“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” – John 21:18

Thomas O. Chisholm was born in Franklin, Kentucky on July 29, 1866 in a log cabin and became a teacher at age sixteen. Thomas became a Christian at age twenty-seven during a revival meeting. He served as a Methodist minister for one-year before resigning due to poor health. Thomas wrote over 1,200 sacred poems over his lifetime, which appeared in many Christian periodicals. His popular song was "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." In his later years, Thomas retired to the Methodist Home for the Aged in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. He died at 94-years-old. Just months before his death, he said: "My income has never been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. But I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care which have filled me with astonishing gratefulness."

Christ wants us to follow Him our entire lives. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has a plan for you and resolve to follow Him your entire life.  

“If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.” – Thomas Aquinas

God’s Word: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29

Akiane Kramarik was born in Mount Morris, Illinois on July 9, 1994. Her mother was from Lithuania and was an atheist and her father was a lapsed Roman Catholic American. From an early age she was homeschooled.  From the age of three years old, Akiane had a child like faith in Jesus. The child prodigy's "visions from God," as she calls them, helped lead both of her parents to the Lord. She became a self-taught poet and painter. The interest in Akiane and her work reached unprecedented proportions, with over 200 published art works, 800 literary creations, two published bestselling books and numerous publications. Her most famous painting is entitled "Prince of Peace" which depicts a handsome, loving Jesus. The inspiration for her art continues to come from visions from God after she prays, Akiane explained. "I have been blessed by God," she said. "And if I'm blessed, there is one reason and one reason only, and that is to help others. I am donating a big portion of money to charity and to combat poverty. I want to help people. I want people to find hope in my paintings and draw people's attention to God."

God blesses our actions that we take in faith. And then we can bless others to strengthen their faith. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a Rewarder to all who have faith in Him.

“Faith is an active creative force.” – J.H. Oldham

God’s Word: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’” – Mark 9:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.” – John 19:38

Dingaan Thobela was a South African professional boxer who fought in the Super Middleweight division. After compiling an amateur record of 80-3, Thobela, known as "The Rose of Soweto", turned professional in 1986 and won the WBO Lightweight Title.

In April 2003, the 37-year-old Thobela was scheduled to fight against Mads Larsen in Denmark. Thobela had lost his last three fights; in contrast to Larsen who had won all but one of his 43 fights, 36 of them by a knockout.

But after coming face-to-face with his younger opponent at a pre-match press conference, Thobela apparently got cold feet, ducked, and then caught the next flight home. Fear had gripped him.

In his haste, Thobela even left his luggage behind. He did not consult his trainer about his decision.

"Forgive me. I just couldn't bring myself to do it,'' Thobela later said.

Do not let the fear of others affect your testimony of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He stood up and died for you and give any fears that you have to Him.

“Jesus came treading the waters; and so he puts all the swelling tumults of life under His feet. Christians – Why be afraid?” – Augustine

God’s Word: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

 “Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’” - John 19:11

In 1958, Pastor John Stott was leading a university outreach in Sydney, Australia. The day before the final meeting, John received word that his father had passed away. In addition to his grief, he was also starting to lose his voice. Here's John describing the final day of the outreach:

“It was already late afternoon within a few hours of the final meeting of the mission, so I didn't feel I could back away at that time. I went to the great hall and asked a few students to gather round me. I asked one of them to read … "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness," (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). A student read these verses and then I asked them to lay hands on me and … pray that those verses might be true in my own experience.

When time came for me to give my address, I preached on the [broad and narrow ways from Matthew 7]. I had to get within half an inch of the microphone, and I croaked the gospel like a raven. I couldn't exert my personality. I couldn't move. I couldn't use any inflections in my voice. I croaked the gospel in monotone. Then when the time came to give the invitation, there was an immediate response, larger than any other meeting during the mission, as students came flocking forward …

I've been back to Australia about ten times since 1958, and on every occasion somebody has come up to me and said, "Do you remember that final meeting in the university in the great hall?" "I jolly well do," I reply. "Well," they say, "I was converted that night."

Stott concludes, "The Holy Spirit takes our human words, spoken in great weakness and frailty, and he carries them home with power to the mind, the heart, the conscience, and the will of the hearers in such a way that they see and believe."

All power comes from the Lord. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to take away any sin in your life and let His power rule in you.

“The believer does not use God's power; God's power uses him.” - Kenneth Wuest

God’s Word: “But God made the earth by his power; He founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” - Jeremiah 10:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” – John 18:37

In January 2011, Tampa International Airport closed its busiest runway, 18R/36L.

The reason was to change taxiway signs to account for the shift of the magnetic north pole said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The runway?s new designation is 19R/01L.

When the runway was designated 18R/36L it indicated the runway was aligned to 180-degree approach from the north and 360-degree approach from the south. But through the years, magnetic north had drifted 10 degrees, so now the approach is 190 degrees from the north and 010 degrees from the south. Pilots must fly these precise magnetic headings to safely take off and land at airports. "You want to be absolutely precise in your compass heading," said Paul Takemoto, spokesman for the FAA. "To make sure the precision is there that we need, you have to make these changes." 

Jesus Christ does not shift and He does not change. He is the Truth and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the Truth and in Him there is no shifting.

"Stand firm for Christ in your life. Nothing else will make a difference." – Charles Colson

God’s Word: “ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” – John 17:20

On May 20, 2013, a 1.3-mile wide tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma. The twister had estimated peak winds at 210 mph and claimed 24 lives. One of those who hunkered down in the storm was Casey Hedrick. She and her two children took cover under a table in a classroom at her daughter's middle school. All Casey could do was hold on tight and pray for the safety of her kids. "My heart's racing," she said. "I was hanging onto both of them. "I was praying my kids would be safe." The noise, she said, grew louder and louder. "A continuous thunder," Casey described it. "You could hear the building pop and all the noises. The power goes off..." And then? "Then it's over." Casey knows she was one of the fortunate ones, she and her children were unhurt. Within a day of the tornado, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team were deployed to the area. Their goal was simply offer a listening ear in a time of incredible despair. I think it's a good thing to have chaplains there," Casey said, "to be able to pray and offer comfort and a shoulder to cry on if someone needs it."

We need to be men and women who regularly pray intercessory prayers for the salvation of others. Today in prayer, look to the Lord and pray for those who you know who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

“To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way we can express our love for them.” – John Calvin

God’s Word: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” –  Luke 22:32

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

"I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." - John 17:4

On May 30, 1999, the 83 running of the Indianapolis 500 automobile race took place. On lap 163, driver Mark Dismore crashed his car and the yellow caution flag went out on the track. The yellow flag indicates that there is a hazard on the track and drivers are prohibited from passing other cars until the hazard is cleared and the yellow flag is lifted. During a yellow flag, it is standard practice for drivers to pull in for a pit stop to get added gasoline. Driver Robbie Gordon chose to gamble and not stop for gasoline. For the remaining 37 laps, Gordon tried to conserve fuel. He was in first place as the race was coming to a close. Then on the second to the last lap, coming out of turn 3, Gordon ran out of fuel. He had to coast into the pits for a splash of fuel and finished the race in 4th place. Though he ran a good race for more than 198 laps, Robbie Gordon did not finish well.

The Lord desires us to finish the work He has given us on earth. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the work He has given you and pray that you will finish well.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in" - Abraham Lincoln

God's Word: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

In 1914, during the days prior to World War I, American President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation. He declared the following: "Whereas, In this, as in all things, -It is our privilege and duty to seek counsel and succor of Almighty God, humbling ourselves before him, confessing our weakness and our lack of any wisdom equal to these things; and. "Whereas, It is the especial wish and longing of the people of the United States, in prayer and counsel and all friendliness, to serve the cause of peace; Therefore I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do designate Sunday, the fourth day of October, next, a day of prayer and supplication and do request all God-fearing persons to repair on that day to their places of worship, there to unite their petitions to Almighty God, that, overruling the counsel of men, setting straight the things they cannot govern or alter, taking pity on the nations now in the throes of conflict, in his mercy and goodness showing a way where men can see none, he vouchsafe his children healing peace again and restore once more that concord among men and nations without which there can be neither happiness nor true friendship nor any wholesome fruit of toil or thought in the world; praying also to this end that he forgive us our sins, our ignorance of His holy will, our willfulness and many errors, and lead us In the paths of obedience to places of vision and thoughts and counsels that purge and make wise." It is only in Jesus Christ can we know peace. Today in prayer, praise the Lord in Him we have peace with God and peace with others.

