Tag: Bible

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 2

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The goodness of God is intended to lead us to repentance, but we should never be presumptuous. God’s goodness doesn’t nullify His impending judgment. God hates sin and renders to everyone according to their deeds. To those who do not obey the truth there will be “tribulation and anguish upon every soul that practices evil.” But to those who trust Christ God will give glory, honor, and peace. God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. Simply being religious won’t pass the test. We must be born again. We are all guilty of sin and without excuse, but God in His great mercy reaches out to us through Jesus Christ His Son. Our sinful nature has left us spiritually bankrupt. “In Christ alone our hope is found, bought with the precious blood of Christ.”

Prayer: “Dear Father, You have shown us that we are guilty sinners, and that only through Christ can we be made well. Thank You for Jesus. Amen”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 28

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Of all the things Paul had to endure in His ministry add “snake bite” to the list. The terrible storm, shipwreck, stranded on an island, cold and rain, and near drowning were only recent experiences for Paul! As for the snake bite no harm came to Paul. God performed a miracle! God’s power is on display in every circumstance of our life. Nothing can happen to us that isn’t first of all sifted through the sovereign will of God. When we face difficulties it is good to know that God is in charge and that He is working in every detail of our life to accomplish His purpose. He uses the good and the bad. Think of all the things that happened to Paul that could have discouraged him; imprisonment, beatings, ran out of town, scourged, stoned, ridicule, opposition, threats, hatred, shipwreck and snake bite! God used every single one of these sufferings for His glory. May our confidence be in God not our circumstances, and may our attitude be like that of the man who prayed, “Lord, if it will bring You glory heal me. If in sickness it will bring You more glory then may I remain sick. But If in death it will bring You more glory still, then may Thy will be done.” God’s grace is sufficient in the storm.

Prayer: “Dear Father, give us the peace of God in our circumstances today, whatever will bring You the most glory may You do in our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 26

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The Apostle Paul is arguably the greatest missionary the world has ever known. On his way from Jerusalem to Damascus he met the Lord. Paul’s experience of salvation is recorded three times in the book of Acts. When Paul met the Lord he saw a light. Formerly he had been living in spiritual darkness. God’s light revealed to Paul the truth about his sin and the truth about who Jesus is. In the light Paul was changed. He experienced a change of mind, which led to change of heart, which led to a change in his behavior. Paul not only saw a light but he also heard a voice. Paul was like a wild, angry animal kicking against the conviction of his sin. Paul asked two very important questions; who are you Lord, and what would you have me to do? God’s reply was, “I am Jesus.” Paul met Jesus. The name “Jesus” appears over 900 times in the New Testament. Every book in the New Testament except 3 John mentions the name “Jesus.” The first verse and the last verse in the New Testament mentions the name “Jesus.” Jesus is the sweetest name I know. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! When Paul met Jesus he would never be the same again. Paul became a chosen vessel to bear witness to others of the name of Jesus.

Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for Jesus! Give us a heart like Paul for sharing Christ with others. May we stand up and speak up for the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 25

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Paul’s arrest and imprisonment may seem like a horrible thing, but God used it in a mighty way! The antagonism and hatred of those opposing Paul must have been very challenging to the apostle. But with great trials comes great grace. God was with Paul even in the midst of suffering. It is amazing what a difference the Holy Spirit can make in our lives. What is impossible and even unbearable to us is possible with God. Nasty threats against Paul and evil attempts to end his life were of no avail. God was watching over Paul. In fact Paul was absolutely invincible until God was finished with him. Paul stood before kings and officials and witnessed of Jesus Christ. He was called by God to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. He did so faithfully. His jail cell became a mission field and his audience was all that he came in contact with. We may find witnessing opportunities in some unusual places and unusual ways. A friend of mine became very sick. Through his illness he took the opportunity to witness to doctors, nurses, and countless people. His hospital bed became a platform to share Christ. Where does God have you today? Embrace your circumstances as your ministry assignment from God. Use it as a platform to witness for Jesus Christ.

Prayer: “Dear God, may we accept our ministry assignment whether it be a place of suffering or success, and may we witness of Jesus Christ through every circumstance. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 34

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The Apostle Paul is an example of faithfulness in trials. After being arrested for preaching the gospel Paul remained in custody. Paul suffered faithfully. He also shared Christ faithfully. Acts 24:25 says, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” There is never a better time to get right with God than right now. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” We can’t procrastinate a decision as important as the decision for the Lord. God does not promise us a tomorrow. Paul pressed the claims of Christ upon Felix but so far as we know he never came to Christ. Someone once said, “delayed obedience is disobedience.” Chances are if you won’t get saved today you may never be saved at all.

Prayer: “Dear Father, help us to be faithful in suffering, and we use every opportunity to share Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 23

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

God led Paul to witness in Jerusalem. Many Spirit filled believers warned Paul about the danger he would face and did not want him to go. Paul felt compelled and convinced that God was calling him to witness in Jerusalem. He said, “I am ready to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Sometimes we have to disappoint people in order to do what God has called us to do. Paul was determined to represent the name of Jesus in Jerusalem. After being arrested and mistreated, Paul was examined by the Jewish council. “And the night following the Lord stood by Him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” (Acts 23:11). God’s presence must have been a great encouragement and comfort to Paul. The effectiveness of Paul’s witness could not be measured by the response there was to it. It was Paul’s faithfulness that pleased God.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, lead us by Your Spirit, and empower us to witness about the name of Jesus Christ. And may we be faithful. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 22

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

It can be quite intimidating to stand in front of others and tell your story. Imagine sharing your experience of coming to faith in Christ in front of an angry mob. Paul not only witnessed to a hate- filled crowd but he did so after being beaten nearly to death by them. As Christians we have been called to stand for Christ. Passion to declare the name of Jesus to the nations comes from experiencing the filling of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul witnessed about what God did in His life by the power dwelling in Him. He was determined. On one of my mission trips I led a team to Alaska to work with a youth camp. Serving on our team was retired dentist Sam Ballou. We led events and bible studies during the day, and worship services at night. Sam was a relentless soul- winner. He shared with me about some of his health struggles. He even shared that on one of His trips to Brazil that He had to have heart surgery. This didn’t deter Sam from sharing his faith. We even had to make a visit to the emergency room while in Alaska! I had the privilege of seeing Sam lead others to Christ. While walking by his cabin one afternoon I looked in only to see Sam praying with a young man who was receiving Christ into his heart. Health struggles, hardships, or hate filled crowds can’t silence the witness of a Spirit-filled soul-winner.

Prayer: “Dear God, fill us with Your Presence and with passion, give us courage to speak the name of Jesus even in the face of difficulties. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 20

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Several years ago I heard a sermon on Acts 20 entitled, “How to Resign a Church.” The sermon outlined Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. God used it to show me how to minister to His people. When Paul left the church at Ephesus he had given his all for the Lord. Paul’s ministry was marked by humble service. He shed many tears for the people in Ephesus and endured many trials in their behalf. Paul’s ministry was not only marked by humble service, but also by faithful preaching. He preached the whole counsel of God and did not leave anything out. He stood on God’s Word without compromise. Also, Paul was a compassionate soul-winner. He warned lost people and wept over them. Paul was relentless when it came to sharing the Gospel. He was willing to go anywhere, preach to anyone, and stay as long as needed. When Paul left the Ephesians they wept most of all for the words which he had spoken. The truth we stand for is far more important than the positions we hold. May we be missed most of all for the truth of God that is lived in us and through us!

Prayer: “Dear Father, May we live like Paul, love the lost like Paul, and may we leave like Paul. Help us to finish well. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 19

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Leonard Ravenhill once preached a sermon entitled, “Known in Hell.” He used Acts 19:15 as his text, “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Ravenhill presented an interesting challenge. Is there anything about my life that threatens hell? Am I a threat to the devil. Do demons even know who I am? Adrian Rogers once explained that when we see the devil attacking it is an occasion to rejoice because we must be doing something right. Paul was a threat to the devil because everywhere he went he spoke about the Gospel. Paul was a man who had experienced God’s grace and who loved Jesus. Paul was a man of faith and a man of prayer. He depended on the Holy Spirit and wherever he witnessed and spoke about God’s Word people were saved! Hell hated the Apostle Paul. If the devil doesn’t know you or isn’t bothering you, it may be that you aren’t doing anything rouse the hatred of hell.

Prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus, may I live my life in such a way that I become a threat to the devil. Make us known in hell. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 18

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

God gave gifts unto the church. Ephesians 4 shows that He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors as part of the gifts unto the church. People who love and serve Jesus are a gift. Missionaries and Christian leaders are gifts to God’s church. The Apostle Paul was a gift. We are still reaping blessings from his ministry. Those who accompanied Paul were a gift. Aquila and Priscilla assisted Paul and were helpful to the spread of the Gospel. What a blessing their friendship must’ve been to Paul. The early church was on fire for God! But with great success there was also great sacrifice and suffering. When life gets hard and the spiritual battles become intense, a friend in Christ can be a priceless treasure. I have been there, when it gets so hard that you just want to quit. Jesus is with us during those times just as He was with Paul. He also places people in our lives at just the right time to encourage us. God gives gifts to people, but He also gives people as gifts.

Prayer: “Dear Father, thank You for the people You place in our life. Make us a blessing to others. May we be a friend to someone in need today. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron