Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for July 3

“Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11 NKJV)

From: July 3, 2015

King Josiah was crowned at age eight after his father, Amon, was murdered by conspirators. Both his father and his grandfather, Manasseh, were evil kings who had led the people into idolatry. Apparently, during the 55-year reign of Manasseh, the Book of the Law had been lost. How this came to be is not explained, but it was found in the Temple by the high priest when Josiah commissioned him to collect money for Temple repairs. When the Book was brought before Josiah and read to him, he tore his clothes in repentance. After inquiring of the Lord concerning His Word, Josiah cleaned house and publicly made a covenant with the Lord to keep His commands. According to 2 Kings 23:25 “before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.”
If only our government would rediscover the law of God…

“The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic” (Acts 21:40 NLT)

From: July 3, 2014

The riotous crowd that had chanted to kill Paul now fell silent as he addressed them in their own tongue. Did he defend himself or respond in anger? No. He gave his testimony. Paul’s response was the epitome of the prayer that the early church prayed in Acts 4:29 when they prayed, “Lord, you consider their threats while granting us boldness to speak Your Word.” We can pray this prayer too. Paul was truly bold, but his courage came from a deep sense of calling by the Lord Jesus. The Lord is still calling followers that would depend on Him like Paul.

“The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard” (Acts 22:14-15)

From: July 3, 2012

Jesus’ words to Paul on the road to Damascus changed the trajectory of his life. God still chooses people to be His witnesses. Will you answer His call?

“What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16)

From: July 3, 2011

What Ananias told Paul, he spent the rest of his life telling others. What are you waiting for? Get up!