"When Christ died He left a will in which He gave His soul to His Father, His body to Joseph of Arimathea, His clothes to the soldiers, and His mother to John. But to His disciples, who had left all to follow Him, He left not silver or gold, but something far better-His PEACE!" - Matthew Henry

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 203, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6

Motuo, China is the most remote county in China. Located in Eastern Tibet, Motuo is located on the southern slope of the Himalayas. Motuo, or "hidden lotus" in Tibetan, is Tibet's purest and holiest region. Motuo County is mainly inhabited by the Menba and Luoba ethnic groups with a population of about 10,000. It's the only county in the entire country completely inaccessible by road. This hasn't always been the case. In 1993, they finally got around to building a highway. It existed for two days, carried a total of four vehicles (one of which got stuck and had to be abandoned), and was promptly swallowed up by the jungle. Today, the only way into the county is via a 200-meter long suspension cable, 100 meters in the air. Supplies such as food and medicine have to be carried in and out by hand. Though Jesus is the only way to God, He is not inaccessible. He is only a prayer away.

Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and desires all people to come to Him.

“Christ is the only way to salvation.” – Ulrich Zwingli

God’s Word: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:14-15

Alexander Campbell was an eighteenth century American Bible teacher and minister. He was a leader in a church planting movement of independent and pre-denominational congregations that is known as the Restoration Movement. This movement resulted in the planting of several Disciples of Christ churches in America. He was also an innovative educator. In 1840, he founded Bethany College. Alexander was a leader in childhood and adolescent education and championed universal female education.

His father Thomas Campbell who was a Presbyterian preacher heavily influenced Alexander. Thomas preached for the Secession Church of the Presbyterian faith and was independent in his thinking.

But it was Alexander’s mother Jane who set the example of the importance of the Word of God. Alexander wrote: "Having a particularly ready and retentive memory, she treasured up the Scriptures early in life, and could quote and apply them with great fluency and pertinency from childhood to old age."

We all need examples to show us how to live the Christian life. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is our supreme example on how to live for Him.   

“A good example is far better than a good precept.” – D.L. Moody

God’s Word: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35

Marquis de Lafayette was a French general and politician who served as a major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington in the American Revolution. He became a United States citizen during his lifetime, and for his accomplishments in the service of both France and the United States, he is known as "The Hero of the Two Worlds". After the war was over, Lafayette returned to France and resumed his life as a farmer of many estates. In 1783, the harvest was a terrible one, and there were many who suffered as a result. However, Lafayette's farms were still able to fill their barns with wheat and were unaffected by the devastating harvest. One of his workers, offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette, "The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell." After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed by saying, "No, this is the time to give."

We need to be compassionate, just as Jesus is compassionate. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His compassion and seek to have a tender heart toward others.

God’s Word: “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people.” – Jeremiah 9:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me” – John 10:25

In 2006, Pastor George Abbott of Enterprise, Alabama woke up one morning with severe stomach pain. His wife Cheryl rushed her husband to a nearby hospital. "Well, they found gallbladder cancer," George said. "This is a very rare form of cancer." Doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the cancerous gall bladder; but there was more bad news. "When they did the surgery, the cancer had gone down into the liver bed," George said. "And that, as you well know, basically the prognosis is that you're not going to live very long." Their family doctor, Dr. McQueen, who is also their friend, feared the worst. "His prognosis was poor," Dr. McQueen said. "With the stage of the cancer being advanced, once it had metastasized to another organ, he is classified as advanced stage carcinoma." At the surgeon's recommendation, George did not undergo chemotherapy or take any medication before surgery. Ultimately, he knew his fate was in God's hands. "I know that God heals," George said. "But I'm also a realist and I know that the Bible says, 'it's appointed once to die, and then the judgment.' So, I was ready to accept this - that if this is the time that God wanted to take me home, I was ready for that." As the surgery date approached, Cheryl and the church prayed for God's help. When Cheryl got the word from the doctor on the results of the surgery, she was stunned. "The doctor said that his liver is perfectly normal; that there was no sign of cancer whatsoever." George was quick to give the glory to God. "The doctor said it looked like a normal, healthy liver. God had taken [the cancer], and I don't know how He did it. I don't know whether He just made the cancer go away. I don't know if He gave me a new liver. It doesn't matter to me. All I know is God is a God of miracles and he healed me," he said.

