Tag: sacrifice

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 8, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 4

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

The letter of 2 Timothy is believed to be the last book written by Paul before his martyrdom. Paul’s last words are some of the most powerful in all the Bible. At the end of his life Paul’s main concern was that Timothy stand firm in the faith and preach the Word! Consider Paul’s last words to Timothy, “Preach the Word.” “Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:2,5 NKJV) These words weigh heavy on us, and reflect the heart of a man who loved God deeply. Are we concerned with that which concerns the heart of God? Are we passionate about the Gospel, or distracted by that which is temporary? Lottie Moon gave up the prospects of marriage, the comforts of home, and any notion of accumulating worldly possessions to carry the Gospel to China. She gave her life to the Gospel. She so loved the Chinese people that her life was fully devoted to sharing the love of Christ with them, but it was her love of the Savior that drove her to give all. When Lottie Moon died she weighed less than fifty pounds. All her earthly possessions could be contained in a trunk. Her estate, when settled was worth a little more than $200. Consider Paul’s life. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV) Paul was faithful to the fight, he was faithful to the faith, and he was faithful to the finish!

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, break our hearts with what breaks Yours. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 4, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Philippians chapter 2

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

A church ought to shine as a bright light in this dark world. When a church shines its light it makes the heart of God glad. We shine by loving one another, working together with one mind and purpose, and by having the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is not selfish, nor does it try to impress others, but it looks out for the interests of others and for the church as a whole. The Christian is bright light when he or she is willing to suffer so that others might hear the Gospel. What are you and your church willing to do in order that others might hear the Gospel? Paul’s life was poured out in order to advance the Gospel. He said, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Timothy also ministered with Paul and truly had the church’s best interest at heart. Paul said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philippians 2:20-21) Paul loved Timothy like a son. He had the mind of Christ! Epaphroditus was another companion to Paul in the ministry. He shined like a bright light and became sick unto death, but God spared him. Paul said, “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life” (Philippians 2:29-30a) Paul loved Epaphroditus like a brother. He had the mind of Christ. These are our examples and bright lights in a dark world. Let your light shine and be a light in a dark place today!

Prayer: “Jesus, make us a bright light for Your glory today, and give us the mind of Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron