“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” – Revelation 22:3-4

In 1942, John H. Craven became a Navy chaplain. He accompanied Marines on combat amphibious landings in the Marshall Islands and on Saipan and Tinian in the Pacific. He witnessed the U.S. flag raising at Iwo Jima in February 1945.

During those combat days in World War II, he summarized his activities:

"In combat our main action was to go from place to place, unit to unit, and start out early in the morning and go till dark, just visiting one unit after the other and many times just have a very brief service. We had some very small hymn books . . . and some Testaments I could carry in my map case, and we would just gather a few men together in a bomb crater or defilade . . . and I would have one service after the other. Sometimes we had twelve, thirteen, or fourteen of those in one day, especially on Sunday . . ."

Chaplain Craven also spent time comforting those in the hospital and conducting funeral services.

He went on to serve in the Korean War, where he participated in the landings at Inchon and the battle for Seoul during the Korean War. He accompanied the embattled 7th Marine Regiment on the bitterly cold and bloody retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, suffering severe frostbite.

In 1963, he was chaplain at Bethesda Naval Hospital and ministered to the friends and family of President Kennedy when the president's body was brought there after his assassination in Dallas.

After serving 32 years as a Navy chaplain, John served as a missionary to Okinawa for a year and then was director of Christian Social Ministries for the Norfolk (Virginia) Baptist Association.

During his last 12 years on earth, John served as chaplain at the Navy and Marine Corps retirement center in McLean, Virginia. Before entering heaven, he faithfully served the Lord as a minister for 59 years.  

One of the joys we will have in heaven is serving the Lord. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can better serve Him here on earth.

“My heaven is to please God and glorify him, and to give all to him, and to be wholly devoted to his glory; that is the heaven I long for.” – David Brainerd

God’s Word: “Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.’” – Revelation 7:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” – Revelation 20:11-12

In 1977, Joseph Amrine was 19 years old when he robbed a local Safeway grocery store. He was sent to the Missouri State Penitentiary.

On October 18, 1985, six months before Amrine was due to be released from prison, Gary Barber, a fellow inmate, was stabbed to death in a recreation room. Amrine was playing cards in the room at the time, and three other inmates and a guard identified him as the killer.

For the next 17 years, Amrine fought for his innocence. He was sentenced to be executed, but a steady stream appeals kept his case active. Then in April 2003, the Missouri Supreme Court granted Joe Amrine a writ of Habeas Corpus finding that Amrine and his attorneys had established "clear and convincing evidence" of his innocence in the Barber murder. The witnesses said they had lied under oath and the DNA proved that Amrine was innocent of the murder. He was released days later.

Now that he is in his 50’s, Joe does not hold any anger of what happened. In prison, he became a believer in Christ. He said: “I don't know what's going to happen, but with God's help, my future is going to be in the sunshine. My future is going to be free.”

There are many injustices in this world,  but Jesus Christ will have the final word when He judges our lives. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when you trust your life to Jesus, your name appears in the book of life.

“Tomorrow’s history has already been written. At the name of Jesus every knee must bow.” – E. Kauffman

God’s Word: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” – Matthew 16:27

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God" - Revelation 19:1

In the early morning hours of August, 18 1899, lifeguard Rasmus S. Midgett, from the Gull Shoal Life-Saving Station, North Carolina, was conducting a beach patrol on horseback. About three-fourths of a mile from his station, he saw items newly washed ashore, which indicated a shipwreck. After traveling two more miles and finding more debris, he heard what sounded like sails frapping and then faint voices. He flashed his lantern over the ocean and saw something over the high flood tide. A small ship named the Priscilla had run aground.

Ten survivors were crying for help. Midgett then had to make a difficult decision: to spend three hours bringing assistance from another lifeguard station, or to attempt a rescue without any aid.

Midgett decided to try rescuing the men immediately.

Midgett ran as close to the wreck as he could and shouted instructions for the men to jump overboard one at a time as the waves receded. Obeying his instructions, the sailors leapt overboard. Midgett, then seized each man and dragged him from the pursuing waves safely to the beach. In this manner, he rescued seven men. There were still three men on board who were too weak to get off the vessel. Midgett went into the water and carried each of them to the beach. For the ten lives he saved, Midgett was subsequently awarded the greatest honor for saving life in peacetime, a Gold Lifesaving Medal.

God is in the rescue business. He hears our cries for help, and saved us with His finished work on the Cross. Today in prayer, praise Jesus Christ that He is your Savior!

"Seek not to explore the heights of the divine majesty, but to find salvation in the saving deeds of God our Savior." - William of St. Thierry

God's Word: "And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." - Revelation 7:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." - Revelation 17:14

In 1927, film director Cecil B. DeMille released the silent film “The King of Kings.” In his autobiography, Demille describes how the movie affected people. He writes of a German Lutheran who saw The King of Kings in 1928 and was so moved by it that he became a pastor. The man eventually had a parish in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In his congregation was a Jewish convert to Christianity, a doctor, “who was promptly thrown into a concentration camp” when Hitler marched into Czechoslovakia. The Jew’s courage so enraged Gestapo officers that they beat him with an iron rod so that his arm had to be amputated. Then one Gestapo officer beat him so severely that “blood was streaming down his face,” held a mirror in front of him, and said, “Take a look at yourself. Now you look like your Jewish Christ.” The noble Jew “raised up the one hand he had left and with his last dying breath said, ‘Lord, never in my life have I received such an honor—to resemble You.’” The Gestapo officer, struck dumb by such saintliness, was so wracked by guilt that he thereafter secretly assisted the escape of hundreds of Jews. Demille writes that if it were not for The King of Kings, “350 Jewish children would have died in the ditches”

Jesus Christ is the “King of Kings” and He changes lives. Today in prayer, give praise to the King of Kings.

"And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" - Georg Friedrich Handel

God's Word: "to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords" - 1 Timothy 6:14-15

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

“From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” – Revelation 16:21

On August 1843, a destructive hailstorm hit Southern Britain. It was probably Britain’s most destructive recorded single hailstorm event. Near Oxfordshire, roofing tiles were “pounded to pieces”. The city of Cambridge experienced widespread destruction of glass, chimney pots, and roofing tiles.

Some of the hailstones were as large as 10 inches in diameter. They impacted the ground to a depth of 4 feet. Thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes struck the countryside. A massive amount of trees were uprooted and crops were ruined.

Rector H.R.Yorke recorded the event: “the land before it was as the Garden of Eden, behind it a barren and desolate wilderness". He concluded his report thankful that “amidst all this affliction God was merciful; no human lives were lost, and the destruction of property, although grievous, was partial.”

In the end days, the hailstorm described in Revelation 16, will be larger than any previous storm ever recorded. But with this coming event comes the good news that a New Heaven is coming. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He uses nature to drive us into His loving arms and in Him we can find peace in the storm.

“Jesus taught men to see the operation of God in the regular and the normal – in the rising of the sun and falling of the rain and growth of plants.”  – William Temple

God’s Word: “Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.” – Revelation 11:19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.’” – Revelation 15:3

In 1999, Jennie Riddle began singing the song “I Hear Angels” as a lullaby to her son. She then began praying to the Lord that she wanted to SEE and HEAR all creation worshiping Him. She remembers: “My heart longed to focus on something far greater than my need, knowing that all needs would be satisfied with just one glimpse of Him.

Therefore, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me write a song that painted Him; a song that the angels and creation were already singing, so that we could join in with One Voice, as One Bride, to One King. My heart recalled Ezekiel 1:26-28 and Revelation 4.”

She continued: “I put the baby down to play with his toys, picked up the guitar, and began to play four chords I had figured out how to play the day before. Immersed in those scriptures, the Lord helped me paint what I was seeing through those passages," Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lightening, rolls of thunder..." The melody stuck. It had the sound of heaven in it. The song wouldn’t leave me and I sang it for weeks. I can still hear the Lord whispering to me that He would carry this song across the world.” The result was “Revelation Song” a popular Christian song that describes the beauty of Christ.

All of creation will sing praise to Jesus throughout all eternity.  Today in prayer, praise the Lord for He is King of Kings.

“Holy, holy, holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing:

Praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything,

And I will adore You” – Jennie Lee Riddle

God’s Word: “And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” – Revelation 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” – Revelation 13:16-17

In 2010, the Government of Mexico took the unprecedented move to have surgically implanted RFID chips into government officials’ arms.

Mexico's attorney general and at least 160 people in his office – had the chips implanted to allow them access to secure areas of their headquarters.

More government employees are scheduled to be "tagged" in coming months, and key members of the Mexican military, the police and the office of President Vicente Fox might follow suit.

The chips, the size of a grain of rice, contain codes that, when read by scanners, allow access to a secure building, and prevent trespassing by drug lords.

The same chip firm is marketing their security device to wealthy Mexicans. The company claims if people are kidnapped, it becomes easier for officials to trace them. Not surprisingly, sales are brisk.

Kathryn Albrecht, author of “The Spychips Threat: Why Christians Should Resist RFID and Electronic Surveillance”, wrote: “the end point of all this tracking could be the implementation of an RFID device in people's flesh to number and identify them for a multitude of reasons, including buying and selling. This plan should raise a red flag for everyone familiar with the last book of the Bible.”

When the tracking of people becomes as simple as tracking a package, we are devaluating human life. Today in prayer, ask Jesus for wisdom on how to properly use technology as it continues to become more complex.

“The seal of God marks out people belonging to him, and so for preservation for his kingdom. The mark of the beast similarly identifies men as his servants, and this mark they cannot live.” – G.R. Beasley-Murray

God’s Word: “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.” – Revelation 14:9-10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.’” – Revelation 12:10

In 65 A.D, a man known as Jonathan of Cyrene stirred up sedition against the Jews. The historian Josephus called him a “very vile person” who “prevailed upon no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him, and led them into the desert, promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions.”
He convinced Catullus, a Governor in Libya, that the Jews were a threat to the Roman Empire. Jonathan falsely accused Jews of treason and 3,000 Jews executed.
Embolden by his false accusations, Jonathan then falsely accused that all Jews were plotting treason against the Empire. He brought his case before Roman Emperor Vespasian. But Vespasian suspected Jonathan was lying and made some inquiries. When Vespasian “found out that the accusation laid against the Jews was an unjust one, he cleared them of the crimes charged upon them” writes Josephus. Jonathan was executed for his crimes.

The Devil is the Great Accuser. His false accusations were overcome at Christ’s victory on the Cross. Today in prayer, praise Christ that He is Lord of all and he has vanquished the Great Accuser.

“His (Satan’s) accusations against the righteous continue day and night. But by the virtue of the death of Christ he is unable successfully to lodge a charge against God’s elect.” – Robert H. Mounce

God’s Word: “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.” – Zechariah 3:1

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

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts." - Revelation 9:20-21

In 1893, Marietta J. Reeside, a Baptist missionary from Chicago, arrived in the Oklahoma territory to work with the Kiowa Indians. One of the people she worked with was Chief Bigtree. Bigtree confessed that in his earlier life: “I went on the warpath. I took many scalps. I went with other warriors on raids in Texas and Mexico.”
Marietta shared Jesus with the chief and he said: “The words are like arrows—they go to the heart.” He admitted he never knew “peace in my heart until I learned about Jesus and belief on him. Now my heart is happy.”
The Kiowa began calling her “Aim-day-co.” Chief Bigtree, explained this name, “When we Kiowas see anyone on the wrong road we call out, ‘Aim-day-co’ (“turn this way”). Our sister came to us from a far land, and found us all on the wrong road and in great danger. She stood in a new road and called to us and said, ‘Turn this way,’ and showed us the Jesus road. God bless Aim-day-co.”

Everyone needs to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus. Today in prayer, confess and repent of any sin in your life and turn to Jesus in all that you do.

"A noble mind disdains not to repent." - Alexander Pope

God's Word: "I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling." - Revelation 2:21

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

“And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.” – Revelation 9:3

In 1958, Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong initiated “eliminating the four pests” campaign. The four pests were flies, mosquitoes, rats and sparrows.

Sparrows were included on the list because they ate grain seeds, causing disruption to agriculture. It was decided that all the peasants in China should bang pots and pans and run around to make the sparrows fly away in fear. Sparrow nests were torn down, eggs were broken, and nestlings were killed. In Shantung Province alone, some 2.8 million sparrows were killed.

The first year of the campaign did improve the harvest. By in April 1960, China’s National Academy of Science found that sparrows ate insects more than seeds. Mao ordered the immediate end of the campaign against sparrows.

However, it was too late. With no sparrows to eat them, locust populations ballooned, swarming the country. One night in June 1960, locusts devoured all the grain in two counties. The conditions were set for China’s great famine, where 30 million people died of starvation.

In natural calamities, Christ is still Lord of all. It is during those extreme times, people seek God. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that no matter what calamity may occur, God is always in control.

“Oh! For a spirit that bows always before the sovereignty of God.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt.” – Exodus 10:18-19

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.” – Revelation 8:7

In April 1997, workers at a palm oil company in Indonesia were clearing land for agriculture. They decided that the fastest way to clear the forests were to set it afire. Indonesia had been suffering a drought and the land was extremely dry. For the next 18 months, the fires burned in Indonesia. Nearly 25 million acres of land across the country was destroyed. The smoke and haze from the fires adversely affected 18 million people in Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The economic loss was estimated at $9.7 billion.

Seamus O. Muirthile, a resident of Brunei described the one of the world’s greatest environmental disasters: “For well over two months now an eerie and poisonous pall of gloom has canopied the tropical skies.” He went on to write: “Schools have been told to close, huge inconvenience is caused to travelers, and people have been advised to stay indoors. Recently, visibility was down to one meter in Kuching, Sarawak.”

When horrific events occur, many people draw closer to the Lord. Today in prayer, pray how you can comfort someone who has been through a terrible event so they may place their faith in Christ.

“In this picture of terror John has the vision of God using the elemental forces of nature to warn man of the final destruction to come.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire.” – Revelation 16:8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” – Revelation 7:9

In 1942, William Cameron Townsend was a missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala. He caught the vision for translation when Cakchiquel-speaking men expressed their concern that the Bible was not available to them in the language they understood clearly. As a result, Townsend resolved that every man, woman and child should be able to read God’s Word in their own language. He started Wycliffe Bible Translators and since its inception, the organization has played a part in completing more than 700 Scripture translations.

Today there are some 6900 living languages in the world. Approximately one third have not one word of Scripture in their language. There are some 340 million people in the world who speak these 2300 unreached languages.

In 2008, Wycliffe committed to the mission of seeing a Bible translation program started in every language still needing one by the year 2025. Called the “Last Languages Campaign,” Wycliffe is committed to raise the resources needed to reach these last languages with God’s Word.

Katie Zartman, a senior graphic designer with Wycliffe, said: "I am excited to put God's word in all people's heart language.”

There will be believers from every tribe and nation in heaven. Today in prayer, give thanks that the Gospel is traveling throughout the earth. Pray for those who are delivering its eternal message of Good News. 

“God had only one Son – and He was a missionary.” – David Livingstone

God’s Word: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” – Revelation 6:9

The Voice of the Martyrs is a Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. It was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church.

Headquartered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the organization has embarked on constructing a permanent Martyrs Monument at their center. The monument will contain the names and dates of some of the thousands of believers who have given their lives for the cause of the Gospel, and will provide an opportunity for Christians to experience the awesome challenge of visiting a martyr’s grave.

These faithful saints who have become a part of the great cloud of witnesses are powerful examples of sacrificial service, of complete commitment to Christ. Remembering them will inspire us to follow Jesus, no matter the cost.

Many Christians throughout history have suffered and died for the Gospel. Today in prayer, give thanks to those faithful Christians who have died for the faith. Pray for those who today are facing persecution in the world.

“You can kill us, but you cannot hurt us.” – Justin Martyr

God’s Word: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” – Revelation 5:12

In 1992, artist Brenda Copeland began dreaming of Jesus on the Cross every night for over a week. She then got the idea to create a sculpture. "I could see Him being crucified, and when He would yell, I would wake up," said Copeland.

After years of trial and error, in June 2009 she completed a 16-foot statue she entitled the “Lamb of God.”

"I just knew I had to do the sculpture," she said. "It was worth [the sacrifices] because I can see that God is ministering to people. God is using it to reach people."

"It's a beautiful, artistic expression of the gospel," said Ralph Fagin, interim president of Oral Roberts University, which displayed the sculpture.

"The reality of [Christ's suffering], it really makes it personal," pastor Rick Tabisz said of the sculpture. "As repulsive as sin is to us, can you imagine this holy one not just confronting sin itself, but taking on the sin of all of us for all time? That's what you're seeing there."

Jesus is the Lamb of God and He is also our lamb who takes away our sins by His death on the Cross. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His triumph over sin and death.

“The precious Lamb of God gave up his precious fleece for us.” – Christopher Nesse

God’s Word: “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” – Revelation 5:13

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say” – Revelation 4:10

In September 2010, LifeWay Christian Resources Worship Director Mike Harland told pastors that it's not about better bands, advanced technology, newer copyright dates or newer models. Rather, it's about revealing the person of Jesus Christ and giving Him the adoration that is due.

"We don't want to gather trying to impress crowds with our technology, our innovation or creativity, but to passionately worship the God who saves," he said.

"God didn't call us to lead music or to perform worship services for the people's enjoyment," Harland said. "God called us to engage people in the experience of expressing their worship and praise to God."

A couple of years ago, a pastor of a church had contacted Harland asking for help as the worship at his church had grown cold. As a solution, the pastor wanted to start a contemporary worship service.

But when Harland visited the church, he found that the music style wasn't the issue. Rather, the people in the church just were not responding.

He told the pastor, "If your worship has grown cold, it's not because you selected the wrong music style or you're making some kind of technological misstep. If worship is a response to God's revelation and if your people are not worshipping then they're not seeing who He is."

The pastor soon realized that he had been preaching to the congregation about how to be better stewards, better parents, better citizens and so forth but he never told them who Jesus is.

"What do transformational churches do?" Harland posed to pastors at the conference. "They don't get a rock band, they don't get a projection system, they don't get a fog machine. They show people who Jesus is and then give people the opportunity to respond to Him in worship and adoration."

We need to look to Jesus and respond to Him in worship. Today in prayer, actively worship the Lord, adoring Him as Lord of all.

“We are saved to worship. All that Christ has done for us in the past and all that He is doing now leads to this one end.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” – Psalm 95:6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

In 1733, King George II offered a piece of property to Sir Robert Walpole, England’s first Prime Minister, as a gift for his service to the nation. Walpole did not accept the gift for himself. He proposed—and the King agreed—that the Crown give the property to the Office of Prime Minister.

The address is 10 Downing Street in London. It is located close to the House of Parliament. The property is the British equivalent to the American “White House” and it is both the office and residence of Great Britain’s Prime Minister.
The 100-room mansion is where the Prime Minister works with and entertains government ministers, national leaders and foreign dignitaries. It also has a very unique front door. It cannot be opened from the outside. The black front door does not have a door handle. When guests visit the Prime Minister, they must knock and the door is then opened from the inside.

No one can enter our hearts unless we open it. Jesus Christ patiently knocks at the door of every human heart to give eternal life with Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that you opened the door of your heart to Jesus.

“True conversion will involve the mind, the affection, and the will.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” – John 14:23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” – Revelation 3:17

In July 2000, Mack Metcalf won the Powerball lottery of $65 million. After years of working blue-collar jobs and living in ramshackle apartments, he began living a life of wanton pleasure. Mr. Metcalf bought a Mount Vernon-like estate in southern Kentucky. He stocked it with all-terrain vehicles, vintage American cars and an eccentric array of pets: horses, Rottweilers, tarantulas and a 15-foot boa constrictor.

He bought his second wife a Mercedes-Benz and a modernistic mansion overlooking the Ohio River, where she surrounded herself with stray cats. Metcalf gave away half a million dollars to a former girlfriend when he was drunk, was sued by his first wife for unpaid child support, and died in 2003 at age 45 of alcoholism. Metcalf’s second wife died of a drug overdose that same year.

"Nine out of 10 people don't handle it well," said author Don McNay, who has written books and columns on lottery winner horror stories. "It's life-changing. If you have a bad habit, it makes it worse. Addiction problems get magnified. People think that money cures problems, but it really magnifies them."

Money does not make us rich. Knowing Jesus Christ makes us truly wealthy. Today in prayer, confess any sin that takes your heart away from Jesus and seek Him in all that you do.  

“Temporal prosperity is very unfavorable for spiritual development.” – Charles Simeon

God’s Word: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” – Revelation 3:10

John Balca was a missionary to Yugoslavia from 1930 through the1950’s. In his autobiography, he writes of the many difficulties that God helped him to overcome. One time he was performing a marriage ceremony when he was arrested. Balca remembers when he affirmed his faith in God before an interrogator.

Balca wrote: “He beat me even more furiously and yelled some more, ‘Then why did God allow the War (World War ll)?’
I answered as best as I could in the midst of the blows, ‘It wasn’t God! It’s people’s hate and the evil of sin in the heart of man that causes devastating wars.’
Then again he asked, ‘Does God exist?’ Again I replied, ‘Yes, He exists!’
He became even angrier and began to beat me with his fists while calling me all sorts of names and blaspheming God. The third time he asked, ‘Does God exist, and where is He?’
I replied as always, ‘Yes! God exists, and He is eternal, and He is sitting on the throne of His glory in heaven. On the day of His terrible judgment we will all stand before Him to receive what we deserve; a reward or punishment, according to what everyone has done in his earthly life.’
When I confirmed my faith in God and His existence the third time, he became furious because he could not force me to deny God. He snatched up a revolver and began to beat me with it, raining blows all over my body.”

The interrogator then remembered that President Tito had declared that killing was no longer allowed until there had been a fair trial. Balca was finally released.

He wrote: “We traveled home and on the way we praised the Lord for giving us patience and for counting us worthy to suffer for Him like the apostles.”

The Lord calls us to endure patiently any trial that comes our way. Today in prayer, look to Christ and patiently endure any hardship in your life.

“He deserves not the name of patient who is only willing to suffer as much as he thinks proper, and for whom he pleases. The truly patient man asks (nothing) from whom he suffers, (whether) his superior, his equal, or his inferior...But from whomever, or how much, or how often wrong is done to him, he accepts it all as from the hand of God, and counts it gain!” - Thomas a Kempis

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

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

On October 21, 2010, 25-year-old Shoaib Assadullah was arrested in Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan, for giving a Bible to a man. The man later reported him to local authorities.

Shoaib, who grew up as a Muslim, became a Christian in 2005 and has grown in his faith.  

In Afghanistan, the penalty for apostasy from Islam is life in prison or death by hanging.

At a court hearing on December 28, Shoaib was told by the judge to recant Christianity and return to Islam.

He was given one final week to renounce his faith otherwise he would be exeuted. Shoaib stated he has given his life completely into the hands of Jesus and he was not afraid to die. He said he was so happy for the spiritual fight, saying, “Without my faith I would not be able to live.”

Christians still face persecution in this world. Today in prayer, pray for Shoaib and other believers that face persecution that they may be faithful to Jesus.

“The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.” – J.C. Ryle

God’s Word: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” – 2 Timothy 3:12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” – Revelation 2:5

In 1903, the City Counsel of Geneva, Switzerland erected a monument remembering Michael Servetus. In 1553, the Spanish theologian Servetus had a different theological view on the trinity of God than Geneva’s John Calvin. He was condemned by both Catholics and Protestants, and was arrested in Geneva. He was burnt at the stake as a heretic by Calvin’s followers.

The monument, erected 350 years after his martyrdom, was not an acceptance of Servetus’ theology. Nor was it to honor him. It was erected in contrition for the sin of burning him at the stake for differing with Calvin.

The placard on the monument concludes stating: “…yet condemning an error which was that of his age, and strongly attached to liberty of conscience according to the true principles of his Reformation and the Gospel, we have erected this expiratory monument.”

The Lord desires us to repent of our sins. The sooner we do that, the quicker we are relieved of the guilt of sin and restored to fellowship with Christ and others. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life, repent and turn away from sin and follow Jesus.

“A Christian is not one who never goes wrong, but one who is enabled to repent and begin over again after each stumble—because of the inner working of Christ.” – C.S. Lewis

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 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS

“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne” – Revelation 1:4

Christian musician Todd Agnew grew up in a Memphis, Tennessee church loving the old hymns. He appreciated the theology expressed by these mature Christian writers.

In 2002, Todd’s friend Chris Collins told him that he had put a new tune to “Amazing Grace.”

“I don’t know if you can do that?” reacted Todd. “You might get in a lot of trouble for messing with ‘Amazing Grace.’”

Chris played the tune and Todd realized that the tune was special. Todd wrote the chorus and the resulting song was “Grace Like Rain.” It is a mix of John Newton’s original words and Todd’s. A few months later he played ‘Grace Like Rain’ in a worship service in Memphis and the congregation loved the new composition.

“We realized that God had done something real special,” said Todd. “He brought the deep, deep foundational truth of grace back into a new context where a new generation could grab a hold of it. And an older generation can be reminded of the truth they had known for a long time.”

The one gift everyone should appreciate from the Lord is His grace towards us. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His Amazing Grace to you.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the Sound, that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now I’m found was blind but now I see, so clearly. 
Hallelujah, Grace like rain falls down on me. 
Hallelujah, and all my stains are washed away, 
they're washed away.” – John Newton and Todd Agnew  

God’s Word: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 1:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2011, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN REVELATIONS