Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 25

“Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15 NLT).

From: December 25, 2019

MAY THE JOY OF THE LORD BE YOURS THIS CHRISTMAS!

David concluded this psalm saying, “Joyful are those who live like this!” But what condition was he describing? Surely he was describing the life of those whose God is the Lord and therefore live under His blessing. David listed five blessings that he sought from the Lord. In the NLT, each blessing begins with the word, “May,” denoting the possibility of such a state, which depends on the Lord. These five blessings were for 1) strong sons, 2) beautiful daughters, 3) barns full of harvested crops, 4) growing flocks and herds, and 5) safety from enemies and harm. These conditions of blessing are to be received with joy and an awareness of the fact that they come from the Lord.

Do you know of these blessings that David mentions?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given us. We are joyful this Christmas because You are our Lord, O God. We are joyful for the blessings. Yet, our joy is found in knowing You. For even when life is hard, You never leave nor forsake us. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” (Zechariah 8:6 NLT).

From: December 25, 2018

ANSWERING THE IMPOSSIBLE CHRISTMAS QUESTION

“How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” the young Mary asked when the angel Gabriel told her of Christ’s birth. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Gabriel replied, having explained the the miracle of Christ’s divine conception.

God must love to prove it otherwise when we call something impossible. In Zechariah’s time, the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem and were attempting to rebuild the Temple. But the small remnant was overwhelmed with the large size of the project. They felt inadequate in every way, not enough in number nor in resources. But the Lord of Hosts had a question for them to consider: “Is it impossible for Me?”

When Gabriel answered Mary’s “Christmas question,” she was satisfied, saying, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

What seems impossible in your life today? Is it impossible for God?

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’” (Zechariah 8:23 NKJV).

From: December 25, 2017

Zechariah’s prophecy told of a time when great numbers of people from the Gentile nations would seek the One who is known by this description: “God is with you.”

Who is this One? It is Christ Jesus. As Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 7:14) and Matthew confirmed (Matt. 1:23), He is Immanuel, which in Hebrew means, “God with us.”

Today, we see that Zechariah’s prophecy is fulfilled. People from nearly every language and tribe have embraced the “Jewish man,” Jesus, who is Immanuel, “God with us.” Today, we celebrate His coming and look forward to His soon return! Merry Christmas!

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake” (Revelation 16:15 ESV)

From: December 25, 2016

Advent means “coming.” On this Christmas day we celebrate and remember Christ’s coming unto us in the city of David as Savior and Lord. Yet, this day should also remind us that He is coming again. So, let us look back to celebrate His first coming while also staying awake to look forward for His soon return. Merry Christmas!

“Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?” (Psalm 144:3 NKJV)

From: December 25, 2015

The psalmist David looks to God and finds in Him everything, but looks to man by comparison and finds next to nothing. He wonders how God can stoop to know and acknowledge lowly humanity. Yet, God not only stoops to know, He humbles Himself to become… “the Son of Man.” God sent His Son to become like us, so that we might become like Him. This is the gift behind every gift. Merry Christmas!!

“… Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15b NLT)

From: December 25, 2014

Everyone has a god, someone/something they idolize and worship. The atheist worships reason, the hedonist bows to pleasure, and the pantheist prays to nature. Yet, all are humanists at heart and have chosen themselves as god and gone their own way. Some will find fleeting moments of happiness and distraction. But only those who have recognized the LORD as God will know true JOY!

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15)

From: December 25, 2013

“Advent” means “coming.” We remember that Christ has come and we prepare for His coming again. Just as He first came in the fulness of time (As a child is born in the 9th month), so His return will be after creation itself finishes its labor pains. A wise mother-to-be is already packed and ready for the water’s breaking. As the day approaches, her watching is all the more intense. Likewise, we are to be prepared for Christ’s sudden return.

“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed” (Revelation 16:15)

From: December 25, 2012

Young and old alike anticipate Christmas morning, watching and hoping for toys and new clothes. But the One born on Christmas day calls us to get clothes of righteousness from Him and to be watching for His return. It’s good to celebrate His birth, especially when we let the Story lead us to the Cross, the Empty Tomb and to His Parousia. Merry Christmas friends! And Happy Birthday Jesus!

“Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23)

From: December 25, 2011

What people will say when they see us worshiping the Savior as we should at Christmas. May we experience Immanuel, God with us, on this Christmas morning! Blessings!