"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18

Charles Finney was one of the most gifted evangelists of the nineteenth century.  Everywhere Finney preached revival followed. Estimates of those saved through his preaching range from 100,000 to as many as 500,000. Early in his ministry, Charles met a believer named Daniel Nash. The Reverend Nash was an Episcopal priest and missionary to Native Americans and European settlers on the frontier of central New York.  He was a great man of prayer. In 1811, at the age of 48, the Reverend Nash decided to devote himself entirely to praying for the work of Charles Finney. He would enter a town a few weeks before Finney was due to preach there and pray for his ministry. Nash would not attend Finney's meetings, instead he would pray in a nearby house "for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to melt the crowd." Daniel Nash continued this prayer ministry until his death twenty years later.

The Lord desires to hear our prayers at anytime, in anyplace. Today in prayer, remember to seek Jesus in all things and to pray.

"We must remember God more often than we draw breath." - Gregory of Nazianzus

God's Word: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." - Luke 18:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” – Ephesians 6:14

In August 2012, a study by the University of Notre Dame found that reducing the number of lies improved mental and physical health. Dr. Anita Kelly, study author and professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame, presented her findings at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando. For her study, Dr. Kelly recruited 110 adults and asked half of them to stop lying for 10 weeks. Lies included big ones and tiny ones - any false statement - but participants were still allowed to do things like omit the truth, keep secrets and dodge questions they didn't want to answer. The other half of the participants weren't given any special instructions about lying, except that they had to report the number of lies they told each week. The participants, aged 18 to 71, took a weekly lie detector test and filled out questionnaires about their physical and mental health as well as the quality of their relationships. On average, Americans tell about 11 lies a week, the authors report. By the end of their 10-week study period, participants in the no-lie group were down to one lie a week. The comparison group was telling more than three lies a week, down from an average of six at the start of the study. "We found that the participants could purposefully and dramatically reduce their everyday lies, and that in turn was associated with significantly improved health," said Dr. Kelly For example, when participants in the no-lie group told three fewer minor lies a week, they reported four fewer mental-health complaints (such as feeling sad or stressed) and three fewer physical complaints (such as headaches or sore throats). Those in the control group who independently told fewer lies logged fewer health complaints as well, but only by two or three complaints. "I think lying can cause a lot of stress for people, contributing to anxiety and even depression," Dr. Bryan Bruno, acting chairman of the department of psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Lying less is not only good for your relationships, but for yourself as an individual. People might recognize the more devastating impact lying can have on relationships, but probably don't recognize the extent to which it can cause a lot of internal stress."

Stand firm in the Truth in all that you do. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when we stand in the Truth that we are at peace with Him.

“We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth.” - Charles Stanley

God’s Word: “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." - Ephesians 6:10

In the early years of World War II, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty toured prisoner of war camps in Italy and tried to find out about prisoners who had been reported missing in action. If he found them alive, he tried to reassure their families through Radio Vatican.

When Italy changed sides in 1943, thousands of British POWs were released; however, when Germany imposed an occupation over Italy, they were in danger of recapture. Some of them, remembering visits by O'Flaherty, reached Rome and asked him for help.

Setting up a network of safe houses, the Monsignor was able to arrange for their escape.

The Nazi SS discovered the Monsignor’s work and attempted to assassinate him. They could not arrest him inside the Vatican, but they painted a white line on the pavement at the opening of St. Peter's Square (signifying the border between Vatican City and Italy), stating that O'Flaherty would be killed if he crossed it.

It did not deter the Monsignor who helped more than 6,500 Allied soldiers and Jews escape to freedom.

There are times when we need to stand up for our faith. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for His love toward you and look to Him to strengthen your faith.

"The way to grow strong in Christ is to become weak in yourself." - C.S. Lewis

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men" - Ephesians 6:7

On August 13, 2006, transit workers were working on an elevated subway track in Brooklyn, New York. The supervisor, Al Hampton, received a call from his boss asking if the work platform would be cut down by the end of the shift. With his back turned away from the platform, Al said they were going as fast as they could. Then a crash occurred. The platform collapsed and George Nunez, who had been on the platform, fell 30 feet. He was trapped under the rubble. He was unconscious in a coma for two months before he slowly recovered from his injuries. Subsequent investigations found that George was not paying attention to the situation and he did not realize the platform he was standing on was being disassembled. Al did not warn George to stay away from the high-hazard area, and did not instruct him to tie off a safety line should the platform collapse. The distracted boss coupled with the inattentive worker led to tragedy.

We are to be alert at our work and not to be distracted. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He has called you to serve Him and serve Him with all of your heart.

"Do not be ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ and to seem poor in this world." - Thomas a Kempis

God's Word: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" - Colossians 3:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." - Ephesians 6:4

Josh McDowell is a former agnostic who, after studying the Scriptures in depth, became a Christian. He became a Christian Apologist and Speaker has delivered his ministry messages to more than 10 million young people and adults in 113 countries. He has written or co-written more than 100 books, including the classics "More Than A Carpenter" and "Evidence That Demands a Verdict." Josh is married and has four children. His one son Sean is now a doctoral candidate at Talbot Seminary. Like his father, Sean is a Christian Apologist and speaker. He is also a high school teacher. Sean shared the following about growing up as Josh's son: "The older I get the more grateful I am for such a loving and caring father. And for those who don't know his story, he grew up with an alcoholic father in a highly dysfunctional family, so he had to learn how to be a husband and father. If he can do it, anyone can. I always knew my dad was famous, but it didn't really hit me until I was at Biola University. Growing up in Julian, a small mountain town in San Diego County, enabled me to escape much of the typical pressures facing "preacher's kids". But at Biola everyone knew who my dad was. In the middle of class, one of my classmates said, "Hey, we have Josh McDowell's son here. His dad wrote a book on this subject. I wonder what he thinks." Needless to say, I felt added pressure at times. My dad was probably gone about 50% of the time, which was often tough. Even though he worked harder at being a good dad than anyone I know, he still missed some games, practices, and other school events. Sometimes I really missed him. In retrospect, I wouldn't change my life for anything. The people I met, places I went, and opportunities I had were truly priceless."

Fathers, love your children and bring them up to know the Lord. Today in prayer, praise Christ for all of the fathers who are teaching their children to love and follow Jesus.

"What a father says to his children is not heard by the world, but it will be heard by posterity." - Jean Paul Richter

God's Word: "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." - Colossians 3:21

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" - Ephesians 5:25

On September 10, 2010, Brian and Erin Wood from Vancouver, British Columbia were traveling through Washington State to visit family. The couple was approaching their fifth wedding anniversary and was excited about the upcoming birth of their first child. Suddenly a Chevy Blazer in the oncoming lane started to weave wildly. The other vehicle's driver was trying to take off her sweater while her front-seat passenger took the wheel. The vehicle crossed over the center line while the driver and passenger jerked the wheel. The Blazer steered back to the left and lost control. That is when Brian made a split second decision. As the car hurtled at them head-on, Brian braked hard and swerved to the right, ensuring he would take the brunt of the crash. The Blazer slammed into them, killing Brian instantly but saving Erin. "He definitely saved us," said Erin. "He made that choice, and I'm thankful for that. I'm just glad he's being remembered as someone who was willing to make that sacrifice." Fighting back tears, Erin said: "I really would give anything just to see Brian and hug him one more time. So if that just acts as a reminder to everyone to do that with people that they're blessed to have in their lives, that's my hope."

Husbands love your wives as Christ loves you. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your spouse. Then tell your spouse how much you love her or him.

"A man and a woman should choose each other for life for the simple reason that a long life is barely enough time for a man and woman to understand each other-and to understand is to love." - George Truett

God's Word: "In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." - Ephesians 5:28

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21

Pastor John Maxwell in an article entitled "The Toughest Person To Lead Is Always Yourself," wrote about the necessity to "Learn Followship": To lead yourself you must learn how to follow. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen said, "Civilization is always in danger when those who have never learned to obey are given the right to command." Only a leader who has followed well knows to lead others well. Good leadership requires an understanding of the world that followers live in. Connecting with your people becomes possible because you have walked in their shoes. You know what it means to be under authority and thus have a better sense of how authority should be exercised. In contrast, leaders who have never followed well or submitted to authority tend to be prideful, unrealistic, rigid and autocratic. If those words describe your leadership, you need to do some soul searching. Arrogant leaders are rarely effective in the long run. They alienate their followers, their colleagues, and their leaders. Learn to submit to another person's leadership and to follow well, and you will become a more humble - and effective - leader."

Submitting to one another is a sign of maturity in Christ. Today in prayer, consider how can you submit to someone out of reverence for Christ. 

"A Christian.is the most free lord of all and subject to no one; a Christian.is the most dutiful servant to all and subject to everyone." – Martin Luther

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

Nine national medical groups in the United States have launched a campaign called “Choosing Wisely.” The goal is to get U.S. doctors to back off on 45 common diagnostic tests, procedures and treatments that often may do patients no good. Many involve imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs and X-rays.

Harvard economist David Cutler estimates that a third of what this country spends on health care could safely be dispensed with. That is approximately $250 billion annually.

So why do doctors order some of these tests when they might not do any good or are considered "very unlikely or unlikely to have benefits that outweigh the risks." A study in a September 2011 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found 80 percent of the surveyed physicians said they order some tests that may not be necessary out of fear they might get sued for malpractice. Doctors are now starting to realize they need to choose wisely in order to treat their patients with the best care.

As Christians, we need to choose wisely in our words, our time, our treasure and our talents. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that we can obtain wisdom as we look to Him and the Bible to guide us in all situations.

"The truly wise are those whose souls are in Christ." - Ambrose of Milan

God's Word: "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness'" - 1 Corinthians 3:18-19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." - Ephesians 5:11

In December 1965, Peter Buxton was hired by the United States Public Health Service to interview patients with sexually transmitted diseases. He soon learned from his co-workers about the Tuskegee Experiment. He later said: "I didn't want to believe it. This was the Public Health Service. We didn't do things like that." What the Public Health Service was doing was not treating 399 African-American men who had syphilis. The Service observed them as human guinea pigs until they died. The Service began the Experiment in 1932 in Macon County, Alabama. The 399 who had previously contracted syphilis before the study began, along with a control group of 200 men who were free of the disease. For participating in the study, the men were given free medical care, meals, and free burial insurance. The 399 men were never told they had syphilis, nor were they ever treated with penicillin therapy. The men were told they were being treated for "bad blood," a local term used to describe several illnesses, including syphilis, anemia and fatigue. In November 1966, after Peter had gathered the facts, he filed an official protest on ethical grounds with the Service's Division of Venereal Diseases; this was rejected on the grounds that the Experiment was not yet complete. Peter resigned from the Service in 1967. He wrote another protest letter; again, his concerns were ruled irrelevant.  Peter then contacted a reporter about the Experiment. Finally, on July 25, 1972, the Washington Star published an article on the men of Tuskegee. Within days, the experiment was terminated.

We must expose sin any time we discover it. Today in prayer, ask Jesus to show you where sin may be in your own life, confess it and turn away from it, and have the courage to walk in the light of our Savior.

