Tag: Ministry

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 17, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Thessalonians chapter 3

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

“You are my pride and joy.” is what Paul said to the believers in Thessalonica (I Thessalonians 2:20 NLT). He said, “We would have come to you, but Satan hindered us.” The solution was to send Timothy. The purpose for Timothy’s ministry visit was, first of all, to establish the church in the faith. They were facing trials and temptations and needed to be well grounded to endure. Paul said, “I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.” (I Thessalonians 3:5b) Not only was Timothy sent to establish them, but also his purpose was to encourage them. Paul was concerned that their afflictions might get them off track in their faith. Christians who are not well grounded in the faith are in danger of being distracted by their struggles. It was a great encouragement to the Apostle Paul to know that the Thessalonians were standing firm in the Lord. The result of being established and encouraged in the faith is found in verse twelve, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.” (I Thessalonians 3:12) When we stand firm in the Lord our love for God’s people increases, and our spiritual growth is a great encouragement to others.

Prayer: “Dear Father, Let our spiritual growth be an encouragement to others, and use us to establish others in the faith. 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