Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 5

“For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation” (Luke 11:39 NKJV).

From: April 5, 2020

THE SIGN OF JONAH POINTS TO EASTER

As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb 3 days before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only “sign” that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the “sign” of Jonah. And it is the fulfillment of this “sign” that we begin to remember on this first day of Passion Week and celebrate next Sunday!

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are filled with joy on this Palm Sunday as we remember the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that we would live according to His resurrection power every day, not in fear but faith. Use us this day to proclaim the Good News concerning Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.

‘Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”’ (Luke 11:28 NLT).

From: April 5, 2018

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR AND OBEY

A woman in the crowd that had gathered listening to Jesus teach, exclaimed, “God bless your mother!” To which Jesus replied, “Even more blessed are those who hear and obey God’s Word.” Surely, the blessing that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had received was great. The woman who cried out was correct. Jesus’ mother was blessed. Yet, Jesus would have the woman and everyone in the crowd know that an even greater blessing was available to them. For if they would only allow the seed of God’s Word to penetrate their hearts, they would be born again.

That the Son of God was born of woman is indeed a great blessing. That everyone who hears and obeys the good news about God’s Son will experience new birth themselves is an even greater blessing.

“More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28 NKJV).

From: April 5, 2017

Hearing the words that Jesus taught, a woman in the crowd shouted out that the mother of such a son must surely be blessed. Jesus did not correct her, but he did redirect her to the true source of blessing, namely, the Word of God. Rather than visualizing what a blessing it would be to have been the mother of such a son, Jesus wanted the woman to hear and believe the Word of God that he was teaching. In other words, Jesus told the woman that she didn’t have to be his mother to be blessed, she, and all those present, could experience God’s blessing by hearing and keeping the Word.

Many today tend to focus on secondary details of the gospel. They recognize the goodness of Jesus and the excellence of his words and work. Perhaps they even imagine what it would have been like to be one of his disciples. Yet, they do not believe and receive his Word. If only they would “hear” and “keep” it, then they would become, as the woman in the crowd seemed to desire, Christ’s “brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

“For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation” (Luke11:39 NKJV)

From: April 5, 2015

As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb 3 days before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only “sign” that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the “sign” of Jonah. And it is the fulfillment of this “sign” that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing” (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)

From: April 5, 2014

Some are quick with a sarcastic remark and even quicker to say, “I was only kidding.” Yet, their words are cutting and hurtful. Others offer words that are like medicine to the hearer. Their words edify and encourage. Take note of the impact of your speech. Your words reveal the state of your heart. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word and know wisdom. Then, open your mouth to let healing words of blessing flow to others.

“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord” (Psalm 77:1-2 ESV)

From: April 5, 2013

Most have mouthed silent prayers, but how many have ever cried aloud to God? This is not about God’s hearing. Knowing our very thoughts, certainly He hears our whispered prayers as well as our shouted ones. But the prayers that are cried “aloud to God” show an increased intensity on the part of the supplicant to get God’s attention. The one who cries aloud to God no longer cares what others think. They only care that God hears and answers.

“This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah” (Luke 11:29)

From: April 5, 2012

As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. In 3 days we will celebrate this historic truth!

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18)

From: April 5, 2011

Some recklessly scatter words throughout the day injuring everyone within earshot. Others have yielded their tongues to the Lord and wisely dispense life and blessing. Ask God to tame your tongue.