Tag: trials

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: November 10, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Peter chapter 1

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

Genuine faith will always be tested. A faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted. The Bible says, “you must endure many trials.” (1 Peter 1:6 NLT) Trials help to show the validity of our faith in Jesus Christ. Refiners use fire to purify gold. Temperatures can exceed 1,000 degrees Celsius. Impurities rise to the surface and are then removed resulting in pure gold. Faith in Jesus Christ, or the born again experience is far more precious than gold. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (NLT) 1Peter 1:21-22 says, “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.”

Prayer: “Lord, we trust You in the trial of our faith. Make us more like Jesus. Thank You for the life we have in Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: July 30, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 1

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

God is a God of comfort. He seeks to comfort us in all our troubles. He comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others when they are troubled. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will pour out His comfort on us through Christ Jesus. Our suffering isn’t pointless. God always has a purpose. Those who share in Christ’s sufferings will also share in the comfort God gives. Life is stormy and trouble comes to us all. Even Jesus faced suffering. Certainly, Paul was no stranger to it either. He said of one stormy experience, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NLT) The word “crushed” reminds us of a donkey with a weight so heavy that its legs buckle beneath the load. Sometimes our burdens are so great that we may lose all hope of recovery. We may feel crushed by circumstances, or broken by burdens. These moments tend to drive us to greater dependency on God. Paul testified that God delivers us from hopeless situations, and the prayers of God’s people aid in our delivery. He said, “You are helping us by praying for us.” And again he said, “God has answered so many prayers for our safety.” If you are facing a storm today know that God will comfort you. If you have been comforted by God in a storm, seek to comfort someone else who is hurting. If you know someone who is in a storm today, know that your prayers are needed and your prayers will be a conduit of comfort to someone crushed beneath the burden of a storm.

Prayer: “We praise You God of comfort, and we lay our burdens at Your feet, we also pray for those we know who are struggling in a storm today. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 28

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

Of all the things Paul had to endure in His ministry add “snake bite” to the list. The terrible storm, shipwreck, stranded on an island, cold and rain, and near drowning were only recent experiences for Paul! As for the snake bite no harm came to Paul. God performed a miracle! God’s power is on display in every circumstance of our life. Nothing can happen to us that isn’t first of all sifted through the sovereign will of God. When we face difficulties it is good to know that God is in charge and that He is working in every detail of our life to accomplish His purpose. He uses the good and the bad. Think of all the things that happened to Paul that could have discouraged him; imprisonment, beatings, ran out of town, scourged, stoned, ridicule, opposition, threats, hatred, shipwreck and snake bite! God used every single one of these sufferings for His glory. May our confidence be in God not our circumstances, and may our attitude be like that of the man who prayed, “Lord, if it will bring You glory heal me. If in sickness it will bring You more glory then may I remain sick. But If in death it will bring You more glory still, then may Thy will be done.” God’s grace is sufficient in the storm.

Prayer: “Dear Father, give us the peace of God in our circumstances today, whatever will bring You the most glory may You do in our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 12

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

Intense pressure came to the early church during the height of their growth and missionary expansion. Some believers were put to death for the faith and others arrested or persecuted. It has been my observation that spiritual assaults usually come to those who are being used by God to advance the Gospel. The devil usually doesn’t bother those who are no threat to him. The early church was piercing the darkness with a powerful Gospel witness. They responded to spiritual attacks by turning to God in prayer. Acts 12:5 says, “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God…” The church needed a miracle. They were in a very difficult situation. The Apostle James had been martyred and Peter had beed arrested and was awaiting the sentence of death. It is good to know that prayer knows no boundaries except that which lies outside of the will of God. Prison bars, Roman soldiers, and the king’s palace could not prevail against a praying church! No matter how difficult or dark your circumstances become, never underestimate the power of prayer. The spiritual battles of the early church were fought and won through prevailing prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” What a great promise and assurance to God’s people today. He hears us when we pray.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, may we have confidence in prayer and may we boldly come before Your throne. May we be dedicated to prayer ministry, and also may we be united in prayer with our fellow believers. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is John chapter 20

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

We’ve all been in situations where we felt it was hopeless, or maybe a circumstance that seemed impossible. When Mary came to the tomb that is how she and the other followers of Jesus felt. They were discouraged, and it seemed as though all was lost. But on resurrection morning the stone was rolled away! God did not roll away the stone so that Jesus could go out, but He did it so that we could see in. There is hope in any situation because Jesus lives! This is why Paul prayed, “That I might know Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection.” We need resurrection power to face life and it’s difficult problems. Resurrection power means we have been given victory through Jesus Christ. God who raised up Jesus will also raise us up. Resurrection power means we have hope through Jesus Christ. Don’t be discouraged and don’t be without faith today. Believe God for resurrection power to give you victory over temptation, patience and endurance in your storms, and hope to live life with joy, love, and courage.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, may we know You and the power of Your resurrection today. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron