Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for June 22

“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.” (Acts 14:27 NLT).

From: June 22, 2018

FIRST CHURCH MISSIONS REPORT

Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too. This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.

You don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent—sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, coworkers, and city. What will you report to Jesus?

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)

From: June 22, 2016

Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the Bible teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body. Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.

“We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them” (Acts 14:15)

From: June 22, 2012

The “worthless things” to which Paul referred was the worship of Zeus and Hermes. He contrasts them with the “living God” who is Creator of all. We are still called to bring this message to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard.

“She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof…Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us'” (2 Kings 4:9-10)

From: June 22, 2011

The Shunammite woman built a “Prophet’s Chamber” for Elisha. Rural homes often provided a room like this for itinerant preachers in the US. Would there be room at your house for such a one?