“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

On Saturday October 29, 1994, dressed in a trench coat, Francisco Martin Duran approached the fence overlooking the north lawn of the White House and fired an automatic weapon a group of men wearing dark business suits on the White House lawn. Two nearby boys claimed they had remarked aloud just before the shooting that one of the men looked like President Clinton. Secret Service agents immediately began running across the lawn, with their guns drawn, when citizens Harry Rakosky, Ken Davis, and Robert Haines tackled Duran and pinned his arms until he could be subdued. The President was reportedly inside watching a football game at the time of the shooting and was not harmed in the assassin attempt.

Only the Lord can rescue us and protect us from every attack. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that that He is our Protector.

"God charges His angels to guard His saints, and He does not charge them in vain. This is not a more general command; it is a sort of imperative personal charge that God lays upon His angels. "Take care of My children; they are in My road - the King's high road of rectitude. Watch over them, and do not suffer them to be hurt."" - Charles Spurgeon

God’s Word: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

In April 1943, at the height of WWII, Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned for taking a stand against Hitler.

Pastor Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, an anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church. Apart from his theological writings, he was known for his staunch resistance to Nazi dictatorship, including vocal opposition to Hitler's euthanasia program and genocidal persecution of the Jews.

Even as he served his year and a half in Tegel prison, he continued to urge fellow believers to resist Nazi tyranny. A group of Christians, believing that Hitler was the Antichrist, asked Bonhoeffer, “Why do you expose yourself to all this danger? Jesus will return any day, and all your work and suffering will be for nothing.” Bonhoeffer replied, “If Jesus returns tomorrow, then tomorrow I’ll rest from my labor. But today I have work to do. I must continue the struggle until it’s finished.”

Keep the faith in Christ! Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is faithful and seek to faithfully follow Him.

“Regret looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.” – John Mason

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5

In 1260, when Marco Polo was 6, his father Niccolo, and his uncle Maffeo were successful jewel merchants and they traveled to Mongolia. The Mongol empire, led by Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan, once stretched from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean. When the merchants arrived there the Mongol emperor revealed an interest in Christianity. Kublai Khan asked the brothers to take a letter to the Pope requesting as many as 100 wise men to spread the Gospel among his subjects.

Three years later the Polos arrived home, and two years later set out on their return trek to Mongolia. Did they take the 100 wise men with them? No. Just two friars, for this was all the church felt they could spare. And even those two didn’t make it, turning back shortly into their journey. They turned back half way to China because of the harsh weather. By the time the first batch of a missionaries arrived in Beijing in 1294, Kublai Khan had died, the Mongols had turned to Tibetan Buddhism.

Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but everyone can share the Gospel. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can share the Good News with others.

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

God’s Word: “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

In the mid-1980’s, "psychologically destroyed" people, as Pastor Christian Führer now describes them, who started coming to the Nikolai church in Leipzig East Germany every Monday for the "prayers for peace" meetings.

"At first I thought I should not do anything for people because I thought we should be trying to stay and reform the country from within," Pastor Führer explained. "The last thing I wanted was for people to not leave. But in the end I felt I had to offer them help – they were at their wits' end."

The Monday meetings just kept growing and growing: from about 600 in late 1988 to 4,000 in September 1989. By this time, they had become a serious threat to the regime. On Monday, 4 September, members of the congregation unfolded a banner outside the church, demanding "An open country and free people." The event was filmed by a crew from West German television and seen by millions of Germans in East and West that evening.

The regime responded with violence. "There were these terrible beatings," recalled Pastor Führer. Truncheon-wielding police moved in and members of the congregation were savagely beaten. "Then they started rounding people up and locking them in makeshift prison camps." But the protesters refused to back down and by Monday, 9 October, the stage seemed set for a ghastly and violent confrontation with East Germany's forces of law and order.

Despite police attempts to block the approach roads, the crowds descended on Leipzig throughout the day in numbers never seen before. There were 6,000 people in and around the Nikolai church; on the streets beyond were a further 65,000. It was the biggest anti-Communist demonstration the country had ever witnessed. When the sermon ended, the vast crowd started to move off along the neon-lit, six-lane ring-road. Pastor Führer and the other protest leaders had expected armed police to have opened fire by the time the head of the massive procession had reached the railway station. Those in the crowd linked arms, held a sea of candles aloft and even the odd banner demanding freedom. Führer and his friends held their breath inside the church.

"There was an awful silence and we just waited for the sound of shots," he recalled. "But after about 45 minutes, we realized that a miracle must have happened."

It took another 3 weeks of peaceful demonstrations within East Germany, before

Berliners began swinging hammers at the concrete wall that had kept them hemmed in for so long.

