Tag: salvation

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: December 12, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Revelation chapter 9

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

“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:  Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21)

Revelation 9:20-21 reveals the awful wickedness of humankind, even in the midst of God’s judgements (Wiersbe). Warren Wiersbe writes, “The most frightening aspect about the contents of chapter 9 is not the judgment that God sends but the sins that people persist in committing even while God is judging them.” The judgments are frightening. One third of the population will die, many others will be affected by the plague. This seven year period is the most horrific period in history. The Great Tribulation is as close to hell on earth as it gets, but still many will not repent. God is showing us what the world would be like if the devil had control. A world overrun by sin and Satan is far from what God intended. In Christ we have been given the promise of the forgiveness of sin, and the hope of a beautiful new future. In Him we have life and hope.

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the hope we have in Christ. Thank You for the promise of a bright and beautiful tomorrow. May Your kingdom come. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 11, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Peter chapter 2

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

Those of us who have been saved have been born again by the eternal Word of God. The new life we have in Christ never ends. Therefore we must get rid of all sinful behavior. Any duplicity, dishonesty, jealousy, or un-loving speech has no place in our new life. As new believers we are like newborn babies. We must crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word so that we can grow into full maturity. The closer we become to the Savior, the more of God’s joy that will fill our lives. Knowing Jesus and the joy of salvation helps us to continue to seek nourishment from God’s Word. If you neglect your Bible you will soon dry up. If you neglect your daily walk you will soon lose the joy of your salvation. A habit of sin will rob you of the joy of your salvation. God has chosen us and called us out of this dark world into His wonderful light. As we grow and desire the spiritual enrichment of God’s Word, others will see the goodness of God in us and be drawn to Him.

Prayer: “Father, give us a deep desire and hunger for Your Word. May we grow and reflect the light of Your goodness. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 3, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is James chapter 1

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

God is the Giver of every good gift, and He is the Giver of the greatest gift of all. Every good thing that has come into your life and mine came from God. Everything God gives is good, and every good gift is from Him. The good gifts of family, job, health, food, shelter, clothing, friends and on and on, it all came from God. He gave us His creation. He is the “Father of lights.” The only time this phrase is found in the Bible is James 1:17. God made the sun, moon, planets, and stars. God gave us everything we need in His creation. God is generous and good, and He likes to give. No one can out give God. He is the greatest Giver. God is also the Giver of the greatest gift of all. He gave the perfect gift! The perfect gift is the gift of Jesus Christ. We receive His greatest gift through a new birth experience. We must be spiritually born into the family of God. It is God’s will that we be saved. James 1:18 says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” The word “begat” indicates a new birth. New birth is “of His will.” God took the initiative in our salvation. It isn’t by your will, or my will, but God’s will that we are saved. John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him (Jesus) to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” God gave us His greatest gift Jesus, but we must receive that gift by placing our faith in Christ alone for salvation.

Prayer: If you don’t know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior but you’d like to receive His gift of forgiveness, pray these simple words from your heart to God… “Dear God, I know that I have sinned. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. I believe Jesus died for me, and that He rose from the dead. I ask You to come into my heart and life and save me. I give my life to you. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 16, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Hebrews chapter 2

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

Are you in any way drifting away from the Lord? Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” The book of Hebrews warns us not to neglect our great salvation. This wonderful, glorious, great salvation, which is provided for us through faith in Jesus Christ, demands and deserves our constant devotion. We must approach salvation with complete earnestness. An earnestness in salvation will seek daily nourishment from the Word of God. Paying attention to God’s Word keeps us from drifting away, and will see us through the hard times. J.C. Ryle said, “I want people to fill their minds with passages of Scripture while they are well and strong, that they may have sure help in the day need. I want them to be diligent in studying their Bibles, and becoming familiar with their contents, in order that the grand old Book may stand by them and talk with them when all earthly friends fail.” Don’t allow your fellowship with God to be ruined through neglect. Give attention to the faith, and to your walk with God. Ultimately, how you treat your Bible is how you treat Jesus.

Prayer: “Jesus, may we hunger for Your Word, may we heed Your Word, and may we never neglect our great salvation. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 13

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

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)
Through love followers of Christ fulfill the Law of God. The Bible says, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another” (Romans 13:8). The two greatest commands in Scripture are first of all “love God” supremely, and second “love your neighbor.” Loving God and loving others will keep us from many sins. In love we can “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:14) Love does not injure others or bring about harm to another individual, but instead in love we treat others the way we would treat ourselves. Love isn’t selfish but it is considerate of others. There has never been a better time to start walking in love than right now, “knowing the time, that now it is time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11).

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, may You fill us with Your love, and may we walk in love with a sense of urgency knowing that time is short. And we love someone today by telling them about Jesus Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 9

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

As mysterious as the Gospel of grace is there are some things about it that are certain. First of all, God is sovereign in salvation. We may not always understand the purposes of God but we can know that God is in charge. God is the Potter and we are the clay, therefore we do not tell the Potter what to do. We may not always understand God’s plan but we can accept by faith that God knows what is best. Secondly, it is certain that salvation is by faith alone, in Christ alone. Those who try to earn righteousness through works will not achieve it. Only those who come to God through faith in Jesus will receive God’s righteousness. Thirdly, it is certain that those who reject Jesus Christ will perish. God takes no pleasure in pouring out His wrath, but even in doing so He demonstrates His righteousness. God is merciful and willing to show mercy to those who believe the Gospel. Fourth, it is certain that people are lost and need Jesus in their life. Paul was burdened for lost people and so should we. Paul said, “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.” His burden was so great that He even stated that he was willing to be accursed from Christ that Israel be saved. If it were possible are you willing to go to hell in order that someone else be saved? Paul was. If you are not willing to walk across the street to explain the Gospel to them, I doubt you’d be willing to suffer an eternity in hell in their behalf. The Good news is you don’t have to, Jesus Christ already did it! He suffered an eternity in hell on the cross that people might be saved. What are you willing to suffer or sacrifice that others may hear?

Prayer: “God You are Holy, we are humbled by Your great wisdom and power and sovereignty, You are the Potter, we are the clay, mold us into Your image. Give us a heart for the Gospel and heart for the lost like Paul. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 7

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

God’s Commandments are holy, good, and pure. Our attempts to obey God’s Commandments in our flesh are futile. Religious effort to earn salvation by good works will fail. In my flesh I cannot please God. I need spiritual birth and new life in order to be set free from sin and live for God. Only God’s grace can provide the freedom and power to overcome my sin. God’s Law exposes the weakness of our flesh. Paul stated, “Nothing good dwells in me.” He came to the conclusion that in his flesh there was no way he could satisfy the Law and achieve righteousness. Paul said of himself, “Oh wretched man that I am!” It isn’t just hard to earn salvation by works, it is impossible! Who will deliver us from this sinful state and spiritual enslavement to sin since we cannot deliver ourselves? Paul said, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We can only be saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Through His death, burial, and resurrection Jesus achieved our salvation. Salvation is a gift to be received not achieved. When Christ enters our hearts by faith then we are made free and enabled by the Holy Spirit to keep God’s commands.

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the Spirit of life who dwells in us by faith in Jesus Christ, help us to enjoy our freedom in Christ today by walking in obedience to Your commands. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 26

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

The Apostle Paul is arguably the greatest missionary the world has ever known. On his way from Jerusalem to Damascus he met the Lord. Paul’s experience of salvation is recorded three times in the book of Acts. When Paul met the Lord he saw a light. Formerly he had been living in spiritual darkness. God’s light revealed to Paul the truth about his sin and the truth about who Jesus is. In the light Paul was changed. He experienced a change of mind, which led to change of heart, which led to a change in his behavior. Paul not only saw a light but he also heard a voice. Paul was like a wild, angry animal kicking against the conviction of his sin. Paul asked two very important questions; who are you Lord, and what would you have me to do? God’s reply was, “I am Jesus.” Paul met Jesus. The name “Jesus” appears over 900 times in the New Testament. Every book in the New Testament except 3 John mentions the name “Jesus.” The first verse and the last verse in the New Testament mentions the name “Jesus.” Jesus is the sweetest name I know. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! When Paul met Jesus he would never be the same again. Paul became a chosen vessel to bear witness to others of the name of Jesus.

Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for Jesus! Give us a heart like Paul for sharing Christ with others. May we stand up and speak up for the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 20

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

Several years ago I heard a sermon on Acts 20 entitled, “How to Resign a Church.” The sermon outlined Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. God used it to show me how to minister to His people. When Paul left the church at Ephesus he had given his all for the Lord. Paul’s ministry was marked by humble service. He shed many tears for the people in Ephesus and endured many trials in their behalf. Paul’s ministry was not only marked by humble service, but also by faithful preaching. He preached the whole counsel of God and did not leave anything out. He stood on God’s Word without compromise. Also, Paul was a compassionate soul-winner. He warned lost people and wept over them. Paul was relentless when it came to sharing the Gospel. He was willing to go anywhere, preach to anyone, and stay as long as needed. When Paul left the Ephesians they wept most of all for the words which he had spoken. The truth we stand for is far more important than the positions we hold. May we be missed most of all for the truth of God that is lived in us and through us!

Prayer: “Dear Father, May we live like Paul, love the lost like Paul, and may we leave like Paul. Help us to finish well. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 16

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

A line in the hymn, “Send The Light” says,

“We have heard the Macedonian call today,
“Send the light! Send the light!”

What does it mean to have a Macedonian call? First, it means to be led by God’s Spirit. Paul and his companions were stopped by the Holy Spirit from going in the wrong direction. We are not told how God stopped them but only that the Spirit closed the door. Second, it means to go where God sends. Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, “Come to Macedonia and help us.” The mission team understood that this meant they had been called to Macedonia, and the Bible says they “endeavored to go.” Third, it means to preach what God says. The mission team claimed that the Lord had called them to preach the Gospel to the Macedonians (verse 10). Fourth, the Macedonian call also means to reap what God gives. Whoever God saves and how many God saves is up to the Lord, not us. The Lord opened the heart of a wealthy woman named Lydia and she was saved and baptized. Next God delivered a slave girl, and then He saved a Philippian jailer. God did a great work! Fifth, we must suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul and Silas were mistreated and thrown in jail. At the darkest hour they prayed and sang praises to God. Revival broke out in the jail and God was glorified! Doors opened once again for them to heed the Macedonian call. Every believer has been given a Macedonian call. Have you heard the Macedonian call today?

Prayer: “Dear Lord, may we hear the Macedonian call and send the light. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Send The Light
There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain:
Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!

We have heard the Macedonian call today,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!

Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a Christlike spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!