Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 12

“This my son was dead and is alive again” (Luke 15:24 NKJV).

From: April 12, 2020

THE PRODIGAL SON IS ALIVE AGAIN

Jesus told a parable about a father and two sons. The younger one was rebellious and took his portion of his father’s wealth and squandered it in riotous living. When his money had run out, a famine came, and he took a job feeding pigs. He was so hungry that the pig food began to look good to him. It was there that he finally hit bottom and “came to himself.” So he returned to his father, asking for forgiveness and his father forgave him and restored him as a son.

On this Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, we are reminded that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, was dead and is alive again. We are the prodigal, yet Jesus took our death and separation from the Father, so that we might receive His eternal life and sonship. In other words, Jesus became the prodigal son, so that we might become children of God.

Jesus was dead and is alive again! And we who by grace through faith in Jesus, have been saved, are alive for the first time!

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the miracle of the empty tomb. For Jesus delivered over to death for our sins, but is raised alive again for our justification. And we are made alive with Him. Hallelujah! Praise His name! He is risen! Strengthen us to always live for Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach” (Luke 15:1 NLT).

From: April 12, 2018

SINNERS NEED JESUS

People who admit they are sinners are attracted to the Savior. They recognize their need for salvation. They aren’t attracted to religion and regulations. Those things only serve to make them feel more sinful. What they need is Jesus. He forgives and sets people free. So, instead of judgment and advice, give them Jesus. He is the only One who can save.

“Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob” (Psalm 81:1 NKJV).

From: April 12, 2017

“Sing aloud.” Not humming softly. Not just tapping your foot to the sound in your head. “Sing aloud!” Sing the words of praise and worship to our God. Sing of His character. Sing of His works. Sing to Him by Name (i.e..”God of Jacob”). Sing and let His strength flow to and through you, that you might be filled afresh with spiritual power and joy for the day!

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 NKJV)

From: April 12, 2015

Luke 15 has three “lost” parables in a row: The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. The verse above is from the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus taught the importance of seeking the lost, which Israel had forgotten. They had become inward focused and self-absorbed. Today’s church can be like this. The focus tends to be on keeping the “ninety-nine” members happy and meeting their needs. But the mission of the church should be to help rescue the one. If we want our churches to experience the “joy of heaven,” we will get out of our comfort zones, take our eyes off ourselves, and put them on seeking the lost.

“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites” (Joshua 7:1 NLT)

From: April 12, 2014

Achan hid the things he had ransacked from Jericho under his tent after God had warned against it. When Israel fought against the city of Ai they lost the battle and 36 warriors as a result. Many say that their sin is their own and it doesn’t affect those around them. Yet, here we see the error. Sin in the camp affects all in the community.

“I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 ESV)

From: April 12, 2013

From the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus taught the importance of seeking the lost, which Israel had forgotten. They had become inward focused and self-absorbed. Today’s church can be like this. The focus tends to be on keeping the 99 happy and meeting their needs. But the mission of the church should be to help rescue the one. If we want our churches to experience the “joy of heaven,” we will get out of our comfort zones, take our eyes off ourselves, and put them on seeking the lost.

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction” (Proverbs 13:1)

From: April 12, 2012

A child who mocks parental correction will mock authority as an adult too. This is not cute. It is dangerous. The wise parent aims deeper than outward compliance, training and praying for inward heart change. They understand the need to shepherd the child’s heart.

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10)

From: April 12, 2011

What God said to Israel, parents say to their children. “Open wide. Trust me. It’s good.” God is ready to fill us with good things, if only we will open wide to receive them.