Tag: faith

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 12

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

Intense pressure came to the early church during the height of their growth and missionary expansion. Some believers were put to death for the faith and others arrested or persecuted. It has been my observation that spiritual assaults usually come to those who are being used by God to advance the Gospel. The devil usually doesn’t bother those who are no threat to him. The early church was piercing the darkness with a powerful Gospel witness. They responded to spiritual attacks by turning to God in prayer. Acts 12:5 says, “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God…” The church needed a miracle. They were in a very difficult situation. The Apostle James had been martyred and Peter had beed arrested and was awaiting the sentence of death. It is good to know that prayer knows no boundaries except that which lies outside of the will of God. Prison bars, Roman soldiers, and the king’s palace could not prevail against a praying church! No matter how difficult or dark your circumstances become, never underestimate the power of prayer. The spiritual battles of the early church were fought and won through prevailing prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” What a great promise and assurance to God’s people today. He hears us when we pray.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, may we have confidence in prayer and may we boldly come before Your throne. May we be dedicated to prayer ministry, and also may we be united in prayer with our fellow believers. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

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Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 9

(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

Uncategorized

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 7

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

It is encouraging to know that great men and women of the faith have been willing to give their lives for the sake of the Gospel.  Stephen was such a man. The Bible says that Stephen was full of faith and power, and that he did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). Stephen was unmatched in his testimony for the Lord. Even his countenance reflected the character of God. Acts chapter 7 records Stephen’s speech. I imagine that Stephen’s speech was a lot like what Jesus said to the two disciples on the Emmaus walk. Luke chapter 24 records that Jesus expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. As Jesus opened up the Scriptures these two disciples’ hearts were set on fire for the Lord. Stephen preached like Jesus, looked like Jesus, ministered and lived like Jesus, and when he died, he died like Jesus. From the cross Jesus cried, “Father forgive them.” As Stephen was dying he cried, “Lord, forgive them.” Everything about Stephen reminds us of Jesus. He paid the ultimate price for the Gospel by giving his life. Stephen’s life wasn’t wasted. God used Stephen’s witness to convict and eventually covert the Apostle Paul to the Christian faith. What is it about your life and mine that resembles Jesus? The more like Jesus we become the more God can use our witness.

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, thank You for faithful Christian witnesses like Stephen. May we be more like Jesus in everything we do. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron