“Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. – John 19:17-19

In 1968, the historical veracity for the crucifixion of Jesus took another leap forward. A mass gravesite in Israel was uncovered that contained 35 male bodies, each of which died a brutal death around the time of the Jewish revolt against Rome in 70 AD. An inscription identified one of the men as Yohan Ben Ha'galgol. Studies of his bones performed by specialists from the Hadassah Medical School determined this man was in his late 20's and he stood 5 feet 6 inches. Dramatically, these studies also showed that the man had been crucified in a manner resembling the crucifixion of Jesus. A large spike had been hammered inside the Achilles tendon. Spikes were also driven through his lower forearms, just below the wrists. The bone studies also revealed that the man's legs were crushed below the knees. In John 19:31-33, we read that Roman executions expedited the death of crucifixion victims by breaking their legs- this caused them to suffocate quickly because they could no longer push up with their legs to inflate their lungs.

Crucifixion is one of the most horrible ways to die. Yet, Jesus Christ willingly went the Cross to die for your sins. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His acceptable sacrifice on the Cross that we may become children of God.

“The cross is proof of both the immense love of God and the profound wickedness of sin.” - John MacArthur

God’s Word: “The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. – John 19:32-33

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTION FOR GOOD FRIDAY

“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.” – James 5:7

In 2011, Derrick Rose was the National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player. The point guard for the Chicago Bulls was off to another great season in 2012 until Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs. Derrick injured his left knee while trying to jump. He was immediately helped off the court. An MRI later revealed he had torn the ACL ligament in his left knee and would miss the rest of the 2012-2013 season.  In early 2013, Derrick updated his rehabilitation progress and then shared his faith in Christ: "As long as I have my faith in God, I'm good. I know everything else is going to come." He also learned a valuable lesson in patience. "I'm staying patient. That's the biggest thing with this rehab and it's what has helped me the most. I haven't always had patience in the past, but now I have it. I'm still working on it and I think it's going to make me a better player and a better person."

We are not patient by nature, but the Lord can give us His patience. Today in prayer, give any impatience you have to Jesus and receive His perfect peace.

“The three most important words in the English language are 'Wait... a... minute.'”  - Sam Rayburn

God’s Word: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.” – James 5:1

In 1982, air-conditioning repairman Curtis Sharp made quite the splash after beating 600 million-to-1 odds to win a $5 million lottery jackpot in 1982. The Newark, New Jersey resident dressed in a bowler hat and suit right out of "Guys and Dolls," when he arrived at a news conference to claim his winnings with both his wife and his girlfriend. Sharp's 15 minutes of fame included hanging out with Andy Warhol and bringing Yankee games to a standstill when players and fans noticed him in the stands. But Sharp blew most of his cash on alcohol, women and bad investments - most notably a scheme to build electric cars powered by batteries that supposedly never needed recharging. He lost all his money, but then Curtis found Jesus. He is now a Baptist minister living off a small pension and Social Security checks in a small house in Antioch, Tennessee. Curtis said: "A fool and his money are soon parted, and, honey, I acted a fool."

Only the Lord can satisfy our deepest needs. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for any possessions that you have and seek to use them to His glory.

“To be clever enough to get a great deal of money, one must be stupid enough to want it.” – G.K. Chesterton

God’s Word: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:9-10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:13

Tunis "T." Craven was an American communications pioneer. He was a naval engineer involved in the early history of radio. In 1917 he was ordered to the Office of Director of Naval Communications, where he oversaw the organization and operation of the Navy's trans-Atlantic radio communications system during the First World War.  After leaving the Navy, he served as Chief Engineer to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He served in the FCC on and off for more than 17 years, interspersed with work in private industry as the vice-president of Iowa Broadcasting Company. In 1961, there was perhaps no greater technical expert in communications than T. Craven. In a speech that year, he blundered and proclaimed: "Basically there is no chance that the satellites be used to provide better service for telephone, television, or radio telegraphy." The following year, Telstar 1 was launched on top of a Thor-Delta rocket on July 10, 1962. It successfully relayed through space the first television pictures, telephone calls, fax images and provided the first live transatlantic television feed.

The future belongs to the Lord, we cannot predict if it will bring happiness or sorrow. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is Lord of all and seek to humbly walk with Him.

