Tag: Stewardship

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 2, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 6

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

Paul’s words to Timothy were, “But godliness with contentment is a great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6 HCSB) One of the blessings of being a growing disciple of Jesus Christ is that we can experience contentment. The lust for wealth and material things is a deadly trap. Our insatiable desire for more can never be satisfied. The love of money leads to all kinds of sin, bad choices, and pain. The love of money has even led some people away from the faith. God’s people are taught to be content with having our basic needs met. God promises to meet our needs and we can trust Him to do so. We can also rejoice that He does meet our needs. It is not a sin to be wealthy, but we should not place our hope in riches. God is our supply. Our hope is in Him. Those seeking godly contentment are humble, generous, and use their resources to accomplish God’s will. Instead of seeking earthly riches, people of contentment seek to store up treasures in glory!

Prayer: “Dear Father, thank You for filling our life with good things. Thank You for our generous Savior. May we be more like Him. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 4

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

Paul was a spiritual father to the Corinthian Christians. His gospel witness had produced fruit there, and many came to Christ in Corinth. The Apostle wanted the Corinthian believers to become spiritually sound and theologically grounded. Paul saw himself as a steward of the Gospel. As a steward or manager of the Gospel Paul knew that he must be faithful in preaching and teaching. He said, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (I Corinthians 4:5)
Paul knew he would one day give an account of his ministry to God. He also believed that there was no room for pride in the ministry since everything was received from God. We don’t have anything that God didn’t give us. If we don’t have it then God didn’t give it and we don’t need it. Paul’s continual focus was on the Gospel and the glory of God. He was willing to suffer for the Gospel. He said, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place.” (I Corinthians 4:11)
Paul’s ministry wasn’t very glamorous, nor was he seeking celebrity status. His ministry was marked by his making disciples. Does what you do produce disciples? Paul modeled discipleship and was able to say “follow me” Are you living for Christ in such a way that you can say to others “follow my example and you will become a mature follower of Christ?

Prayer: “Dear Father, may we make disciples and model discipleship, all for Your glory. In Jesus name.Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron