Tag: Timothy

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 7, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 3

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

Standing on the Word of God is even more important today than ever. As the world grows more wicked and embraces more and more falsehood, we need more cable pastors and churches to preach and teach God’s truth! First, we must expect the influences of godlessness to grow and more and more of society to be impacted by it. Paul forewarned that, “In the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1) As time moves forward man will plunge further into the depths of sin. We can expect it. As we live in these unholy times we must realize that evangelism can be messy. We must be willing to face a culture steeped in sinful living and false teaching. Brian Combs has challenged the church today, “If we are going to reach people who we are not reaching, then we must be willing to do some things we are not doing.” The Gospel never changes, but our methods for reaching those who are becoming more hostile toward the Gospel may need to change. Evil is growing, we must expect it, but also we must be able to detect it. Paul was fully invested in the Gospel. His teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with his suffering was fully known to Timothy. It was not an oddity that Paul suffered persecution, but all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer. In these devilish and deceitful days we must devour God’s Word, which is “inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 HCSB)

Prayer: “Lord, raise up missionaries, pastors, and evangelists who will faithfully stand and preach Your Word. Give us churches that will stand on the Word of God. Reveal to us how best to lay the claims of Christ upon this growingly wicked generation. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 3, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 1

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

Timothy’s faith had been mightily influenced by his mother and grandmother. Someone said, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Never underestimate the impact that you may have on a child. Your children and grandchildren, or the children you minister to are learning about God by watching you. Timothy came to faith in Christ as a result of the godly people who were part of his life. Also, Timothy was given a special gift from the Lord. Spiritual gifts must be developed. Paul charged Timothy to “keep ablaze” the gift he had received from the Lord. The word picture is that of stirring embers before they die, so as to produce a blazing flame. God wants us to have burning hearts and develop our spiritual gifts, knowing that we have not been given the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You the godly people You have placed in our lives, and the spiritual gifts You have given. May our hearts be stirred to do Your will. 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