Tag: Sin

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: December 23, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Revelation chapter 16

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

Terrible judgements are coming to the earth. Seven angels will pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath leading up to the battle of Armageddon on that great judgment day. Awful diseases, contaminated water systems, an enormous hailstorm, and the worse earthquake the world has ever seen will befall those who dwell upon the earth. In these conditions one would think that people would turn to God, but it doesn’t happen. Though there are some who will be saved during the Great Tribulation, most will not. Repeatedly, we are told that they do not repent and turn to God and give Him glory. Instead, they curse God in their affliction. Why is it that many people live without God in their life and love sin? These people fail to see that the One who made them is also the One who loves them. He has given us His Son Jesus Christ, born in a lowly manger and who was willing to take the punishment for our sins. God’s wrath was poured out upon Jesus Christ on the cross so that we could escape the coming wrath of God. When we place our faith in Christ we are instantaneously transformed into God’s dear children, and we never have to fear punishment for we are no longer under God’s wrath.

Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for the countless people in the world who don’t know Christ. Use us to share the love of Christ and may You bring someone into our path today. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: August 25, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Galatians chapter 6

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

Sometimes in church there are people we love who fall into the trap of sin. What should we do when this happens? Paul told the Galatian Christians to “restore” them. First, we must attempt to reach our straying brothers because it is the right thing to do. When a fellow believer falls into sin we must seek to win them back. Secondly, we must approach our straying brother in the right spirit. If our approach is haughty or condemning then we will be ineffective. No one likes to be talked down or a  condescending attitude. Not only must we attempt to restore straying ones, and with the right approach, but also we must be aware of the risks involved. When dealing with temptations that others are facing we must be careful that we don’t fall into the same sin. Restoring those who stray is a blessed ministry, but it is also a difficult ministry. Paul said, “Bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) Sometimes this can be very draining. For this reason it is important for us to know that we each have a specific job to do. Each believer should in this sense bear his own load. Do your job and don’t leave it for someone else to do. Whatever we sow we will also reap. In this wonderful but also tiring work let us not grow weary or lose heart, but work knowing we shall someday soon enjoy a great harvest.

Prayer: “Dear Father, we pray for those on our hearts today who are struggling in sin, restore them to fellowship with You. As we go to them give us grace to go in the right spirit, and protect us from falling into the trap of sin. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: August 15, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 13

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

There was sin in the church at Corinth that needed corrected, and Paul the preacher wasn’t hesitant to address it. Wrong living is the result of wrong believing. False teachers had crept into the church at Corinth and were leading them astray. These talented teachers were winning the affection of church. Paul sensed that those who had once been loyal were now growing distant in their love. He wanted to reaffirm his ministry to them and restore their love. Paul said, “I pray to God that you do no evil.” (2 Corinthians 13:7)
He also said, “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Churches grow stronger when they are willing to allow God to deal with wrong beliefs and wrong behaviors.

Prayer: “Lord, guard our beliefs and give us Your truth, grow us to be more like Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Romans chapter 2

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

The goodness of God is intended to lead us to repentance, but we should never be presumptuous. God’s goodness doesn’t nullify His impending judgment. God hates sin and renders to everyone according to their deeds. To those who do not obey the truth there will be “tribulation and anguish upon every soul that practices evil.” But to those who trust Christ God will give glory, honor, and peace. God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. Simply being religious won’t pass the test. We must be born again. We are all guilty of sin and without excuse, but God in His great mercy reaches out to us through Jesus Christ His Son. Our sinful nature has left us spiritually bankrupt. “In Christ alone our hope is found, bought with the precious blood of Christ.”

Prayer: “Dear Father, You have shown us that we are guilty sinners, and that only through Christ can we be made well. Thank You for Jesus. Amen”

Randy J. McPheron