"Sin is not a monster to be mused on, but rather an impotence to be got rid of." - Martin Luther

God's Word: "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." - Romans 13:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32

In 1995, Katie Fisher, 17, entered the Madison County Ohio Junior Livestock Sale hoping the lamb she had for sale would get a good price. For months Katie had been battling cancer. She had endured hospital stays and been through chemotherapy a number of times. Before the lamb went on the block, the auctioneer told the audience about Katie's condition, hoping his introduction would push the price-per-pound above the average of two dollars. It did-and then some. The lamb sold for $11.50 per pound. Then the buyer gave it back, and suggested the auctioneer sell it again. That started a chain reaction. Families bought it and gave it back; businesses bought it and gave it back. Katie's mother said, "The first sale is the only one I remember. After that, I was crying too hard." The Fishers ended up selling the lamb thirty-six times that day, raising more than $16,000 in the process.

We need to show the heart of Jesus and to be compassionate to others. Today in prayer, thank Christ for His compassion toward you and seek to show His love to others.

“Let all find compassion in you.” – John of the Cross

God's Word: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

""In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" - Ephesians 4:26

Phil Contos was a man who was quick to anger. Throughout his life, he often butted heads with management and either lost his job or ended up quitting.  "His strongheadedness cost him a few opportunities in life," said his brother Mark. On July 2, 2011, the 55 year-old Onondaga, New York resident decided to participate in a protest ride against helmet laws. He decided to ride his friend's 1983 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Along the ride, Contos was having a problem with his shoelaces and he looked down. Bikers in front of him slowed down for a dead animal. When Contos looked up and saw they had stopped, he hit his brakes too hard, fishtailed and lost control. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars. He was knocked unconscious and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police stated Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

We can only control our anger when we give our hurt and anger to Jesus. Today in prayer, confess any sin of anger to the Lord and receive His peace.

"It is he who is in the wrong who first gets angry." – William Penn

God's Word: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." - James 1:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-13

A man once came to Pastor Charles Spurgeon of London and asked that great preacher if his church was a pure church. He said that he was looking for a pure church that he might belong to it. Spurgeon said that he did not know about his own church. He did know that there were many good people in it; saintly people and truly Christian people; but there might possibly be a Judas among them, as there was in the company of Jesus' first Apostles; and there might be some deceivers and idolators and those who walk unruly, as there seemed to have been in the churches of Rome and Corinth and Galatia and Ephesus and Colosse and Philippi and Thessalonica, and all the others to which the New Testament Epistles were written. On the whole he thought that his church was not the one his brother was looking for. Indeed, he did not know that there had been such a church in all history. "But," said Spurgeon, "if you should happen to find such a church, I beg of you not to join it, for you would spoil the whole thing."

No church is perfect, but most are gifted with saintly people in his congregation. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your church. If you do not belong to a church, ask Him for wisdom to bring you to a church where you can grow in Christ.

"In spite of all its flaws and shortcomings, I still believe that the church is filled, for the most part, with decent and caring people who will be there when you need them." – Tony Campolo

God's Word: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues." - 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2

Scottish Pastor George Matheson became blind soon after graduating from seminary. He ministered for 31 years and wrote the following about patience: "We commonly associate patience with lying down. We think of it as the angel that guards the couch of the invalid. Yet there is a patience that I believe to be harder -- the patience that can run. To lie down in the time of grief, to be quiet under the stroke of adverse fortune, implies a great strength; but I know of something that implies a strength greater still: it is the power to work under stress; to have a great weight at your heart and still run; to have a deep anguish in your spirit and still perform the daily tasks. It is a Christ-like thing! The hardest thing is that most of us are called to exercise our patience, not in the sickbed but in the street."

Patience in our own strength is never easy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His patience towards you and seek to be patient in all that you do.

"True patience grows with the growth of love. – Gregory the Great

God's Word: "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." - James 5:7-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" - Ephesians 3:20

Dick Scott was a missionary from 1960-1973 to the Choco Indians of Panama. He relates the following story: “One day, when I arrived at the home of José, the native Choco Indian who was helping me translate the New Testament, he took me to his kitchen area and pointed excitedly to his wooden rice barrel—a six-foot wide wooden container about three feet high. “Look!” he said. “Tell me! How did this happen?” I stared at the barrel. Suddenly, I realized it was nearly full to the top with rice, but it should have been nearly empty. After all, the next rice crop was almost ready to be harvested. “What’s all this rice doing in your barrel?” I questioned José. “Aren’t you feeding your eleven children? Isn’t this the time everybody’s rice starts running out? I know the planted rice hasn’t been harvested.” José grinned from ear to ear. “I’m feeding my children. Here, look at my healthy sons. You can tell they aren’t starving.” I was stunned. “But I remember seeing your barrel this full months ago. Why is it still so full?” “That’s what I’m asking YOU,” José said. “You know that I planted less rice because I spent more time helping you translate the Bible into our native language. I thought for sure I would run out of rice some time ago.” José’s wife interrupted. “And we have more to tell you! Many neighbors are asking to borrow some of our rice because they have run out. They take scoops of rice from our barrel and they’ve promised to pay us back when they harvest their rice in a few weeks.” José enthusiastically embraced me. “I’m thankful to God,” he said. “My barrel is still full of rice, even though all the members of our family, along with many others, are eating from it. I don’t understand it. Is it because I’m helping you to translate the Bible? Is it because I’m working for God?” José’s never-ending rice barrel was almost unbelievable. I had told José months ago to trust that God would provide for his family as he helped me translate the New Testament into Choco (the language of the local Panamanian Indians). I had trusted God to provide food for José and his family so he could be my assistant, but I honestly didn’t expect such an overflowing of God’s goodness. I felt the Lord nudging me, “Oh, ye of little faith.” This full rice barrel became a daily witness to everyone in the village. They saw God Almighty at work in their midst, taking care of them and blessing the time and effort given by José for Bible translation work!”

Daily the Lord protects and provides for us in countless ways beyond what we can imagine. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He does immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

"He can give only according to His might; therefore He always gives more than we ask for." - Martin Luther

God's Word: "The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice." -Psalms 97:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." - Ephesians 3:13

In May 1799, William Ward sailed from England in to India to become a missionary.

In India, Ward's time was chiefly occupied in overseeing the community's printing press, which was used to disseminate the scriptures, once they had been translated into the different languages and dialects.

In 1812 the printing office was destroyed by fire. He was able to rebuild and to continue to print. In 1818, Ward, having been for some time in bad health, revisited England. He used the time to raise support for the mission in India. He died in India of cholera in 1823. Despite his life’s many hardships, the Lord always encouraged him. Ward said the following about discouragement:

“Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness of the presence of beauty, unconcern for the needs of our fellowman, and unbelief in the promises of old. It is impatience with time, immaturity of thought, and impoliteness to God.”

Do not become discouraged during difficult times; the Lord is with you. Today in prayer, do not let anything discourage in your faith in Jesus.

“Too often, discouragement, depression, and disappointment grabs a hold of us with what seems like a death grip. This seems to happen even more after we commit to a consistent and deeper walk with the Lord.” - Troy Dewey

God's Word: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." - Romans 8:17-18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." - Ephesians 3:12

In 1980, Kobuk Valley National Park, in northwestern Alaska, was designated a United States National Park. It is 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle and it is noted for the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the 400,000 that travel along its migration routes. For one month of the year, the park is also a great place to experience the anomaly of 24-hour daylight. The park offers backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, and dog sledding. There are no designated trails or roads in the park, which at 1,750,716 acres is approximately the size of the state of Delaware. It is one of the most remote spots on earth. No roads lead to the park. It is reachable by foot, dogsled, snowmobile, and chartered air taxis from Nome and Kotzebue year-round. With only 847 visitors in 2007, Kobuk Valley National Park is the least visited and least accessible U.S. National Park. 

