Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 26

“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power” (Psalm 145:4 NLT).

From: December 26, 2019

GOD DOES NOT HAVE GRANDCHILDREN

Each generation must respond to the gospel for themselves in order to believe and become children of God. The faith must be passed on like a baton in a relay race. The Israelites who took possession of the Promised Land were faithful, but they neglected the command to pass their faith on to their children. So, the author of the book of Judges observed: “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Every good parent wants their children to be well educated. But every godly parent knows that the most important task is to teach their children of God’s “mighty acts,” so that they might be saved. God does not have grandchildren.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the faithful generations that went before us that the gospel might be handed down to us. Now empower us to do the same that our children and children’s children might know and follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles” (Psalm 145:5 NLT).

From: December 26, 2018

MEDITATING ON THE MAJESTY

David was determined to “meditate” on the Lord’s “majestic glorious splendor” and on His “wonderful miracles.” The miracles seem obvious enough to consider. Whatever is beyond natural explanation, whatever seems to be an interruption or suspension of natural law, so that God is the only explanation, these are miracles, are they not? So, David was determined to consider God’s miracles.

But what of God’s “majestic glorious splendor?” What is this? And what is this “meditation” that David was determined to do? The Hebrew translated “meditation” might also be rendered “to study” or “to talk to oneself.” David was intent on a personal study of God’s attributes. He wanted to meditate on God’s regal and heroic brilliance, the weighty beauty of His Highness. He was determined to stare into the sun of God’s perfection and omnipotence.

There are many things in the universe to think about and study. But David was keen on theology, which is the study of God.

Let us join David in this pursuit. Let us pull our thoughts off the immediate for a moment and meditate on the majesty of our Lord.

“…whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world…” (Revelation 17:8 NKJV).

From: December 26, 2017

Do you know whether your name is in the “Book of Life?” We have many books and records in this world. We keep records of births, graduations, marriage, and even death. But there is no “Book of Life” in this world. This “book” is kept in heaven. It is a timeless book and therefore the names therein were written before time started ticking. Those whose names are in the Book have believed in Christ as the Lamb of God and therefore reject all false world religions. Yet, those “whose names are not written” in the Book are easily deceived by the false religions of the world. They will reject the truth and believe the lie (Rom. 1:25, 2 Thess. 2:11). In the last days, a great worldwide religious delusion will encompass the nations and only those whose name is in the Book will see it for the lie that it is.

Can you “know” whether your name is in the Book of Life? Oh yes! The apostle John explained how you can “know” with confidence in his first epistle:

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:12-13).

“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14 ESV)

From: December 26, 2016

The book of Revelation speaks of a time when there will be a united world government and world religion ( called “Babylon”) that will “make war” against the followers of Jesus (“the Lamb”). But they will not prevail, for when Jesus returns, He will come as “Lord of lords and King of kings.” No nation nor power will be able to stand against Him. Nor will they be able to overcome His followers, who are … (1) “Called” – They have heard the gospel call of Christ and have believed, confessing Him as Lord and Savior. (2) “Chosen” – Having answered the call of the gospel, they realize that they were first chosen by the Father before they ever knew Him and that they have been adopted into His family. (3) “Faithful” – They will persevere in the faith because they are sealed with the Holy Spirit who keeps them through all things. When things in the world seem to come against the followers of Christ, stay awake and stand firm! For these things must come. And remember to rejoice, for Christ has already overcome the world!

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NKJV)

From: December 26, 2015

Many important questions are answered by this verse:
– Where is the Lord? “Near.”
– How can I know Him? “Call upon Him in truth.” - What is truth? Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
You may feel far from God today, but He is only one call away. Just dial J-E-S-U-S!

“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power” (Psalm 145:4 NLT)

From: December 26, 2014

Christianity is always only one generation away from extinction. God does not have grandchildren. The faith must be passed on like a baton in a relay race. The Israelites who took possession of the Promised Land were faithful, but they forgot the command to pass their faith on to their children. So, the author of the book of Judges observed: “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Every good parent wants their children to be well educated. But every godly parent knows that the most important task is to teach their children of God’s “mighty acts.”

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)

From: December 26, 2013

The Latin “adventus” and the Greek “parousia” both translate as “coming.” During Advent, we remember that Christ has already come to Zion. But we also “rejoice greatly” as we look forward to His coming again. He has already fulfilled the prophecy of entering Jerusalem riding a donkey. Watch for His return, but on a different mount (Rev. 19:11).

“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation” (Psalms 145:9)

From: December 26, 2012

David observed God’s common grace, how He was good and loving to everyone. Rain showers fall on us and our neighbors alike. Yet not everyone acknowledges their Source. For those who do, God gives special grace, showering us with blessings through Jesus, His Son.

“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)

From: December 26, 2011

Jesus fulfilled this Messianic prophecy along with every one of the over 300 in the OT. He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey as the people shouted “Hosanna!”