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season in delivering His Word. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His great patience and seek to be patient in all that you do.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit."  - Christina Rossetti

God’s Word: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In 2011, Rachel Held Evans lived a full year Biblically. She did not cut her hair. She covered her head when she prayed. She publicly praised her husband - even calling him "Master" for a week.

The Dayton, Tennessee resident said she didn't know how hard it would be to truly live biblically until she spent a year following all the rules of the Good Book - literally.

Rachel who was raised an evangelical Christian, started her experiment in 2010.

Scouring the Bible and consulting experts to identify all the passages that contained instructions for women, Evans put together a list of strict guidelines she would follow for the next twelve months in an attempt to achieve full "biblical womanhood."

Yes, this included calling her husband "Master" for a week - an experience he said was very uncomfortable. “I'm doing this because I love the Bible and I think we all dishonor it when we treat it like an easy read,” she said.

So what did she learn? She learned what it means for a woman to live biblically. Rachel took away some other benefits - like a new love for cooking, and an emphasis on living charitably.

The Bible is the best text for living life. Today in prayer, praise God for His Word.

"The Bible has always been regarded as part of the Common Law of England." - Sir William Blackstone

God’s Word: “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” – Psalm 119:45

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

In October 2017, Nepal made Christian Conversion and Evangelism illegal. The summary of the law is:

No one should involve or encourage in conversion of religion.

No one should convert a person from one religion to another religion or profess them own religion and belief with similar intention by using or not using any means of attraction and by disturbing religion or belief of any ethnic groups or community that being practiced since ancient times.

If found guilty; there will be punishment of five years of imprisonment and penalty of fifty thousand rupees [approximately $500 USD*]. If foreigners are found guilty; they will have to be deported within seven days after completing the imprisonment in third clause.

Despite the legal threats in recent years, Nepal has seen its Christian population triple over the past decade or so due to conversions. But Christians still make up just 1.4 percent of the 29 million residents.

The Lord can bring good out of persecution. Today in prayer, pray for those who face persecution today for the faith in Jesus Christ.

"Affliction is the best book in my library." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” – John 15:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” – 2 Timothy 3:10

Christian author Dennis Rainey, in an article entitled “Running to Win,” discusses 5 types of runners:

The casual runner. He runs when he feels like it and when conditions are perfect. For these Christians the sacrifice demanded by the race is just too high.

The cautious runner. He thinks a lot about the race. But instead he plays it safe and seldom leaves the starting blocks.

The compromised runner. Unwilling to lay aside present pleasures, he has given into temptations to run outside his prescribed lane. His life is filled with short cuts—and dead ends. Few convictions. And no costly stands on issues at work. He just blends in with the pack!

The calloused runner. This is a veteran runner who's become a cynic, or sarcastically critical of people. Scared by the puzzling, unfair circumstances of life, the calloused seldom see God in their every day circumstances. Preoccupied with their injuries, their hearts have layers of thick tough tissues made of bitterness, envy, or apathy.

The committed runner. One who knows where the finish line is and is determined to win. In training at all times, they know that victory will never be achieved by the faint-hearted—they have decided to run to win. What's my point, you ask? Well, if you're in the race and running, don't let anyone hinder you from running well.

In all that you do, run full out for Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life. Endure hard times and bring glory to the Lord.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." - William Barclay

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:7

Dr. Shrikant Jichkar of Maharashtra, India was arguably the most educated person ever. He held 20 post-graduate University degrees, including degrees as a medical doctor and an attorney at law. Because of his post-graduate degrees, he was known as the “Most Qualified Person in India.”

He spent much of his life as a civil servant and a politician.

Jichkar's love for academics was reflected in his large collection of 52,000 books that he maintained in his personal library.

He often spoke on subjects such as economics, fitness, religion and health.

As educated as he was on religion, he remained one of the great ritualists in India and an Agnihotri, one who continuously maintains the three sacred Vedic fires.

In 2004, Jichkar passed away at the age of 49 in a car accident.

The Lord desires us to seek knowledge AND the Truth. Today in prayer, ask Jesus that you may seek after truth, bringing you into a deeper relationship with Him.

 “Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.” –  1 Timothy 2:3-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2018, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy” – 2 Timothy 3:2 

Jerome Irving Cohen was born in New York City on August 16, 1898, the son of a grocer, and raised on the Lower East Side. He changed his name from Cohen to Rodale, presuming it would be a handicap in business to have a Jewish name.

In 1942, Rodale started Organic Farming and Gardening magazine. It taught people how to grow food with organic farming techniques. Today, Organic Gardening is the best-read gardening magazine in the world.

In June 1971, J. I. Rodale appeared on the television show “The Dick Cavett Show”. Rodale looked a fit fifty year-old, and when he announced that he was in his seventies the audience applauded. “I am going to live until I am a hundred,” he added.

But five minutes later, in front of a live audience, Rodale slumped to the floor. A cry went out for a doctor. But he who had boasted that he was going to live to be a hundred, died of a heart attack less than five minutes later.

We need to avoid boasting. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride and boasting. Seek to humbly walk with Jesus.

"Jesus Christ is a God whom we approach without pride, and before whom we humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal

God’s Word: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” – Proverbs 8:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, Congress directed the Secret Service to protect the President of the United States. The following year, two full-time agents were assigned full time protection of President Theodore Roosevelt. Since that time, 19 Presidents have been guarded by the Secret Service.

On the morning of November 22, 1963, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Roy Kellerman was sitting in the front passenger seat of the presidential limousine. The driver was Secret Service Agent William Greer. Both men were recognized as the best in their profession. Like all Secret Service agents assigned to protect the President, both Kellerman and Greer were trained to use his own body as a shield, taking a bullet if necessary in the line of duty.

Though the Warren Report and similar inquiries found that both men followed approved, recognized procedures, both men were unable to fully protect President Kennedy on that fateful day in Dallas.

Only the Lord can rescue us and protect us from every attack. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that that He is our Protector.

"God charges His angels to guard His saints, and He does not charge them in vain. This is not a more general command; it is a sort of imperative personal charge that God lays upon His angels. "Take care of My children; they are in My road - the King's high road of rectitude. Watch over them, and do not suffer them to be hurt."" - Charles Spurgeon

God’s Word: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” – 2 Timothy 4:16

In December 1776, General George Washington was at a low point. Battles in New York and New Jersey were lost to the British. The colonial capitol of Philadelphia was abandoned because of the British invasion. In addition, many of Washington’s troop’s enlistments were coming to an end on December 31 and most of his men planned to return to their homes resigned to defeat.

Washington felt paralyzed and alone at the grim situation. It was then that Thomas Paine, an aid to Washington and an author, wrote the pamphlet “The American Crisis.”

The pamphlet began: “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

The pamphlet detailed the American crisis in the Revolutionary War and then concluded with the words: “I thank God, that I fear not. I see no real cause for fear.”

Washington read “The American Crisis” to his troops. He then led them to their first military victory at the Battle of Trenton. The men rallied around their leader and many of them reenlisted for another tour of duty.

Though friends or family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is faithful and will never leave us.

"It is when God appears to have abandoned us that we must abandon ourselves most wholly to God." - Francois Fenelon

God’s Word: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

Henry Martyn was an Anglican priest who felt God’s call to become a missionary. In April 1806, he arrived in India and exclaimed: “And now, let me burn out for God.” For the next six and a half years he poured himself into his work preaching and translating the New Testament into three languages.

In 1811, he was led to bring the Word of God to Persia. It was there that Henry contracted a fever and was unable to continue. He died on 16 October 1812 at the age of 31.

Henry knew life was short and wrote the following poem to remind him to give his all to Jesus:

“And when I am dying, how glad I shall be, That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for Thee; I shall not care whatever I gave Of labour or money one sinner to save; I shall not care that the way has been rough; That Thy dear feet led the way is enough; And when I am dying, how glad I shall be, That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for Thee.”

Life is short; keep the faith in Christ! Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is faithful and seek to faithfully follow Him.

“Regret looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.” – John Mason

God’s Word: “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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5

In 1944, Peggy Covell, an 18-year-old sociology major at Keuka College, began working as a Japanese-speaking social worker in a Japanese relocation center in Colorado. The relocation center housed Japanese Americans who had been interned at the outbreak of the war. Like her father and mother, she loved the Japanese as sisters, brothers and friends. Peggy transferred to a prisoner of war camp that housed Japanese military. She lovingly ministered to the Japanese POWs.  One former POW said, "Her presence made it possible for us who were in that camp to forego all our resentment and hatred and to return with a forgiving spirit and a feeling of light-heartedness." When the POWs asked Peggy why she was so kind to them, she answered: "Because Japanese soldiers killed my parents." She told the story of her parents, who were missionaries and evangelists in the Philippines, who were executed by the Japanese soldiers. She realized in their last moments on earth, her parents prayed for and had forgiven their executioners. She could do no less and desired to share the Gospel with others. One person who heard of Peggy's story was Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her loving, forgiving spirit struck him and he began to read the Bible. Fuchida became a Christian evangelist because of Peggy's testimony of God's forgiveness.

Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but everyone can share the Gospel. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can share the Good News with others.

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

God’s Word: “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

In 1797, Henry Nott was the first missionary to Tahiti. During his first five years on the mission field, three missionaries were killed and four others deserted the field. Henry built a friendship with the island’s chief Pomare, and soon new missionaries arrived to help support Henry.

Then in 1803, Pomare he died and his son assumed the title Pomare II. He was even more vicious and violent than his father. After eight years of fruitless labor and the missionary house being ransacked, six more missionaries abandoned Tahiti, again leaving Nott alone to minister. He repeatedly went on long, arduous preaching tours throughout the island. He spent months and years over his lexicons, in the study of Hebrew and Greek, and in the translation of the New and Old Testaments into the language of Tahiti.

Henry did not see his first convert until he had been in Tahiti 22 years. It took several decades, but he was successful in translating the Bible into the Tahitian language.

Henry returned to England only two times during 47 years on the field. His perseverance at preaching the Word finally took hold in Tahiti.  

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season. In His time, He will bless. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His great patience and seek to be patient in all that you do.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit."  - Christina Rossetti

God’s Word: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In 1973, Anatoli Shcharansky, a dissident Soviet Jew, kissed his wife goodbye as she left Russia for freedom in Israel. His parting words to her were, "I'll see you soon in Jerusalem." But Anatoli was detained and finally imprisoned. Their reunion in Jerusalem would not only be postponed, it might never occur. During long years in Russian prisons and work camps Anatoli was stripped of his personal belongings. His only possession was a miniature copy of the Psalms. Once during his imprisonment, his refusal to release the book to the authorities cost him 130 days in solitary confinement. Finally, more than twelve years after parting with his wife, he was offered freedom.

In February 1986, as the world watched, Shcharansky was allowed to walk away from Russian guards toward those who would take him to Jerusalem. But in the final moments of captivity, the guards tried again to confiscate the Psalms book. Anatoli threw himself face down in the snow and refused to walk on to freedom without it. Those precious words from the Psalms had kept him alive during imprisonment. He would not go on to freedom without them. 

The Bible is the best text for living life. Today in prayer, praise God for His Word.

"The Bible has always been regarded as part of the Common Law of England." - Sir William Blackstone

God’s Word: “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” – Psalm 119:45

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

In January 1997, Bounchan Kanthavong, a Laotian shop owner, spent the night with a Christian family while away on business. It was then and there that Bounchan gave his life to Christ. When he returned to his home in Vanghai village, Udomsai province, Bounchan began to spread his new faith. People came to his shop from other villages, eager to hear and embrace the Gospel.

Laotian authorities warned him stop practicing his faith and worship services in his shop. In June 1999, Bounchan was arrested for treason and sedition. His only crimes were receiving Bible training and sharing his faith with people who came into his clothing shop. Bounchan’s witness led 70 people to accept Christ as their Savior. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Bounchan refused to renounce Christ to leave prison early, and the 58-year old’s health suffered during his time in jail.

Bouchan was released from prison on February 29, 2012. His wife his Sengkham had taken over the leadership of their Christian community, while Bouchan was incarcerated. Through the grace of God, today there are more than 3,000 believers in that village.

The Lord can bring good out of persecution. Today in prayer, pray for those who face persecution today for the faith in Jesus Christ.

"Affliction is the best book in my library." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” – John 15:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” – 2 Timothy 3:10

On November 12, 2011, Beverley Hughes and Juni Howel arrived in Melbourne, Australia. They had walked 1101km from Sidney in 43 days. The two walked the 700 miles to raise awareness and funds for the Dalits in India.  

"I spent a few years living in India as a Christian missionary,” said Beverley. “and so have seen first-hand, the ravaging effects of poverty. I am motivated by seeing what can be done here in our own country and how our efforts have the potential to affect the lives of so many other people.”

Dalits, sometimes referred to as ‘Untouchables’, number around 250 million and are victims of centuries-long discrimination and exploitation. Most Dalits cannot afford food, clothing, shelter or even an education for their children.

The two endured torrential rains and flash floods, blistered feet, and sleeplessness. "I'm desperate to see the lives of the Dalit children changed, and want to be a voice for them," Beverley expressed.

In all that you do, live your life full out for Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your life. Endure hard times and bring glory to the Lord.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." - William Barclay

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:7

Isaac Asimov was born in Russia in 1919. His family immigrated to the United States when he was three years old. He had a thirst for learning and in 1948 he graduated with a PhD in biochemistry. He became a science fiction writer and wrote or edited more than 500 books.