Miracles bring glory to Jesus and strengthen our faith in Him. Today in prayer, trust in the Lord for everything in your life. 

“None but the Lord himself can afford us any help from the awful workings of unbelief, doubtings, carnal fears, murmurings. Thank God one day we will be done forever with ‘unbelief’” – Arthur W. Pink

God’s Word: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’ Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” – Mark 9:23-24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:14-15

In February 2013, Spanish shepherds led flocks of sheep through the streets of downtown Madrid in defense of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by urban sprawl and man-made frontiers. Madrid is the capital city of Spain with a population of over 3 million people and a total of 13 million people in the Madrid Metropolitan area. Jesus Garzón, president of a shepherds council, said about 5,000 sheep and 60 head of cattle crossed the city to exercise the right to droving routes that existed before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to the great capital it is today These shepherds have their sheep best interest in mind. They are fighting to keep the right to use 78,000 miles of paths for seasonal livestock migrations from cool highland pastures in summer to warmer grazing in winter. The movement is called transhumance and in Spain it involves around a million animals, mostly sheep and cattle. Some paths have been used annually for more than 800 years, and modern-day Madrid is in the way of two north-south routes. The Puerta del Sol - a thronging plaza that is Spain's equivalent of New York City's Times Square - now straddles one of the routes. For the past 18 years, shepherds have halted traffic to assert their rights to cross the city.

Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He loves you and laid down His life for your sins.

“God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4

On April 1, 2013, Dr. Jim Buckley left his church in Newbury Park, California and plans to reach his final destination, New York City, in September. Why so long? Dr. Jim is walking the entire 3000 miles. On the way, he is stopping to visit families in 13 states in hopes of strengthening and promoting the home. "When the home is strong, the church is strong," said the 66-year-old. "When the home is weak, the church is weak." As Jim walks the highways and back roads of the continental U.S., he hopes to visit about 100 homes, talking with families and spreading the love of Jesus. He'll encourage Americans to bring Jesus home by regularly praying and reading the Bible-not just on Sunday. He will walk through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma before grazing the northwest corner of Arkansas and heading through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and finally New York. He plans to call local churches a couple days before he reaches town to help arrange some visits. And he's leaving the rest up to God. "He's doing this," said Pastor Jim. "This is His walk."

No matter what the task, do the work of the Lord and He will be glorified in your life. Today in prayer, thank Christ that for the work He has given you and do it with your whole heart.

“Do you think the work of God gives to us to do is never easy! Jesus says His yoke is easy, His burden is light. People sometimes refuse to do God’s work just because it is easy. This is sometimes because they cannot believe that easy work is His work.” – George McDonald

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 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’” – John 8:31

In September 2008, Jose Silva, a White Plains New York motorist purposefully turned right onto the Metro-North Railroad train tracks. But then he got stuck and had to abandon his vehicle before an approaching train hit it.

When asked by the police what caused him to direct his car onto the tracks, he reported he was doing what his GPS in his car had told him to do.

Just nine months earlier on January 2, 2008, a Silicon Valley man in New York on business also made a GPS-advised right turn onto the same tracks only to find his rented vehicle stuck.

The man calmly hauled out his suitcase, called 911, and waited to wave the train to a stop. But the train couldn't brake in time and ended up dragging the car for 100 feet until it burst into a fireball. Both men escaped injuries, but learned not to fully trust their GPS equipment.

There are a lot of fallible devices in the world willing to give us bad directions. But hold on to Jesus Christ because only He can be counted upon to give us true direction. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you are heart that is ready and willing to follow after Him.

“Nothing is really lost by a life of sacrifice; everything is lost by failure to obey God’s call.” – Henry P. Liddon

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.” – John 7:13

Robert Louis Dabney was a Presbyterian theologian who was a chaplain in the Southern Army during the Civil War. He later went on to become a seminary professor and he helped establish a seminary in Austin, Texas. As he aged, Dabney began to worry about his impending death, and he expressed his fears in a letter to a former student and theologian, C.R. Vaughan. Dabney expressed considerable anxiety about his ability to die honorably and to hold on to his Christian faith. Vaughan replied: "Dear friend, let me advise you now as you often have me. If you were about to cross a deep chasm, and there were a bridge over it, would you stand there looking in at yourself, wondering if you trusted enough in bridges to be able to cross? Or would you not rather go and examine the beams and timbers of the bridge and the quality of its construction, and determine whether the bridge were trustworthy, and then pass over it in confidence? Our faith is in Christ; spend yourself focusing on Him and His sufficiency, rather than on yourself."

As Christians, we should never fear others. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that we need not be fearful of anyone.

“Whenever I hear about Christ as Savior it appears that he saves us from sin – and I don’t wish to deny that – but in my experience he does more than that: he releases us from fear, and I think fear is the great killer.” – Ivor Smith-Cameron

God’s Word:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.” – John 6:43

Christian author Max Lucado wrote the following about his experience in a race: "I discovered the importance of healthy counsel in a half-Ironman triathlon. After the 1.2 mile swim and the 56 mile bike ride, I didn't have much energy left for the 13.1 mile run. Neither did the fellow jogging next to me. I asked him how he was doing and soon regretted posing the question. 'This stinks. This race is the dumbest decision I've ever made.' He had more complaints than a taxpayer at the IRS. My response to him? 'Goodbye.' I know if I listened too long, I'd start agreeing with him. I caught up with a 66-year-old grandmother. Her tone was just the opposite. 'You'll finish this,' she encouraged. 'It's hot, but at least it's not raining. One step at a time.don't forget to hydrate.stay in there.' I ran next to her until my heart was lifted and my legs were aching. I finally had to slow down. 'No problem.' She waved and kept going. Which of these two describes the counsel you seek?"

Grumbling and complaining are sins. Today in prayer, confess any sin of complaining to the Lord and in all things rejoice.

“Anyone who complains or grumbles is not perfect, nor even a good Christian.” – John of the Cross

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me” – John 5:39

James Dolan is the Chairman of Madison Square Garden and owner of the New York Knick Basketball team. In April, the 57-year old was in Madison Square Garden

when security guard Fiordaliza Hernandez asked him for his ID. Dolan never carries an ID, and instead of laughing it off, he snapped, “Do you know who I am?”

The startled security guard admitted she didn’t.

Then Dolan demanded, “How long have you worked here?”

“Three years,” the guard said.

“I’m your boss! I pay your salary!” Dolan shot back.

But rules are rules, and Dolan didn’t show his ID, so Hernandez refused to let him in.

That is when Dolan became so angry he yelled: “Give me your ID! You’re fired!” The shocked security guard left the building and went home.

Thankfully, Dolan composed himself by the next day, apologized to Fiordaliza and gave her back her job.

It is one thing to not recognize your boss, but don’t miss Jesus. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He has revealed Himself. Look to Christ in all that you do.

“The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ.” – John Stott

God’s Word: “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’” – Luke 24:44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’” – John 4:34

Azezet Habtezghi Kidane was born in Eritrea. But in the migrant shelters of South Tel Aviv, Israel she is known simply as Sister Aziza. In the free clinic for migrants run by the Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, where she volunteers as a nurse, Sister Aziza examines the African refugees. These refugees have crossed Egypt's Sinai Desert to seek asylum. She sees burns and whip marks on the body of one of the men who fled to Israel though the Sinai. "See how they tortured him," she asks. Then she sighs. "You can realize immediately when a person comes in, before they tell you how much they have suffered," she said. "For me it becomes a very delicate moment with this person to ask many questions because their body speaks by itself." Over the last two years, Aziza has done God’s will by tirelessly conducting more than 1,300 interviews exposing chilling tales of kidnap, rape, torture, forced labor and sexual slavery. "If anyone in the world today knows what is happening to people in the Sinai, each and every story, this is Aziza," said Ran Cohen, a colleague at Physicians for Human Rights. When asked how she copes with all the suffering she sees and hears about, Sister Aziza admits: "It's not easy." "Even if today I cry, God, I say, 'Why do you allow to happen these things?' tomorrow I come to listen again. There is the strength that God gives me - and the strengths of them - the victims, my community, my sisters, the staff around me. It really gives me a lot of encouragement in order to come again."

Following God’s will may not be easy, but He does give you strength to accomplish it. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He desires you to live for Him and seek to follow Him no matter where He leads.

“Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” – Augustine

God’s Word: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” – Acts 20:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

In 1953, reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station to meet the previous year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner. When the train came to a stop, a giant of a man, with bushy hair and a large mustache, stepped from the train. Cameras flashed and various city officials approached and began telling  him how honored they were to meet him. The man politely thanked them and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment.

He quickly walked through the crowd to an elderly black woman who was struggling with two large suitcases. He picked up the bags and, with a smile, escorted the woman to a bus. After helping her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. As he returned to the greeting party he apologized, “Sorry to have kept you waiting.” The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous physician and missionary who had spent his life serving the poorest of the poor in Africa. One member of the reception committee said with great admiration to the reporter standing next to him, “That’s the first time I ever saw a sermon walking.”

We need to humbly walk with Jesus and to serve others. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride to the Lord and walk humbly with Him.

“We must view humility as one of the most essential things that characterizes Christianity.” – Jonathan Edwards

God’s Word: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” – John 3:3

Brayton "Bob" Yerkes was born on February 11, 1932 in California. "I started tumbling down at Santa Monica Muscle Beach, which they now call Venice Muscle Beach, when I was eleven," he said. "Then I ran away and joined the Clyde Beatty Circus at fifteen and joined an acrobatic act.

It was at the beginning of 1957 and I was with the Ringling Brothers circus trapeze act and my dad or mom had never mentioned God to me and I didn't learn about God at church," Bob remembered.

"But with time on my hand, I decided to purchase a Bible and go through it and list all of the contradictions I found in it. It took me a year and four months to get through it and when I finished it I said that this could not have been written by man unless they were God-inspired. It just proved itself to me and all through it God said, 'Put this to the test? Is this man's word or Mine?' And as I read it I knew that it was all true and it was God's Word."

Bob prayed and asked Christ into his life. Bob eventually was led into doing stunt work for movies. He has doubled for stars such as Paul Newman, Robert Duval, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When he shares his testimony, Bob says: "Since I became a Christian, I tell my friends in the business that I was mentored by the world's greatest stuntman who specialized in 'high work' and that was Jesus Christ who 'stood in' for everybody up on the cross!"

In this broken world, we need to trust Jesus as Lord and begin anew in Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He loves you and can change your life into something beautiful.

“For a soul to come to Jesus, is the grandest event in its history.” – Joseph Alleine

God’s Word: “"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

“This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” – John 2:11

Since 1979, Campus Crusade has shown the "Jesus Film" in more than 150 languages worldwide. More than 200 million men, women and children worldwide have indicated decisions to follow Jesus after viewing the film. During one showing, a blind woman named Pani went to listen to the Jesus Film in her village. Pani was greatly moved when, she heard on the film, Jesus restored the sight of the blind man. When Pani heard these words she cried out, "I want to receive my sight too." At the conclusion of the film a miracle took place. Pani could see! Jesus restored her sight! But the restoration of Pani's sight was not the greatest miracle that evening. A greater miracle took place than the restoration of her sight. Pani received forgiveness of her sins that night by trusting Jesus as her Savior! She heard Jesus speak the sweetest words of all, "Your sins are forgiven."

Miracles do happen so the Lord may receive glory and others will put their faith in Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He will use any and every means possible to draw others to Himself.

“A miracle is an event beyond the power of any known physical law to produce; it is a spiritual occurrence produced by the power of God, a marvel, a wonder.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” – Exodus 14:31

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" - John 1:12

On Thanksgiving Day 1980, two year old Lynette and her brother Sean were adopted. Their new parents were Larry and Gail Cole of Columbia, Tennessee. It was an extraordinary home. These two adopted youngsters enjoyed a close-knit family circle where 127 foster siblings were raised over the course of 15 years. Lynette remembers her childhood: "Every Sunday, our family sat together in church, and afterwards we'd have lunch together and talk about life." She came to know Christ at the age of 13, and was baptized by her father. "I knew I wanted to become a part of the Lord's family," she stated. "I wanted to live my life that way." As a teenager, Lynette began entering and winning beauty pageants. In 2000, Lynette was crowned Miss USA. Today she is married, is a television host and models. She continues to share her faith and encourage others about adoption.

The Lord desires all of us to believe in Him and to be children of God. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that through His shed blood on the Cross and your faith in Him we have become children of God.

"Unless we have seen in Jesus what God is like we would never even have dared to think of ourselves as being able to become the children of God. It is what Jesus is that opens to us the possibility of becoming the children of God." - William Barclay

God's Word: "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2013, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN