Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for February 19

“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more” (Mark 4:24 NLT).

From: February 19, 2018

THE LISTENING PRINCIPLE

Jesus instructed His disciples to “pay close attention” to His teachings. For the “closer” they listened, the more they would receive understanding from His Word. This principle seems obvious: “listen and learn.” Yet, there is a spiritual component. For Christ is making a promise to those that pay close attention to His teachings that they will be given more and more understanding. This is why we love God’s Word. We read it everyday and everyday it brings new meaning to our lives.

“And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him” (Leviticus 8:12 NKJV).

From: February 19, 2017

Sprinkle or pour?

Moses consecrated the Tabernacle with all its implements, “sprinkling” them with the special anointing oil as the Lord commanded. Then, he washed Aaron and his sons with water, clothed him in priestly garments, and “poured” the anointing oil on his head to consecrate him as high priest. David wrote of the copious amount of oil poured on Aaron’s head, comparing it to the luxurious fragrance of unity among God’s people, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!” (Psalm 133:1-2).

There is much symbolism to consider in the consecration of Aaron and his sons. For as believers, our sins are “washed” away by the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice (Heb. 10:19-22, 1 John 1:7). We are clothed in new clothes of righteousness, putting off the old man and putting on the new in Christ (Col. 3:1-15). And we have been anointed with the “oil” of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22). Yet, Aaron the high priest, who had the anointing oil “poured” on him, is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Anointed One, our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14-15). “For in Christ all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in bodily form (Col. 2:9).

And it was Christ, who has “poured” out His Spirit upon us!

“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives” (Psalm 27:21 ESV)

From: February 19, 2016

Righteous hearts have generous hands. How we handle money and possessions reveals much about our hearts. The righteous not only repay their debts, but give generously to those in need. The wicked avoid even repaying what is owed, much less giving to others. You have received Christ’s generous gift of salvation in your hearts, but has it affected the generosity of your hands?

“The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives (Psalm 37:21 NKJV)

From: February 19, 2015

How we handle money and possessions reveals much about our hearts. The righteous not only repay their debts, but give generously to those in need. The wicked avoid even repaying what is owed, much less being a giver to others. Has believing in Christ affected how you handle money?

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

From: February 19, 2014

I miss my mother, especially on Friday mornings. I used to phone her around 10 AM every Friday. She would have received my weekly sermon tape in the mail by then and would have already listened to it. I would call and she would answer, usually by the second ring. Then, she would begin to tell me how good the sermon was, how proud she was of me and ask a thousand questions about every detail of my life, about my wife, my kids and me since the previous week. Who else but your mom has such an interest in you? I’ll tell you who… the Lord. “He delights in every detail” of your life. And I don’t have to phone or wait until Friday. I can tell Him every detail at any time and He always hears me.

“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives (Psalm 37:21 ESV)

From: February 19, 2013

How we handle money and possessions reveals much about our hearts. The one with integrity not only repays their debts, but gives generously to those in need. The one with a wicked heart avoids even repaying what is owed, much less being a giver to others. Has your heart’s believing in Christ affected your hand’s behavior as regards money? Integrity is having your heart and hands in agreement.

“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given” (Mark 4:25)

From: February 19, 2012

Listening precedes understanding. Jesus taught this maxim after speaking in parables that some didn’t get. Our ADD culture offers no help here. We must learn the habit of listening to God’s Word. It is a spiritual discipline that takes time. The more you listen, the more you understand.

“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19)

From: February 19, 2011

What is bearing fruit in your life? Worldly worry or the Word?