“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

In 1902, the Secret Service began protecting the President of the United States. Today, the Service protects the President and Vice President and their families, former

Presidents and their spouses, and other designated individuals. It also secures the White House Complex, Vice President's Residence, and other designated places. The Service designs, coordinates, and implements operational security plans for designated National Special Security Events (NSSEs).

Since the 1980s, each year the President receives more than 3000 threats to his life. They take each threat seriously. In 2005, a teacher instructed her senior civics and economics class to take photographs to illustrate the rights contained in the United States Bill of Rights. One student "had taken a photo of George Bush out of a magazine and tacked the picture to a wall with a red thumb tack through his head. Then he made a thumb's-down sign with his own hand next to the president's picture, and he had a photo taken of that, and he pasted it on a poster." A Wal-Mart photo department employee reported it to police, and the Secret Service investigated. No charges were filed.

Only the Lord can rescue us and protect us from every attack. Today in prayer, praise Jesus 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 2021, 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 May 1970, aerial photographs revealed what U.S. military intelligence believed was a POW camp near the town of Son Tay, twenty-three miles west of North Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi. When American officials decided the prisoners were attempting to send signals, they set in motion a daring plan to rescue the more than sixty airmen thought to be held captive.

On November 20, a joint group of volunteers from Army Green Berets and Air Force Special Operations Forces perfectly executed the raid, only to find the prisoners' quarters empty; the POWs had been moved to a different location. Initially, the Son Tay raid was a devastating disappointment to the men who risked their lives to carry it out. Many vocal critics labeled it as a spectacular failure of our nation's intelligence network. However, subsequent events proved that the audacity of the rescue attempt stunned the North Vietnamese, who implemented immediate changes in the treatment of their captives. They consolidated all Americans from their incarceration in camps to a single downtown Hanoi location where prisoners could take better care of each other. The operation also restored the prisoners' faith that their nation had not forgotten them.

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 2021, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:8

George Will is an American libertarian-conservative political commentator and author. He writes regular columns for The Washington Post and provides commentary for NBC News and MSNBC. In 1986, The Wall Street Journal called him "perhaps the most powerful journalist in America," in a league with famed columnist Walter Lippmann. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1977.

In his book “Men At Work”, Will discusses the firm justice meted out by baseball umpires. He writes, "Toughness is not enough, but it is necessary. Once when Babe Pinelli called Babe Ruth out on strikes, Ruth made a populist argument. Ruth reasoned fallaciously (as populists do) from raw numbers to moral weight: 'There's 40,000 people here who know that last one was a ball, tomato head.' 

Pinelli replied with the measured stateliness of former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall: 'Maybe so, but mine is the only opinion that counts.'"

In the end, Jesus is the only one we should seek to please. Today in prayer, give your energies and efforts of the day to the Lord and live for Him. 

“ So here is what it comes down to the ultimate choice in life is pleasing ourselves and pleasing God.” – Greg Laurie 

God’s Word: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2021, 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

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race is the world's longest certified foot race.

The distance is so staggeringly preposterous that some of those who take part don't think they are capable of it - even after they have completed it.

The course is a half-mile around a New York City block. But they run it 5,649 times. They must complete it within 52 days during the heat of the summer. The course is closed for 6 hours each day, a time when runners can eat, tend to their feet, and sleep

"It was the most overwhelming moment of my running life," said Scotland's William Sichel, an ultra-running legend and holder of 693 world, British and Scottish records who completed the race in 2014.

"Never think of the whole distance," warns American Suprabha Beckjord. She encouraged runners to be in the moment and to “get joy from the simple things.”

Life is a marathon, we need to never think of the whole distance, but take every step with Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when we are faithful to walk with Him, He is with us.

“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 2021, 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

When the World Trade Center crumbled to the ground on that dreadful day of September 11, 2001, more than three thousand people died. But Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin were a pair of Port Authority employees who responded to the attacks and were on the bottom floor when the south tower began to fall. They raced to an elevator shaft and amazingly survived the one-hundred-story collapse around them, but were buried dozens of feet down in the midst of an array of rubble. Trapped without water, breathing smoke-filled air, both Will and John had little hope of survival.

Yet as they lay there, pinned under a mountain of debris, something was stirring inside an accountant in Connecticut they had never met.

Dave Karnes, who had spent twenty-three years active duty in the Marine Corps, was watching the scene play out on television just like the rest of us. But more than allowing it merely to trouble him, he decided to do something about it. He went to his boss and told him he wouldn’t be back for a while. Dave went to a barbershop, asked for a high-and-tight haircut, then stopped by his home to put on his military fatigues, hoping the uniform would allow him access into the blocked-off area surrounding Ground Zero. He drove to Manhattan at speeds of 120 miles an hour and arrived by late afternoon. While rescue workers were being called off the wreckage pile because of danger, Dave was able to stay because of the clout and credential that came with his military uniform. Finding another Marine nearby, the two men walked the pile together, seeking to save the lost.

After an hour of searching, they heard the faint sound of tapping pipes and yelling. Will and John had been trapped for nine hours by that time, completely incapable of working themselves free. Yet in the midst of all the rubble, a Marine who earlier in the morning had been working a spreadsheet in Connecticut found them. Of the twenty people pulled from the heaped-up remains of the World Trade Center, Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin were numbers eighteen and nineteen. And all because Dave Karnes took off his suit, put on rescue fatigues, and stepped into the despair and darkness of Ground Zero.

In the same way, God took off His royal robes, stepped into our dark and depraved culture, and saved us. 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 2021, 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

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as "the prince of preachers," felt he delivered his sermon so poorly one Sunday that he was ashamed of himself. As he walked away from his church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, he wondered how any good could come from that message. When he arrived home, he dropped to his knees and prayed, "Lord God, You can do something with nothing. Bless that poor sermon."

In the months that followed, 41 people said that they had decided to trust Christ as Saviour because of that "weak" message. The following Sunday, to make up for his previous "failure," Spurgeon had prepared a "great" sermon -- but no one responded.

Spurgeon's experience underscores two important lessons for all who serve the Lord. First, we need the blessing of God on our efforts. And second, our weakness is an occasion for the working of God's power.

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 2021, 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

Salmon Chase served as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States. He also served as the 23rd Governor of Ohio, represented Ohio in the United States Senate, and served as the 25th United States Secretary of the Treasury. Chase was therefore one of a few U.S. politicians who served in all three branches of the federal government.

He said the following about the Bible: “There came a time in my life when I doubted the divinity of the Scriptures, and I resolved as a lawyer and a judge I would try the book as I would try anything in the courtroom, taking evidence for and against. It was a long, serious, and profound study; and using the same principles of evidence in this religious matter as I always do in secular matters, I have come to the decision that the Bible is a supernatural book, that it has come from God, and that the only safety for the human race is to follow its teachings.”

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

Ratna Mandi is a 21-year-old woman from Odisha, India. She has suffered from a urinary blood disease since she was 18. Two of those years she spent depressed and getting weaker; she was finally unable to work. Her family reached out to dozens of doctors, well-known magicians, spending thousands of dollars to heal her; nothing worked.

Thinking she would never heal, Ratna attended a church service secretly as a last resort. Coming up to the pastor, she told him of her disease and asked for prayer. The pastor blessed the water and gave it to her as he and other church members prayed over her. Three days later, Ratna miraculously healed from all pain and her weakness left.

Days after Ratna’s healing, her mother had pain all over her body. Months later, Ratna said to her mother, “you know that I suffered for years, and I was healed. If you don’t mind, come with me to church just once.” Her mother agreed to go, receiving the same prayer and anointment from the pastor.

In disbelief, her pain healed almost immediately. Ratna’s elder sister, Daimati, saw her mother’s and sister’s healing, and she and her four daughters also believed in Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, 2020.

Their conversions began unsettling the village’s Hindu leaders. On February 14, 2021, 11 villagers interrupted church service to find Ratna and her family. “You are a Hindu girl who should not be going to church. Leave this place and never come back!” Rajat, a Hindu priest, said.

“When I was sick for three years, no one came to see me. I thought I would die with no hope, but I am fully healed and alive by the grace of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I will never leave him at any cost,” Ratna responded.

The men and her father forcefully brought Ratna, her mother, the pastor, and his wife, to the police station. “This woman, Ratna, has converted to Christianity and is trying to involve others in her religion. Arrest her!” Police heard Ratna’s story, confirming it with her father.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police responded to her, “your healing is good, but now if you continue to go to church, you will face rejection from your community, and I will be forced to take action.”

Ratna told the ASI, none of these people cared about her when she was sick; Rajat did not take her to the hospital or visit. “Even if I die, I will not go back to temple,” Ratna told him. Scolding her, “You have no right to follow that foreign god,” the ASI said. “I will send you to jail if you continue.” Hearing Ratna’s refusals, Ratna’s father disowned her. Ratna now lives with her sister, her four nieces, and her mother, cut off from support.

However, despite their circumstances, Ratna said, “[God] cured me. I will believe and serve Him alone”.

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 2021, 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

Ryan Hall is from Kirkland, Washington, and is a retired long-distance runner who holds the U.S. record in the half marathon. He said the following about his faith and running: “From my experience through my running career of weathering many lows and enjoying some really high mountain peak experiences, I have felt that the sweetest part of running is feeling God with me as I run, and the great thing about that is it isn't something that only one person or a couple of people can experience in a race. We can all experience it. We can all feel something that is even sweeter, available every time we toe the line and more lasting than winning or setting a record. Today, whenever I sign my name to an autograph I always write John 10:10 with it because it is the best part of following Jesus and having his Spirit in me – it makes life sweeter. My running is better, my daily life is better, etc. Following Jesus doesn't mean abandoning the fun things of this world; it means having more fun, being free from the worries of daily life, and experiencing things in greater, more fulfilling ways.” 



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 2021, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

An early Christian named Irenaeus faced the situation of a false teacher named Marcus. Marcus preyed upon rich women in Lyon, France. 

When he baptized people it was “Into the name of the unknown father of the universe, into truth, the mother of all things, into the one that descended upon Jesus.”

He told them he had hidden knowledge and that he could teach them to prophesy. When they said they weren't able to, Marcus told them, “Open your mouth, speak whatever occurs to you, and you will prophesy.” The women did it, and were conned into thinking they could really prophesy.

Irenaeus concluded, “She then rewards Marcus, not only by the gift of her possessions but also by yielding up to him her person, desiring in every way to be united to him.” 

The Lord desires us to seek Him and we will know the truth. Today in prayer, ask Jesus that you may seek 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 2021, 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

In October 2020, a rapper who boasted in a YouTube music video about getting rich from committing unemployment benefits fraud was arrested on federal charges of carrying out that very scheme by fraudulently applying for more than $1.2 million in jobless benefits, including by using stolen identities.

Fontrell Antonio Baines, 31, who uses the stage name “Nuke Bizzle,” of Memphis, Tennessee and who currently resides in the Hollywood Hills, was arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint alleging a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).    Baines allegedly exploited the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provision of the CARES Act, which is designed to expand access to unemployment benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who would not otherwise be eligible.

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 2021, 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

In the 1980s, Psychologist John J. McGee developed a method called “gentle teaching”. 

He said: “Gentle Teaching is about unconditional love. It recognizes that many people are burdened with memories of distrust and fear and that their hearts are broken. It focuses on teaching them a sense of companionship. Through this process, violent behaviors begin to disappear and new ones emerge.”

From the “Gentle Teaching” website: “The central purpose is to nurture; teach; and sustain a sense of companionship, connectedness, and community for those who have repeatedly experienced an existence of disconnectedness, isolation, and loneliness.”

In the early years, gentle teaching was especially known as an approach for helping people with an intellectual disability and severe behavior problems. It was found to be effective in using it with children and an approach to human relationships in general. It can be applied in the family, at school, at work, etc.

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 2021, 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

In July 2013, a suspect featured on the Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office's Facebook page as a "Fugitive of the Day" was arrested after posting a series of angry comments on the page.

Matthew Oliver, age 23, was arrested two days after the Facebook. Oliver had a warrant for his arrest as a robbery suspect.

The morning of his first post, Oliver began posting angry comments where he accused the sheriff's office of "slandering my name" and attacked the "fools investigating crimes." He posted that he couldn't have been involved in the robbery because he was cut during "an mma fight got mrsa and almost died."

The post garnered more than 400 comments and was followed by an update posted on Friday announcing Oliver's arrest.

Avoid foolish arguments. 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 2021, 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

Meleah Jones’ stepfather sexually abused her when she was 10 years old. “I ended up running away when I was 12. I just knew I didn’t want to go home, I didn’t want to go home. I hated it. I began to drink and use drugs, hanging out with the wrong people” she said. 

“Earlier, I had lost contact with my real dad and then at the age of 15, I found him. He just happened to live in Nashville. So I moved to Nashville and things just started getting worse in my life.”

She drifted from relationship to relationship. When she became pregnant she quit school.

“I had my daughter at the age of 17 and I raised her by myself. I didn’t have any help. She has never met her real dad. I was trying to be both the mother and the father, which was very hard.”

Then a friend told Meleah a way to make big money, at night.

“It was at a strip club. So I decided to try it and I believe I was 17 when I first started. So I went from one club where I could make $200 a night to the next place where I could make $1000 a night. I was getting deeper into drugs and I was getting caught up in the money. It was awful.”

Meleah went to jail twice; the first time after a drug bust, the second time after a fight broke out in the club.

“After that, I had hit rock bottom. I knew deep down that there was something else out there for me; like, this can’t be my life. I was a stripper and a single mom. I was tired of it.”

She went to a doctor to get prescription pills, but he shared the gospel with her. 

“I had never heard that. Nobody had ever told me that before. I just sat there and I thought about it. He said, ‘can I pray with you?’ and I said yes. He began to praying and I really don’t know what he was praying about, but I just started crying and crying and crying.”

Today she is happily married

“He is the healer. He’s the God of restoration. If he will do it for me, I know He will do it for whoever else is out there hurting that has been in my shoes.”

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 2021, 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

The National Bible Bee is open to students ages 7–18 where they compete for over $100,000 in prize money in a heart-grabbing competition. Contestants compete in Scripture knowledge and memorization as they “know God’s word and make Him known”.

One of the tools the students use to learn and memorize scripture is “The Discovery Journal”. It is an 8-week inductive study that launches the participants on a journey through the Scriptures. The study teaches participants to explore the Bible using study tools and methods such as keywords, cross-references, background, personal application, and original language word studies. Each participant can gain a deeper knowledge of the Bible through reading and memorization. For as little as 20 minutes a day, students make an investment in themselves that can last a lifetime. 

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 2021, 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. A. Parnell Bailey of North Carolina visited an orange grove where an irrigation pump had broken down. The season was unusually dry and some of the trees were beginning to die for lack of water. The man giving the tour then took Bailey to his own orchard where irrigation was used sparingly. "These trees could go without rain for another 2 weeks," he said. "You see, when they were young, I frequently kept water from them. This hardship caused them to send their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Now, mine are the deepest-rooted trees in the area. While others are being scorched by the sun, these are finding moisture at a greater depth."

In this life, we will face hardship and we need to endure. Today in prayer, look to Jesus and do not be discouraged because He will help you win the race. 

“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 2021, 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

Mary Mohammadi, an Iranian Christian convert and human rights activist, was arrested for the third time on January 18, 2021. Mohammadi has been in and out of prison for her identity as a Christian and outspoken activist.

Most recently, she was arrested by the “morality police”, claiming that she improperly wore her hijab, her pants were too tight and her coat was unbuttoned. Iranian officials previously charged her with the same accusations. She spent six months in jail for being a member of a local house church and also spent time in prison in April 2020 after participating in a peaceful protest.

Despite her good relationship with her employer, she has also been unable to return to work since her release last year. According to Mohammadi, it is clear that her employers receive pressure from intelligence officials to not take her back. Her life has now been interrupted several times for her identity as a Christian, with the Iranian government not allowing her to return to her normal life, even after serving her undeserved prison sentences.

In 1979 there were an estimated 500 Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. Today almost everyone in the cities has access to a Bible and there are at least 600 churches and 1 million Christians. 

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 2021, 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

Elizabeth Howard (Elliot) was a student at Wheaton College. There she studied Classical Greek believing that it was the best tool to help her with the calling of being a missionary and translating the New Testament of the Bible into an unknown language.

She had scrutinized the boys on campus and decided that there was really only one who at all interested her: Jim Elliot. Jim was Elizabeth’s brother’s roommate. He displayed maturity and godliness that was very attractive. When the school yearbooks were handed out, Elizabeth asked Jim to sign hers, hoping that if there was any interest in her, he might indicate so in signing her yearbook. When he returned it, she rushed to her room, found his signature, and read beneath it, “2 Timothy 2:4.” 

It would be six more years before they married in 1953 and Jim would lose his life in Ecuador just three short years later.  

Whatever the Lord calls you to do, follow Him with all of your heart. 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 2021, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †

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

Born 9 June 1838, James H. McNeilly grew up near Charlotte in Dickson County, Tennessee. Raised in a devout Presbyterian home, he received his undergraduate degree from Jackson College in Columbia, Tennessee. Just as the Civil War broke out, he had earned his Doctor of Divinity from Danville Theological Seminary at Danville, Kentucky. The 27-year-old returned home to Dickson County, in the summer of 1861, he preached on Sunday and recruited troops for the Confederacy during the week. In October 1861, McNeilly traveled to nearby Fort Donelson, where he offered his services to the South. In September 1862, he was detailed as chaplain for the 49th Tennessee Infantry and went into battle with "the boys." From Port Hudson to the campaign for Vicksburg, to Jackson, to the slopes of Kennesaw Mountain, to Ezra Church, to Franklin where the regiment lost more than 73% casualties including his brother Thomas. 

At the end of the war, he was nearly blind from exposure, having the appearance of a “dirty beast” (as one longtime friend described him), Chaplain McNeilly benefitted from many kindnesses given him by strangers and friends as the War finally ended and his faith endured.

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 the 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 2021, 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

In a devotional entitled “Itching Ears”, Pastor A.W. Tozer wrote the following:  “A commentator I read some years back explained this. In Paul's day the pigs had a disease called "itching ears." The symptom was that their ears got inflamed and itched terribly. The only way they could get relief from these inflamed ears was to go to a pile of rocks and rub their ears earnestly and vigorously. The stones scratched their ears for the time being. Paul saw that, smiled a sad smile, and said, "I am running into Christians here and there who are just like that. They love pleasure more than God and will not endure sound doctrine. They have itching ears so they will be eager for something else beside the sound doctrine and holy ways. They will pile up teachers everywhere and rub their ears for dear life." That is a most dramatic and colorful illustration. A lot of so-called Christians have to have piles of rocks to rub their ears. They will not endure sound doctrine.”

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 2021, 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

At age 17, Hudson Taylor became a Christian in England and he soon after dedicated that he would be a missionary to China. After four years of preparation, Hudson arrived in Shanghai. 

He spent 51 years in China. The missionary society that he began was responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions, as well as the establishment of more than 300 stations of work with more than 500 local helpers in all eighteen provinces.

Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism. He adopted wearing native Chinese clothing even though this was rare among missionaries of that time. 

It was suggested by someone that he had given his life to China because He loved the Chinese. To this, he shook his head and answered thoughtfully, “Not, because I loved the Chinese, but because I loved God.”

No matter what you may face in this life, love the Lord and do not be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the Good News Jesus wants everyone to accept. Today in prayer, thank the Lord 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 2021, 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

Pastor Brian Anderson of The Bridge Church in Sacramento, California writes the following about self-discipline: “I think it’s pretty clear that a lack of self-discipline is at the root of many of our troubles as a nation. The disturbing thing is that we find a lack of self-discipline, not just out in the world, but also in the church. In a recent study of 2,900 Protestant church members, 90% desire to please and honor Jesus in all they do, and yet only 19% read the Bible daily. The average Christian prays less than 5 minutes a day. The average pastor prays less than 7 minutes a day. On top of that, respectable sins like gluttony and laziness are just as common in the church as in the world.

Jay Adams has written, “The word discipline has disappeared from our minds, our mouths, our pulpits, and our culture. We hardly know what discipline means in modern American society. And yet, there is no other way to attain godliness; discipline is the path to godliness.”

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 2021, 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

Prior to speaking at a Pentecostal college chapel service, there was a prayer meeting for Pastor Tony Campolo. One of the men was not even praying for Tony.  He went on and on praying for somebody named Charlie Stoltzfus: “Dear Lord, you know Charlie Stoltzfus.  He lives in that silver trailer down the road a mile.  You know the trailer Lord, just down the road on the right-hand side.”  (Tony said he wanted to inform the pray-er that it was not necessary to furnish God with directional material.)  “Lord, Charlie told me this morning he’s going to leave his wife and three kids.  Step in and do something, God.  Bring that family back together.”

Tony writes that after he delivered his message, and got in his car to drive home, he noticed a hitchhiker.

“We drove a few minutes and I said: ‘Hi, my name’s Tony Campolo.  What’s yours?’  He said, ‘My name is Charlie Stoltzfus.’  I couldn’t believe it!

I got off the turnpike at the next exit and headed back.  He got a bit uneasy with that and after a few minutes he said, ‘Hey mister, where are you taking me?’  I said, ‘I’m taking you home.’  He narrowed his eyes and asked, ‘Why?’

I said, ‘Because you just left your wife and three kids, right?’  That blew him away.  ‘Yeah!  Yeah, that’s right.’  With shock written all over his face, he plastered himself against the car door and never took his eyes off me.

Then I really did him in as I drove right to his silver trailer.  When I pulled up, his eyes seemed to bulge as he asked, ‘How did you know that I lived here?’  I said, ‘God told me.’ (I believe God did tell me) …

When he opened the trailer door his wife exclaimed, ‘You’re back!  You’re back!’  He whispered in her ear and the more he talked, the bigger her eyes got.

Then I said with real authority, ‘The two of you sit down.  I’m going to talk and you two are going to listen!’  Man, did they listen! … That afternoon I led those two young people to Jesus Christ.”

Prayer is releasing God’s power. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the extraordinary privilege to come to Him at any time 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 2021, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN 2 TIMOTHY                     †