Tag: faithfulness

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 28, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 3 John

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

We meet all kinds of people in our service to the Lord. In his third book John introduces us to three characters. First, there is Gaius. John prayed for his friend Gaius that he might be in as good of health as his soul. Gaius was a man of great spiritual strength. Second, John describes Diotrephes, a selfish man who was responsible for hindering the work of the apostles and the church. Diotrephes liked to put himself first and he loved being in charge. John warned him and cautioned the church not to imitate the behavior of evil men. The third person John introduces us to is Demetrius. He was a credible witness. God calls upon us to follow godly examples like Demetrius, and to defend the faithful when they are resisted and assaulted by those who would hinder the work through their selfish agendas. Stand for what is right, defend those who do right, and avoid those who disrupt the fellowship.

Prayer: “Dear Father, may we be discerning as we interact with various personalities in the church, give us courage to defend one another and may You expose those who hinder the church. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 25, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 1

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

Paul wrote what is called the “pastoral epistles” which includes 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and the book of Titus. In these three books we learn a lot about church, church leaders, and the ministry. The first lesson is about being faithful in our calling. Faithfulness in our calling requires, first of all, that we be sure of our calling. Paul was sure of his call. He knew his call was special, and that it came from God. My advice to those who have an interest of serving in the ministry is, if you can do anything else besides preach the Gospel then do it. Because if you can do anything else besides preach the Gospel, God hasn’t called you! Paul explained how that at one time he was a wicked sinner, but God saved him by His grace. He said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15b) Paul knew that it was God that saved him, and that it was God who called him into the ministry. He said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” (1 Timothy 1:12) The world doesn’t need any more self- appointed, mamma- called preachers. We need men whose service to God flows from their full surrender and obedience to the clear and undeniable call of God upon their life! Second of all, faithfulness requires that we be steadfast in our calling. Paul instructed Timothy to remain at Ephesus and to faithfully expound the doctrine of God. Timothy’s success depended on him clinging to his faith in Christ, and keeping a clear conscience. Carefully following the instructions of God’s Word helps God’s servant to fight well in the Lord’s battles! And being faithful to serve in the place where God has appointed, is a mark of steadfastness.

Prayer: “Dear Father, we humbly submit to Your will, it is a privilege to serve You in any capacity. Put a fire in our bones to serve where You have called us and to use our service to tell others about our loving Savior! In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron