Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for February 13

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” (Exodus 36:1 ESV)

From: February 13, 2016

The modern separation between the sacred and the secular is not the wholistic view of faith and vocation that is seen in the Bible. Consider these two men whom Moses named in the Exodus story because of their God-given talent as craftsmen. He described Bezalel as being “called by name” (Ex.35:30) by the Lord to work as the lead craftsman in building the tabernacle. Both he and Oholiab were similarly gifted by and called by God to do this highly skilled work. Moses even described Bezalel as being “filled with the Spirit” (Ex.35:31), not only to do all kinds of specialized work as a craftsman, but also as one whom God “inspired to teach” (Ex.35:34) others his craft.
All work is sacred when it is done as “unto the Lord” (Col.3:23).

“Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle” (Exodus 35:21 NKJV)

From: February 13, 2015

God is honored when His people worship Him with “stirred” hearts and “willing” spirits. The first has to do with the emotion and the other the will. One with a stirred heart is filled with passion for God’s kingdom work. They enthusiastically bring their offering of praise. One with a willing spirit serves God, not out of duty, but out of desire. They want to serve and give. God cares more for the condition of our heart in giving, than in the content of our gifts.

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Matthew 27:46 NLT)

From: February 13, 2014

Between the four gospels, seven last sayings of Jesus are recorded. This is saying number six. Here, Jesus repeats David’s haunting words from Psalm 22:1. For the first time in eternity, fellowship between the Father and the Son is interrupted. Jesus who knew no sin, became our sin. Jesus who is the Life, took our death. Jesus the eternal Son of God, took our separation. So, we might receive His righteousness, life and sonship by believing in Him. What was Jesus’ seventh saying? “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus accomplished His mission for our salvation.

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4)

From: February 13, 2013

David wrote this psalm during the time he was hiding from Saul among the Philistines. Unfortunately, when we come up with human schemes to avoid trouble we often jump from the frying pan into the fire. Yet, it is never too late to cry out to God for help. David was delivered from his fears. We can bring our fears to God too. He will hear us and answer.

“So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you” (Proverbs 9:8)

From: February 13, 2012

Why I love preaching to our WCCers. They love hearing the Word and having it correct their thinking. How do you respond when you hear God’s Word preached?

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4)

From: February 13, 2011

Fleeing from Saul into the lands of the king of Gath, David was beset by fear on every side. So David sought the Lord. Are you anxious and afraid today? Seek the Lord and He will deliver you.