Tag: godliness

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: October 1, 2014

randymcpheron

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 30, 2014

randymcpheron

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