“‘He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'’ Then they remembered his words.” – Luke 24:6-8

In his book “Sermon Illustrations for an Asian Audience”, Pastor Craig A. Smith writes: “It was Easter Sunday and the pastor gathered the children at the front of the church to ask them about the meaning of Easter. The pastor was disappointed as he listened to the first response: ‘Easter is the day the Easter Bunny comes and kids look for hidden eggs and eat chocolate.’

The second response was more encouraging as a young girl said, ‘Easter is the time we remember Jesus died and later rose from the dead.’

Trying to relate that event to the present, the pastor asked, ‘What happens when those who believe in Jesus die?’

The children thought for a moment before one cried out, “They go to heaven.”

Pressing further he asked, ‘What happens to those who don’t believe in Jesus when they die?’

After a long pause, one boy blurted out, ‘They have a bad day.’”

For those who know Christ, we have the assurance that we will have a new life because of Christ’s resurrection. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have eternal life in Him.

“The seed dies into a new life and so does man.” – George McDonald

God’s Word: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” – Luke 23:43

Jon Tyson in his book “The Burden Is Light”, writes: “On a warm summer night, I drove my son to a local cemetery. It was a Moravian cemetery that sits nestled on a hill overlooking a flowing creek. My son, a typical teenager in many ways—Xbox, iPhone, hormones, and hungry—lives in the culture of the immediate. We don’t go to cemeteries regularly, but I had a growing desperation in my heart to impart to him a larger sense of the urgency and opportunities of life.

He would be heading off to college soon, and opportunities to indelibly mark his soul were growing increasingly rare. The sun was just setting, and an air of soberness seemed to wash over the place. As we got out of the car, I instructed him to walk around the plots in silence, then share with me what stood out to him.

After some time he came back and we sat on a large rock, overlooking the headstones, taking it all in. “What did you see?” I asked. “Some of these people died really young, younger than me,” he replied. “What else?” “Some husbands and wives were buried next to each other, but one died before the other. I wonder if they got lonely.” “What else?” I asked, pleased at his growing awareness. “Some of them were from the eighteen hundreds, which was an eternity ago. I wonder what life was like for them.”

I wasn’t working toward some sort of Dead Poets Society moment, and I wasn’t trying to get him to understand the fact that, in what seemed like an eternity for him but was a breath of air in light of true eternity, he would be dead. I was working for something simpler yet infinitely more challenging. “The thing you will notice about all these people,” I said, “is that their tombstones contain two dates.

There is the date of their birth, the date of their death, and a tiny dash between them. The whole of your life on earth is going to come down to that tiny little dash.” Then I pressed in a bit further. “Nate,” I said. “What will your dash be?” “I don’t know,” he said. “I guess I’m still trying to figure it out.” After a moment of reflection, he said, “What do you think makes a great dash, Dad?” “That, my son, is the greatest question a person can ask.”

In your short time on earth, let your “dash” be following Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He freely gives eternal life to all that trust in Him.

“It is not darkness you are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely, for Christ is with you. It is not unknown country, for Christ is there.” – Charles Kingsley

God’s Word: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19

In his book “Truth We Can Touch”, Tim Chester writes: “Every meal—not just Communion, but including Communion—is a reminder that we are dependent on God as creatures. We are not self-sustaining. Much of our food is grown, processed, distributed, and possibly cooked by other people. We are part of a complex web of relationships upon which we rely day by day. And behind them all is our loving Creator, who generously provides for the needs of his creation.

This is why Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). But the Communion meal is special. For Communion is also a recognition that we are dependent on God not just as creatures but also as sinners. We live through the death of his Son. Each mouthful is a reminder that we cannot save ourselves. Just as we rely on daily bread for physical life, so we rely on Jesus for spiritual life. For he is the bread of life. We come to Communion as sinners in desperate need of reassurance, and we hear the words, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:28).”

The Lord has given us a powerfully simple way to remember His broken body and shed blood. It is with bread and wine. It brings His peace to all who believe. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the Lord’s Supper and remember His sacrifice for you.

“The link between the cross and the crown is the Table of the Lord. Do not forget, when you sit down at the Communion, that the bread and the cup point back to Christ’s accomplished work, and forward to your accomplished salvation.” – A.T. Pierson

God’s Word: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” – Mark 14:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE   †

"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” – Luke 21:1-4

In his book “Leadershift”, Pastor John C. Maxwell tells the following story: “My friend James Crocker, a successful entrepreneur, recently shared a story with me…James and a few of his friends went out on a boat trip to fish for lobsters and had succeeded in gathering a massive catch of 125 lobsters.

When he got home, he had a freezer full of lobsters—more than enough to last him an entire year. The day after James got home, his friend Jeff dropped by the house, and James offered him a lobster. Jeff was delighted. This interaction prompted James to ask himself, Who else do I know who might like to have a lobster? James got so excited by the idea of giving friends lobsters that by the end of the week, he had given away 122 lobsters, leaving only three for himself. He had such a great time giving, he didn’t even mind that his supply had dwindled from enough for a year to enough for a meal.

A few days later, James went into his garage and was assaulted by a terrible stench. He followed his nose to the freezer and opened it to find that the electricity had gone out, and his remaining three lobsters had spoiled. As he cleaned up the mess, he felt sorry for himself. But then he remembered all the lobsters he had given away, and it gave him great joy. If he hadn’t shared his bounty with others, all of it would have been wasted.”

Though Christmas Day has passed, it is never too late to give to those in need. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and a generous heart to give to others in need.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

God’s Word: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” – 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” - Luke 2:11

In her book “Christmas”, Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin shares: “As Christianity spread out from the Middle East, becoming the established religion of Europe, the observance of Christmastide slowly evolved into a twelve-day spree of merriment and mischief-making. How these celebrations developed through the ages is a long and fascinating tale. For our purposes, it helps to know that most of the population lived by agricultural rhythms. Since planting and harvesting were completed in spring, summer, and fall, wintertime coincided with the cessation of labor (including laying off seasonal workers) and slaughtering of livestock. Thus, winter was a natural time for relaxing, feasting, and, in the midst of widespread idleness, troublemaking. And it just happens that all of this was taking place during Christmastide.

In the medieval period, especially, Christmas developed into a carnivalesque time for turning hierarchies and social conventions on their heads. Peasants went about demanding gifts from lords, threatening violence and looting if they weren’t satisfied. (Remnants of this practice can still be heard in the lyrics to “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”: “O, bring us some figgy pudding, And bring it right here! I We won’t go until we get some, So bring it right here!”)

We need to remember that God sent His son to a war torn world, in desperate need of His love. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died and was resurrected as a payment for our sins. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His gift of salvation in Him.

"Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;

love was born at Christmas-- Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead, love incarnate, love divine;

worship we our Jesus-- what should be our sacred sign?

Love shall be our token love be yours and love be mine;

love to God and neighbor love for prayer and gift and sign." - Christina Rossetti,

God's Word: "And all mankind will see God's salvation." - Luke 3:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS †

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:6-7

From his book “On This Holy Night”, Pastor Rick Warren wrote: “What do you want for Christmas this year? If you were to ask a typical little boy, he’d probably give you two words: video games. There’s a little boy I know named Brian. For weeks he bugged his parents about getting a watch for Christmas. Finally his dad told him, “Brian, if you mention that watch again, you’re not going to get it. Quit bugging us!” One night Brian’s parents asked him to lead in prayer before dinner. Brian said, “I’d like to quote a Scripture verse before I pray. Mark 13:37: ‘I say unto you what I have already told you before—watch . . .’”

This Christmas, receive and adore the gift of God – Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for coming as a man to die for our sins.

“Giving is a really big thing around Christmas, as well it should be. Christmas is about giving, and it all stems from the greatest gift the world has ever received - the gift of Jesus Christ.” – Monica Johnson

God's Word: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

David Brooks, in his book “The Social Animal” writes: “In 1997 Gary McPherson studied 157 randomly selected children as they picked out and learned a musical instrument. Some went on to become fine musicians and some faltered. McPherson searched for the traits that separated those who progressed from those who did not. IQ was not a good predictor. Neither were aural sensitivity, math skills, income, or a sense of rhythm. The best single predictor was a question McPherson had asked the students before they had even selected their instruments: How long do you think you will play?

The students who planned to play for a short time did not become very proficient. The children who planned to play for a few years had modest success. But there were some children who said, in effect: “I want to be a musician. I’m going to play my whole life.” Those children soared. The sense of identity that children brought to the first lesson was the spark that would set off all the improvement that would subsequently happen. It was a vision of their future self.”

The Lord desires that we have passion and persistence in our prayers to Him. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is faithful to answer and seek to be persistent in seeking His will.

“The paradox of prayer is that it asks for a serious effort while it can only be received as a gift. We cannot plan, organize or manipulate God; but without a careful discipline, we cannot receive him either.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

God’s Word: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." - Luke 17:4

At a Prison Fellowship banquet in Seattle, Ruth Youngsman said: “The man I ate dinner with tonight killed my brother.”

Ruth introduced her incredible tale of reconciliation. She told how John H. had murdered her brother during a robbery, served 18 years at Walla Walla Prison, then settled into life on a dairy farm, where, unbelievably and ironically, she met him in 1983, 20 years after his crime. Compelled by Christ’s command to forgive, Ruth Youngsman went to John and pronounced forgiveness. Then she took him to her father’s deathbed, prompting reconciliation with the dad as well.

At that Prison Fellowship banquet, John’s voice cracked as he said, “Christians are the only people I know that you can kill their son, and they’ll make you a part of their family. I don’t know the Man Upstairs yet, but He sure is hounding me.”

The Lord calls upon us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven by Him. Today in prayer, thank Christ that you have been freed from your sins and then forgive others in the same way.

"They who forgive most will be most forgiven." - Philip J. Bailey

God's Word: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores.” – Luke 16:19-20

In article entitled “12 Ways to Worship God by Serving the Poor”, Pastor Steve Sjogren writes:

“You see them all the time. “Homeless. Hungry. Will work for food.” The homeless come to us in pretty predictable packages these days. Nearly always we just ignore them. We are going to get into a pattern of giving to these people.

It’s controversial, I know. You might think, “What if those guys take that money and buy liquor or drugs with it?” Or, “They have made decisions that got them to where they are—they deserve what they get in life.”

The poor are rightly understood as the “oppressed poor” in the Greek lexicon. The poor have been oppressed by the same essential dynamics for millennia. The Evil One is beating them up. He is oppressing them in a variety of ways. We aren’t excused from caring for the oppressed poor just because they made poor decisions—or just because they might spend the money we give them to get high.

It’s not our job to evaluate the motives of those who are hungry. The call of God is simply to relieve the suffering of others.”

No matter where you live, you can minister to the poor. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to those in need and minister to them.

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.” – George Bernard Shaw

God’s Word: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” – 1 John 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:9-10

Around 2020, a bounty of 800 Civil War-era coins was discovered by a man working in his cornfield in Kentucky. The cache, dubbed the "Great Kentucky hoard," contained hundreds of gold coins minted between 1840 and 1863, as well as a handful of silver coins. Researchers think the collection was buried prior to a Confederate raid during the summer of 1863. The owner of the land and coins desired to remain anonymous, but it is estimated the coins were valued at close to $2 million.

The farmer said: “When I pulled the coin from the ground, I was astonished when I realized I was holding a $20 Double Eagle from the 1860s. After I flipped the first clump of dirt over the next 45 minutes to an hour, the coins kept coming. I knew it was hundreds.”

When someone comes to Christ in faith, it is a miracle. Today in prayer, rejoice in the Lord that He actively seeks and has found millions who trust in Him.

“There is no one so far lost that Jesus cannot find him and cannot save him.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."” – Luke 14:12-14

In 2021, the BBC reported “A man named Jim Haynes died last year (2020) at 87 years old, in Paris where he’d lived for decades. Jim Haynes was known as the “man who invited the world over for dinner.” Why? Because for more than 40 years, on Sunday nights he held informal dinners at his home where anyone was invited. People would squeeze into his apartment, shoulder to shoulder, strangers striking up conversations, balancing their dinners on paper plates and reaching over each other to press the plastic spout on a communal box of wine.

Absolutely anyone was invited - all you had to do was call or email and Jim Haynes would add your name to the guest list. No questions asked. At these parties, “there would be a buzz in the air, as people of various nationalities - locals, immigrants, travelers - milled around the small, open-plan (home). A pot of hearty food bubbled on the (stove) and servings would be dished out on to a trestle table, so you could help yourself and continue to mingle.”

At the dinners’ peak, Jim would welcome up to 120 guests, filling up his home and spilling out into the back garden. An estimated 150,000 people came to his dinners over the years he hosted them. “‘The door was always open,’ said Amanda Morrow, an Australian journalist who stayed with Jim for a year-and-a-half. ‘It was a revolving door of guests...Jim never said ‘no’ to anyone.”

Giving hospitality to strangers means getting out of our comfort zone and showing the love of Jesus Christ to others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the gifts He has given you and seek to give hospitality to others.

“We all depend on God’s grace and provision; we are all guests of a gracious and generous host. As we welcome others to our tables and into our lives, we remember, represent, and anticipate God’s hospitality.” – Christine D. Pohl

God’s Word: “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:5

In his book Growing strong in the Seasons of Life, the author Charles Swindoll tells a story about the 19th Century agnostic Thomas Huxley. The story goes like this – Huxley was in Dublin and was rushing to catch a train.

He climbed aboard one of Dublin’s famous horse drawn taxis and said to the driver - “Hurry, I’m almost late … drive fast”. Off they went at a furious pace and Huxley sat back in his seat and closed his eyes. After a while Huxley opened his eyes and glanced out the window to notice that they were going in the wrong direction. Realizing that he hadn’t told the driver where to take him he called out ‘do you know where you’re going’. The driver replied “No your honor, but I am driving very fast.’

Have you taken a wrong road in your walk with Jesus? Today in prayer, turn away from any sin in your life and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do.

“Repentance is not a popular word these days, but I believe that any of us recognize it when it strikes us in the gut. Repentance is coming to our senses, seeing, suddenly, what we've done that we might not have done, or recognizing ... that the problem is not in what we do but in what we become.” – Kathleen Norris

God’s Word: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” – Luke 12:22

Max Lucado in his book “Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear”, writes: “At 8:17 on the evening of March 3, 1943, bomb-raid sirens bansheed through the air above London, England. Workers and shoppers stopped on sidewalks and boulevards and searched the skies. Buses came to a halt and emptied their passengers. Drivers screeched their brakes and stepped out of their cars. Gunfire could be heard in the distance. Nearby antiaircraft artillery forces launched a salvo of rockets. Throngs on the streets began to scream. Some people threw themselves on the ground. Others covered their heads and shouted, “They are starting to drop them!” Everyone looked above for enemy planes. The fact that they saw none did nothing to dampen their hysteria. People raced toward the Bethnal Green Underground Station, where more than five hundred citizens had already taken refuge. In the next ten minutes fifteen hundred more would join them. Trouble began when a rush of safety seekers reached the stairwell entrance at the same time. A woman carrying a baby lost her footing on one of the nineteen uneven steps leading down from the street. Her stumble interrupted the oncoming flow, causing a domino of others to tumble on top of her. Within seconds, hundreds of horrified people were thrown together, piling up like laundry in a basket. Matters worsened when the late arrivers thought they were being deliberately blocked from entering (they weren’t). So they began to push. The chaos lasted for less than a quarter of an hour. The disentangling of bodies took until midnight. In the end 173 men, women, and children died. No bombs had been dropped. Fusillades didn’t kill the people. Fear did.”

The Lord is in control of everything; there is no need to be anxious. Today in prayer, give your hopes and fears to Him and relax in Christ’s peace.

“O little town of Bethlehem,

how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

the silent stars go by;

yet in thy dark streets shineth

the everlasting light.

The hopes and fears of all the years

are met in thee tonight.” – Phillips Brooks

God’s Word: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” – Luke 11:4

Pete Peterson served in the Vietnam War, where his F-4 Phantom II fighter was shot down on September 10, 1966. He spent six years in prison, a period he described as "hours and hours of boredom, spliced with moments of stark terror."

Peterson won and served three terms in the U.S. Congress from 1991 to 1996.

In the late 1990s, Peterson was appointed U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. Returning to Vietnam may have caused dread for others. But when asked how he could return to the land where he’d endured years of starvation, brutality and torture, he replied, “I’m not angry. I left that at the gates of the prison when I walked out in 1972. I just left it behind me and decided to move forward with my life.”

All of us need forgiveness and all of us need to forgive others. Today in prayer, seek to forgive all that have wronged you.

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” –Alexander Pope

God’s Word: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27

In their book “The Art of Neighboring”, authors Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon write: “In 2009 I (Dave) gathered a group of twenty lead pastors in the Denver area so we could think, dream, and pray about how our churches might join forces to serve our community. We invited our local mayor, Bob Frie, to join us, and we asked him a simple question: How can we as churches best work together to serve our city?

The ensuing discussion revealed a laundry list of social problems similar to what many cities face: at-risk kids, areas with dilapidated housing, child hunger, drug and alcohol abuse, loneliness, elderly shut-ins with no one to look in on them. The list went on and on. Then the mayor said something that inspired our joint-church movement: “The majority of the issues that our community is facing would be eliminated or drastically reduced if we could just figure out a way to become a community of great neighbors.

…After the mayor left the meeting that day, our group of pastors was left to reflect on what he had shared. I (Jay) can remember sitting there, and before I could think, I just blurted out, “Am I the only one here who is a little bit embarrassed? I mean, here we were asking the mayor how we can best serve the city, and he basically tells us that it would be great if we could just get our people to obey the second half of the Great Commandment.” In a word, the mayor invited a roomful of pastors to get their people to actually obey Jesus.”

We need to love our neighbors just as Jesus does. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you eyes to see those in need and wisdom on how to help them.

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.” – GK Chesterton

God’s Word: “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” - Matthew 22:39

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“‘O unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.’” – Luke 9:41

After hearing about telescopes in 1609, Galileo constructed his own instrument. He subsequently demonstrated the telescope in Venice. But when Galileo introduced the telescope as a tool to peer into the galaxies, his contemporaries did not believe him. Scoffing, they refused to even look through the device. Galileo sat alone with his telescope. He was the sole observer of the vastness of the cosmos. A single witness of galaxies beyond anything anyone had seen or imagined. Galileo had the stars to himself.

Undermining Aristotle’s previous explanations of the universe, Galileo published his own findings based on what he’d seen through the telescope. He painted a picture for the entire world through words, a display of the heavens scratched across bound pages. He wrote about mountains and craters on the moon, spots upon the sun, satellites orbiting Jupiter, and multitudes of stars never known to exist.

These were monumental discoveries that would shape future space explorations, but they fell on ears refusing to hear and eyes refusing to see. Galileo’s peers mocked him and his toy. Strictly adhering to Aristotle’s descriptions of the universe, they refused to believe anything contrary to what they had held to for so long.

When doubts arise in your faith, look to the overwhelming evidence pointing to our Lord. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He is our Rock and in Him we can place our entire faith.

“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: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:13-14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."” – Luke 8:24-25

During the 2004 Olympics, Matt Emmons represented the United States in the three-position, fifty-meter rifle event, and he was dominating the competition as he advanced to the final shot of his signature event.

Sportswriter Rick Reilly said it like this: With one shot to go in Athens, Emmons was on his way to a laugher of a win. . .. In fact, all he had to do was hit the target. It’d be like telling Picasso all he had to do was hit the canvas. In preparation for the shot, Emmons pressed his cheek against the rifle’s stock and sighted down the barrel through the scope. He took a breath, let it out, and squeezed the trigger. The sound of the gun firing was unmistakable.

What happened next was shocking. When you watch the sport of rifle shooting, a monitor focused on the target is always on one of the corners of the TV screen. When a competitor takes a shot, that monitor almost immediately signals which part of the target was hit, and then a score is generated based on the quality of the shot.

When Emmons lowered his weapon, he immediately looked to see where his bullet had struck the target. But there was no mark. And there was no score. Confused, he began talking with the judges, indicating he believed he’d hit the target. Why was there no score? Eventually, the lead judge picked up a microphone to explain. He announced that Emmons’s score was zero because of a “cross shot.”

The crowd gasped! Emmons lowered his head, obviously unable to believe what had happened. A cross shot is when a shooter hits a target that’s not the one he’s supposed to be shooting at. At some point while going through his pre-shot routine, Matt had zeroed in on the target next to his. His zero score not only lost him the gold medal; he fell out of medal contention completely.

Matt Emmons’s story provides a great lesson: always be sure you’re aiming at Jesus.

No matter what the circumstance, keep your faith in Christ. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that in Him you can place your faith.

“Faith is to believe what we cannot see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.” - Augustine

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” – Luke 7:47

Paul Chappell, in his book “Abiding in Christ”, tells the following story: “In the old western days, a man was walking down the road carrying a bag of grain on his shoulder. Another man was riding along the road in a buckboard pulled by a horse. He came up beside the man carrying the grain and said, ‘Jump up here on the buckboard with me. It’s too hot to be walking today.’

The man said, ‘Thank you,’ and got up onto the seat with his grain still on his shoulder.

After a while, the driver said, ‘Why don’t you put that grain down and relax?’ The passenger said, ‘Oh, no. It’s enough that you would allow me to ride—I would never ask you to carry my load, too!’ This is what many Christians do.

They say, ‘Lord, I know You can save me, forgive my sins, and give me a home in Heaven, but I wouldn’t ask You to carry my load too!’ Friend, He said, ‘I want to abide with you. I want to carry your load and be your life.’”

God’s love is forgiveness and the loosening of any burden of sin. Today in prayer, forgive those who have wronged you, just as Christ as forgiven you.

“We have a free, full, final, forever forgiveness in the atoning work of Christ.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

God’s Word: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." - Luke 6:20

James Barnett knows what it’s like to live with a lot and to live with a little. Though he grew up attending church and serving on mission trips during his high school and college years, James’s lifestyle didn’t match Jesus’s call to act differently from the world. Following his graduation from college, James started working at a commercial banking institute, earning almost a six-figure salary. Yet, James was unhappy in his career and went on a mission trip to Nicaragua. There a woman prayed over him and, over time, he developed a conviction to sell what he had and live with the poor on the streets. After running out of money, he designed and started selling “Clothe Your Neighbor as Yourself” shirts that funded his ongoing service to the poor and would later become a nonprofit organization that supports the Kenyan Knitting Project and the Brigade Project James used his gifts, skills, and passion to serve those often forgotten by society.

During this holiday season, remember the poor. Today in prayer, thank Christ that the poor in spirit are blessed by Him, and ask the Lord how you can help the poor in your community.

"Poverty is no sin." - George Herbert

God's Word: "Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" - James 2:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE  †

"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." - Luke 5:27-28

David Livingstone was a Scottish physician and pioneer Christian missionary with the London Missionary Society. He was the first European to travel to the interior of Africa in search of the sources of the Nile River.

Once, he wrote home to England requesting more workers. In reply, he received this message: “We would like to send more workers to you, but they first want to know if there is a good road into your outpost.” To which Dr. Livingstone is said to have replied: “If you are offering to send workers who will come only if the road is easy, I can’t use them. I need workers who are ready to pick up their crosses and follow Christ. The road to Calvary was far from easy.”

Jesus is calling many people from all over the world to follow Him. Today in prayer, pray for those who do not know Christ that they may know that He is Lord and follow Him.

"Following Christ has nothing to do with success as the world sees it. It has to do with love." - Madeleine L'Engle

God's Word: "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him." - Matthew 4:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

"When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." - Luke 4:13

Dr. David Jeremiah tells the following: "I read a story this week about the war that took place in Bosnia in the late 1990s that was made famous by the escape of Scott O'Grady. The downed American flyer evaded capture for days in enemy territory until rescue helicopters found him. And when the helicopters landed in the clearing near where O'Grady was hiding, he did not relax in the brush and wait for the pilot to come and get him. He shook off his fatigue, fought through the bushes, drew his weapon out, and with every ounce of energy he had, he ran to the escape that had been provided for him. His actions parallel the engagement God requires of us in spiritual warfare. We should not assume that, because God promises to provide a way out of temptation, that we have no role in our own rescue. God provides the way, but we have to take the way."

Temptation can come at anytime. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to make you aware of any temptations and have Him lead you away from all temptation.

"When evil desire finds you armed with the fear of God and the determined to resist, it will flee far away from you.” – Hermas, the Shepherd

God's Word: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”- Matthew 6:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †

“‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38

Pastor Rick Warren said: “If we are not serving we are just existing, because life is meant for ministry. God wants you to learn to love and serve others unselfishly. The old comparison between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea is a good one. Galilee is a lake full of life because it takes in water but also gives it out. In contrast, nothing lives in the Dead Sea because, with no outflow, the lake has stagnated. What many believers need today is to be involved in serving experiences where they can exercise their spiritual muscles…

Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we’re more interested in ‘serve us’ than service. We say, ‘I’m looking for a church that meets my needs and blesses me,’ not ‘I’m looking for a place to serve and be a blessing.’ We expect others to serve us, not vice versa. But as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service. The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, ‘Who’s going to meet my needs?’ and starts asking, ‘Whose needs can I meet?’”

The Lord has called us to serve others. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can better serve others for Him.

“As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth living; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end!” – David Brainerd

God’s Word: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2024, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN LUKE †