Tag: pastor

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 14, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Peter chapter 5

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

Peter made this appeal to church pastors, “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to You. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t Lord over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never- ending glory and honor.” (1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT)
Every person needs a church family, and every person needs a pastor to love them, to lead them, and to pray for them. God calls the spiritual leader to watch over us, to feed us God’s Word, and to be an example to us. God calls and equips pastors, but church’s need pastors who are not self seeking or self serving, but rather love the Lord and love His people. Pastor’s that have been called by God are servants, not celebrities. A pastor who serves well will receive a special reward from God for his faithfulness. The Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ desires to lead His people. He sends pastors, who are His under- shepherds to minister in His behalf because of His great love for us. Pastors, we must serve God’s purposes, not our own. If God has called you then be the kind of instrument He can use for His glory.

Prayer: “Dear Father, Help those who have been called to be pastors to serve faithfully. Protect them and their families and bless them in the work. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

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