Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for April 5

JESUS AND THE SIGN OF JONAH

From: April 5, 2025

“For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation” (Luke 11:30 ESV).

The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were constantly demanding signs to prove who He was. Yet Jesus pointed them to one powerful sign that foreshadowed His ultimate mission: the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the great fish before being brought out to proclaim a message of repentance, Jesus would spend three days in the tomb before rising from the dead to offer salvation.

Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only sign that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the sign of Jonah.

We live in a world that still asks for signs and for proof. But Jesus has already given us the greatest one—the empty tomb. His resurrection is the proof of who He is and the promise of our hope. May we let this truth shape our days. Instead of living in fear, we can live in faith. Instead of seeking signs, we can proclaim the sign already given. Today, let’s walk in resurrection power, confident in the Savior who conquered sin, death, and the grave, and share that Good News with everyone.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are filled with joy as we remember the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us to live according to His resurrection power every day, not in fear but faith. Use us this day to proclaim the Good News concerning Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A DIVIDED HOUSE WILL FALL

From: April 5, 2024

“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls” (Luke 11:17 ESV).

Jesus responded to those who accused him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, with the irrefutable logic that a divided kingdom or house falls. His response showed that not only was their accusation false, it was foolish.

This principle of unity and division that Jesus gave has proven itself true over and over again, whether it be said of homes or nations. Indeed, internal strife has more often led to the fall of many a great people that no external threat ever could. Division weakens, but unity strengthens.

What do you see in your house, your church, your city, your land? Do you see unity or division?

PRAYER: Dear Father, make us one with You. For the only true unity is found in being right with You and being filled with Your Spirit. Give us unity of purpose and unity of love that we might follow Your Son, Jesus in all things. In His name we pray, amen.

WHEN GOD KEEPS YOU AWAKE

From: April 5, 2023

“When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don’t let me sleep” (Psalm 77:2-4 NLT).

The psalmist spoke of a time when God had kept him awake. He couldn’t stop his mind from remembering the past and considering his troubles, when finally he considered the possibility that it was the Lord who kept him from closing his eyes. So he sought the Lord in his time of trouble.

Have you ever had this experience? Turning from side to side, readjusting your pillow, trying to count sheep, yet sleep wouldn’t come? Have you considered the possibility that it is the Lord who is keeping you awake? Maybe He wants to talk with you. Your days are so full of noise and busyness that the night is the only time when you might actually notice His voice.

Remember the story of young Samuel? He was awakened three times in the night thinking it was his master Eli calling him. But finally Eli told him it must be the Lord. So when he heard the Lord saying his name the fourth time, Samuel replied, “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10). And the Lord spoke to him.

The next time you can’t sleep, try saying what Samuel did. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Get out of your bed and get down on your knees and listen. Find out what God has to say. Hearing from the Lord is better than sleep.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are weak and often exhausted. We desire rest, but sleep sometimes won’t come. We forget to talk to You about it. Forgive us. Speak Lord, we are listening. Your Word is life to us. You alone can give us true rest for our souls. Speak. And give us the strength we need for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

‘Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice”’ (Luke 11:28 NLT).

From: April 5, 2022

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR AND OBEY

A woman in the crowd that had gathered listening to Jesus teach, exclaimed, “God bless your mother!” To which Jesus replied, “Even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Surely, the blessing that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had received was great. The woman who cried out was correct. Jesus’ mother was blessed. Yet, Jesus would have the woman and everyone in the crowd know that an even greater blessing was available to them. For if they would only allow the seed of God’s Word to penetrate their hearts, they would be born again.

That the Son of God was born of woman is indeed a blessing. But that everyone who hears and obeys the good news about God’s Son will experience new birth themselves, is an even greater blessing.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Of all the blessings You have given, He is the greatest. For He is the Living Word of God. Strengthen us to hear and obey Him in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

“You have kept me from closing my eyes” (Psalm 77:4 HCSB).

From: April 5, 2021

WHEN GOD KEEPS YOU AWAKE

The psalmist spoke of a time when God had kept him awake. He couldn’t stop his mind from remembering the past and considering his troubles, when finally he considered the possibility that it was the Lord who kept him from closing his eyes. So he sought the Lord in his time of trouble.

Have you ever had this experience? Turning from side to side, readjusting your pillow, trying to count sheep, yet sleep wouldn’t come? Have you considered the possibility that it is the Lord who is keeping you awake? Maybe He wants to talk with you. Your days are so full of noise and busyness that the night is the only time when you might actually notice His voice.

Remember the story of young Samuel? He was awakened three times in the night thinking it was his master Eli calling him. But finally Eli told him it must be the Lord. So when he heard the Lord saying his name the fourth time, Samuel replied, “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10). And the Lord spoke to him.

The next time you can’t sleep, try saying what Samuel did. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Get out of your bed and get down on your knees and listen. Find out what God has to say. Hearing from the Lord is better than sleep.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are weak and often exhausted. We desire rest, but sleep sometimes won’t come. We forget to talk to You about it. Forgive us. Speak Lord, we are listening. Your Word is life to us. You alone can give us true rest for our souls. Speak. And give us the strength we need for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation” (Luke 11:39 NKJV).

From: April 5, 2020

THE SIGN OF JONAH POINTS TO EASTER

As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb 3 days before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only “sign” that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the “sign” of Jonah. And it is the fulfillment of this “sign” that we begin to remember on this first day of Passion Week and celebrate next Sunday!

PRAYER: Dear Father, we are filled with joy on this Palm Sunday as we remember the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that we would live according to His resurrection power every day, not in fear but faith. Use us this day to proclaim the Good News concerning Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.

‘Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”’ (Luke 11:28 NLT).

From: April 5, 2018

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR AND OBEY

A woman in the crowd that had gathered listening to Jesus teach, exclaimed, “God bless your mother!” To which Jesus replied, “Even more blessed are those who hear and obey God’s Word.” Surely, the blessing that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had received was great. The woman who cried out was correct. Jesus’ mother was blessed. Yet, Jesus would have the woman and everyone in the crowd know that an even greater blessing was available to them. For if they would only allow the seed of God’s Word to penetrate their hearts, they would be born again.

That the Son of God was born of woman is indeed a great blessing. That everyone who hears and obeys the good news about God’s Son will experience new birth themselves is an even greater blessing.

“More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28 NKJV).

From: April 5, 2017

Hearing the words that Jesus taught, a woman in the crowd shouted out that the mother of such a son must surely be blessed. Jesus did not correct her, but he did redirect her to the true source of blessing, namely, the Word of God. Rather than visualizing what a blessing it would be to have been the mother of such a son, Jesus wanted the woman to hear and believe the Word of God that he was teaching. In other words, Jesus told the woman that she didn’t have to be his mother to be blessed, she, and all those present, could experience God’s blessing by hearing and keeping the Word.

Many today tend to focus on secondary details of the gospel. They recognize the goodness of Jesus and the excellence of his words and work. Perhaps they even imagine what it would have been like to be one of his disciples. Yet, they do not believe and receive his Word. If only they would “hear” and “keep” it, then they would become, as the woman in the crowd seemed to desire, Christ’s “brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

“For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation” (Luke11:39 NKJV)

From: April 5, 2015

As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb 3 days before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only “sign” that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the “sign” of Jonah. And it is the fulfillment of this “sign” that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing” (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)

From: April 5, 2014

Some are quick with a sarcastic remark and even quicker to say, “I was only kidding.” Yet, their words are cutting and hurtful. Others offer words that are like medicine to the hearer. Their words edify and encourage. Take note of the impact of your speech. Your words reveal the state of your heart. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word and know wisdom. Then, open your mouth to let healing words of blessing flow to others.