“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?” – Job 37:23-24

In the summer of 1984, six cosmonauts on the Soviet space station, Salyut 7, reported a strange event. Commander Oleg Atkov and fellow cosmonauts Vladmir Solovyov and Leonid Kizim were on the 155th day of their mission when they reported to ground control that the space station was completely surrounded and bathed in a spectacular orange light.

For a few short moments the light was so bright it temporarily blinded the cosmonauts. Unsure of what had happened, when they regained their eyesight, each of them peered out the portholes thinking that it may have been some type of explosion or fire.

“What we saw,” they said, “were seven giant figures in the shape of humans, but with wings and mistlike halos, as in the classic depiction of angels. Their faces were round with cherubic smiles.” Twelve days later the figures returned and were seen by three other Soviet scientists, including woman cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya. “They were smiling,” she said, “as though they shared a glorious secret.”

What is the glorious secret? It is the Lord is immeasurable in His glory and in His love for us. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is beyond our reach and exalted in power.  

“If worship is just one thing we do, everything becomes mundane. If worship is the one thing we do, everything takes on eternal significance.” – Timothy J. Christenson

God’s Word: “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.” – Psalm 33:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.” – Job 32:8

After World War II, Charlie Riggs left the Army and settled in the Seattle area. The Navigators’ leader Lorne Sanny mentored him on how to live a Christian life. Soon Charlie was thrust into situations he had never encountered. He said: "I always asked the Lord to put me in over my head. That way, when I had a job to do, either the Lord had to help me or I was sunk."
God was delighted to answer this prayer time after time. In 1952, Billy Graham asked the Navigators for help with his Crusades. The Navigators "loaned" Charlie to the Graham team.

In 1954 at the London crusade, Charlie developed a simple tool to help a person understand how to have a personal relationship with Christ. The resulting booklet, “Steps to Peace With God,” has become one of the most printed Bible tracts of all time.
In 1957, on the eve of the famous New York City crusade at Madison Square Garden, the crusade director suddenly had to be replaced. The lay chairman suggested Charlie Riggs and the New York campaign became a model for the many crusades that would follow in later years.

Billy Graham said, "I didn't think he could do it. But I had this peace-that Charlie so depended on the Holy Spirit that I knew the Lord could do it through Charlie."

The Lord can do great things through you, if you let Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has given you His Holy Spirit to guide and teach you.

“The Holy Spirit is not a blessing from God. He is God.” – Colin Urquhart

God’s Word: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS In JOB

“If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” – Job 31:24-28

On August 24, 1967, social and political activist Abbie Hoffman and fellow members of the Youth International Party, or Yippies entered the New York Stock Exchange. They were able to manipulate beyond security and make their way to the to the observation gallery, which was two stories above the trading floor. Hoffman and the others then began throwing dollar bills at the traders below. Hoffman claimed that they threw over 300 dollar bills; others estimate the number at around 30 or 40 bills.
The protesters were having a ball, laughing as they flung the money to the trading floor. They wanted to show the traders as greedy people who worshiped only money. But the reaction from the traders was mixed. Some laughed and waved, others were angered by the interruption, and still others were too busy pocketing the money to display much emotion. Trading was halted for six minutes during the disruption before the protestors were removed from the building.

Money is a tool, but there should not be any love in our heart for money. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He is our security and in Him we should rejoice.

“Money is the root of every mess you can think of. Anyone who lives for money is surely missing the best things in life.” – Sadie and Bessie Delany

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“I know you will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living.” – Job 30:23

Cotton Mather was a Puritan Preacher of the Old North Church in Boston beginning in 1685. He wrote more than 450 books and pamphlets, and his omnipresent literary works made him one of the most influential religious leaders in colonial America.

He once prayed for an easy death and the Lord answered his prayer.

Mather died on the day after his sixty-fifth birthday, February 13th 1728, after an illness of about six weeks having served the Lord in the church at Boston for some forty-two years. Death was no stranger to him and he felt well prepared to meet the last enemy. A few hours before he died he said "Now I have nothing more to do here; my will is entirely swallowed up in the will of God."

His last words were: "Is this dying? Is this all?" he asked at the end. "Is this what I feared when I prayed against a hard death? Oh, I can bear this! I can bear this!"

We will all face physical death, but for those in Christ, we will pass from living in this world into eternal life in heaven. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that our Hope is in Him.

“There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.” – Psalm 49:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him. The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing.” – Job 29:11-12

In 1951, William Asbury went to Korea to be the first Field Director for Korea for the Christian Children’s Fund. In the following three years, he directly helped establish a support program for more than 4,000 orphans in over 100 orphanages.
But Asbury’s influence went further. He kept in contact with other Americans who were serving during the war. He estimates that about 100,000 Korean orphans were aided by American soldiers' efforts.
"I refer to them as an army of compassion, and it really was exactly that," said Asbury.
Asbury, a veteran of World War II, thinks American aid to orphans in Korea was unlike any other humanitarian efforts in World War II because the troops were dug in during long stretches. That gave the GIs time to get to know the orphans. It may also help account for the many Koreans who became Christians.

The Lord has a special place in his heart for the poor and for orphans. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can minister to some of the orphans in this world.

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” - Augustine

God’s Word: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   
DEVOTIONS IN JOB
 

“And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'” – Job 28:28

In 1995, the earthquake in Kobe, Japan destroyed everything Yoko Dorsey owned. In desperation, she turned to Jesus. "I learned in the Kobe earthquake that I needed God. I learned that I don't need material things. My heart opened up," she said. "I think God saved me back then because He wants to use me now."
Yoko, now 60-years-old, is a member of Tokyo Baptist Church. She senses that her experience during the Kobe earthquake is a powerful witness for those in Japan suffering from the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear incident.
Yoko took in a single mother and her daughter whose other family members remain missing. As people evacuate from the disaster zone to Tokyo, she plans to bring even more to live with her.
"I have a really strong God," she says. "I want those people in the disaster to know my God's strength and power."

It is often when we are broken that we find the Lord. And it is in the Lord that we find wisdom. Today in prayer, pray for the people of Japan that in these dark days they might come to know Jesus.

“The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe.” – Dwight L. Moody

God’s Word: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   
DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.” – Job 27:2-4

One day during World War II, Pablo Picasso was visited by the German Gestapo in his apartment in Nazi-occupied Paris. One of his unwelcome visitors noticed a photograph of Picasso’s mural “Guernica.”

Guernica was a painting done in response to the bombing of Guernica, Basque Country, by German and Italian warplanes in 1937. The Spanish Republican government commissioned Picasso to create the large mural for the Spanish display at the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris. “Guernica” is an abstract painting showing the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts, particularly innocent civilians. This is one of Picasso’s most heralded works.

The Gestapo officer who noticed the photograph of “Guernica” asked: "Did you do that?"

"No," Picasso bitterly replied. "You did."

Whatever wrong has happened in your life, let it go and let God heal you. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to take away any hurt or bitterness in your life and be at peace with Christ.

“Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” – Ron McManus

God’s Word: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” – Ephesians 4:31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”  – Job 26:13-14

W. P. Nicholson was an Irish evangelist during the first half of the twentieth century. He had a medical condition and went for special radiation treatment at a practitioner’s office in Edinburgh. He was asked to sit in a chair, while the doctor sat down and began to read the daily paper. After waiting some time Mr. Nicholson asked that the treatment might begin. "You are being treated now," the doctor replied.

Nicholson said he felt nothing at all. Then the physician took a board with several electric lamps on it, and placed it against his breast. Instantly the lamps glowed with light. The doctor said, "Mr. Nicholson, there is enough power passing through your body to run the tram car on the street. You do not feel it because you are insulated."

Nicholson said afterward, when narrating this experience: "My friends, you may have all the power of almighty God passing through you, and yet be unconscious of it because there is no special call for its use. But let the need come, and the power will be manifested, for it is there."

The Lord is omnipotent, nothing or no one can match His power. Today in prayer, worship the Lord for He is Lord of all.

“Omnipotence teaches us that no power in all the universe can stop God or impede his plans. Not evil men. Not natural catastrophe. Not reversal of fortune. Not fate or luck or chance.  – Paul Fritz

God’s Word: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

On December 29, 1987, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Romanenko set a new human space duration record of 326 days, 11 hours, and 38 minutes.

Previous cosmonauts had returned from long missions with bones, muscles and cardiovascular systems weakened by extended periods in zero gravity. "My muscles were strong enough to support me” Said Yuri on his return. “As far as heart palpitations, sweating, that sort of thing -- I didn't feel anything of that sort. In fact, one day after returning to earth, I went for my first jog, for about 100 meters."

In 1982, two cosmonauts returned from 211 days in space suffering from dizziness, high pulse rates and heart palpitations. They were unable to walk for a week, and a month later they were still undergoing therapy to strengthen atrophied muscles and weakened hearts. So how could Yuri go for a run after a much longer space flight? He went through a regimented training program in space. Also, during his waking hours, he wore a "penguin suit," a running suit laced with elastic cords that creates resistance -- and needed exertion -- with nearly every move he made. The resistance to every move made Yuri stronger and better prepared to return to earth.

It is through resistance and affliction that our faith is tested. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when you are tested you are growing more in His likeness.

“God loves us in good times and bad. But he is even more real in our lives when we are having tough times.” – Joe Gibbs

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. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“A flood will carry off his house, rushing waters on the day of God's wrath.” – Job 20:28

On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The death toll was 147 people killed. The quake sent thousands of dazed residents racing into the streets.

"It is just a scene of utter devastation," said New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. "We may well be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day."

But in the darkness, some Christians became light to others. "We grabbed our neighbors and we just put our arms around them and prayed," said John, a Christchurch resident. "They're not Christians. People were in such shock that we gathered them together and prayed with them."

Anglican Church Bishop Victoria Matthews said: "It is not about buildings. It is not about bricks and mortar. It is all about people. And the people are suffering horribly. It's all about trying to be Christ's hands, feet and heart and voice and caring for the people that God loves."

In an instant, we can lose everything. But Jesus Christ is our unshakeable foundation who has overcome the world. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that in the most unsettling of times, He loves us.

“In fact, 15 percent of everything Christ said relates to this topic (money and possessions) – more than His teachings on heaven and hell combined. Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there’s a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money. We may try to divorce our faith and our finances, but God sees them as inseparable.”  – Randy Alcorn

God’s Word: “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” – Proverbs 23:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." - Job 19:25

In March 1998, Achol Tong Nyan, a Christian wife and mother in her mid-20s was living in the village of town of Warawar in Southern Sudan. Men on horses and in uniforms stormed the village. Raiders came to her village and enslaved her. She and 250 others were forced to march for two weeks to the north where her Islamic captors lived. Thirty people died along the way. Achol had to carry on her head a heavy load of tea and clothing – her captor's inanimate booty.

At night, she was beaten and repeatedly raped. Her master gave her an Islamic name and forced her to perform rituals. As a result of sexual relations with her master, she bore a baby girl, Paulina. However, Achol never lost faith in Jesus during her terrible ordeal.

Then in late 1999, John Eibner the president of Christian Solidarity International came to Sudan for the purpose of redeeming slaves. Paying between $50 and $100 per person, his organization was able to buy the freedom of 15,447 during a four-year period. Achol and her daughter were two of the people John redeemed. John said of the remaining captives: “they can count on my colleagues and me, as well as a growing number of abolitionists for support until the last slave is free.”

In this world of darkness, we can rise above our troubles because our Redeemer lives. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has redeemed us for Himself.

"There is a redeemer, Jesus, God's own Son, Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One." - Melody Green

God's Word: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   
DEVOTIONS IN JOB

"Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger." - Job 17:9                 

Deion "Prime Time" Sanders, was a two sport professional. He was an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves and cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons. He is the only athlete to have hit a Major League home run and scored an NFL touchdown in the same week. Deion grew up on the mean streets of Fort Myers, Florida, where exposure to some would-be athletes spurred him to make a success of himself. He explained: "I call them Idas. 'If I'da done this, I'd be making three million today...If I'da practiced a little harder, I'd be a superstar.' They were as fast as me when they were kids, but instead of working for their dreams they chose drugs and a life of street corners."

Deion pursued sports and was a member of Super Bowl and World Series teams. It was after his first Super Bowl victory that he started feeling empty. He recalls: "I tried throwing myself into my career, into sports, trying to see how far I could go, and when I achieved every goal I could think of, I was right back where I started. Empty, empty, empty and nothing I did could touch that deep loneliness inside of me. I was just running, I couldn't stop."

He finally contacted a Christian friend who led him to the Lord. "After that, little things started to change. I was just feeding myself, day by day, constantly growing in the faith. Then there would be a storm there, and I would stumble, but I knew I had to keep on going."

Once you trust Jesus and decide to follow Him, you will grow stronger in your walk of faith. Today in prayer, look to the Lord and follow Him in all that you do.

"To cling always to God and to the things of God--this must be our major effort, this must be the road that the heart follows." - John Cassian.

God's Word: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin.” – Job 14:16-17

On November 28, 1969, Gates Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York moved into their current home, a newly constructed sanctuary and education wing. The church had begun in 1828 and was settling into a larger, permanent building. What distinguishes the church building is its bricks. They are “clinker bricks”.
Clinker bricks are bricks that are normally rejected by masons because they have imperfections of some sort.  They are the factory seconds – the malformed bricks that are typically thrown away.  Normally a conscientious builder would have reject them, knowing that a client would never accept a brick wall constructed with imperfect bricks. 

But the 600 Christian congregation wanted to make a statement with the clinker bricks. The bricks are like the imperfect congregation. No two of the bricks are alike. But God, as well as the church, accepts and loves everyone with all our imperfections.

Jesus Christ loves us and has covered our sin through His sacrifice on the Cross. We are made beautiful by the Master stonemason to worship Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for dying for your sins so you can worship Him.

“When Jesus bowed his head, And dying took our place, The veil was rent, a way was found To that pure home of grace.” – John Elias

God’s Word: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit” – 1 Peter 3:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail    

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God. You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” – Job 13:3-5

In 1990, Philip Hendrie began hosting a comedy talk radio program in Los Angeles. He would “interview” unique and controversial guests, but those guests were not real people – they were fictional characters created and voiced by Hendrie himself.

Though Hendrie often alluded to the fact that he was doing the voices, listeners were invited to call and many are duped into believing that the guests on the show were real.

Often his comments were inflammatory and his advice was foolish.

One character Henrie often played was an African American pastor, Pastor William Rennick.

On one outrageous segment, Hendrie, posing as Pastor Rennick, urged African Americans not to wear seatbelts. Hendrie foolishly stated that black people have a history of being restrained and that they should boycott seat belts to make a statement.

We need to avoid giving and listening to foolish advice. Today in prayer, look to the Lord in prayer and in your Bible for the wisdom needed to answer your questions.

“Do not open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God.”  – Thomas a Kempis

God’s Word: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” – Psalm 1:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” – Job 12:13

On June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin delivered a powerful speech to the Constitutional Convention, which was embroiled in a bitter debate over how each state was to be represented in the new government. The hostile feelings created by the smaller states being pitted against the larger states, was so bitter that some delegates actually left the Convention. Benjamin Franklin hosted the 55 delegates attending the Convention. Being the senior member of the convention at 81 years of age, he commanded the respect of all present. Addressing President George Washington and the assembly, Franklin said:
“Mr. President: The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other—our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes and ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, some we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances. In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.—Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments be Human Wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest. I therefore beg leave to move—that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of the City be requested to officiate in that service.”

Everyone needs God’s wisdom. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom for every situation you face today.  

“He is truly wise who looks upon the earthly things as folly that he may gain Christ.” – Thomas `a Kempis

God’s Word: “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” – Job 11:7

Kelly Ames was in high school in Massachusetts, she developed multiple sclerosis.  When she was 22 years old, she remembers:

“One day I was at work and I was walking down a flight of stairs—there must have been, like, 12 stairs—where I just lost the feeling in my feet… and I fell down a flight of stairs. And the women in my office… I explained to them that my feet sometimes get numb.” “Within that week, I lost the vision in my left eye and I had no control over my muscles. It was just very devastating. I hated to depend on other people, but, at times, I needed other people to help me.”

Kelly's doctor put her on steroids.  But the drugs only gave temporarily relieve from the symptoms of MS. 

Then Kelly met a woman who had literally walked away from her wheelchair after stinging herself with honeybees. Kelly's father brought her to a local beekeeper who had been helping MS patients for years.

“He told me that he didn't want to be bothered by me if I wasn't serious about it.  He said, you have to do this for six months straight every other day, faithfully. He scared me when he said that because I realized I really had to take the responsibility of sticking to this. And I did.”

After 41/2 months of bee venom therapy, building up to 13 stings at a time on her lower back every other day, she could walk without a cane. She has also gained vision back in her left eye. Doctors are confounded. The television show, “Unsolved Mysteries” featured Kelly’s case. No one seems to understand why bee stings are able to treat multiple sclerosis.

If we can’t understand how a bee sting can treat a disease such as multiple sclerosis, how can we ever fathom the mysteries of God? Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His mysteries and be in awe of His power.

“I am glad there are things in the Bible I do not understand. If I could take that book up and read it as I would any other book, I might think I could write a book like that.” – D.L. Moody

God’s Word: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.” – Job 10:12

In 1993 Gerald Sittser, a professor at Whitworth College was driving home from a family outing. In the car was his mother, wife of 20 years and four children. A drunk driver swerved across the center line and hit them head on. In an instant George lost his wife, his two year old daughter and his mother. In his book, “A Grace Disguised”, Sittser shares some insights from his painful journey:
"The accident itself bewilders me today as much as it did three years ago. Much good has come out of it, but all the good in the world will never make the accident itself good. It remains a horrible, tragic and evil event to me. Yet the grief I feet is sweet as well as bitter. I still have a sorrowful soul; yet I wake up each morning joyful, eager for what the new day will bring. Never have I felt as much pain as I have in the last three years; yet never have I experienced as much pleasure in simply being alive ... never have I felt so broken; yet never have I felt so whole . . . Never have I been so aware of my weaknesses and vulnerability; yet never have I been so content and felt so strong ... Above all, I have become aware of the power of God’s grace and my need for it. My soul has grown because it has been awakened to the goodness and love of God. God has been present in my life these past three years. God will continue to be present to the end of my life and through all eternity. God is growing my soul, making it bigger and filling it with himself. My life is being transformed."

Though we may go through difficult circumstance, it is the Lord’s kindness that keeps refining us to be more like Jesus. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for being with you during the most difficult of times.

“God knows what He is about. One of these days all the answers will come in. In the meantime, rest in confidence that He knows what He is doing with you.” – Ray Stedman

God’s Word: “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” – Psalm 103:2-4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him? Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.” – Job 9:14-15

In September 2007, Nebraska Democratic State Senator Ernie Chambers decided he wanted to do something about “acts of God” and filed suit against God.

Chambers filed a lawsuit against God in Douglas County Court. The suit asked for a "permanent injunction ordering the Defendant to cease certain harmful activities and the making of terroristic threats."

Chambers also cited that the, "defendant directly and proximately has caused, inter alia, fearsome floods, egregious earthquakes, horrendous hurricanes, terrifying tornados, pestilential plagues..."

Chambers said he isn't suing God because he has any kind of beef with the deity. He said the suit is to fight possible laws restricting the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Chambers said his lawsuit is in response to bills brought forth by other state senators to try and stop lawsuits from being filed.

"The Constitution requires that the courthouse doors be open, so you cannot prohibit the filing of suits," Chambers said. "Anyone can sue anyone they choose, even God."

Chambers bases his ability to sue God, as, "that defendant, being omnipresent, is personally present in Douglas County."

The case was finally closed on February 25 2008 when the Nebraska Court of Appeals ruled that the Defendant could not be properly notified.

Many people remain angry with God because of a hurt in their life. But the Lord is merciful and desires us to have a personal relationship with Him.  Today in prayer, come to Jesus and give Him your hurts and arguments and receive His peace.  

“A long term hurt can create negative thoughts within us about God and ourselves.” – Steven J. Lawson

God’s Word: “Then Job replied: "Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can a mortal be righteous before God? Though one wished to dispute with him, he could not answer him one time out of a thousand.” – Job 9:1-3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.” – Job 8:9

Pierre Robert Olivétan was born in Noyton, France in 1506. He attended the University of Orleans and it was there he realized his calling to translate the Scriptures into French. His last name is a nickname, meaning “olive oil” as in “burning the midnight oil.” Olivétan was known for being a hard worker who would work long into the night.

He began learning the Hebrew and Greek texts. He picked up on the work of his teacher Jacques Lefèvre d'Etaples and pushed through the translation.

In 1535, he published “La Bible Qui est toute la Saincte” scripture at Neuchatel in Switzerland. This translation has been considered the first French Protestant Bible. At the time, Olivétan was only 29 years old. He had his younger cousin, John Calvin, write the preface for the Bible. Olivétan’s bible had an influence on the English translations known as the Matthew Bible printed in English in 1537 and the Geneva Bible printed in 1560.

In 1538, after making the most of his days, Olivétan died at the age of 32 years old in Ferrara, Italy.

We only have a short period of time here on earth. Are you making the most of them for Jesus Christ? Today in prayer, praise the Lord for today and ask Him how you can best live the day.

“Man always knows his life will shortly cease, Yet madly lives as if he knew it not.” – Richard Baxter

God’s Word: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” – Job 6:14

Elisha A. Hoffman was a minister’s son who attended Union Seminary in New Berlin, Pennsylvania, and was ordained in 1868. He was the pastor in churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. In his lifetime, he wrote over 2,000 Gospel songs.

The inspiration for one of his songs came when he was pastor of a church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

He visited a woman who had experienced many moments of emotional pain in her life. She told Reverend Hoffman of the many burdens on her heart and concluded with the question, "Brother Hoffinan, what shall I do? What shall I do?" He replied, "You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus." For a moment, the lady seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes brightened and she exclaimed, "Yes, I must tell Jesus."

From that experience Elisha Hoffman wrote a hymn: "I Must Tell Jesus." The beauty of this hymn is its honesty and pointing our way back to our loving Heavenly Father.

We all need life long, Christian friends who can strengthen our faith during our darkest days and point us back to Jesus. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for bearing your troubles and thank Him for your friends.

“I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end” – Elisha A. Hoffman

God’s Word: “Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you-- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” – Proverbs 27:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” – Job 5:17

At the age of seven, Kim Linehan and her family moved from New York to Florida where the outdoor nature of sun and warm weather lead her to swimming year round.  For the next 14 years she spent most of her time in serious swim training in Sarasota.
She became a fiercely competitive at distance freestyle and became the world's best female swimmer during the late 1970s.
Her first big breakthrough came at the 1978 US World Championship Trials at the Woodlands, Texas. At age 15, she set the world record in the 400m freestyle. The following year she set the world record in the 1500m freestyle.
After competing for 14 years, Kim retired from competitive swimming to coach others and teach children the same values she was taught growing up in the world of swimming.
When she was 18 years old, at the height of her career, Kim had a training regimen that included countless exercises and 7-12 miles of swimming each day.  She was asked: “Which part of your training is the most difficult?”
Kim replied: "Getting in the water!"

Though being discipline may not seem pleasant, it is training used to make us stronger us stronger and more like Jesus. Today in prayer, thank Christ for any correction and discipline He has brought into your life.

“God has no pleasure in afflicting us, but He will not keep back even the most painful chastisement if He can but thereby guide His beloved child to come home and abide in the beloved Son.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   
DEVOTIONS IN JOB

“and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’” – Job 1:21

On the surface, many people think Blair Griffith has it all. The former Miss Colorado Teen USA was crowned Miss Colorado USA 2011. But Blair has had her share of heartache. Her dad died of cancer when she was 14 years old and her mother Bonita was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Blair and Bonita were evicted from their home when Bonita had to stop working.
A friend, Teresa McCaskill, opened her home for the two women to live. "This house doesn't belong to me, it belongs to God. He's just letting me loan it. So I'm just sharing it with them," said Terry.
At the end of March 2011, Blair is also scheduled to lose her job at Saks Fifth Avenue when the branch she works at closes its doors for good. 
Her misfortune has made for a unique message: "You do sit there and go, 'Oh gosh, not again.' But at the same time I think it's almost like a test .. to see if you can handle it, and what will you make out of your situation. These are all just moments that are teaching me how to be a stronger person.”
Over the past several months, Griffith has been openly discussing her circumstances when speaking at schools and events. "I have no place to complain about anything that's going on in my life,” Blair said. “There's so many people that are going through the same exact situation. I hope to inspire people."

Though testing is rarely pleasant, it does refine your personality to become more like Christ’s.  Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when you are being tested, He is near.

“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we're pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker's praise without anxiety.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   
DEVOTIONS IN JOB

"In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil." - Job 1:1

Admiral David Farragut was the first senior officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War.
When Admiral Farragut’s son Loyall was about ten years old, the father challenged him that when he was old enough to make a compact, and keep it, he had a bargain to offer him.
Loyall asked his father what the compact was. The admiral said, “The proposal I intend to make it this: If you will not smoke or chew tobacco, drink intoxicating drinks nor strong wines, till you are twenty-one years of age, I will then give you one thousand dollars.”
“I am old enough to make that bargain now,” said young Farragut: “I will accept the offer.” The bargain was closed; and, when young Farragut was twenty-one, the cash was handed over.
Loyall became a good military officer and a gentleman. He was a close aide and a help to his father during the Civil War.

In all that you do, seek to walk upright and blameless with Jesus. It brings glory to the Father. Today in prayer, ask your Heavenly Father how to live upright and blames this day.

"I am a sinner saved by grace because of the work of Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit helps me to live a life that is pleasing to God. Outward faithful service. Inward blameless devotion.” – Ross Cochrane

God's Word: "This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." - Genesis 6:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN JOB