Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 8

ANSWERING THE CALL TO BE FAITHFUL

From: April 8, 2025

“Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people…” (Deuteronomy 32:49–50 ESV).

God instructed Moses to climb Mount Nebo and look out over the Promised Land—a land he would see but not enter. After faithfully leading Israel through the wilderness for forty years, Moses’ journey was coming to an end. His death would occur just before Israel crossed into Canaan. This moment is both solemn and striking. Moses was faithful to the end, even though he didn’t receive the earthly fulfillment of the promise.

This scene echoes the truth of Hebrews 11:13-16, which speaks of those who “all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar.” Like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob—and now Moses—he saw the promise but died believing, looking forward to something even greater in heaven.

This passage reminds us that true faith isn’t always about getting the outcome we hope for in this life—it’s about trusting the One who holds the promise. Moses didn’t enter Canaan, but his eyes were fixed on something beyond a physical land. He died in faith, content to let God fulfill His Word in His way.

God calls us to walk with that same faith. There may be prayers we never see answered in our lifetime, dreams we don’t get to fulfill, or promises that feel just out of reach. But like Moses, we are called to be faithful. Our success, our reward is in God’s hand (Isa. 49:4).

And just like those in Hebrews 11, we are reminded that we’re pilgrims here, longing for a better country, a heavenly one. That’s the promise that will never disappoint. For in Christ Jesus, all God’s promises are “Yes” (2 Cor. 1:20)!

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the example of Moses. Teach us to live with that same kind of faith, especially as we get older. Help us to trust You even when we can’t see the fulfillment of Your promises yet. Let our hope rest not in outcomes, but in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TO WHOM MUCH WAS GIVEN

From: April 8, 2024

“…Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48 ESV).

Jesus told a parable to illustrate the importance of being ready for His return. Peter asked whether the parable was only for Christ’s disciples or for everyone. Jesus answered with another parable, concluding with the thought that the master’s judgment would be based on how much had been given and entrusted to each.

Without going into all of the implications of this parable, consider this. The Lord has given each of us gifts and knowledge and He holds us responsible to be found using them upon His return. Each according to what he has and what he knows.

Are you using your gifts and knowledge with an understanding that we shall give an account one day? May the Lord Jesus find us faithful.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings that You have bestowed on us. Lead us to be found faithful in putting our blessings to use for Your Kingdom. Strengthen us Lord in these changing times. Help us never to forget that today might be the Day of Your Son’s return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO BE READY?

From: April 8, 2023

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Luke 12:40 NLT).

Jesus told a parable about a master returning from a wedding banquet and how his servants should be ready to open the door of his house the moment he knocks. He could return any hour of the night, so they must always be ready.

Jesus told this parable to illustrate the importance of His disciples being ready for His return. He used the Messianic title “Son of Man” to refer to Himself. He would first have to accomplish His mission to overcome sin, death and the grave, but one day, at an hour we do not expect, He promised to return.

So what does being ready for Christ’s return look like? I suppose in many ways it looks like being ready for a friend to arrive at your house to pick you up and take you to the airport for a long journey. You’ll have already purchased your airfare. You’ll have your bags packed and lined up at the front door. You’ll have your house in order, newspaper and mail arranged for pickup by a neighbor and pets fed by a friend. Then, as you wait, you’ll be looking out the window and pacing the floor with anticipation for your ride’s arrival. When they appear, you’ll be ready to open the door and load up their car for the journey ahead.

How does being ready for a journey help us prepare for Christ’s return? First, make sure you’ve arranged for airfare. Jesus has already paid our way, but we must come to Him, confessing Him as Lord and Savior, in order to receive our heavenly ticket. Get your bags packed and your house in order. Order up your life around following and serving Jesus. Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things (See Col. 3:1-4). Arrange the use of your time, talent and treasure, so that everything is ready for Christ’s return. Then, watch for Him. He could come at any hour.

Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly.

PRAYER: Dear Father, as we follow Your Son, help us to also always be ready for His soon return. Keep us from being overly involved in temporary things. Help us to stay focused on eternal things. And if today is the Day of Christ’s return, help us to spend this day serving Him and watching for Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave” (Proverbs 12:24 NLT).

From: April 8, 2022

A PRACTICAL LEADERSHIP PROVERB

The Spirit inspired Solomon to write many practical proverbs. This is one on how to become a leader. For many aspire to leadership, yet few know how to qualify. Many think this is due to politics or birthright. But the few who work hard and find themselves elevated know better. Leadership comes to those who first serve well. Great leaders begin as great followers. Obey those in authority over you. Make their job easier. Make your boss look good. Do your job well and without complaint and those in authority over you will take notice.

Many want to steer the boat, but few volunteer to row. Yet, it is the callouses from rowing that prepare the leader to steer.

Leadership looks like the easy job, but in fact, it is the most demanding. For to do it well, one must become the servant of all. As Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must first become your servant” (Matt. 20:26).

It seems paradoxical, but serving well leads to leadership, while laziness leads to slavery.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are thankful for the servant-leadership of Jesus. He is both our Lord and Savior. And we want to follow Him and be like Him. Strengthen us to serve, while we trust You to give us whatever level of leadership You desire us to have. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect” (Luke 12:40 HCSB).

From: April 8, 2021

WHAT DOES BEING READY LOOK LIKE?

Jesus told a parable about a master returning from a wedding banquet and how his servants should be ready to open the door of his house the moment he knocks. He could return any hour of the night, so they must always be ready.

Jesus told this parable to illustrate the importance of His disciples being ready for His return. He used the Messianic title “Son of Man” to refer to Himself. He would first have to accomplish His mission to overcome sin, death and the grave, but one day, at an hour we do not expect, He promised to return.

So what does being ready for Christ’s return look like? I suppose in many ways it looks like being ready for a friend to arrive at your house to pick you up and take you to the airport for a long journey. You’ll have already purchased your airfare. You’ll have your bags packed and lined up at the front door. You’ll have your house in order, newspaper and mail arranged for pickup by a neighbor and pets fed by a friend. Then, as you wait, you’ll be looking out the window and pacing the floor with anticipation for your ride’s arrival. When they appear, you’ll be ready to open the door and load up their car for the journey ahead.

How does being ready for a journey help us prepare for Christ’s return? First, make sure you’ve arranged for airfare. Jesus has already paid our way, but we must come to Him, confessing Him as Lord and Savior, in order to receive our heavenly ticket. Get your bags packed and your house in order. Order up your life around following and serving Jesus. Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things (See Col. 3:1-4). Arrange the use of your time, talent and treasure, so that everything is ready for Christ’s return. Then, watch for Him. He could come at any hour.

Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly.

PRAYER: Dear Father, as we follow Your Son, help us to also always be ready for His soon return. Keep us from being overly involved in temporary things. Help us to stay focused on eternal things. And if today is the Day of Christ’s return, help us to spend this day serving Him and watching for Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

“…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48 NKJV).

From: April 8, 2020

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GIFTING AND KNOWLEDGE

Jesus told a parable to illustrate the importance of being ready for His return. Peter asked whether the parable was only for Christ’s disciples or for everyone. Jesus answered with another parable, concluding with the thought that the master’s judgment would be based on how much had been entrusted to each.

Without going into all of the implications of this parable, consider this one: The Lord has given each of us gifts and knowledge and He holds us responsible to be found using them upon His return. Each according to what he has and what he knows.

Are you using your gifts and knowledge with an understanding that we shall give an account on day? May the Lord Jesus find us faithful.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings that You have bestowed on us. Lead us to be found faithful in putting our blessings to use for Your Kingdom. Strengthen us Lord in these changing times. Help us never to forget that today might be the Day of Your Son’s return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!” (Luke 12:37 NLT).

From: April 8, 2018

THE REWARD OF READINESS

Jesus told His disciples a parable about a master rewarding his servants because they were “ready and waiting for his return.” This is a parable about Christ’s return and the reward He will give to those who are “ready and waiting” for Him. He said that He will wait tables for them while they enjoy the banquet. Can you imagine this? Jesus leaning over you asking, “What would you like to drink? Can I get you some dessert?” O what a Master we serve! That He is willing even now to serve us. How we must be willing to serve others in His name!

“And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward…? (Luke 12:42 NKJV).

From: April 8, 2017

At least four spiritual principles were taught in this parable. 1. The Lord will come again.

2. The Lord might return unexpectantly at any time.

3. Faithfulness means being dependable to fulfill the responsibilities to which the Master has called you.

4. Faithfulness is based on what you do with the gifts God has given you. “To whom much is given, much is required.”

As the Lord asked Moses from the burning bush, “What’s that in your hand?” So, He asks you, “What are you doing with the calling and gifts I have given you?”

Will you be found to be a faithful and wise steward?

“For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32:47 NKJV)

From: April 8, 2015

Moses reminded the Israelites that the Word of God was real sustenance. He told them to never think it a “futile thing” to study and follow it, but to treat the Word as life itself. For as Moses and later Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Deut. 8:3: Matt.4:4). Believer, never think it a “futile thing” (“empty, useless”) to feed on God’s Word. For it is spiritual “life” to sustain you.

“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave” (Proverbs 12:24 NLT)

From: April 8, 2014

Many aspire to leadership, yet few qualify. Many think this due to politics or birthright, but the few who work hard and find themselves elevated know better. Leadership comes to those who first serve well. Great leaders begin as great followers. Obey those in authority over you. Make their job easier. Make your boss look good. Work hard and those over you will take notice. Many want to steer the boat, but few volunteer to row. Yet, it is the callouses from rowing that prepare the leader to steer.