Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 1

“I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him” (Deuteronomy 18:18 NKJV)

From: April 1, 2015

Jesus is the fulfillment of this Scripture. He was born into the tribe of Judah and so was one of Israel’s “brethren.” He spoke all that the Father “commanded” Him to say (John 12:49). And on occasion referred to Himself as a “Prophet” (Luke 13:33). Moses was a foreshadowing of the Christ. But Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the ultimate revelation of God (John 1:1-18, John 14:9).
It seems appropriate that today’s OYB reading included this passage in the OT reading and the Mount of Transfiguration passage in the NT reading. Both Moses and Elijah were OT types pointing to Christ and here they are conversing with Him about His coming death. Moses represents the law, and Elijah, the prophets, and Jesus fulfilled them all.

“About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white” (Luke 9:28-29 NLT)

From: April 1, 2014

Jesus took his inner circle of disciples up on a mountain to pray. As usual, they fell asleep, but they awoke suddenly to discover a change. The veil separating this world from the next had been pulled back and they could see to the other side. They saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about his soon approaching exodus from this world. And they witnessed a glimpse of Christ’s true majestic glory. John would again see Christ unveiled before leaving this world, as recorded in the Revelation, and it would leave him laying on the ground at Christ’s feet. God the Father silenced Peter’s mumblings as he awakened bleary-eyed and talkative with, “This is my Son, my Chosen one. Listen to him.”

“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Proverbs 12:10 ESV)

From: April 1, 2013

As believers we are called to steward God’s creation. This includes the way we treat both God’s creation and His creatures. Those who have a biblical worldview have an appropriate regard and balanced respect for all that God has made. Ironically, even today’s Deuteronomy reading includes instruction on not destroying fruit trees when taking possession of the promised land. A biblical worldview also gives a wise order of priority to our stewardship, rightly placing humanity as the crown of creation and therefore deserving of our highest respect.

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever (Psalm 73:26)

From: April 1, 2012

Do you depend on your own strength? No matter how many vitamins or supplements you take, your health will wane. But God’s strength is available to you forever. Draw on Him. Depend on Him. God never fails.

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2-3)

From: April 1, 2011

American consumerism is a slippery slope for those pursuing righteousness. Don’t lose your foothold. Live for what lasts.