The Lord is not far away, in a remote, inaccessible land. He is omnipresent and approachable, desiring all to come into a relationship with Him. Today in prayer, give thanks Jesus that He we can approach Him in confidence knowing that He hears our prayers.

"On the ground of our own goodness we cannot expect to have our prayers answered. But Jesus is worthy, and for His sake we may have our prayers answered. But if we trust in Christ, if we hide in Him, if we put Him forward and ourselves in the background, depend on Him and plead His name, we may expect to have our prayers answered." - George Muller

God's Word: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." - Ephesians 2:19-20

On July 4, 1999, Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore spoke to new citizens and guests at Monticello's annual 4th of July celebration and naturalization ceremony.

"There's no more appropriate setting to celebrate Independence Day and to take the oath of American citizenship than Monticello," he said. "With these words of allegiance, souls are moved and tears are shed and lives are changed, and citizens of the United States you will become.

You will have the rights of every American. You will be free to live your dreams and pursue happiness at your will, to create a more perfect freedom, here and in the world, because America is a repository of freedoms. While it comes and goes elsewhere, the flame remains here, alive."

As Christians, we are now citizens in God’s family. It is perfect freedom that will last throughout all of eternity. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has adopted you into His family and given you a new home in Heaven.

"Socrates, being asked what countryman he was, answered 'I am a citizen of the whole world.' But ask a Christian what countryman he is, and he will answer, 'A citizen of heaven.'" - William Secker

God's Word: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" - Philippians 3:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" - Ephesians 2:14

On 10 August 1976, Betty Williams, a receptionist, was driving in Northern Ireland when British soldiers shot an IRA fugitive. The car the fugitive was driving veered and killed three children. Betty was one of the first people on the scene.

Betty had family members killed by both the IRA and the British and felt a deep sense of frustration. Betty immediately began to circulate petitions against the violence and, in less than forty-eight hours, had over six thousand signatures.

The children’s aunt, Mairead Corrigan, heard what Betty was doing, she invited her to the children's funeral.

Together Betty and Mairead organized a peace march to the graves of the children, which was attended by 10,000 Protestant and Catholic women. The following week, Betty and Mairead again led a march — this time with 35,000 participants.

Together the two women continued to seek peace in Northern Ireland and were credited with closing the gap between the two sides. In 1977, they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jesus Christ saw the divide between Holy God and sinful man. He is our peace and his death on the Cross reconciled us to our Heavenly Father. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He is our peace.

“Christ alone can bring lasting peace - peace with God - peace among men and nations - and peace within our hearts.” - Billy Graham

God's Word: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Christian songwriter Matt Maher shares how the song “Your Grace is Enough” was written in 2006:

“Sometimes we are called to make decisions that are right decisions but they are hard decisions.  We don't necessarily have the feelings that kind of back it up.  That for me is where that song came from.  I was in a relationship and kind of knew that it wasn't supposed to keep going.  It didn't mean I didn't want it to.  But in this moment I found myself in prayer.  I then found myself turning to Scripture and identifying with Paul.” Matt began reading in 2 Corinthians and the Word struck him: “Here is a guy who God was using to evangelize the normal world but he had things he struggled with.  He had decisions.  He had a thorn in his side and begged Jesus Christ to take it away.  Jesus said, 'No, because my grace is sufficient in your weakness.'  A light went on inside me when I read that.  I thought, wow God, You would take my weaknesses, the very things I struggle with, and You would even use them for Your glory, to illustrate and remind me that I am nothing without You.  And I need you.  So, that is kind of where that song came from.  It was like if I write this and I pray this, because its truth that's not dependant on me, I know my heart will eventually ignite.  That's the great thing about God's Word.  It's true.”

Our God loves us and it is by His grace we are saved. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that in our weakness, His grace is enough.

"Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts as a slave is willing to leave his galley, or a prisoner his dungeon, or a thief his bolts, or a beggar his rags." - Thomas Brooks

God's Word: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:4-5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." - Ephesians 1:22-23

Christian author James C. Hefley wrote the following about Jesus: "Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His Divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a Cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying, and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Such was His human life. He rises from the dead. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the Centerpiece of the human race and the Leader of the column of progress. I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life."

Jesus stands alone; no one is like Him. Today in prayer, give thanks to Christ that He is Lord of all.

"If ever man was God or God man, Jesus Christ was both." - Lord Byron

God's Word: "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" - Colossians 1:18-19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." - Ephesians 1:15

The Reverend Stuart Holden was the vicar of St. Paul's Church, Portman Square, London. He is best remembered as one of the people who was scheduled to sail on the maiden voyage of the Titanic, but missed the trip when his wife became suddenly ill. Reverend Holden was the author of the book "Prevailing Intercessory Prayer", and relates that when he was in Egypt, he met a sergeant in a Highland regiment. "How were you brought to Christ?" the Reverend asked the soldier. The sergeant responded: "There was a private in the same company as myself who had been converted in Malta , and I gave him a terrible time. I remember one night in particular when it was very rainy and he came in wet and weary from sentry duty. Yet, as usual, he still got down on his knees before going to bed. My boots were covered in mud and I threw them both at him and hit him twice on the head. He kept kneeling and praying. The next morning when I woke up I found my boots beautifully cleaned and polished at my bedside. This was his reply to me and it broke my heart. That day I was brought to repentance."

Prayer makes a difference because our Heavenly Father answers prayer. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the privilege of prayer and pray for the needs of others.

“Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons; but they are helpless against our prayers.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

God's Word: "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before." - Job 42:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" - Ephesians 1:7

Takunda Mavima was 17 when he was driving home drunk from a high school graduation party in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. His car crashed into another car filled with students from his same school.  Timothy See, age 17, and Krysta Howell, age 15, were killed.

Takunda had a 0.10 blood alcohol level, well over the legal limit of 0.08. At his trial, he showed remorse as he attempted to hold back tears during his address to the courtroom filled with relatives of his victims. “I'm so sorry that I took two bright, intelligent, wonderful people out of this world .. I wish. I'm so sorry,” he said, stopping intermittently for tears.

Then Timothy See’s family did an extraordinary act, they forgave Takunda. “I am begging you to let Takunda make something of himself in the real world-- don't send him to prison and get hard and bitter, that boy has learned his lesson a thousand times over and he'll never make the same mistake again,” said Timothy’s sister Lauren. “I promised myself one thing that day. I promised myself I would not get angry.”

The day came to an emotional crescendo when after the sentencing of Takunda to prison, Timothy's father embraced Takunda, letting him know that despite all that happened, he was forgiven.

God has forgiveness us for the death of His Son to all who place their faith in Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His forgiveness of your sins and seek to forgive others for the wrongs they have done to you.

"The man who is truly forgiven and knows it, is a man who forgives." – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

God's Word: "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" - Ephesians 1:4-5

In 1938, a young Los Angeles woman gave up her infant son James to adoption. James new parents were actress Helen Hayes, considered the First Lady of the American stage, and her husband, Charles MacArthur, who was a well-known playwright. Because of his mother, James was introduced to famous people at a young age. Though he wasn’t pampered, he did enjoy several advantages when he decided to follow his mother into acting. become an actor.

He starred in the WWII film “The Battle of the Bulge” and in the western “Hang ‘Em High.”

He was best remembered as Detective Dan Williams on the television show “Hawaii Five-0,” which ran from 1968 to 1980.

James went from an unwanted orphan to becoming a respected actor, all because a loving actress and her accomplished husband opened their hearts to him.

In a similar way, God has opened His heart to adopt us into His family. Today in prayer, praise your Heavenly Father for His love and making you a son or daughter through Jesus Christ.

"The moment we were born again, we were placed in an adoptive state as heirs, as sons of God." - Jon Courson

God's Word: "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." - Romans 8:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS