Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 18

“So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’” (Luke 19:13 NKJV).

From: April 18, 2020

ARE YOU DOING THE LORD’S BUSINESS?

As Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, He told them the parable of the minas. The Scripture says that He did this to help them understand that it wasn’t yet the time for Him to set up His earthly kingdom. Indeed He would soon be going away from them “to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.” What did He expect from them while He was away? Jesus said, “Do business till I come.”

We don’t know when Jesus will return, but we know this––we are to do the Lord’s business till He comes again. What are you doing with the “mina,” the spiritual investment, that the Lord has given you?

Don’t be tempted to fear or to make excuses during this season. Bloom where you are planted. Let’s be about the Lord’s business today!

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the spiritual deposit You have given us by grace through faith in Jesus. Strengthen us to grow in grace and to be about the Lord’s business until He comes again. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!” (Psalm 87:4 NLT).

From: April 18, 2018

ENEMIES WILL BE COUNTED AS FRIENDS

The psalmist prophesied a day when the Lord would “count” even those who had been Israel’s enemies as friends. Both Egypt and Babylon had dominated and enslaved Israel. Philistia was a constant near threat. Tyre, a commercial ally, was a conduit of idolatry. And Ethiopia, the distant land of Cush and the Queen of Sheba, had long desired a closer relationship. Yet, there is coming a Day when all shall be brought near. All that “know” the Lord shall be counted as friends and “citizens of Jerusalem.”

“Then Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord, and there Joshua divided the land to the children of Israel according to their divisions” (Joshua 18:10 NKJV).

From: April 18, 2017

“Shiloh” was a town located in Ephraim where the Tabernacle with the Ark was kept from the beginning of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land until the time of Eli’s wicked sons in 1 Samuel. The name “Shiloh” was first mentioned in Jacob’s blessing over Judah and is often used synonymously for Messiah: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people” (Gen. 49:10). It comes from the word “shalom,” and has been translated to mean, “the coming of rest, the coming of peace, or place of rest.” It was at Shiloh that Joshua divided the land for the final seven tribes according to the Lord’s designation.

Now, our Shiloh has come. His name is Jesus. He is our peace with God. He is our rest.

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house'” (Luke 19:9 NKJV)

From: April 18, 2015

After Jesus visited Zacchaeus’ house, the short man stood and declared his intent to give away half of his wealth to the poor. This was not a confession of faith, but an evidence of heart change. Zacchaeus had already received Jesus into his house. And this was the result: Riches no longer held his heart, Christ did. Christ Himself was the Salvation that had come to his house. The gospel still moves from house to house. Has Salvation come to your house yet?

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT)

From: April 18, 2014

The people all had their own ideas about why the Messiah would come and what he would accomplish. But none were ready for his true mission: “to seek and save” the lost. Jesus described himself with the Messianic title “Son of Man” while explaining his purpose. On his way up to Jerusalem, to be crucified for our sins, he stopped in Jericho to eat at a tax collector’s house named, Zacchaeus. There the rich, little, tree climbing man confessed his sins to Jesus. And Jesus continued up to Jerusalem and to the cross, and carried Zacchaeus’ sins, and our sins, there with him.

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11 ESV)

From: April 18, 2013

Get rich quick schemes and lottery tickets are attempts to gain wealth “hastily,” yet the Bible says such riches will only dwindle (diminish until none remains). But those who save a “little” at a time learn the discipline of money management and their wealth increases. Such people have learned to pay God 1st (tithe), pay themselves 2nd (save) and live off the rest (live within a budget). Have you learned God’s way of stewardship?

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10)

From: April 18, 2012

What Jesus said after visiting the home of Zacchaeus the notorious tax collector. We don’t have to wonder (WWJD) what would Jesus do today. We know. He would be busy seeking the lost.

“I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5)

From: April 18, 2011

What Jesus said to Zacchaeus, He still says to us. Is He a welcome guest at your house? A frequent visitor? Or does He “stay” at your house, abiding with you and you with Him?