Tag: church

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: December 4, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is Revelation chapter 3

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

There are three churches mentioned in the third chapter of the book of Revelation; Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each church experienced its blessings and burdens. First, there was the church at Sardis. They faced a closing door. There were a few bright ambers in Sardis but overall they were a dying church. Jesus offered them the remedy. If they turned from their sin and turned to the Lord, and if they would strengthen those things that remained they could have life again. Secondly, there was the church at Philadelphia. They experienced an open door. They were faithful to God’s Word, and to honor His name. Jesus said, “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Third, there was the church at Laodicea. At this church Jesus was standing outside the door because the church had become lukewarm. They were rich and increased with goods and felt that they had need of nothing. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Prayer: “Dear Father, bless Your churches today and though many are facing challenges, may You revive and restore Your people. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 14, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 Peter chapter 5

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

Peter made this appeal to church pastors, “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to You. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t Lord over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never- ending glory and honor.” (1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT)
Every person needs a church family, and every person needs a pastor to love them, to lead them, and to pray for them. God calls the spiritual leader to watch over us, to feed us God’s Word, and to be an example to us. God calls and equips pastors, but church’s need pastors who are not self seeking or self serving, but rather love the Lord and love His people. Pastor’s that have been called by God are servants, not celebrities. A pastor who serves well will receive a special reward from God for his faithfulness. The Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ desires to lead His people. He sends pastors, who are His under- shepherds to minister in His behalf because of His great love for us. Pastors, we must serve God’s purposes, not our own. If God has called you then be the kind of instrument He can use for His glory.

Prayer: “Dear Father, Help those who have been called to be pastors to serve faithfully. Protect them and their families and bless them in the work. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 1, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 5

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading is Acts chapter each day)

Paul’s admonitions to Timothy were instructions to a young pastor advising him how to live a godly life, and relate to a local church as their spiritual leader. Timothy was to advance in godliness so that those under his leadership would imitate his example. God’s examples of godliness are given so that we might emulate their faith. Those in spiritual leadership, whether in a home or a church, need to be reminded that no home or church will ever rise above its leadership. Spiritual leaders must strive to make advancements in godliness so that they might clear the way for those who follow them. Congregations that pursue holiness and godliness bear a great witness to the truth of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Holy people are bright lights in a dark world. Acting properly and relating in a godly manner to your church family is a bright witness. Respect older believers as you would your own father or mother. Treat younger believers like a brother or sister. Care for widows in the church as if they were your own family. Respect and care for the needs of spiritual leaders in the church, and don’t participate in unwarranted criticisms against them. If a pastor or church leader needs to be corrected then follow the biblical steps and proceed in a Christ honoring way. It is a beautiful picture to see a church functioning like a family and caring for one another’s needs. This is pleasing to the Lord.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, give us the mind and heart of Christ that we may minister to one another in a Christ pleasing way, and that we may pursue godliness and advance Your kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 29, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 3

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

No church will rise above its leadership. That’s why the quality and character of spiritual leadership is so important. Paul instructed Timothy concerning the qualifications of spiritual leaders in the church, namely pastors and deacons. The first quality of a spiritual leader is integrity. A leader is to be “above reproach.” That means living wisely and exercising self control. It means having a good testimony inside and outside the church. Godly leaders must not be violent or quarrelsome, not addicted to wine or driven by greed. Secondly, spiritual leaders must demonstrate maturity. Spiritual maturity must be illustrated in the home. The spiritual leader is to be faithful to his wife and effective in leading his family. He should be fully committed to the Gospel and to serving Christ. Spiritual leaders should not be new believers, but should be spiritually sound in the Lord. Not only must spiritual leaders demonstrate integrity and maturity, but also spiritual leaders must have ability. Ability to lead, manage, and teach God’s people is needed for effective leadership and a healthy church. Abilities are given by the Lord but they must be developed through diligence. A pastor should make preaching and teaching God’s Word primary to his ministry. If he fails in this area then he fails to demonstrate a true call from God.

Prayer: “Lord of the harvest, call and equip workers and qualified spiritual leaders to serve Your church, and raise up a generation of preachers who love preaching and will aptly proclaim ‘Thus faith the Lord!’ In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 26, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 2

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

A preacher needs to know how to pray. Leading a congregation in prayer ministry, along with preaching and teaching God’s Word is vital to the health of a church. In his letter to Timothy, Paul invested in the prayer life of a young pastor. He taught both pastor and church to make prayer top priority. There is only one way to get to God and that is through our Mediator Jesus Christ! Paul taught Timothy to “pray for all people.” He said, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) Ask God to help people, intercede in their behalf, and give thanks to God for them. Praying for people impacts lives, and is pleasing to God. Praying for our leaders helps us to be able to live peaceful and quiet lives. It helps advance the Gospel which is what God desires. Paul said, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV) Praying for people helps advance the Gospel and results in more people loving God. Paul said, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) Praying for people impacts the way women worship and love God as well. Paul said, “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” (1 Timothy 1:9-10 NLT) When God’s people pray and seek God’s face, spiritual transformation takes place in people’s lives.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to set ourselves aside for God, thank You for the privilege of prayer, as Your church teach us to intercede as prayer warriors. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 24, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 3

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

Paul was not afraid to ask churches to pray for him. His prayer requests were not selfish, but always centered on advancing the Gospel. Paul wanted to see God’s Word spread and impact people’s lives. He desired this for the Thessalonians too. He wanted to see them walking in the truth. Obedience is a mark of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that obedience is a demonstration of our love for God. The Bible also teaches that blessings follow obedience. The hymn writer penned it this way, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” Also, Paul wanted these believers to grow in the truth. He said, “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT) Paul not only wanted believers to walk in the truth, and to grow in the truth, but also he wanted them to stand in the truth. Apparently, there were believers in the church that were not being faithful. They were living idle lives, refusing to work, and were meddling in other people’s business. Paul instructed the erring believers to settle down and work to earn their own living. He instructed the faithful believers to stand in the truth by staying away from all believers living contrary to the Word of God they had been taught. Paul said, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 NKJV)

Prayer: “Dear Father, may the Word of God have full effect in our lives, and may we walk, grow, and stand in the truth. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 22, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 1

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

Every person should be thankful for their church family. The Bible gives us reasons to be grateful. In II Thessalonians 1:3-4 It says, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” (NKJV) First, we give thanks for growing faith. The faith of the Thessalonians was growing exceedingly. Faith is like a muscle, when it is used it grows stronger. Someone said, “A faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted.” God uses trials to grow our faith. Faith also grows as a result of reading God’s Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (NKJV) Be thankful for the growing faith of other believers who are part of your church. Secondly, give God thanks for the love of your church family. Paul said that the love of the Thessalonians was “abounding.” The word “abounding” pictures a river overflowing its banks. Think in terms of agriculture and irrigation. Crops are nourished by the overflow. Think about how you and your church family are nourished and blessed by the overflow of love from one another. Praise God for loving churches! Lastly, thank God for believers in the church who are patiently enduring trials for the glory of God! Many around us are going through difficulties, but they are faithfully leaning on the Lord through it all. What a blessing to see people who love Jesus stay strong in their faith even though they are struggling. We should be thankful for their example. After giving God thanks for your church, brag on it to others. The world hears enough bad stuff about churches. They need to hear the good stuff!

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the faith, love, and faithful endurance of the saints of God You have placed in my life. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 3, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is Philippians chapter 1

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

Paul loved the church. Out of every letter Paul wrote to churches, none display his affection for God’s people like that of the Philippian epistle. He wrote, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy…” There were three reasons for Paul’s joy. First, because of their fellowship in the Gospel. There was a strong bond between Paul and these believers because of the Gospel. He was highly interested in their spiritual progress. Paul said, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) Not only did Paul rejoice in the fellowship of the Gospel, but also He rejoiced in “furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12). The Philippian church gave sacrificially to assist Paul in preaching the Gospel. They were very generous in their love and support of his ministry. Paul took joy in knowing that they were praying for him. Paul not only rejoiced in the furtherance of the Gospel, but also He rejoiced in the faith of the Gospel. (Philippians 1:27) Paul summed it up in one phrase. He said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) He was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, and even wrote these words from a prison cell. He encouraged the church at Philippi to be courageous for Gospel, and to suffer faithfully for Christ.

Prayer: “Dear Jesus, Let us be the kind of church that when others think of us they rejoice in You. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

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Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 8

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

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (I Corinthians 8:9)
People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care. Paul stated it another way, “knowledge makes us feel important, but it is love that strengthens the church.”  Loving God and loving our church family pleases God more than anything else we do. Paul said, “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (I Corinthians 8:3 ESV) The Corinthian believers wrote Paul with a question about meat that had been offered to idols. Some were buying this meat at discounted prices without any violation of their conscience, but other believers were offended. Paul’s concern was that some church members might become a stumblingblock. Paul’s conviction was that if certain foods caused someone else to stumble then don’t eat them! Our fellow believers for which Christ died, are worth more than personal privileges or preferences. When we hurt a fellow believer, we sin against Christ.

Prayer: “Dear Father, forgive us where we have been a stumblingblock, help us to walk in love. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 11

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

Jesus is building a church. He said, “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus not only formed the church but He fills it. He promised His followers that after His ascension He would send another Comforter. At Pentecost Jesus fulfilled that promise and the Holy Spirit came. The Spirit of God is advancing the Gospel and the church that Jesus formed and filled is now flourishing! The church at Jerusalem spread the Gospel to Antioch and there the grace of God fell upon them and many people were saved. Missions is at the heart of God and heaven is happy when people get saved! There is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. Whatever rejoices the heart of God should also thrill the hearts of God’s people. Our greatest joy should be to witness to others about our Savior Jesus Christ. Non believers mocked the new converts in Antioch by calling them Christians. Originally the title “Christian” was a term of criticism. God’s church was known to the world as “Jesus people”. May we preach so much Gospel and live such Gospel that the world will know us Jesus people!

Prayer: “Father, give us hearts that burn to share the Gospel, may our greatest joy be to see others come to faith in Jesus. Lead us to someone today that we can witness of Your saving power. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron