Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for November 6

“For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19 NKJV).

From: November 6, 2020

THERE IS A BETTER HOPE

The law can reflect, but not perfect. The law itself is perfect. For it is from God, but it has no power to make perfect. It is like a mirror that reveals our sinful imperfection, but it has no power to remove it. Instead of bringing us closer to God, the law shows how vast is our separation. It was never given to save, but to point to our need for a Savior. Those who hope in the law will die.

Yet, there is a “better hope” found in Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the Savior for those who look to Him. For those who have put their hope in Christ are able to “draw near” to God with “a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).

PRAYER: Dear Father, we love Your law, yet we know that we cannot keep it without Christ. For He has fulfilled it on our behalf and He abides in us to will and to work, so that we might bear good fruit. Therefore, we look to Christ and depend on Him for all things. Strengthen us today to do Your will. We give our cares to You and ask You to give us Your peace which passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?” (Psalm 106:2 NLT).

From: November 6, 2019

WHO CAN EVER PRAISE THE LORD ENOUGH?

The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows what He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of these miracles would needs be infinite too. And how can we ever praise Him adequately? Our lives are too brief and our lungs too small to worship Him long and loudly enough. Yet, in Jesus’ name, we will have eternity to try.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You today and give You the glory for all that You have done. You are Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer. You loved us while we were still sinners. You have saved us and You have called us Your children. We will never be able to praise You enough. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19 NKJV).

From: November 6, 2017

The law can reflect, but not perfect. It is like a mirror that reveals sin, but it has no power over the flesh to remove it. Instead of bringing us closer to God, the law shows how vast is our separation. It was never given to save, but to point to our need for a Savior. Those who hope in the law will die. Yet, there is a “better hope” found in Christ alone. For those who have put their hope in Christ are able to “draw near” to God with “a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).

“and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine” (Ezekiel 16:8 ESV)

From: November 6, 2016

The word of the Lord came to the prophet Ezekiel describing the way He had taken Israel as His bride when she was still weak and in the wilderness. As Boaz “spread the corner” (Ruth 3:9) of his garment over Ruth, so the Lord took Israel as His wife and redeemed her as His own. Yet, she did not remember their wedding “covenant” at Sinai. Instead of returning His love and commitment, she “played the whore” (v.15) with the idolatrous nations surrounding her. So God removed His protection and gave her over to those same nations for judgment. However, God does not “retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love” (Micah 7:18). He sent His only begotten Son to be as a Boaz Redeemer that He might purchase for Himself a bride from both Jew and Gentile those that would believe on Him.

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6 NKJV)

From: November 6, 2015

Are your friendships based on flattery or fidelity? Are your ears open to correction? A true friend will tell you the truth about you because they seek the best for you. But an enemy may flatter you to your face, while tearing you down to others behind your back. Ask God for wisdom to know the difference.

“Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?” (Psalm 106:2 NLT)

From: November 6, 2014

The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows what He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of these miracles would needs be infinite too. And how can we ever praise Him adequately? Our lives are too brief and our lungs too small to worship Him long and loudly enough. Yet, in Jesus’ name, we will have eternity to try.

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)

From: November 6, 2013

Jesus is our Great High Priest. He stands between God and man as our Mediator. His salvation is not partial or temporary but to the “uttermost.” Jesus saves us by His sacrificial death and then He keeps us by the power of His resurrection life.

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6)

From: November 6, 2012

Are your friendships based on flattery or fidelity? Are your ears open to correction? A true friend will tell you the truth about you. What kind of friends have you chosen to hear?

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25)

From: November 6, 2011

Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. He doesn’t just throw us a lifeline to stop our drowning in sin. He jumps in and carries us all the way to shore. We’re not only saved in the moment, but saved forever. And not only saved but adopted into His family.