Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for January 29

“The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1)

From: January 29, 2013

This Davidic psalm begins with an announcement of God’s ownership of everything and everyone. Believing that God is owner and that we are stewards, servants of God caring for His creation is a life-changing principle. Many Christians claim to believe this, yet they behave as if their stuff is really “their” stuff. One of the great sins of American Christianity is the idolatry of materialism. Our happiness is attached to our possessions. This is the sin of greed. What is the antidote? Giving. Live a life of the open hand, tithing from your first fruits and giving sacrificially to any need that the Spirit shows you. In this way, you acknowledge God’s ownership and your stewardship.

“I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth” (Exodus 9:16)

From: January 29, 2012

Don’t harden your heart like Pharaoh. Yield your life to God and join Him in His purpose. Be a witness to His glory. Join the movement to make His Name famous throughout the earth. What movement? The Church of course.

“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30)

From: January 29, 2011

This world’s appraisal of greatness is based on outward things- good looks, possessions, and money. But the Kingdom will judge greatness by inner things. The Kingdom will turn us inside out and upside down. We may be in for a surprise as to who is first.