“The next moment is as much beyond our grasp, and as much in God’s care, as that a hundred years away. Care for the next minute is just as foolish as care for a day in the next thousand years. In neither can we do anything, in both God is doing everything.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.” – James 4:11

Henry Ward Beecher was a prominent American clergyman who spoke out against slavery in the mid to late 19th century. In 1875, he was falsely accused of adultery with a married woman. The trial was one of the most notorious American legal proceedings of the time. He was found not guilty, but his name was forevermore linked to this scandal. In the bitter political campaign of 1884, Grover Cleveland was slandered as an immoral man. In the midst of the campaign, Dr. Beecher took the stump in behalf of Cleveland. At a meeting in Brooklyn, Dr. Beecher said: "When in the gloomy night of my own suffering I sounded every depth of sorrow, I vowed that if God would bring the daystar of hope I would never suffer brother, friend, or neighbor to go unfriended should a like serpent seek to crush him. This oath I will regard now because I know the bitterness of venomous lies. I will stand against infamous lies that seek to sting to death an upright man and magistrate." The pastor who had been slandered was a comfort to the future president.

Slander is malicious, seeking to damage others. Today in prayer, confess any sin of slander and ask the Lord to keep you from all slander.

“He who slings mud generally loses ground.” – Adlai E. Stevenson

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7

On May 6, 2004, five people were killed and over 300 wounded in explosions from ammunition-loaded railroad cars at a munitions storage site in the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine. The explosions also forced the evacuation of over 5,000 people living within a 10 mile radius of the disaster site. Over 300 buildings were destroyed, and six villages within 25 miles of the depot were reported to be partially or totally destroyed. What started the explosion? A group of soldiers were taking a cigarette break at lunchtime. The warehouse was filled with 92,000 tons of ammunition -- until the soldiers lit up, ignoring the warning signs there was to be no smoking in the area. Then they flicked the butts away and went back to work. The glowing embers of the tobacco butts acted like slow fuses, which started a small fire that nobody noticed until it ignited a chain reaction of massive explosions.

The Lord wants us to listen to His warnings and to submit to Him. Today in prayer, submit your heart to the Lord and make His will your will.

“Our satisfaction lies in submission to the divine embrace.” – Jan Van Ruysbroeck

God’s Word: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

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

Czar Peter the Great ruled Russia from 1682 until his death in 1696. He led a cultural revolution that replaced the traditionalist and medieval social and political system with a modern, scientific, Europe-oriented system of the day. Peter was a keen amateur dentist, who often assisted surgeons and dentists in their operations. One morning a servant appealed to Peter to help his wife. She was suffering from a severe toothache, he explained, but refused to have the offending tooth pulled and she pretended to be in no pain when offered dental care. Peter collected his dental instruments and followed the man to his apartment, where, ignoring the cries and protests of the struggling woman, he successfully extracted the troublesome tooth. Only later did the Czar discover that the poor woman had in fact never had a toothache at all: the painful extraction had been her husband's idea of revenge for a domestic quarrel!

We need to control our anger and not argue over inconsequential things in life. Today in prayer, give any anger you have to the Lord and pray that you may treat others with the love and respect you desire from them.

“Argument is the worst sort of conversation.” – Jonathan Swift

God’s Word: “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” – James 3:18

Hugo Grotius was born on April 10, 1583 in Delft, Holland. He was a Christian and he became an attorney. He was one of the leading founders of the concept of international law, which was based on natural law. He wrote: "Throughout the Christian world I observed a lack of restraint in relation to war, such as even barbarous races should be ashamed of; I observed that men rush to arms for slight causes, or no cause at all, and that when arms have once been taken up there is no longer any respect for law, divine or human; it is as if, in accordance with a general decree, frenzy had openly been let loose for the committing of all crimes." It was Grotius' book "On the Law of War and Peace" which laid the framework for international law that builds peace, resolves conflict, and restrains warfare. 

Peace does not just happen; it is not the absence of war. Sowing peace is an action. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the ultimate example of sowing peace and in Him we can have peace in our hearts and share that peace with others.

“Peace reigns where our Lord reigns.” – Julian of Norwich

God’s Word: “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” – Isaiah 32:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” – James 3:14

In 1827, the German physicist Georg Ohm discovered that the flow of electric current through a wire is equal to the potential difference (the voltage drop across the wire) divided by the internal resistance (I=V/R). Ohm, was a high school teacher at the Jesuit Gymnasium of Cologne, and he hoped that his discovery would lead to a university appointment. But he was not really successful in convincing the older German physicists that the mathematical approach he took was the right one. Some of the older professors were envious of their young colleague and made life tough on Ohm. Not only did he fail to secure a professorship, but his discovery, now called "Ohm's Law", was met with such opposition by rival scientists that he was forced to resign his position at the high school! It wasn't until 1842, 15 years after his discovery, that Ohm's Law gained acceptance in the scientific community.

Envy is a sin that hurts oneself and often leads to other sins. Today in prayer, confess any sin of envy and thank the Lord that He is a generous God He has given you all that you need to bring glory to Him.

“Few men have the strength to honor a friend's success without envy.” – Aeschylus

God’s Word: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” – James 3:13

Author B.Y. Williams wrote the following poem entitled: “Who Are The Wise Men”:

Who were the Wise Men in the long ago?

Not Herod, fearful lest he lose his throne;

Not Pharisees too proud to claim their own;

Not priests and scribes whose province was to know;

Not money-changers running to and fro;

But three who traveled, weary and alone,

With dauntless faith, because before them shone

The Star that led them to a manger low.

Who are the Wise Men now, when all is told?

Not men of science, not the great and strong;

Not those who wear a kingly diadem;

Not those who eager hands pile high the gold;

But those amid the tumult and the throng

Who follow still the Star of Bethlehem.

Do you want to gain wisdom? Then follow Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is our ultimate example. Seek to follow Him closely so you may bring glory to Him.

“Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty... acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.” – J.I. Packer

God’s Word: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” – Titus 2:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” – James 3:5-6

In 1972, the French weekly celebrity magazine France Dimanche studied the amount of gossip written about the British royal family. There had been published in France during the previous fourteen years a total of sixty-three reports of Queen Elizabeth II's abdication, seventy-seven reports of her divorce from Prince Philip, 115 reports of royal quarrels with Lord Snowdon, seventeen reports of rudeness to gossip-column monarchs like Princess Grace of Monaco and ninety-two reports of Elizabeth being pregnant. Two of these last, however, did subsequently prove to be correct with the births of Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964. France Dimanche figures in Queen Elizabeth's light reading and she has several times expressed genuine admiration of its writers' "powers of imagination."

An untamed tongue spreading gossip is like a destructive fire. Today in prayer, confess any sin to the Lord and ask Him to use your tongue to glorify Him.

“God has given us two ears but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak. God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with the tongue.” – Thomas Watson

God’s Word: “Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'” – Matthew 15:10-11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1

In February 2013, there was a rash of thefts of lunch money from students’ backpacks at Linden High School in Linden, California. Sophomore Justine Betti decided to do something about it and she hid in a locker to see if she could catch the thief in action. She didn't expect the alleged culprit to be her gym teacher. After all of the students left the locker room, the teacher stayed behind, rummaged through backpacks and took money. "Something needed to be done. That's not okay," Justine said. She hid in a locker a second time with a cell phone camera to record what she saw. She set up a second camera in another locker to get two angles. Once again, the teacher went through the bags.  Her video shows someone digging through the bags and one video appears to show the person taking something out of a pink duffel bag. "I didn't want to believe that she would do something like that because she was so nice, but then she did it," she said. The video was shown to the school's administration, and the teacher was put on administrative leave pending an investigation.

The Lord was a teacher and He has a high expectation for teachers. Teachers are not only to teach well, but they are to live up to a higher standard and to love their students. Today in prayer, pray for those who teach and ask the Lord to look after them.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Brooks Adams

God’s Word: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers” – Ephesians 4:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” – James 2:18

Henry T. Blackaby is the founder and president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries International, an organization that helps people experience God. He writes a story in his book called "The Man God Uses" about his second oldest son Tom. As a teenager, Tom was called to lead a youth Bible study in a small town. Over time, God added more responsibility as a student council member and then as student council president. Soon, he was called to a two-year mission trip to Norway to lead youth. He went to seminary and then served as an associate pastor for 15 years in 4 churches in the United States and Canada. Eventually, he became a leader in his national convention and led the convention in work done with worship and discipleship. God blessed him with more because he was faithful in putting his faith to work. 

The Lord has made us for a purpose – to bring glory to Him. We need to put our faith into practice to carry out that purpose. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to strengthen your faith into action so you may follow Jesus Christ in all areas of your life.

“Faith must always have an accompanying action.” – Diane Benze

God’s Word: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” – James 2:12-13

Mark Burnett and his wife Roma Downey are the producers of the 10 hour miniseries "The Bible." Both Mark and Roma are Christians and he said: "I really believe what I'm going to tell you right now. The hand of God was on this." Mark related several different occurrences of God's hand including this incident of God's mercy. "We had a snake wrangler every day on the set. I mean, we've got a couple hundred people shooting, and we can't afford to have people getting bitten by snakes. Every day, this guy would find a snake or maybe two snakes, and remove them. On the day of the crucifixion, a lot of people prayed. The cross was a huge thing. They prayed [for safety], 'Imagine if this cross fell. The actor playing Jesus could be killed or badly injured.' The snake man came to work that day - he'd gotten there early on the mountain playing Golgotha, and the bag of snakes [he was carrying] was the biggest bag I'd ever seen. He came to my wife and said, 'Miss Roma, there were 48 snakes.' He found 48 cobras and vipers hidden within the rocks around the cross."

The Lord is merciful and mercy triumphs over evil and brings reconciliation. Today in prayer, praise Christ for His mercy and seek to be merciful to others.

“Do you wish to receive mercy? Show mercy to your neighbor.” – John Chrysostom

God’s Word: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” – James 2:2-4

In 2011, Cincinnati's Mayor Mark Mallory was chosen to be on the television show “Undercover Boss.” He dressed incognito for eight days to see first-hand what kind of work his employees do on a day-to-day basis. He donned dreadlocks and a fat suit to look heavier. His first job involved removing “roadkill,” cleaning up dead animals for the sanitation division of the Public Services Department. He also worked for the vehicle maintenance division, an afterschool program, and was a “meter maid” that handed out parking tickets. After the show he said: "I don't think I've ever been prouder of Cincinnati employees."

The result of Mayor Mike's 'Undercover Boss' experience is that he is now "on a crusade." Since he filmed the show, he has gone out to work with various other divisions, and his work has included filling potholes, picking up trash, street sweeping, and riding along with police officers. And he plans to do more.

"This is giving me new, invaluable perspective, which really helps when budget time comes and we have to decide how we're going to fund different programs and what we're going to cut," he said.

We should treat everyone with dignity and respect. Today in prayer, confess any sin of preference to the Lord and seek to treat all men and women well.

“When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus.” – Rose of Lima

God’s Word: “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” – Proverbs 29:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.” – James 2:1

Elijah Parish Lovejoy was an American Presbyterian minister and journalist. He was a Christian who spoke out against slavery in the 1830's. In his first article in the Alton Observer on September 8, 1836, he made his antislavery views clear when he wrote, "The system of negro slavery is an awful evil and sin." There was opposition to his writing, telling him to not get involved in such matters and some even threatened him. But Elijah refused to remain quiet. In a letter to his brother Joseph, who was also a minister who opposed slavery, Elijah wrote, "I have found God a very present help in this my time of need. He has gloriously fulfilled his promises, and held me up, so that I have been astonished at the little effect produced upon my feelings by these outrages." On November 7, 1837, he was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois. They also attacked his warehouse destroying his press and abolitionist materials. He has been called "The Martyr Abolitionist" and the first casualty of the Civil War.

We are not to discriminate against anyone and to love everyone. Today in prayer, confess any sin of prejudice and seek to love others as the Lord loves you.

“It is never too late to give up your prejudices.” – Henry David Thoreau

God’s Word: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” – Leviticus 19:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

 "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." - James 1:14-15

In November 2012, a study in Finland found that living near a bar encourages people to overindulge. Researchers in Finland found that of nearly 55,000 Finnish adults followed for seven years, those who moved closer to bars were somewhat more likely to increase their drinking. When a person moved one kilometer (0.6 mile) closer to a bar, the odds of becoming a heavy drinker rose 17 percent. A "heavy drinker" meant more than 10 ounces a week for men and about seven ounces a week for women, of distilled alcohol. The link doesn't prove that mere distance from a bar turns people into alcohol abusers, according to the researchers. "Factors other than proximity are also likely to explain the observed association," said lead researcher Jaana L. Halonen, of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Kuopio. When the researchers looked at patterns over time, it turned out that people who moved closer to bars - or had bars move closer to them - tended to have higher odds of becoming a heavy drinker. The increased risk was modest. But at the population level, Dr. Halonen noted, even a modest association between access to bars and heavy drinking becomes "notable."

When temptation approaches, many fall into sin. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to keep you away from temptation and to deliver you from all evil.

"The devil tempts that he may ruin; God tests that he may crown." - Ambrose

God's Word: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." - Hebrews 4:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

On March 3, 2013, the History Channel launched the five-part, 10-hour miniseries “The Bible.”

Two professing Christians, Mark Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey, are the executive producers.  

Mark said he made the special effects-filled project to help tackle “Bible illiteracy” among young people. “In school, you have to know a certain amount of Shakespeare, but no Bible.”

"The Bible" premiered to 13.1 million total viewers, according to the Nielsen ratings. That made it the No. 1 entertainment telecast of the year on cable TV.

“We could not be more thrilled with this out of the gate success,” said the couple in a statement. “The world is watching right now and we are incredibly humbled by the reaction to the series. This No. 1 series is a tribute to all those who have helped us to spread the Word. Ultimately The Bible will be seen and felt by billions around the globe.”

Viewing, reading and listening to the Bible are good. Following the Lord’s teaching is even better. Today in prayer, spend some extra time today reading God’s Word. Then ask the Lord how you can better live out the Bible in your life.

“Let us receive nothing, believe nothing, follow nothing which is not in the Bible, nor can be proved by the Bible.” – J.C. Ryle

God’s Word: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

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

“Gentleman Jim” Corbett was an American professional boxer and a former World Heavyweight Champion. He is best known as the man who defeated the great John L. Sullivan. He was the Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1892 to 1897. On the subject of perseverance, he said the following:

"Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round—remembering that the man who fights one more round is never whipped."

As Christians, we are called to persevere in Christ. Are you feeling pressured or persecuted for your faith? Today in prayer, give the trials you are facing to the Lord and seek to persevere in Him in all that you do.

"Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success." - William Wilberforce

God’s Word: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6

Richard Morgan became an atheist after reading Richard Dawkins' book “The Blind Watchmaker.” He remembered thinking, “What an immense relief it was to discover that my search for God and Meaning was bound to be frustrating and disappointing; it could only lead me up blind alleys, because God did not exist.”

In 2007, Richard found Dawkins internet site and he loved reading the group discussions. “One of my favorite sports on RDNet was insulting and mocking Christian authors who had the gall to write books refuting Dawkins' ‘The God Delusion.’”

Richard’s favorite thread was mocking Christian author David Robertson, who responded to each point of Dawkins in great length. But soon Richard noted that many of the atheist responders were very callous about life. Also David Robertson quoted Scripture and the Bible verses soon found their way into Richard’s heart.

In 2008, Richard gave His life to Christ and has been growing in the Lord every since. He said: “The Word of God is Truth, and truth is what it took to set me free.”

Our faith grows strong as we yield are hearts to God’s Word. Today in prayer, look to the Lord and place every area of your life in His hands.

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” – Oswald Chambers

God’s Word: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

In 1982, Pastor Frank Olsen, and his wife Lois, started Bethany Baptist Church in Deptford, New Jersey. On September 14, 1989, their faith was tested when fire consumed the Bethany Baptist Church building, along with their home on the second floor. Almost everything was consumed by the flames. Escaping the fire was their wedding pictures and a pocketbook full of identification and Social Security cards, which were found unscathed beneath a pile of ash and rubble. Also surviving was Frank's Bible, the Bible he preached from on Sundays. The pages were singed, but the Word was still there to read and take hope in. Three days after the fire, Frank delivered a message of hope and faith from Peter 4:12: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." Pastor Frank and Lois' faith was strengthened and the church was able to rebuild the sanctuary and their home.

Through testing our faith can be strengthened. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that when we face trials, we do not have to face them alone. In Christ, we can endure them and preserve in our faith.  

"Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now?" - Oswald Chambers

God’s Word: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” – 1 Peter 1:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN JAMES