Tag: faithful

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 6, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 2

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

“Paul’s burden before his martyrdom was that Timothy preach the Word and guard the faith.” (Wiersbe) He charged Timothy to, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1) Paul gave Timothy four images of a faithful servant of the Lord. First, the man of God must be a faithful Teacher. Timothy didn’t have to invent the message, but preach the truth that God had revealed. Second, the man of God must be a good Soldier. The Soldier endures difficulties, and is dedicated to his duties. He strives to please his commanding officer. Third, the man of God must strive to win like an Athlete. I once read that Pro Golfer Tiger Woods got up at 4 a.m. every morning to hit golf balls. Basketball legend Pistol Pete Maravich spent hours of his childhood practicing obsessively from time he was 7 years old. Maravich remains the all-time NCAA leading scorer with 3,667 points scored and an average of 44 points per game. “Pistol” Pete became a believer after his basketball career, and before his death Maravich said, “I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Jesus to the utmost, not as a basketball player.” Paul said, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:6 HCSB) Finally, Paul taught Timothy that a man of God is like the hardworking farmer. His work leads to a bountiful harvest. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 HCBS)

Prayer: “Dear Father, we pray for pastors and Christian workers to be faithful to preach the Word and guard the faith. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 16, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Thessalonians chapter 2

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

Making spiritual investments in the lives of others is far from a waste of time, but it is demanding and requires sacrifice. Paul understood this and that is why he taught the Gospel to the Thessalonians! After taking a beating in Philippi Paul was still determined to continue sharing Christ with others. God gives us the courage to declare His Gospel in spite of great opposition. To prevent discouragement and defeat, and to avoid failure we must make certain that we have the right motives. We are stewards of God’s truth and have been entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. We don’t use flattery, or seek human praise. Our goal isn’t money. When our motives are pure we will serve and sacrifice with a humble attitude. When we spiritually invest in others it sometimes leaves us physically, emotionally, and spiritually spent. The pay off is to see those we’ve prayed for, and ministered to, loving and serving Jesus!

Prayer: “Lord, make us more like Jesus today. Use us to make spiritual investments in the lives others. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 4

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

Paul was a spiritual father to the Corinthian Christians. His gospel witness had produced fruit there, and many came to Christ in Corinth. The Apostle wanted the Corinthian believers to become spiritually sound and theologically grounded. Paul saw himself as a steward of the Gospel. As a steward or manager of the Gospel Paul knew that he must be faithful in preaching and teaching. He said, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (I Corinthians 4:5)
Paul knew he would one day give an account of his ministry to God. He also believed that there was no room for pride in the ministry since everything was received from God. We don’t have anything that God didn’t give us. If we don’t have it then God didn’t give it and we don’t need it. Paul’s continual focus was on the Gospel and the glory of God. He was willing to suffer for the Gospel. He said, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place.” (I Corinthians 4:11)
Paul’s ministry wasn’t very glamorous, nor was he seeking celebrity status. His ministry was marked by his making disciples. Does what you do produce disciples? Paul modeled discipleship and was able to say “follow me” Are you living for Christ in such a way that you can say to others “follow my example and you will become a mature follower of Christ?

Prayer: “Dear Father, may we make disciples and model discipleship, all for Your glory. In Jesus name.Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron