Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for June 10

“The Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands” (Acts 7:48 NLT).

From: June 10, 2018

MAN-MADE RELIGION REJECTS THE TRUE GOD

Stephen reminded the Jewish rulers that even though God allowed Solomon to build Him a Temple, He had no need for a man-made dwelling. Sinful man always prefers his man-made religion with his man-made gods and man-made temples. Didn’t the Israelites reject Moses and ask his brother, Aaron, to make them “some gods” to lead them? So Aaron fashioned them a golden calf to worship. Stephen accused the Jewish leaders of rejecting Jesus just as their forefathers had rejected Moses.

The same is true today. People prefer their man-made religion. But God is looking for those who will repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. God doesn’t live in temples made by human hands, but He willingly lives in human hearts that have been changed by the love of Jesus.

“Yes, may you see your children’s children” (Psalm 128:6 NKJV).

From: June 10, 2017

One of the many promised blessings for the one who would fear the Lord and walk in His ways is living to see one’s grandchildren. Those who have experienced this blessing know its abiding joy. Yet in Christ, this blessing is available to all who would believe in Him and be obedient to make disciples as He commanded. For in disciple-making, both the married and the single can become spiritual fathers and mothers. And by raising up spiritual children to be disciple-makers too, spiritual grandchildren and great-grandchildren are soon to follow.

“This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’” (Acts 7:37 ESV)

From: June 10, 2016

The newly appointed deacon, Stephen, was stoned to death for his witness, becoming the first Christian martyr. His verbal defense of the gospel before his accusers was a Spirit-inspired masterpiece, boldly proclaimed. He reminded them that it was Moses, whom they claimed to follow, that spoke of a coming prophet who would mediate God’s Word to them (Deut.18:14-19). Then, he compared them to the Israelites in the wilderness who rejected Moses, for they had rejected the Righteous One whom God had raised up “from their brothers,” Christ Jesus. Stephen was essentially preaching the words of Jesus, who said, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me” (John 5:46).

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32 NKJV)

From: June 10, 2015

Patience is the fruit of the Spirit that makes us “slow to anger.” The Greek word for patience might also be translated “long-suffering.” Or it might be understood in modern terms as having a long fuse. Are you easily angered? Do you have a short fuse? Ask God to give you the fruit of patience, which makes us slow to anger.

“David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple …But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands” (Acts 7:46-48)

From: June 10, 2012

Today’s OT and NT reading were both about the Temple. Here, Stephen gives his defense before the Sanhedrin before they have him stoned. He tried to turn them from man-made religion to God’s graceful provision in Jesus. But they wouldn’t listen.

“He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz” (1 Kings 7:21)

From: June 10, 2011

King Solomon commissioned these 27 ft tall, bronze pillars for the entrance to the Temple. One he named Jakin (He establishes) the other Boaz (In Him is strength). Has God established your house? Is He your strength?