“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:18

Pastor Wil Pounds wrote the following in his message “Living the Christian Life”:

“There is only one person who can live the Christian life. Yes, it can be lived, but only by the Lord Jesus Christ.

To live the Christian life you must have the right one living it. The Christian life can be lived by Christ. It is His life, and it is exclusively His to be lived only by Him.

Have you found yourself ever trying to live the Christian life and feeling like a failure? The reason is it can only be lived in complete dependence upon Christ.

The Christian life is an exchanged life. It is lived in dependence upon Christ. You exchange your life for Christ’s life. That way He lives His life in and through you.

The apostle Paul explains, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).

Your life can pulsate with the living wonder of the Son of God living His life in you as you appropriate it by faith. When you do every demand upon you is a demand upon the Christ who indwells and infills you by His Spirit.

Is there any demand upon Christ that He cannot fulfill? Are you inadequate to meet some pressing need or demand? You may be, but Christ is not.

The demand is not on you, but upon Christ. Therefore, let your life be an endless exercise of faith in drawing from Christ all He desires of you. Do you need patience, wisdom, unconditional love, and strength? You can draw it endlessly from the One who lives and abides in you.”

The Christian life can be lived as we place all of our faith in Christ. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for every opportunity to do good and to glorify His name.

"The greatest thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years." - C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2009, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10

            Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, in his book God in My Corner, explains how money couldn't buy him happiness.  He wrote:

           “Before I met God, my attitude was about as bad as it could get. Even when everything was going well for me, I couldn’t see it. And I didn’t appreciate it. When Muhammad Ali fought me for the heavyweight championship, I received a five-million-dollar paycheck. That purse was an astronomical amount of money in those days, and would be worth many times more than that amount in today’s dollars. No fighters had ever been so well-paid in the history of boxing. You’d think that being a multimillionaire would bring instant joy to my soul.

It didn’t. Because I lost the boxing match, I couldn’t enjoy my money. I had five million dollars in the bank, but couldn’t find pleasure in even one penny of it!

I chose to see the worst in my situation, and my stomach was tied up in knots as a result. My sour attitude caused me to sink into deep depression, even though I was filthy rich. Five million dollars could buy me anything I wanted—except happiness.”

Money is not an end in itself; we should never love money. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how to best use all that He has given you and seek to be a good steward.

“Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.” – Benjamin Franklin

God’s Word: “not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” – 1 Timothy 3:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 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 6:8-9

Larry Mize is a profession golfer who was on the Professional Golf Association tour and now plays on the Senior tour. He only won one major championship, the Master Tournament in 1987.

Larry said, "The only thing that gives me true contentment is knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior." Larry became a Christian as a child, but it was after his first child was born that he realized the importance of letting God control all areas of his life.

He said, "If my job or my performance is what makes me significant, then my life will be like a roller coaster. If I play well, I'll be very happy. If I play bad, I'll be very upset. I won't be happy until I play good again. I don't want to live like that, and thankfully, I don't have to. We have infinite worth because God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us."

Contentment can only be found in knowing Jesus and loving Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life and be content in all that He has given you.

"Contentment is realizing that God has already provided everything we need for our present happiness." – Bill Gothard

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13

The following is an anonymously written poem entitled: “My Name Is Gossip.”

“My Name Is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.

I flourish at every level of society.

My victims are helpless.

They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and ruin marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.

I spawn suspicion and generate grief.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.

I AM CALLED GOSSIP.”

Gossip is a sin. Today in prayer, confess any sin of gossip in your life to the Lord and seek to refrain from listening and spreading gossip.

"There is a lust in man no charm can tame,

Of loudly publishing his neighbor's shame.

Hence, on eagle's wings immortal scandals fly,

While virtuous actions are but born and die." - John Dryden

God’s Word: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

William Carey is called the “Father of modern missions” for bringing the Gospel to India in 1793. He was one of the founders of the Baptist Missionary Society and he helped translate the Bible into numerous Indian languages.

As accomplished as he was in his ministry, his home life was a disaster. He often abandoned his wife Dorothy. She eventually suffered a nervous breakdown. She spent her last few years confined to her room, living out her last days alone and in emotional distress. 

She wasn’t the only casualty. Joshua Marshman, a fellow missionary to India, was appalled by Carey’s neglect of his four boys when he first met them in 1800. The boys were 4, 7, 12 and 15 years old. Marshman described them as “unmannered, undisciplined, and even uneducated.”

The problems in the Carey household stemmed from William’s own shortcomings. “He had no conversational talent,” admitted a close colleague. He was very reserved, unable to relate warmly or even openly to close family members. He also could not discipline his family. “I have not resolution enough to reprove” wrote Carey.

Fortunately, Marshman and his wife Hannah, as well as the printer William Ward, took the Carey boys under their wings and developed them into godly men.

Men - your first responsibility to provide for the material and emotional members of your family. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your family and ask Jesus how you can better provide for them.

"A man's family is also part of his work for the Lord. So if he fails with his family, he fails to qualify to be a minister." - Mary LaGrand Bouma

God’s Word: “If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.” – 1 Timothy 5:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” – 1 Timothy 4:14

Greg Smith was born in Florida in 1990.  He began memorizing and reciting books at 14 months, adding numbers at 18 months. He began high school at age 7 and graduated with honors two years later.  

Greg then attended Randolph-Macon College in Lynchburg, Virginia. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude, with a major in mathematics and minors in history and biology. As a freshman at Randolph-Macon College, the ten-year-old college freshman attracted international media attention. He used that attention to establish International Youth Advocates. It is a non-profit organization with the purpose to protect young people from violent situations and to facilitate adequate educational and life-sustaining services. He was the youth ambassador for the Christian Children’s Fund, and helped launch a $350,000 campaign to build a “peace school” in Kenya for the children of three warring nomadic tribes — the idea being that, with joint formal education, these tribal children would have the knowledge necessary to come up with innovative ideas for how to live and coexist peacefully.

Greg has traveled throughout the world to speak about child abuse and to promote peace. In 2003, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In June 2003, he turned 13 years old and began graduate work in mathematics at the University of Virginia. He graduated with his Masters at age 16.

“I want to work on so many things,” said Greg. “and discuss solutions with people, but realistically, I know I can only do so much. So I try to reach out to other people and encourage them to take part. One drop doesn’t make an ocean, but with enough drops, you can begin to make a change.”

God has given each of us unique gifts and talents to bring glory to Him. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can best serve Him with the talents and gifts He has given you.

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." – Galileo

God’s Word: “So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Liu Zhenying was in February 1958 in the province of Henan, China. His family was very poor and his father died when he was 16 years old. It was then, in 1974, that Liu’s mother led him to the Lord.

He had a strong desire to own a Bible. He began to fast and pray for a Bible. For the next 100 days, he ate only one bowl of steamed rice everyday.

Then Liu was visited by two Chinese evangelists who had been given a vision to deliver a Bible to Liu.  Liu began memorizing Scripture and memorized the book of Matthew in 28 days.

Soon a village about 8 miles away began hearing of the teenager who had fasted and prayed for a Bible. They prayed Liu would visit them.

Liu shared with them his testimony and then recited to them the first twelve chapters from the Book of Acts. From a young age Liu set the example for others. He took the name Brother Yun and became a pastor of a house church and an itinerant evangelist.

The Lord desires that you be an example to other Christians. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can be an example of His love to others.

"We who are older should always be careful to encourage the desire of the young to serve, and let no one despise their youth!" - Mark Copeland

God’s Word: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” – Titus 2:7a

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” – 1 Timothy 4:7

In 1984, an article about an experimental well in Russia’s Kola Peninsula appeared in Scientific American. An experimental drilling team, headed by a Dr. Victor Azzacov, managed to drill a 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) deep borehole in Siberia. The drill began to spin wildly, indicating that they had reached a pocket or cavern. Before the drilling could continue, researchers lowered a special microphone and other test equipment. Dr. Azzacov intended on recording plate tectonic movements and the temperature among other things. Temperatures were recorded at an incredible 1,100 degrees Celsius (2012 degrees Fahrenheit). The microphone, however, did not detect plate tectonic movements. Instead, the sounds of millions of screaming people could be heard. Azzacov, who was an atheist scientist of the USSR, could not believe what he was hearing. Along with the other researchers, Azzacov concluded that they had drilled a hole to HELL!

The problem is there are no records of a Dr. Victor Azzacov having conducted any experimental drilling in Siberia. Though drilling and geologic samplings have taken place in the Kola Peninsula, the story has been proven to be a myth and keeps resurfacing at different times to distract Christians.

Myths are time wasters and can potentially lead us astray from following the Lord. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you discernment to stay away from godless myths.

“Fancies and devices of men in the worship of God are contrary to truth and piety.” - Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6

During World War II, the US Military Academy at West Point football team had two exceptional runners. Doc Blanchard won the Heisman trophy in 1945 for being the best college football player and Glenn Davis won the Heisman trophy in 1946.

One Saturday afternoon, radio announcer Harry Wismer was announcing a game. Doc Blanchard made a spectacular 70-yard run, but Wismer made the wrong call:

"Army is in its T-formation. . . . The ball is handed off to Glenn Davis, and Davis is away. . . . He's to the 30, the 40, midfield, the 40, the 30, 20, 10 . . .” Suddenly Wismer realized it wasn’t Davis but Blanchard who was making the run. Wismer made a quick correction: “and, ladies and gentlemen, Davis laterals to Doc Blanchard, who goes in for a touchdown. . . . What a sportsman that Glenn Davis is, tossing a lateral so his teammate could score.”

Though the lateral never happened, it was correct that Blanchard did score the touchdown.

We need to make thinks right and help correct others with a caring spirit. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the correction you have received during the years and ask that He give you the courage to correct others in love.

"Often times God asks us to take risks in order to be obedient to Him. This is especially true when He speaks to us about our need to confront others when they are unmistakably caught in the cycle of unrepentant sin." - Rich Grimes

God’s Word: “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” – Titus 2:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” – 1 Timothy 4:1

Clarence Darrow was an American lawyer and a leader of the American Civil Liberties Union.  He is best remembered for defending John T. Scopes in the Scopes "Monkey" Trial in 1925. The eventual outcome was evolution could be taught in public schools as an alternative to creation.

He was a proud agnostic who engaged Christian leaders in formal debates. He boldly proclaimed: “In spite of all the yearnings of men, no one can produce a single fact or reason to support the belief in God and in personal immortality.”

In March 1938, Darrow was on his deathbed. He asked several clergymen to “please intercede for me with the Almighty. During my life I have spoken many times against Christians, and I now realize that I may have been wrong.”

There are many who think they know the key to life, but unless they know Jesus they are going down the wrong path. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is faithful and seek to follow only Jesus.

“Therefore true believers shall not apostatize, but shall stand fast, and shall be kept even to the end.”  – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.” – Mark 13:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 3:13

In 1945, 18-year-old Elizabeth voluntarily joined the British Auxiliary Territorial Service, a branch of the Army, to help in the war effort. She trained side-by-side with other British women to be a driver and mechanic.

She had a superior officer who took pleasure in bossing her about. It was, “Second Subaltern Windsor do this, Second Subaltern Windsor do that!”

“Yes, sergeant! Yes, sir,” was all Elizabeth could say.

After the war, she rose to the rank of Captain in the Women’s Royal Army Corps.

She continued to serve faithfully as an army reservist until February 1952. It was then that Elizabeth’s father died, and she became Queen of England.

It was those seven years of faithful service that prepared her to reign as Queen of England for more than sixty years.

By faithfully serving the Lord here on earth, we will be prepared to reign with Him and to serve Him in heaven. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can serve Him.

“We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God, who is sending love letters to the world.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” – Ephesians 6:7-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

"They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons." - 1 Timothy 3:10

In 1987, Tim Brown won the Heisman Trophy while playing football for University of Notre Dame. He was drafted in the first round in 1988 by the Los Angeles Raiders. He was a Christian, but as a rookie he did not feel he could challenge others’ behavior so he kept quiet. He put a towel over his head in the locker room to block his view of the players who were smoking, drinking and cursing.

During the next seven years, Tim slowly caved and let his teammates’ behavior start molding him. He began swearing and he started to lose his Christian witness.

Then at age 30, Tim felt the Lord was calling him to serve his teammates. The transition was difficult. He was tested by some of the players at first, but over a two-year period he earned the respect of his teammates. They even began to play Christian rock music in the weight room and toned down their coarse language.

At one point though, shortly before he retired, he was tested again when the team experienced a losing streak. Some of his teammates wanted him to exert his leadership by standing in front of the team to curse them out.

Tim realized he was being tested, and he remembers: “So I just told them no. I mean they were dead serious about me doing it, and I just said that’s not something I’m gonna do.”

Today Tim is a Christian speaker sharing with others how the Lord has worked in his life.

Your faith will be tested. So when the opportunity comes, look to the Lord for strength and wisdom. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through testing, your faith will increase.  

"We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them." - Charles C. West

God's Word: "Test everything. Hold on to the good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?” – 1 Timothy 3:5 

David Kraft grew up in a Christian family in the South San Francisco Bay area of Northern California. His father, Dr. Roy Kraft, was a minister – a godly man who worked at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Santa Cruz, California. Young David grew up with his father’s love and his father’s consistent example. When he was old enough to make the decision for himself, he chose to become a Christian. In time, David also became a minister at Scotts Valley Baptist Church in Santa Cruz.

David was a big, athletic young man. At age 32 he was six feet two inches tall and weighted two hundred pounds. He worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In 1973, David was diagnosed with cancer. The disease wracked his body and over a period of time he dropped from two hundred pounds to just eighty pounds.

When he was about ready to pass from this life into eternity, he asked his father to come into his hospital room. Lying there on the bed, David looked up and said, "Dad, do you remember when I was a little boy, how you used to hold me in your arms close to your chest?"

Roy nodded. Then David said, "Do you think, Dad, you could do that for me one more time?"

Roy nodded again and bent down to pick up his 32-year-old, six-foot-two-inch, eighty-pound son. As he held him close to his chest, his son’s face was right next to his. The two were eye to eye. Tears were streaming down both faces. David said simply to the father, "Thank you for building the kind of character into my life that can enable me to face even a moment like this."

Our first ministry is to our family to see them grow in Christ Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your family and seek to teach and to encourage them to grow in Christ.

"The mind of Christ is to be learned in the family. Strength of character may be acquired at work, but beauty of character is learned at home. There the affections are trained."  - Henry Drummond

God’s Word: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” – 1 Timothy 5:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

Tom Bolt was born in Haworth, Oklahoma in 1916. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he became a golf professional. He joined the Professional Golf Association Tour and went on to win several titles including the 1958 U.S. Open.

Bolt was notorious for his hot temper, one that drew warnings, reprimands, fines and suspensions. The public came to know him as “Terrible Tempered Tommy” and “Thunder” Bolt. He was known to break clubs during rounds, and he had a habit for throwing clubs after a bad shot. His outbursts led to the adoption of a golf rule prohibiting such behavior.

Bolt admitted that his outbursts of anger often would detract from his game. He realized why many of those who followed his game: “They come out for one reason and one reason only. They want to see me blow my top. And I’m sorry to say I’ve obliged them.”

During one tournament, Bolt missed six consecutive putts.

Looking to the heavens, Bolt angrily screamed at God: "Why don't you come down here and fight like a man!"

We need to raise our hands in worship to the Lord, not in anger. Today in prayer, give any anger you have to Jesus. Then worship the Lord and accept His peace.

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing." - Will Rogers

God’s Word: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” – Proverbs 29:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician whose popularity peaked in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He was a performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari religious movement to a worldwide audience.

In July 1977, Marley was found to have a type of malignant melanoma under the nail of one of his toes. He turned down doctors' advice to have his toe amputated, citing his religious beliefs. His cancer got progressively worse and spread to his brain. Realizing Rastafari could not save him, Bob turned to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and gave his life to Christ on 4 November 1980.

In May 1981, while flying home from Germany to Jamaica, Bob's vital functions worsened. After landing in Miami, Florida, he was taken to Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. In his last hours, he was in excruciating pain, but he had the comfort of a Christian nurse who encouraged him in his new found faith in Christ. Near the end of his life, he cried 'Jesus take me' desiring to be with the Lord rather than remain in this life.

Jesus desires all men and women to be saved. Today in prayer, pray for those people you know who have not accepted Christ as their Savior.

“Only in Jesus Christ do we have assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sins, entrance into God’s family, and the guarantee of heaven forever when we die.” – Luis Palau

God’s Word: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” – Colossians 4:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone” – 1 Timothy 2:1

In 2009, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian, was convicted of her faith in Christ and sentenced to death. She was placed in solitary confinement and spends most of her days in prayer awaiting legal appeals.

“I am praying every day,” she said. “I am strong in my faith. I know that this is a test of my faith and I know to make gold, it must be purified; it has to be put in the fire.”

“I am not worried about myself, but I am worried about the Voices Of the Martyrs workers who are helping me, which is very dangerous. I pray for them every day.”

“I don’t know the names, but I know the people from USA are helping me; I pray for them also. I pray for the people around the world who are praying for me.”

Asia also prays for the families of two men, Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, both of whom were killed for their support of Asia.

Asia also said: “I pray that God will forgive the people who blamed me. … I know God helps his people and he will release me. I want to appeal to the world to pray for a miracle to release me from jail and that I stand strong in my faith.”

In all situations, be in prayer. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that we can take all prayer requests directly to Him, and He intercedes for us.

"To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." - John Calvin

God’s Word: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:18-19

Austin Ziegler was born in 1996 in West Mesquite, Texas. He was diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy that caused blindness. He also suffered from cerebral ataxia which causes slowness of speech and coordination problems.

"It's been a challenge” said his mother Jan. “I mean, for a long time he couldn't even speak at all. He didn't say words at all...He couldn't walk when he was younger. He would just have to use the aid of a walker to hold onto to get around.”

As Austin grew, he began to walk without any aid and his speech became more intelligible. Then in 2010, Austin began to preach. He shares God’s love, first to his mother Jan, then to friends and eventually to small gatherings.  

“I keep telling Austin, 'It don't matter if anyone's in here or not, you just go right ahead because Jesus hears you and he's looking down on you and smiling regardless,’" said Jan.

"It really encourages people that you can, if you just have faith in God, you can get up and you can talk. You can speak about the good things of God,” said Pastor Billy Kelly.

"Austin is real...He's just like a child. He steps out in faith and it's good for people to see Austin... because he just makes you feel like you could do more. If he can do that, we can do more.”

Are you holding on to and growing in your faith in Christ? Today in prayer, praise the Lord for believing in you and follow Him with all of your heart, soul and mind.

"Faith is taking God at His word.  Faith is not belief without evidence.  It is belief on the very best of evidence -- The Word of Him "that cannot lie."" - R.A. Torrey

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

Matthew Talbot was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1856. He started drinking when he was 12 years old and he became the town drunk by the time he was in his twenties. His alcoholism got so bad that he would sell the shirt off his back for a drink. He couldn't even quit drinking for a day.

In 1884, he became tired of the man he had become and took a three-month pledge of sobriety. It would last the last forty years of his life.

He became a new man and also swore off tobacco and gave his heart to the Lord.

The new converted Matthew never swore. He was good humored and amicable to everyone. He was an honest laborer and used his wages to pay back all his debts. He lived modestly, but wore a chain around his waist to remind himself of his sinful past.

Matthew died at age 69 years old, full of grace in Christ. He would often give the following advice: "Three things I cannot escape: the eye of God, the voice of conscience, the stroke of death. In company, guard your tongue. In your family, guard your temper. When alone guard your thoughts."

Jesus did come into the world to save sinners. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He came into the world to save sinners.

"Almighty God, through the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death. Through his resurrection you have restored innocence and eternal life. We who are delivered from the power of the devil may live in your kingdom. Give us grace that we may believe this with our whole heart. Enable us, always, to steadfastly praise and thank you in this faith, through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” – 1 Timothy 1:12

In 2001, on his 33rd wedding anniversary, Don Smock, a U.S. diplomat passed away. His widow Gef was a bit lost what to do after Don’s death. "Someone told me to go to a missions conference, that it would make me feel better," she said. "I listened to the missionaries tell stories, and I knew I needed to go. So when they gave the invitation, I walked down."

She continued: “I knew this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. All those years of traveling with my husband had prepared me for this, for what God was going to do with me at this age. I was going to go wherever the Lord led." So at age 70, Gef began a three-year tour serving as a high school English teacher for missionary kids in Thailand.

Then she got a surprise when the Lord led her to become a missionary in Macedonia for six years. Both of Gef’s parents had emigrated from Macedonia and she was fluent in the language.  She said was "the obvious work of God's hand," she ended up in Macedonia. She retired from missionary service at age 79, knowing that the Lord gives strength to all who faithfully serve Him.  

Jesus loves you and has a plan for your life. It is a plan to bring your Heavenly Father glory. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He will give you strength if you faithfully serve Him.

"The measure of a man is not how many servants he has, but how many men he serves." - D.L. Moody

God’s Word: “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness” – Colossians 1:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” – 1 Timothy 1:7

On September 6, 1994, dozens of Harold Camping's followers gathered inside Alameda (California) Veterans Memorial Building to await the return of Christ, an event Camping had promised for two years. Followers dressed children in their Sunday best and held Bibles open-faced toward heaven. When the event did not occur, Camping did new calculations.

He began broadcasting that the rapture would occur on May 21, 2011. For months he continued to stress on his radio programs that the end of the world would begin on that date. One listener was 14-year old Nastya Zachinova, who lived in the Republic of Mari El in Central Russia.

“She took this date too close to heart,” said Nastya’s mother.

The girl's personal diary entries revealed how terrified she was of the suffering that was to take place. She believed that she was not one of the "righteous" people that would be taken up to heaven but someone who would remain on earth and suffer.

“Whales are trying to beach themselves and birds are dying – it is just the beginning of the end,” Nastya wrote in her last diary entry.

On May 21, Nastya committed suicide. She never heard the good news of grace in Jesus Christ. She only heard the misguided teaching of someone who did not know what they are talking about.

The truth is Jesus Christ died for our sins on the Cross. We can receive His grace of eternal life by trusting in His sacrifice. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and sensitivity toward false teaching.

"False teachers cannot comfort or make happy a timid conscience; they only make hearts confused, sad, and melancholy so that people are gloomy and act sad." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” – Hebrews 13:9a

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5

Former President Jimmy Carter, in his autobiography “WHY NOT THE BEST?” shared an incident that made him aware of his lack of witnessing to people. Each year Plains (Georgia) Baptist Church held a one-week revival service. In preparation for the week, the congregation would venture into the community inviting non-churched members to the services. As a deacon, Carter participated in this exercise. He would visit a few homes, read Scriptures, have prayer, share some religious beliefs, then talk about the weather and crops and depart.

Carter wrote: “I was always proud enough of this effort to retain a clear conscience throughout the remainder of the year.” One day Carter was asked to speak at a church in Preston, Georgia. The topic he was assigned was “Christian Witnessing.” As Carter sat in his study, he decided to make an impression on the audience by sharing with them how many home visits he made for God. He figured in the fourteen years since returning from the Navy he had conducted 140 visits. As Carter sat there, he reflected on the 1966 Georgia governor’s election. As he campaigned for the state’s highest office, he spent sixteen to eighteen hours a day trying to reach as many voters as possible. At the conclusion of the campaign Carter calculated that he met more than 300,000 Georgians. Sitting in his study the truth became evident. “The comparison struck home–300,000 visits for myself in three months, and 140 visits for God in fourteen years!” He realized he needed to love himself less and the Lord more.

The Lord desires us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life to Jesus. Seek to follow Him in all that you do.

“A man of integrity will never listen to any plea against conscience.” – Henry Home

God’s Word: “holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY