“I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” – Philippians 4:13-14

On October 17, 2009, the U.S. Naval Academy football team played Southern Methodist University. At half-time, Southern Methodist led 21-7. Navy’s quarterback Ricky Dobbs had lost two fumbles with one of the fumbles resulting in a Southern Methodist touchdown.

During half-time, Navy Coach Niumatalolo entered the locker room intent on yelling at Dobbs. He found Dobbs reading his Bible. "I'm getting ready to yell at him, I look down at him and he's reading the Bible," Niumatalolo said. "It's hard to yell at someone when they're reading the Bible. I just said, 'Ricky, try your best and hold onto the ball' and kind of walked away." Dobbs had hurt his knee during the first few minutes of the game. "At halftime I knew I needed strength to continue," Dobbs said. "I didn't know how I was going to finish that game. My (right) knee was throbbing and very painful." Dobbs began reading Isaiah 41 and verse 10 gave him strength: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Dobbs later said: “It was reassuring for me that when I went back out in the second half that God will strengthen me and help me.” After halftime, Dobbs rallied Navy to a 38-35 overtime victory. The throbbing right knee turned out to have been a broken kneecap. And he played the entire contest with the injury.

"When people ask me about my confidence, it's not confidence in myself, it's the confidence in my God and what he can do for me," Dobbs said. “My confidence in him bleeds through me.”

We can do ALL things in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, look to the Lord for your confidence and trust in His power.

“It is not as armor as armor, but as armor of God, that makes the soul impregnable.” – William Gurnall

God’s Word: “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Philippians 4:12

In 1870, reporter Russell H. Conwell was in a camel caravan along the valley between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Mesopotamia. It was there that the 27 year-old American heard a legend concerning contentment that changed his life. The guide told about a prosperous Persian farmer, Ali Hafed. Lured by the stories of a Buddhist priest, Ali deserted his fruitful lands to search for immense wealth in mythical diamond fields.

Far and wide Ali Hafed roamed. He lost his youth and his wealth and died far from his home, an old and disillusioned pauper. Not long afterward, the guide related, acres of fabulous diamonds were found on Ali Hafed's own land.

The other tourists thought it was an entertaining story, but to Conwell it illustrated a great truth. To him it said: “Your diamonds are not in far-away mountains or in distant seas; they are in your own backyard if you will but dig for them.”

During the ensuing years Conwell returned to the U.S. and worked to make Philadelphia a better place. He helped establish Temple College. He became a pastor at Grace Baptist Church and served there for 43 years. He told the story of “Acres of Diamonds” an estimated 6,000 times stressing that our contentment can be found in our own fields given to us by the Lord.

You do not have to search the world to find contentment. Contentment can be found in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter what circumstance you find yourself, you can be content in Jesus.

“It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are.” - James Mackintosh

God’s Word: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

At the end of the 18th century, German sculptor Johann Heinrich von Dannecker was one of Europe’s greatest sculptors. At the height of his talents, he wanted to do something special with his gifts -- he wanted to shape a statue of Christ that would stand out as a witness to his world. For two years he chiseled and scraped and polished the marble, till he was certain that it carried the likeness of his Lord.

To test his image, he asked a young girl, “Do you know who this is?”

“No, sir!” she replied. “But he must be a very great man.” Dannecker knew that he’d failed. The statue was good enough for kings and princes, but it had not captured the beauty of Christ. For the next six years, as he studied the Bible, he slowly, shaped a new image. He asked a different child  “Who is that?”

Legend has it that tears came to the little girl’s eyes as she recognized Jesus. Dannecker knew he had finished his task.

Some years later, the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte saw Dannecker’s work. He was very impressed. He sent for the sculptor, and he had a commission for Dannecker. “Make me a statue of the goddess Venus for the Louvre!” Napoleon demanded.

Though he felt honored by the request, Dannecker replied: "A man who has seen Christ can never employ his gifts in carving out a pagan goddess!"

Now that we have asked Christ into our lives, everything else is secondary. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a heart to desire Him and Him alone in all that you do. 

“A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.” – Henry Ward Beecher

God’s Word: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

In 1861, when Lincoln was on his way to Washington to his first inauguration, he spent some time in New York with newspaper editor Horace Greeley. Lincoln told Greeley an anecdote that was meant to be an answer to the question which everybody was asking him: “Are we really to have Civil War?”

In his circuit-riding days as a young attorney, Lincoln and his companions, riding to the next session of court, had crossed many swollen rivers. But the Fox River was still ahead of them; and they said one to another, "If these streams give us so much trouble, how shall we get over Fox River?"

When darkness fell, they stopped for the night at a log tavern, where they fell in with the Methodist presiding elder of the district who rode through the country in all kinds of weather and knew all about the Fox River.

The young attorneys gathered about the minister and asked him about the present state of the river. "Oh, yes," replied the elder, "I know all about the Fox River. I have crossed it often and understand it well. But I have one fixed rule with regard to Fox River—I never cross it till I reach it."

There is no worry that the Lord cannot overcome; we just need to give our worries to Him. Today in prayer, give the Lord all of your worries and receive from Jesus His perfect peace.

“No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear.” – George Macdonald

God’s Word: “"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5

Author A. W. Tozer wrote, "We have gotten accustomed to the blurred puffs of gray fog that pass for doctrine in churches and expect nothing better. From some previously unimpeachable sources are now coming vague statements consisting of a milky admixture of Scripture, science, and human sentiment that is true to none of its ingredients because each one works to cancel the others out. Little by little Christians these days are being brainwashed. One evidence is that increasing numbers of them are becoming ashamed to be found unequivocally on the side of truth. They say they believe, but their beliefs have been so diluted as to be impossible of clear definition. Moral power has always accompanied definite beliefs. Great saints have always been dogmatic. We need a return to a gentle dogmatism that smiles while it stands stubborn and firm on the Word of God that lives and abides forever."

There is strength in gentleness when we are firmly rooted in Christ.  Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of gentleness and seek to be more like the Savior.

“Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity.” – Charles Swindoll

God’s Word: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1

On May 2, 2011, Dorena Baptist Church near East Prairie, Missouri was flooded by the Mississippi River.

"The church is gone," said Pastor LeRoy Davenport. "I've seen aerial pictures, and it's gone." The church building was built in 1946 and had never been flooded. When the waters receded somewhat, a local resident reported to the pastor that he stood on the window ledge and could see pews floating inside. "We knew it was coming, and kept praying," said Pastor LeRoy. "We got the piano, pulpit and Lord's Supper table out, but not everything. The rest of it is gone. The brick on one side of the building is gone, too. Then, if the water goes down like they're telling us, there may not be any roads left." The disaster has sparked the church to discuss where the Lord is leading them. "Maybe God just wanted us to move this church into town," said Pastor LeRoy, referring to East Prairie. "Whatever He wants, that's what we'll do. There's no growth possibility in Dorena simply because there's nobody down there. It's hard to leave the site of your home church, but maybe this is what God wants us to do."

No matter what life may throw at you, stand firm in Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in this chaotic world, He is our solid ground!

“Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philippians 3:20

Jens Hansen was born in Holland in 1964. As a young man, he became a Danish citizen, taking the nationality from his father. Then in 1989, at age 25, Jens planned to move to Bermuda. He visited the Danish embassy in Great Britain, where he had grown up, to ensure his documentation was in order.

On the back of Jens passport, written in Danish, which Jens never learned, was a notice that he must reapply for citizenship at age 21. Since Jens was older than 21 and was stripped of his nationality.

“I’ve been without a nationality since 1989,” he said. “Stateless is the official title.”

He was able to move to Bermuda after Britain issued him with a certificate of identity. But after five years in Bermuda, Great Britain refused to renew his identity certificate because he was no longer a resident there. He became a man without a country, trapped on the small island.

Jens finally met and married his Canadian wife Carolyn in Bermuda. The couple had two sons there. The Hansen family then immigrated to Ontario, Canada and Jens became a Canadian citizen in January 2011. How did Jens feel after becoming a citizen for the first time in 22 years?

He said: “It’s not right not having a citizenship, not having a nationality. It’s a very important thing. Now I can vote and I am going to be doing that for sure. I have rights that I never had before.”

We have a citizenship, a home in Heaven. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that through His grace, we have a Heavenly home.

“Socrates, being asked what countryman he was answered, ‘I am a citizen of the whole world.’ But ask a Christian what countryman he is, and he will answer, ‘A citizen of heaven.’” – William Secker

God’s Word: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household” – Ephesians 2:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” – Philippians 3:17

On February 1, 2009, 36-year-old Mike Tomlin became the youngest National Football League head coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach is a Christian and was asked who his role models were. One of those was former Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian who is known as a servant leader. "I try to lead as a servant," Mike said. "I try to do the same thing every day when I go to work. I don't think about the things I have to do, I think about how I can help these men get better. I want to make men successful and possess a certain mentality," Mike continued. "I learned that from Tony Dungy. If I'm able to provide a positive example to some man or some coach, then that is great as well."

We all need to have godly examples and we all need to be godly examples. Today in prayer, praise Christ for the godly men and women in your life and strive to be more like Jesus.

“If doing a good act in public will excite others to do more good, then “Let your Light shine to all” Miss no opportunity to do good.” – John Wesley

God’s Word: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 

Just after World War II, Pastor Lee Carroll and his wife Molly moved to Haiti as independent missionaries. After spending some time learning the language and working with another mission, the Carrolls answered the call to move into the Central Plateau region of Haiti to begin planting churches.

In 1948, they started Mountain Faith Mission in the town of Saut d' Eau, which was known as a stronghold of Haitian Voodoo. From the beginning, the Carrolls faced spiritual warfare.

Although he was not a carpenter by training, the Lord helped Lee design and build church buildings. During the 32 years on the mission field, the Carrolls persevered and built more than 20 churches, each one pastored by a Haitian preacher trained by Lee.

In addition to the churches, the Carrolls established schools at some of the churches.  

Lee became a highly respected man in the Central Plateau region of Haiti. He was known as the "first white man to bring us the Gospel."

Whatever work the Lord is calling you to do, persevere to see it through! Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through His perseverance salvation has come to you.  

“All things are possible to him who believes, yet more to him who hopes, more still to him who loves, and most of all to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues.” – Brother Lawrence

God’s Word: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." - Philippians 3:7

Mark Richt grew up with one dream, to be a star quarterback in the National Football league. He was the back-up quarterback at the University of Miami and after graduation was signed by the Denver Bronco's football team. After a couple of years as a back-up quarterback, he was cut from the team in 1985. His dreams were crushed. It was then that Mark received a call from Florida State University Head Coach Bobby Bowden.  Bowden offered him a graduate assistant position working with the quarterbacks. Mark jumped at the chance and moved to Tallahassee Florida.  The following year, one of the football players was shot and killed while attending a party.  Coach Bowden pointed to the empty chair that was assigned to the fallen player, and talked about death and his faith.  He asked every one of us in the room to look at the chair and then he asked, if that was you do you know where you would spend eternity? Coach Bowden explained the Gospel to the team and that day and Mark was one of the men who responded and gave his heart to Christ. Today, Mark Richt is the Head Coach of the University of Georgia football team. Though he still enjoys football, but his heart belongs to Jesus. His motto is "love and obey God". It is a lesson that he is daily teaching other young men.

We do not give up anything when we accept Christ, we gain everything!. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is the most important person in your life.

"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one." - A.W. Tozer

God's Word: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." - Matthew 13:44

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” – Philippians 3:4

“Air Guitar” is acting like you are playing an imaginary guitar to a recorded song.

In August 2003, David "C-Diddy" Jung, having won the first annual U.S. Air Guitar Championships in Los Angeles, represented the United States at the eighth annual Air Guitar World Championships in Finland. He was eventually declared the world champion of air guitar.

"Practice and study are essential, so buy a good set of headsets and a ton of excellent CDs," said the 21-year-old Jung who advised aspiring competitors. "Stretching helps, as well as finger-strengthening exercises. Remember, the whole point of technique and training is to be able to give yourself to the moment and trust enough in your technique to let it go. Don't worry about your talent, because if you had any you wouldn't be playing air guitar!"

All of our talents and abilities are God given. We cannot put our confidence in them; we need to place our faith in the One who has given us talents and abilities.  Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride. Give thanks to Jesus for all the talents and abilities He has given you.  

“Talent is God-given; be humble.” – John Wooden

God’s Word: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” – Philippians 3:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” – Philippians 3:1

Walter B. Hinson was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. He helped organize the founding of Portland Baptist Bible Institute in 1925.

It was during that year that he was diagnosed with a fatal disease. The following year, in 1926, just before he died, he said the following:

“I remember a year ago when a doctor told me, ‘You have an illness from which you won’t recover.’ I walked out to where I live 5 miles from Portland, Oregon, and I looked across at that mountain that I love. I looked at the river in which I rejoice, and I looked at the stately trees that are always God’s own poetry to my soul. Then in the evening I looked up into the great sky where God was lighting His lamps, and I said, ‘I may not see you many more times, but Mountain, I shall be alive when you are gone; and River, I shall be alive when you cease running toward the sea; and Stars, I shall be alive when you have fallen from your sockets in the great down pulling of the material universe!’”

Do not let any troubles come between you and your joy of the Lord. Today in praise, rejoice in Jesus that He has given you eternal life.

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 2:21

In the city of Cairo, Egypt, there is a section known as “garbage city.” It is the home of many Coptic Christians and they pick-up more than 10,000 tons of the city’s trash every day.

There are some thirty thousand people in the area and 7,000 of them collect garbage. They collect it, sort it, reuse, recycle or compost it. In a country of Muslims, these Christian workers are the outcasts of the country.

In 1972, a young Egyptian businessman lost his wristwatch, which was valued at roughly $11,000. For many, it was unthinkable to have such a valuable piece of jewelry returned by a person of Garbage City. However, an old garbage man dressed in rags returned it to its owner, saying, "My Christ told me to be honest until death."

The Lord calls us to look beyond our own interests and to look to the interests of God and others. Today in prayer, confess any sin of selfishness and seek to be selfless in all that you do.  

“There is no smaller package than a person all wrapped up in himself.” – Peter C. Moore

God’s Word: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” – Philippians 2:14

On May 5, 2011, during a Evangelism Prayer Day gathering, evangelist Luis Palau urged his listeners: “It’s the responsibility of Christians to pray for, rather than complain about, their nation, especially during times of trouble.”

“It seems to me that the Lord is telling us here ‘if your nation is in trouble, how about looking inward, stop insulting the king, stop insulting the president. Stop saying ‘I can't stand him. How can you pray for someone you cannot stand?’” Palau asked.

“Let's we, as Christians, if we pretend we are biblical Christians and we do, then we better take this seriously.”

“If a nation is in trouble, a lot of the responsibility has to come back to us Christians and to the church,” Palau emphasized. “We need to believe in the power of the intercessory prayer,” he stressed. “Pray in the Spirit, pray [to] God and things will begin to happen.”

When things are difficult, do you automatically pray or do you complain? Today in prayer, confess any sin of complaining and change your complaint into a prayer for help to the Lord.

“Murmuring is wasted breath, and fretting is wasted time.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

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 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:6-7

In 1955, Roberto Clemente began his major league baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the next 18 years, Clemente became one of the premiere outfielders of the game. He played his last game in 1972 and during his last at bat, got his 3000th hit. On December 23, 1972, Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, was struck with a severe earthquake. Clemente, who had been visiting Managua three weeks before the quake, immediately began arranging emergency relief flights. However, the aid packages on the first three flights he sent were diverted by corrupt Nicaraguan government officials. On New Year's Eve, Clemente chartered a fourth airplane and decided to personally deliver the materials. The chartered plane was overloaded by more than 5,000 pounds. It crashed soon after takeoff into the ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico. Baseball lost a superstar, but the world found out how much of a servant Roberto Clemente had been. News of his charity work spread and soon many athletes were giving their time to help others.  Major League Baseball established "The Roberto Clemente Award" that is given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others.

Jesus was a servant and He desires that we also be servants. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of being a servant and give Him thanks for the multiple opportunities we have to serve others.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much . . . it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

God’s Word: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Shane Claiborne is a Christian author who writes about social justice. His calling to minister to the poor was shaped during a summer when he worked in the slums of Calcutta with Mother Teresa.

He wrote about that experience: “People often ask me what Mother Teresa was like. Sometimes it’s like they wonder if she glowed in the dark or had a halo. She was short, wrinkled, and precious, maybe even a little ornery — like a beautiful, wise old granny. But there is one thing I will never forget — her feet. Her feet were deformed. Each morning in Mass, I would stare at them. I wondered if she had contracted leprosy. But I wasn’t going to ask, of course. ‘Hey Mother, what’s wrong with your feet?’

One day a sister said to us, ‘Have you noticed her feet?’ We nodded, curious. She said: ‘Her feet are deformed because we get just enough donated shoes for everyone, and Mother does not want anyone to get stuck with the worst pair, so she digs through and finds them. And years of doing that have deformed her feet.’ Years of loving her neighbor as herself deformed her feet.”

The Lord desires that we love Him and humbly walk with Him. Today in prayer, confess and pride and seek to love the Lord, to love others, and to humbly walk with Jesus.

“They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud.” – John Flavel

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2:1-2

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, a deadly tornado struck the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama. Twelve people died in that small town and many of the buildings were flattened. Phil Campbell resident Chris Frost said, “There are houses down everywhere,” he said. “I walked through parts of town and I am not even sure where I was at.”

One of the buildings that sustained major damage was Mountain View Baptist Church. But on May 1, the congregation worshiped in the church parking lot.

Pastor Samuel Taylor encouraged his congregation: “Remember, there's still a lot of hope. The building is gone but the church is still here.”

His words drew a loud applause.

A sign near the makeshift pulpit quoted 2 Corinthians 6:16: “For we are the temple of the living God.” The word “we” was underlined, to stress that the members, not the building, make up the church.

“This is the one place we all need to be, here, worshiping God,” said Mountain View member April Simpson, who lost her house in the tornado. “He'll get us through this. It's good to see these loved ones, the church family. This is soothing.”

In Jesus Christ, we have all the encouragement we need to meet our darkest times. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter how bleak a situation is, we can place our hope in Him.

“This ministry of consolation and encouragement is not to be regarded as inferior and of secondary importance. Did we but discern it, we are daily surrounded by lonely, aching and sometimes broken hearts.” – J. Oswald Sanders

God’s Word: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” – Colossians 2:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” – Philippians 1:27

At the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, Major General William Dean's division was the closest US ground unit to the Korean Peninsula. Dean was ordered to send an advance battalion from his division by air to South Korea with a mission to advance as far as possible and resist the North Koreans. Dean and his battalion fought bravely, but in less than 30 days, Dean was captured.

During the next few months, General Dean endured daily interrogations. He also suffered from illness and poor food.

Isolated from his men while in prison, the North Koreans threatened to execute him by firing squad as a war criminal.

He was given time to write a letter to his wife, in which he included instructions for their 21 year old son. Under these most severe circumstances, the General wanted to have one word punctuate his son’s life. He wrote briefly but powerfully, “Tell Bill the word is integrity.”

The General was eventually freed after 18 months of capture, but the word “integrity” continued to be a description of the General’s life.

As Christians, we represent Jesus Christ here on earth. Our lives should be ones of integrity. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His supreme example of a life lived well and seek to be a person of integrity.

"No man on earth is getting along 'pretty well' without Jesus Christ." - William Fraser McDowell

God’s Word: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

In 1958, 27-year-old David Wilkerson was staying up late one evening. It was his habit to stay to watch the "Late Show" on television. He then asked the question: "What would happen, Lord, if I sold the TV set and spent that time—praying?" David took the challenge and sold his television. Through a magazine article, he found himself called by the Lord to minister to gangs in New York City.

He moved to the City, and began ministering to gang members and drug addicts. He was the founding Pastor of Times Square Church. He authored the best-selling book, “The Cross and the Switchblade” which chronicled some of the difficulties he faced. Dave would go on to found Teen Challenge, a Christian organization to help teenagers quit substance abuse. All because he trusted the Lord and wanted to live for Him.

Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life, but you have to desire to want to live for Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for He is wonderful and seek to live your life for Christ.

"Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils, and the resurrection of all his joys." - John H. Aughey

God’s Word: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” – Philippians 1:17

In January 2011, Pastor Kenneth Terrell was indicted for stealing from his former Bloomingdale, Georgia church. The indictment alleges Terrell, age 46, stole at least $200,000 of the church’s money for his own use over a span of four years. Terrell was charged with seven counts of wire fraud. The former pastor faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Durham said the indictment arose after a joint investigation by United States Secret Service Agent William Griffin and Savannah-Chatham Police Detective Raymond Woodberry. “This defendant is alleged to have used his position as pastor to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for his very own church,” said Edward J. Tarver, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “The indictment alleges that Terrell systematically took money over at least a four-year period and used it to support a lavish lifestyle.”

Pride and selfish ambition can lead to sin and lawlessness. Today in prayer, confess any sin of ambition and seek to follow Jesus.

“The best ambition is: Who shall be servant of all.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” – Philippians 1:4

George Willis Cooke was born in Comstock, Michigan in 1848. He studied at the Meadville Theological School in 1872, but never received an academic degree. He was ordained in June 1872 and he served in the parish ministry for the next 28 years.

In 1900 Cooke left the ministry to devote himself full time to writing and lecturing. He gave courses at the Rand School of Social Science in New York and at the Boston School of Social Science. One of the major themes of his lectures was social reform and democracy. He equated the “brotherhood of man” with social equality. He also authored a book on Ralph Waldo Emerson, and at the time of his death he was working on a projected four-volume work, tentatively titled "The Progress of Women in Civilization."

But one of all of his work, the most remembered is a little song he wrote for children. Known as "Down In My Heart," or sometimes titled "I've Got the Joy", it has been song in many languages for more than 80 years. There is an innocence and simplicity in it that reminds of the joy we can have if we focus our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus came to bring us life and joy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that anywhere and at any time, we can have the joy of Jesus.

“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart.

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart” – George Willis Cooke

God’s Word: “Be joyful always” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2

On April 6, 2011, Associate Pastor Harry Hargis was driving his car in Scott County, Kentucky. The 73-year-old pastor was driving home when a bullet punctured his windshield. Miraculously, the bullet hit Hargis in the mouth, fractured his jaw, knocked out a tooth and then stopped.

Police say the shooting had nothing to do with Hargis. It was a stray bullet that came from several blocks north of where the pastor just happened to be driving by.

"It went through the front windshield, which is the thickest of the windows," said Senior Pastor Wayne Lipscomb said, "If it had gone through the side, it would have been bad. Because it went through the front windshield. That was by the grace of God."

Pastor Hargis intends to show the shooter grace. "He didn't do this on purpose. It was an accident," he said. “He needs to know Christ."

Hargis continued: "You've got to feel full of joy when you see what God has done.  If he can bring me through this, he can bring me through anything."

The Lord is gracious and desires us to show grace to others.  Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His loving grace and share that grace with others..

“Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians