Tag: Christianity

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 24

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 John chapter 3

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

What a great privilege it is to belong to God! We who have been saved are sons and daughters of God. It does not yet appear what we shall be. But God has given us the hope that when Jesus appears we shall be like Him. Since we have this hope, and since Jesus is holy, we must strive for holy living. An unholy life reflects that we do not belong to God. John stated, “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil…” 1 John 3:8 ESV) The evidence that we are saved is that we practice righteousness, and that we possess a love for other believers. Anyone who does not love the fellowship does not know God. Jesus taught us how to love. Jesus laid down His life for us and He is our example. We must be willing to lay down our lives for the brothers. What are you willing to sacrifice, what are you willing to endure for the sake of your church family?

Prayer: “Lord, let us experience a confident hope, and may we demonstrate our relationship to You by the way we live and by the way we love. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 30, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 4

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

Where does false teaching come from? It originates from deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons. The Holy Spirit warns the church that in the last days some will depart from the faith paying attention to seducing spirits. The result of bad beliefs is bad behavior. Seductive doctrines lead to duplicity and a seared conscious. To protect God’s church from hypocrisy and error God calls and equips spiritual leaders. Timothy was one of those leaders. He was led of the Lord to serve as pastor of the church at Ephesus. God spoke to Timothy through the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4:6-7, “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” Two things that spiritual leaders today learn from Timothy on how to be good ministers, and help the church to have victory in days of apostasy and demonic assault. First, good ministers must faithfully preach and teach God’s Word and expound the Scriptures. Second, good ministers must focus on living godly and pure lives as examples to the people they minister to. Preach truth to your people, and practice truth before your people so they may see your spiritual growth and be inclined to do the same.

Prayer: “Lord, we ask You to raise up spiritual leaders who will love preaching and who will faithfully proclaim Your Word, and who will pursue godliness above all else. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: August 29, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is Ephesians chapter 4

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

Jesus did not come to improve the old man, He came to make us new. Being made new means transformation. Our lives are transformed through the renewing of our minds with the truth of God’s Word. Paul said, “and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 423-24) Putting on the new man involves putting off the old and replacing it with the positive. For every bad thing that comes out of your life, God has something good to go back in its place. God will not leave you empty. Instead of lies we tell the truth. Instead of sinful outbursts of anger, we resolve our frustrations before the sun sets. We do not give the devil a place in our lives by lying, or being angry, or stealing, or critical, negative speech. When we do those things we grieve God’s Holy Spirit. Paul said, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) Put off the old way of life and be renewed by the transforming power of God. For every wicked thing that comes out of your life, God will replace it with something good and wholesome. That’s not an improvement, that is a new person!

Prayer: “Dear Father, thank You for the new person we are in Christ, help us to put on the new man and put off the old. May our lives resemble Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 15

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

Paul had a heart for God’s church. The churches he ministered to were enriched by the preaching of the Gospel, and they shared a mutual concern for one another. Paul longed to minister to the church. He suffered many things and endured many hardships for the sake of the body of Christ. He loved the church and gave of himself to ensure his physical presence with the church. He always had their best interest at heart. The churches learned from Paul the importance of unity. God’s church is always at its best when the church family is likeminded. Today our love and longing for the church must be for its unity as well. Unity in concern for one another, unity in the Gospel, and unity in prayer together will result in spiritual fruit. “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:5-6)

Prayer: “Dear Lord, give us a heart for Your church like that of Paul, may we be unified with the people of God. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 8

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

The keys to victory in the Christian life are found in Romans chapter 8. The Spirit-filled life is the secret to success. If we don’t have the Holy Spirit we are not saved and we do not belong to God. If we are led by God’s Spirit we are God’s sons and daughters. We receive the Holy Spirit at the new birth. The Spirit makes us alive! Through the Spirit we have victory over sin and suffering and circumstances. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit living in us gives us hope that our dying, decaying body will one day be glorified. Through the Spirit we are also able to pray. He makes intercession in our behalf even when we don’t know what words to say. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot survive. God is at work in our lives even in the most challenging times. He is sovereign over our suffering and promises to use it to accomplish His purpose. We are assured that no matter what we go through God loves us. Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are more than conquerors through Christ!

Prayer: “Dear Father, we bless You and praise You for Your everlasting love. Thank You for the work of the Spirit 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