Though he was well educated, he never could bring himself to the truth. Asimov wrote:

“I am an atheist, out and out. It took me a long time to say it. I've been an atheist for years and years, but somehow I felt it was intellectually unrespectable to say one was an atheist, because it assumed knowledge that one didn't have. Somehow it was better to say one was a humanist or an agnostic. I finally decided that I'm a creature of emotion as well as of reason. Emotionally I am an atheist. I don't have the evidence to prove that God doesn't exist, but I so strongly suspect he doesn't that I don't want to waste my time.”

The Lord desires us to seek knowledge AND the Truth. Today in prayer, ask Jesus that you may seek after truth, bringing you into a deeper relationship with Him.

 “Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.” –  1 Timothy 2:3-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy” – 2 Timothy 3:2

Samuel Clemens, known by his fans as Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He is best remembered for his novels, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Twain was an avid outdoorsman and loved to boast of his hunting and fishing exploits. Returning to New York by train one day after a three week fishing trip deep in the heart of Maine (long after the state's fishing season had closed), Twain retired to the lounge car in search of a suitable listening ear to whom he might relate his fishing adventures.

Having struck up a friendly conversation with a prospective admirer, Twain soon found to his dismay that his boasts of a great catch elicited a grim reaction. Still Twain pressed on.

"By the way, who are you, sir?" Twain finally inquired.

"I'm the state game warden," the man growled.

"Who are you?"

Twain nearly swallowed his cigar. "Well, to be perfectly truthful, warden," he answered, thinking of his catch, iced down in the baggage car, "I'm the biggest liar in the whole United States!"

We need to avoid boasting. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride and boasting. Seek to humbly walk with Jesus.

"Jesus Christ is a God whom we approach without pride, and before whom we humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal

God’s Word: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” – Proverbs 8:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” – 2 Timothy 2:25

Dr. John Berdan was the Professor of English at Yale University for 38 years. He mentored some of the best writers in America during the first half of the twentieth century. He taught English composition and he often would cringe reading students’ grammatical errors. Then he came about a gentle way to instruct his students.

One morning, Dr. Berdan read to his class a particularly inept composition and, as usual, he called upon his students for comments. The students critiqued the work unmercifully.

“Interesting,” commented Dr. Berdan, “because I wrote the theme myself.” As the critics began to blush, he continued, “You are quite right. This theme is incredibly bad. I spent two hours of painstaking effort last night to make sure I had not omitted a single feature of poor writing, and I believe I succeeded.” The professor paused for dramatic effect.

“What astounds me,” he concluded, “is how you men can dash these things off day after day in ten minutes.”

It was a lesson his students never forgot.

The Lord desires us to give gentle instruction to bring about desired change and glory to Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gentle instruction you have had in your life and seek to gently instruct others.

“The gentleness of Christ is the comeliest ornament that a Christian can wear.” – William D. Arnot

God’s Word: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” – 2 Timothy 2:23

Often Abraham Lincoln found himself embroiled in foolish arguments. He was once called in to settle a dispute by two men who had been arguing for hours about the correct proportion of the length of a man's legs to the size of his body. Lincoln, in proper legal fashion, listened with care to both sides before speaking. He then applied his astute logic. 

“This question has been a source of controversy," Lincoln said, slowly and deliberately, "for untold ages, and it is about time it should be definitely decided. It has led to bloodshed in the past, and there is no reason to suppose it will not lead to the same in the future.”

Lincoln concluded: "After much thought and consideration, not to mention mental worry and anxiety, it is my opinion, all side issues being swept aside, that a man's lower limbs, in order to preserve harmony of proportion, should be at least long enough to reach from his body to the ground."

Avoid foolish arguments. At best they are a diversion and they could lead to divisiveness. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to give you wisdom in all things and to avoid foolish arguments.

“If we must disagree, let's disagree without being disagreeable.” – Lyndon Baines Johnson

God’s Word: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” – 2 Timothy 2:19

From the time he was a child, David suffered from seizures and severe depression. He remembers that: “I had a craving for the darkness and I felt an urge to flee away from people.” As a teenager he would roam the streets at night.

In 1975, David began to experiment with the occult. He took the moniker “The Son of Sam” and from July 1976 until his arrest in August 1977 he terrorized New York City.  David Berkowitz confessed to killing six people and wounding several others in the course of eight shootings. In 1978, he was sentenced to 365 years in prison.

Ten years into his prison sentence, David was feeling despondent and without hope. It was then that another inmate came up to him and shared with him the love of Jesus Christ.

He gave David a Gideon’s Pocket Testament and asked him to read the Psalms. As he read God’s Word, his heart melted. In 1987, David turned from wickedness and he gave his life to Christ.

David summarizes his testimony: “I was involved in the occult and I got burned. I became a cruel killer and threw away my life as well as destroyed the lives of others. Now I have discovered that Christ is my answer and my hope. He broke the chains of mental confusion and depression that had me bound. Today I have placed my life in His hands. I only wish I knew Jesus before all these crimes happened - they would not have happened.”

Jesus desires for everyone to turn from sin and to bring Him glory. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for saving you.

"Repentance is not a fatal day when tears are shed, but a natal day when, as a result of tears, a new life begins." - Ilion T. Jones

God’s Word: “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." – Exodus 34:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

In November 2011, Kari Erickson won the National Bible Bee Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. The 18 year old girl from Dell Rapids, South Dakota won the $100,000 grand prize.

"I love to memorize, it is just one of my favorite things to do," Kari said.

To prepare, she memorized 1,100 verses by studying six hours a day for months. "Studying that much, you really can't do much during the summer. You just kind of have to lay aside other things," Kari said. The National Bible Bee is a Bible quiz which the Shelby Kennedy Foundation began in 2009. The competition begins with local contests across the United States and culminates with the national competition.

Kari prepared for the competition by daily reviewing a 10 inch stack of flash cards.   

“God’s Word is so powerful! It is a great way to draw closer to the Lord,” said Kari.

Each of us should strive to know Jesus better and that means knowing God’s Word. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Bible and spend some extra time reading God’s Word.  

“God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” – 2 Timothy 2:10

Dr. Paul Brand was a missionary doctor to India who first developed the procedure for tendon transfer to the hands for those with leprosy. This parents were missionaries to India, and his mother Evelyn had a heart to reach others for Jesus. When Evelyn was 75 years old, she was still walking miles every day, visiting the villages in the southern part of India, teaching the people about Jesus. One day, at age 75, she was traveling alone and fell and broke her hip. After two days of just lying there in pain, some workers found her and put her on a makeshift cot and loaded her into their jeep and drove 150 miles over deep rutted roads to find a doctor who could set the broken bones. But the very bumpy ride damaged her bones so badly that her hip never completely healed. Paul wrote, "I visited my mother in her mud covered hut several weeks after all of this happened. I watched as she took two bamboo crutches that she had made herself, and moved from one place to another with her feet just dragging behind because she had lost all feeling in them."

He continued, "At age 75, with a broken hip, unable to stand on her own two legs, I thought that I made a pretty intelligent suggestion. I suggested that she retire. She turned around and looked at me and said, "Of what value is that? If we try to preserve this body just a few more years and it is not being used for God, of what value is that?" So she kept on working. She kept on riding her donkey to villages until she was 93 years old. At age 93 she couldn’t stay on her donkey anymore. She kept falling off. But she didn’t stop teaching. Indian men would carry her in hammocks from one village to another. And she continued to tell people about Jesus until she died at age 95. Paul remembered, "My most vivid memory of my mother is of her propped up against a stone wall as people are coming to her from their homes, schools, and places of work. I can still see the wrinkles in her face, and her skin so tanned by the weather and the heat. "I saw her speaking to those people. I looked at them and saw the sparkle in their eyes, and the smiles on their faces. And I saw them deeply moved by the message of God’s love, spoken by this old woman. I knew what they saw was not an old woman who had passed her prime, but a beautiful person bringing tidings of love straight from heaven."

The Lord blesses our efforts when we endure hardship for the sake of others. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for everything that you are endure while following Him, knowing that it will have eternal rewards.

“Even when the gospel demands much, even when it leads to an effort which seems to be beyond human ability and to a future which seems dark with every kind of threat, remember that it is good news, and remember that the world is waiting for it.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” – Colossians 1:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.” – 2 Timothy 2:9

In 1812, American Missionary Adoniram Judson first brought the Gospel to Burma. However, it wasn’t until 1935 that the isolated Somra tribe of Nagas first heard the Good News of Christ. Now, 64 years later this Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) tribe has the Bible in its own language.

On February 4, 2012, the first Bibles in the Nagas language were made available.

The process took 40 years, with setbacks in financing, translating, and printing of the Bibles. After years of prayers, and through the providence of God, the Nagas Bible was completed.

It took a translation team comprised of about 45 people to complete the work.

Village elders were elated about the Nagas Bible. “We thought we will never see the scripture in our own dialect before we leave this earth, we feel reaching land of Canaan after 40 years of toil” they exclaimed with tears. “It is indeed a joy to see the word of God spreading without sense of barriers and boundaries for His glory.”

The Word of God does not have any barriers and can reach any heart at any time. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His gift of the written Word, the Bible.

"The Scriptures and the words of Jesus possess a terrible power in themselves and a wonderful sweetness. Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul, and a love of the prophets and of those men who were friends of Christ possessed me." - Justin Martyr

God’s Word: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.” – 2 Timothy 2:4

John Beekman was a student at Moody Bible Institute when he heard the Lord’s calling to become a missionary. He also learned that he had a heart condition and he feared he would not be accepted on the mission field.

His fears were allayed when he was accepted to go to southern Mexico and minister. From 1951 until 1955, John and his wife Eileen worked on a translation of the Bible in the Chol language.

In October 1955, John’s heart had weakened and he returned to the United States. Doctors at Georgetown University Hospital implanted a plastic valve in his heart. John was only the third patient to survive the operation and he was given five years to live. Doctors recommend that he rest and enjoy his last few days.

John ignored the doctor’s advice and returned to the steamy jungles of Mexico. For the next 20 years, the Beekman’s rode mules and traveled by dugout canoes to reach the Chol tribe. Today, the Chol Church is thriving with more than 12,000 Christians.

Whatever call the Lord has for you, He will also provide the resources and strength to accomplish it. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has called you to follow Him. Be obedient to follow the Lord in all that you do.  

“As we begin to focus upon God, the things of the Spirit will take shape before our inner eyes.” – A. W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3

In 1920, Dr. Kenneth Fraser, of the Church Missionary Society, traveled up the Nile River. He was a medical doctor, a teacher, a pastor and a decorated soldier. He had risen to the rank of Major General in the British Army by the end of the First World War. But now Dr. Fraser had a calling to be a missionary to the Moru people of Southern Sudan.

With his wife Eileen, who was a nurse, Dr. Fraser trained young Moru Christian converts. They became evangelists, teachers and medical workers. He provided them with standardized medical kits and sent them out in pairs. He established specific routines and procedures for the teams to send back reports to Fraser at the Lui hospital at regular intervals. Dr. Fraser also established schools and churches all over Moruland at intervals of fifteen miles along the main roads. These centers, in every part of Moruland, served as churches and schools as well as dispensaries at the same time. As dispensaries, these centers served the hospital at Lui. The doctor also organized leper colonies in the area.

Because he endured the hardships of Sudan, today, there are over 300,000 Moru Christians, many believers are a result of the foundations laid by Dr. Kenneth Fraser.

The Moru have remained steadfast Christians even under persecution by the Muslim government of Sudan.

Like a good soldier of Christ, we need to endure all that comes before us. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for any hardship you face, knowing that He will give you strength to stand.

“We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.” - Henry Ward Beecher

God’s Word: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” – Hebrews 12:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 1:13

Dr. Ronald Youngblood was the valedictorian at the four colleges he was a graduate. He taught at Bethel Seminary from 1961 until 2001.

He was part of the New International Version (NIV) translation team, and in 1976 he was invited to join the Committee on Bible Translation. He also served as a translator for the first major revision in 1984, and was executive editor for the New International Reader's Version.  He has also served as chairman of the board of the International Bible Society, and editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Ron is also the author of more than a half dozen commentaries. He was one of the first scholars to read the Dead Sea Scrolls and authenticate their reliability.

His classes were interesting and relevant. His students were struck by his breadth of knowledge of the Old Testament text and biblical customs. He was true to the Scriptures, a quality he instilled in his students.

Ron is also an extremely humble man who loves Jesus. His sound teaching helped many future Christian leaders. When answering questions that reached the end of human knowledge, he would let his students know it was a mystery of God rather than theorize on an explanation.  

Each of us needs to follow and give sound Biblical teaching. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that sound teaching is found in the Bible.

“A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth or art to be taught.” - John Milton Gregory

God’s Word: “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” – Titus 1:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” – 2 Timothy 1:8

Shahbaz Bhatti was a Pakistani politician and elected member of the National Assembly from 2008. In November 2008, he became He the first Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs.

He accepted the post for the sake of the "oppressed, down-trodden and marginalized" of Pakistan, and that he had dedicated his life to the "struggle for human equality, social justice, religious freedom, and to uplift and empower religious minorities' communities." He added that he wanted to send "a message of hope to the people living a life of disappointment, disillusionment and despair."

Immediately Shahbaz became a target of extremists.  

He was a Christian who spoke out against the dangers of Islamic Sharia law.

In a taped interview, he said the following in case he were to be martyred for his faith:

“I believe in Jesus Christ who has given his own life for us. I know what is the meaning of The Cross and I’m [taking up my cross to] follow Jesus. I’m ready to die for this cause. I’m living for my community of suffering people and I will die to defend their rights. These threats will NOT change my principles.”

Do not be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the Good News Christ wants everyone to accept. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that He was not ashamed of you to die for your sin. Ask the Lord for strength that you may bring Him honor in all that you do.

“Once inside eternity, we are going to be very embarrassed at the smallness of our faith.” – Leonard Ravenhill

God’s Word:  “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

In 1983, Australia hosted its ultramarathon, a 573.7 mile foot race from Sydney to Melbourne. The event drew some of the top long distance runners in the world. Shortly before the race began, a 61-year-old Australian potato farmer named Cliff Young walked up to the registration and asked to register. He was wearing overalls and goulashes over his boots. The people at the registration table thought it was a joke.

"No, I'd really like to run" said Cliff and he pinned his number on his old overalls.

Cliff walked over to the start of the race. All the other professional runners, who were decked out in all their light running gear thought he was crazy.

When the gun went off, the other runners began a slow easy trot. Cliff ran with an awkward, goofy-looking shuffle. The crowd laughed at him, finally, someone called out, "Get that old fool off the track!"

But five days, 14 hours, and four minutes later, it was Cliff Young who first crossed the finish line of the 573.7 mile ultramarathon. He had won the race. The second place runner was nine hours and 56 minutes behind him. Cliff had set a new world record for the ultramarathon.

Cliff’s secret was self discipline. His shuffle proved to be a very energy efficient movement and has now been copied by other long distance runners. He ate pumpkin seeds and water which proved to be light weight and energy efficient. But Cliff’s biggest tactic was he did not sleep. While other runners ran for 18 hours and then slept for 3 to 4 hours, Cliff had disciplined himself to stay awake the entire 5 days. He imagined that he was running after sheep and trying to outrun a storm. He won the race because he was disciplined in running for the long haul.

We bring glory to the Lord when we exhibit self-discipline. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the gifts He has given you and seek to be self-disciplined in all that you do.

“The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.” - Vince Lombardi

God’s Word: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” – Proverbs 1:1-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” – 2 Timothy 1:3

On February 5, 2012, Stephanie and Robert McDonald of Sahuarita, Arizona were at the home of friends watching the Super Bowl game when their 2-year old son Jace was discovered on the bottom of the family swimming pool.

“When we got him from the water, he was blue,” Robert said. “We just started doing CPR.”

When first-responders arrived and took over, the family laid hands on their boy and the prayers began.

Jace was flown to the hospital and his parents feared the worst. The next day, February 6, a doctor asked everybody to leave Jace’s room except Stephanie and Robert.

“He told us that Jace was non-responsive, that ‘Your son is done, he’s gone. There’s nothing you can do,’” Robert said.

They were told Jace was going to die.

The call for prayer went out and thousands of people responded — many of whom were following every step of Jace’s journey on the church’s Facebook page.

Jace was on a roller coaster. He didn’t respond to commands and fluid was building up in his lungs. Jace had contracted pneumonia.

A prayer vigil was held on February 7 at Sahuarita Town Lake drew hundreds, and churches from Colorado to Florida sent messages of hope via Facebook. The church was getting stronger, but the doctors wouldn’t budge in their diagnosis. All the doctors gave up on Jace except one. A third-year resident at the hospital believed just as the family did. He had seen Jace the first night and saw a gag reflex from the boy in the ICU. This meant something to him, and he held out hope. Days passed.   

“They did tests and (the resident) was messing with the ventilator ... when the monitors sprang to life,” Robert said. It was an unexpected good sign. The doctor ordered a chest X-ray — Jace’s lungs were clearing up. He was stabilizing.

Not long after, Jace’s eyes fluttered as somebody prayed over him. Then he began moving his arms and legs — agitated at having a ventilator. Another good sign.

The church continued to pray, and each passing hour brought more good signs. Jace opened his eyes. He spoke. He recognized family. He gave high-fives.

One of the doctors who had given up on Jace said: “The real reason I’m here is to tell you your son, when he arrived, was dead. There is no medical evidence or reason for your son to be alive. He’s a miracle, and you need to remind him of this.”

“I attribute this to God and his son, Jesus,” Robert said Tuesday. “I attribute it to the promises that are in the living word of God, the Bible, that if you pray, your prayers will be answered. It’s an honor to see first-hand God’s greatness.”

In all instances, remember to pray. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the extraordinary privilege to come to Him at anytime in prayer.

"I am so busy now that if I did not spend three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day." - Martin Luther

God’s Word: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2009, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †