Tag: spiritual leaders

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 1, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 5

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading is Acts chapter each day)

Paul’s admonitions to Timothy were instructions to a young pastor advising him how to live a godly life, and relate to a local church as their spiritual leader. Timothy was to advance in godliness so that those under his leadership would imitate his example. God’s examples of godliness are given so that we might emulate their faith. Those in spiritual leadership, whether in a home or a church, need to be reminded that no home or church will ever rise above its leadership. Spiritual leaders must strive to make advancements in godliness so that they might clear the way for those who follow them. Congregations that pursue holiness and godliness bear a great witness to the truth of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Holy people are bright lights in a dark world. Acting properly and relating in a godly manner to your church family is a bright witness. Respect older believers as you would your own father or mother. Treat younger believers like a brother or sister. Care for widows in the church as if they were your own family. Respect and care for the needs of spiritual leaders in the church, and don’t participate in unwarranted criticisms against them. If a pastor or church leader needs to be corrected then follow the biblical steps and proceed in a Christ honoring way. It is a beautiful picture to see a church functioning like a family and caring for one another’s needs. This is pleasing to the Lord.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, give us the mind and heart of Christ that we may minister to one another in a Christ pleasing way, and that we may pursue godliness and advance Your kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 30, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 4

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

Where does false teaching come from? It originates from deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons. The Holy Spirit warns the church that in the last days some will depart from the faith paying attention to seducing spirits. The result of bad beliefs is bad behavior. Seductive doctrines lead to duplicity and a seared conscious. To protect God’s church from hypocrisy and error God calls and equips spiritual leaders. Timothy was one of those leaders. He was led of the Lord to serve as pastor of the church at Ephesus. God spoke to Timothy through the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4:6-7, “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” Two things that spiritual leaders today learn from Timothy on how to be good ministers, and help the church to have victory in days of apostasy and demonic assault. First, good ministers must faithfully preach and teach God’s Word and expound the Scriptures. Second, good ministers must focus on living godly and pure lives as examples to the people they minister to. Preach truth to your people, and practice truth before your people so they may see your spiritual growth and be inclined to do the same.

Prayer: “Lord, we ask You to raise up spiritual leaders who will love preaching and who will faithfully proclaim Your Word, and who will pursue godliness above all else. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 29, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 3

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

No church will rise above its leadership. That’s why the quality and character of spiritual leadership is so important. Paul instructed Timothy concerning the qualifications of spiritual leaders in the church, namely pastors and deacons. The first quality of a spiritual leader is integrity. A leader is to be “above reproach.” That means living wisely and exercising self control. It means having a good testimony inside and outside the church. Godly leaders must not be violent or quarrelsome, not addicted to wine or driven by greed. Secondly, spiritual leaders must demonstrate maturity. Spiritual maturity must be illustrated in the home. The spiritual leader is to be faithful to his wife and effective in leading his family. He should be fully committed to the Gospel and to serving Christ. Spiritual leaders should not be new believers, but should be spiritually sound in the Lord. Not only must spiritual leaders demonstrate integrity and maturity, but also spiritual leaders must have ability. Ability to lead, manage, and teach God’s people is needed for effective leadership and a healthy church. Abilities are given by the Lord but they must be developed through diligence. A pastor should make preaching and teaching God’s Word primary to his ministry. If he fails in this area then he fails to demonstrate a true call from God.

Prayer: “Lord of the harvest, call and equip workers and qualified spiritual leaders to serve Your church, and raise up a generation of preachers who love preaching and will aptly proclaim ‘Thus faith the Lord!’ In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron