, because our hands are full--there's nowhere for him to put it." - Augustine

God's Word: "Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Luke 12:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?" - 1 Corinthians 5:6

In June 2002, a heavy weight championship boxing match was scheduled between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. Lewis was the defending champion, but prior to the fight Tyson boasted that he would win.

At a memorable press conference, Tyson boasted:

"I'm the best ever," Tyson declared. "I'm the most brutal and vicious and most ruthless champion there's ever been. There's no one could stop me. Lennox is a conqueror? No, I'm Alexander. He's no Alexander. I'm the best ever. There's never been anybody as ruthless. I'm Sonny Liston. I'm Jack Dempsey. There's no one like me. I'm from their cloth. There's no one that can match me. My style is impetuous. My defense is impregnable. And I'm just ferocious.”

Lewis quietly went about his business and defeated Tyson by knock out in the eighth round of the fight.

Boasting and bragging are two synonyms for pride and the Lord hates to see pride in our lives. Today in prayer, confess any pride in your life and seek to live a life of humility.

"Grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth, and shuts it once for all." – Charles H. Spurgeon

God's Word: "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil." - James 4:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children." - 1 Corinthians 4:14

In November 2011, Michael Lenham, owner of Port Plumbing in Cambridgeshire, Great Britain, bought a new delivery van for his business.

Two weeks later, he was driving the delivery van on route A142 and rammed into the 9 foot high railway bridge in his town. The low bridge peeled off the roof of his van. Michael was shaken up, but otherwise unharmed. “Our old van went under that bridge all the time” said Michael.

The heavily traveled route was closed for two hours to remove the wreckage.

There were six warning signs concerning the bridge's height before going under the bridge. Somehow Michael ignored them all.

A transportation spokesman said: “Drivers should know the height of their vehicle and this bridge is clearly marked. We would urge people to drive with care and consideration to avoid these incidents occurring.”

Michael wasn't alone. There were eight other similar accidents in Great Britain in 2011.

When our Creator warns us, it is to protect and provide for us. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for His Word and seek to heed His warnings so you may grow in His wisdom.

"Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take example from you.”- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

God's Word: "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." - 1 Corinthians 10:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2

Vance Havner, in his book “Hearts Afire,” wrote: “God is faithful, and He expects His people to be faithful. God’s Word speaks of faithful servants, faithful in a few things, faithful in the least, faithful in the Lord, faithful ministers. And all points up that day when He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” “What terrible times we have in our churches trying to keep people faithful in attendance and loyalty! How we reward and picnic and coax and tantalize church members into doing things they don’t want to do but which they would do if they loved God! The only service that counts is faithful service.. “True faith shows up in faithfulness. Not everyone can sing or preach, but all can be faithful.”

Everyone can be faithful in following Christ. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the work He has called you to do and strive to be faithful in all that you do.

"I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness." - Mother Teresa

God's Word: ""His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" - Matthew 25:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" - 1 Corinthians 3:19

Jacques Lowe first photographed the Kennedy family in the mid-1950s and he was later invited to cover John F Kennedy's run for the presidency. Along the way Lowe became friendly with the family, establishing particularly close ties with Bobby. Following Bobby's assassination in 1968, Jacques stopped photographing the family and stored his collection. He had thousands of photographs of the family that were rarely seen. The photographs recorded many of the pivotal moments in the private and public lives of America's most famous political family.

He found a secure vault in mid-Manhattan to safely store his work. Jacques' daughter said her father believed the photos would be safe there and, because he lived he lived just 6 blocks away from them, he felt psychologically they were “under his bed."

But on September 11, 2001, when World Trade Center Tower 7 collapsed, the forty-thousand photographic negatives of Jacques Lowe stored in the Tower's vaults were also destroyed.

Our “wisest” decisions can look very foolish in time. Today in prayer, ask Jesus for His wisdom in all of your decisions.

"We are ensnared by the wisdom of the serpent; we are set free by the foolishness of God." - Augustine

God's Word: "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:11

In March 1971, the Derwent Tower in Dunston, United Kingdom opened up. Popularly known as the “Dunston Rocket,” the Tower was a 22 story apartment building. Despite the architect's advice against construction of a high-rise building on the site, due to adverse soil conditions, the city council proceeded to build the Tower.

The Tower was a Brutalist design, very bold and striking appearance, unlike any other high rise building in the UK. It had flying buttresses from the ground, to 5th floor assisting the foundations.

But despite all of the construction techniques to make the Tower secure, problems soon arose. There was flooding in the underground garage. The building’s utilities were constantly breaking down.

By 2007, people were moved out of the deteriorating building and two years later it was torn down because such a large building should never have been built on such unstable soil.

Jesus is the only firm foundation we can build our lives upon. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is our firm foundation and place your trust on the surest of cornerstones.

"The doctrine of our Savior and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom, and is the foundation, of all the rest." - Matthew Henry

God's Word: "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." - Isaiah 28:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:5

A.J. Gordon was an American Baptist preacher, writer, composer, and founder of Gordon College and Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary. Dr. Gordon, was once traveling on a train, when he began a spirited conversation with a fellow passenger on the subject of "Faith." "I differ with you," said the man, "in that any person is admitted to Heaven because of a little bit of theological scrip called `Faith.' I believe that when God receives one into Heaven He makes a searching inquiry as to his character rather than inspection of his faith." Presently the conductor came along and examined the tickets. When he passed, Dr. Gordon said: "Did you ever notice how a conductor looks at the ticket and takes no pains to inspect the passenger? A railway ticket, if genuine, certifies that the person presenting it has complied with the company's conditions and is entitled to transportation. So `faith' alone, my friend, entitles one to that saving grace which produces a character well pleasing to God. 'Without faith it is impossible to please him.'"

Praise the Lord that our salvation is in God‘s power and not in our own works. Today in prayer, place all of your faith and trust in Christ’s hands.

"It is the heart that senses God, and not the reason. That is what faith is: God perceptible to the heart and not to reason." - Blaise Pascal

God's Word: "Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." - Psalm 78:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

In 1969, the Fernsehturm (English: television tower) opened in the center of East Berlin, Germany. The tower dominated the East Berlin skyline and served as a television tower as well as a dome-shaped restaurant. The Communist government placed it near a church so it would dominate over it.. It was designed to be a powerful political symbol of their superiority and might. But when the tower was completed, something unexpected and amazing happened during the commemoration ceremony. As the Communist officials and political leaders stood at the foot of the tower and looked up in pride, the sun broke through the clouds and hit the globe-shaped glass dome of the tower. Illuminated by the light of the sun, a huge bright cross reflected from the dome shining over the city of East Berlin. The Communists were furious. In their "superiority" they had forgotten to consider this physical phenomenon. They tried everything they could to get rid of the cross. They painted the dome, used physical distortion techniques, tried to cover it up. Nothing helped. Just as they could not get rid of the sun they could not get rid of the bright shinning cross reflecting from the dome of the East Berlin television tower across the city. President Ronald Reagan referred to the tower in his famous “Tear Down the Wall” speech in 1987. He said: “Yet even today when the sun strikes that sphere, that sphere that towers over all Berlin, the light makes the sign of the cross. There in Berlin, like the city itself, symbols of love, symbols of worship, cannot be suppressed."

The message of the Cross is we have life in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His sacrifice on the Cross and seek to follow Him in all that you do.

"On almost every church in the Western world there is a cross. Why? Why has the cross become the symbol of Christianity? It is because on the cross Christ shed his blood, which has become the cure for sinners who will recognize their spiritual poverty and receive Him as their savior, Master, and Lord." - Billy Graham

God's Word: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Josh McDowell writes, in his book, Answers To Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About The Christian Faith: “Lest anyone think this isn’t something marvelous, we’d like to give you this challenge. Find ten people from your local area having similar backgrounds, who speak the same language, and are all from basically the same culture. Then separate them an ask them to write their opinion on only one controversial subject, such as they meaning of life. When, they have finished, compare the conclusions of these ten writers. Do they agree with each other? Of course not. But the Bible did not consist of merely ten authors, but 40. It was not written in one generation, but over a period of 1,500 years; not by authors with the same education, culture or language, but with vastly different educations, many different cultures, from 3 continents and 3 different languages, and finally not just one subject but hundreds. And yet the bible there is unity. There is complete harmony, which can not be explained by coincidence or collusion. The unity of the bible is a strong argument in favor of it’s divine inspiration.”

The Scriptures are united in the witness of Christ, therefore, we should be united in our mind and thoughts. Today in prayer, give your heart to Jesus and strive to be in unity with other Christians to serve Him.

"As we draw nearer to Christ, we shall be drawn nearer to His people; and in our search for unity with the members we shall be drawn closer to the Head.” – G.T. Manley

God's Word: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" - Romans 15:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS