Tag: I Corinthians

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 14

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

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:40)
There was chaos in Corinth, and surprisingly enough it was taking place at the Sunday worship gathering of the church. The worship services at Corinth were filled with confusion and disorder. To avoid distractions in our worship there are some key truths to remember. First, there must be an emphasis on the Word of God. God’s Word builds us up, encourages and comforts us. Preaching and teaching the Word is a ministry that every believer can benefit from. Expounding the Word builds up the church! Next time you go to church go hungry for God’s Word. Second, we must be more concerned about the depth of our worship than the hype. Spiritual gifts are a blessing, but operating our gifts in the flesh only creates confusion. Genuine worship draws attention to the greatness of God, not the gifts of man. When it comes to spiritual things we ought to be deep, but when it comes to sin we should be innocent. Seek to know a lot about spiritual truths and know little about sin. God desires holiness in His church. Third, when we come to church we ought to be submissive to one another. Try to keep an open heart toward those who have been appointed to preach or lead. Avoid becoming a distraction. Don’t make church about you. Make it about God! May our services point to Jesus Christ and not to man. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help us not to be distracted in our worship, may we not get caught up in our emotions but let us be led by Your Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 7

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

Keeping first things first helps us to enjoy God’s blessings to the fullest. Whether single or married, employed or looking for employment we can be happy in our current circumstances. I Corinthians chapter 7 teaches us to submit to God in all things and make serving Christ top priority for our lives. Sadly, many people today are unsettled and haven’t discovered peace and contentment. God’s Word gives us the key. First, Be faithful to Christ in your current circumstances. If you are married put Christ first and be happily married. If you are single put Christ first and be happily unmarried. Avoid sexual sins and immoral behavior. Do what you have to do within God’s will to remain pure. This will lead to joy. Secondly, make it a priority to reach people for Christ. You may be struggling in a marriage and wondering why you are there. It may be that God wants to use you to reach your unbelieving spouse. Paul said, “But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called every one, so let him walk.” (I Corinthians 7:17)
Not only must we make it a priority to be faithful to Christ, and reach others for Christ, but also we must live with a sense of urgency. Paul said, “The time that remains is very short.” (I Corinthians 7:29 NLT)
He also said, “For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” (I Corinthians 7:31 NLT)
Don’t be distracted by the concerns of this world. Spend your time doing the Lord’s work and thinking about how you can please Him. Make serving and living for Jesus the highest priority of your life. Be satisfied with everything God has given you, and don’t want for more. Yield yourself completely to God and witness for Christ in every circumstance and trust that God placed you there for a purpose.

Prayer: “Dear Jesus, teach us the way of peace and contentment for the joy of the Lord is our strength, help us to make winning our family and friends to Christ the highest priority of our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 1

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

“For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (I Corinthians 1:26-27)
God uses nobodies! But when we come to faith in Jesus Christ we become a somebody for God. One prominent lady who came to faith in Christ gave testimony that she was saved by the letter “m”. The Bible doesn’t say, “Not any noble” are called, but it says, “Not many noble” are called. God chooses the weak. He isn’t looking at prominence, prestige, or position. He isn’t impressed with our pedigree, but God is interested in our humility and surrender. We will know that God is using us when the only explanation for our success is God did it. It is not about our ability, it is about God’s ability. The Apostle Paul grew in humility. At the beginning of his ministry he said, “I am least of the Apostles.” Later Paul said, “I am least of the saints.” Toward the end of his ministry Paul said, “I am chief of sinners.” The Lord will use you if you are small enough. Moses had to throw his staff down before it became powerful. Lay your abilities down before God and surrender them to Him, and if you are small enough God will use you.

Prayer: Dear Father, May we live in such a way that the only explanation for our life is God did it, and may it bring You glory. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron