Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 12

WHERE HAS GOD SENT YOU?

From: December 12, 2024

“Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” (Amos 7:14-15 ESV).

When Amaziah, the priest at Bethel, heard the prophetic words of judgment that Amos pronounced against King Jeroboam and the Northern kingdom of Israel, he told him to flee to Judah to be a prophet and never again prophesy in Bethel. He also warned King Jeroboam of Amos’ words. But Amos replied that he was not a professional prophet that could just preach anywhere. No. God had interrupted his career as a “sheepbreeder and tender of sycamore fruit” (from the “sycamore fig tree”) and given him a word of warning for Israel and its king.

I feel a kindred spirit with Amos. When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me, “Gary, I think you’re going to be a preacher when you grow up.” And I’d answer, “No Granny, I’m going to be a chicken farmer like Papaw.” Then, when I was a man, I worked in the corporate world for 12 years, running drugstores. But Granny was right. God did call me to preach. So I left my career, went to seminary and planted a church in Wilson, NC. I didn’t choose this. God did. I have simply tried to obey.

That’s what Amos was saying to that false priest, Amaziah, who saw ministry as a career choice, not a calling of God. Amos was basically saying, “Unlike you, Amaziah, I didn’t choose to be a prophet, I was called of God. Therefore, I must preach to where He has sent me!”

Like Zacchaeus, whom the Lord Jesus called down from the sycamore tree, so God had called Amos down from his figs and flocks, and sent him to prophesy against Israel.
Where has God sent you?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You have first called us to Yourself through Your Son, Christ Jesus. Yet, You have also sent us, just as You sent Him. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit and send us out with Your gospel of grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JESUS WARNS AGAINST BEING LUKEWARM

From: December 12, 2023

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15-16 NLT).

Jesus told the apostle John to write a letter to the church of Laodicea, warning them to stop being “lukewarm.” The ruins of this ancient city are located in the Western part of modern day Turkey. It’s geographic location gives insight to the words of Jesus. Located in the fertile Lycus valley between the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, the wealthy city of Laodicea was the financial headquarters for the whole area and the political center for the district. Yet, the city was dependent on external sources for water. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to carry water from the nearby hot springs at Hierapolis and the refreshing cold waters at Colossae, but by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was “lukewarm.” The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic value and the ice cold waters of Colossae, for its refreshing taste for drinking. But by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was good for neither.

So, what was Jesus saying to the church at Laodicea when He accused them of being “lukewarm?” He was telling them that their works were useless, good for nothing, because they lacked spiritual power. This was not about their salvation, as some have suggested, but about their lack of spiritual empowerment. They were depending on their own wealth and power to live. They thought themselves “rich,” but Jesus called them “poor” (Rev. 3:17).

A church that depends on worldly wealth and influence, rather than the Spirit’s power, is at risk of being spit out of Christ’s mouth! Today, the only evidence that Laodicea ever existed are its ruins. The only people who visit are archaeologists and tourists.

Are you lukewarm in following Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, our works are useless unless they are accomplished by faith in You and according to Your Spirit’s power. We are often tempted to accomplish deeds by human wisdom and strength in the church, but Your Son has warned us that such works are lukewarm and useless. Help us to be the church and lean on Jesus to build the church. Give us Your strength and provision to serve You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20 NLT).

From: December 12, 2022

IS CHRIST KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR?

Jesus instructed the apostle John to send a letter to the church of Laodicea, rebuking them for their lukewarm commitment. He reminded them that He disciplines those that He loves and called them to repentance and renewed zeal. Yet after His stern words of discipline, He humbly described Himself as a friend knocking at their door, seeking renewed fellowship with them.

Have you become lukewarm in your commitment to Him? Have you lost your passion and zeal for the Lord? Have apathy and complacency become the constant and flattened state of spiritual condition?

Listen closely, and you’ll hear Christ knocking. He desires to have fellowship with you. Do you hear Him calling? Intimate fellowship with Christ Jesus is the secret to living with passion and power. Yet He will not force Himself in. You must open the door.

PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for our apathy and lack of zeal for You. We are weak and often overcome by discouragement. We depend on worldly comfort and riches to strengthen us, but they always fall short. We open the door to Jesus afresh today. Come in Lord Jesus and set our souls aflame. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 HCSB).

From: December 12, 2021

JESUS WARNS AGAINST BEING LUKEWARM

“You are lukewarm!” These words were spoken by Jesus to the apostle John to pass on to the church at Laodicea. The ruins of this ancient city are located in the Western part of modern day Turkey. It’s geographic location gives insight to the words of Jesus. Located in the fertile Lycus valley between the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, the wealthy city of Laodicea was the financial headquarters for the whole area and the political center for the district. Yet, the city was dependent on external sources for water. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to carry water from the nearby hot springs at Hierapolis and the refreshing cold waters at Colossae, but by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was “lukewarm.” The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic value and the ice cold waters of Colossae, for its refreshing taste for drinking. But by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was good for neither.

So, what was Jesus saying to the church at Laodicea when He accused them of being “lukewarm?” He was telling them that their works were useless, good for nothing, because they lacked spiritual power. This was not about their salvation, as some have suggested, but about their lack of spiritual empowerment. They were depending on their own wealth and power to live. They thought themselves “rich,” but Jesus called them “poor” (Rev.3:17).

A church that depends on worldly wealth and influence, rather than the Spirit’s power, is at risk of being vomited out of Christ’s mouth! Today, the only evidence that Laodicea ever existed are its ruins. The only people who visit are archaeologists and tourists.

Are you lukewarm in following Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, our works are useless unless they are accomplished by faith in You and according to Your Spirit’s power. We are often tempted to accomplish deeds by human wisdom and strength in the church, but Your Son has warned us that such works are lukewarm and useless. Help us to be the church and lean on Jesus to build the church. Give us Your strength and provision to serve You today. In Jesus’ name, amen

‘Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, And the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’”‘ (Amos 7:14-15 NKJV).

From: December 12, 2020

WHERE HAS GOD SENT YOU?

When Amaziah, the priest at Bethel, heard the prophetic words of judgment that Amos pronounced against King Jeroboam and the Northern kingdom of Israel, he told him to flee to Judah to be a prophet and never again prophesy in Bethel. He also warned King Jeroboam of Amos’ words. But Amos replied that he was not a professional prophet that could just preach anywhere. No. God had interrupted his career as a “sheepbreeder and tender of sycamore fruit” (from the “sycamore fig tree”) and given him a word of warning for Israel and its king.

I feel a kindred spirit with Amos. When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me, “Gary, I think you’re going to be a preacher when you grow up.” And I’d answer, “No Granny, I’m going to be a chicken farmer like Papaw.” Then, when I was a man, I worked in the corporate world for 12 years, running drugstores. But Granny was right. God did call me to preach. So I left my career, went to seminary and planted a church in Wilson, NC. I didn’t choose this. God did. I have simply tried to obey.

That’s what Amos was saying to that false priest, Amaziah, who saw ministry as a career choice, not a calling of God. Amos was basically saying, “Unlike you, Amaziah, I didn’t choose to be a prophet, I was called of God. Therefore, I must preach to where He has sent me!”

Like Zacchaeus, whom the Lord Jesus called down from the sycamore tree, so God had called Amos down from his figs and flocks, and sent him to prophesy against Israel.

Where has God sent you?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You have first called us to Yourself through Your Son, Christ Jesus. Yet, You have also sent us, just as You sent Him. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit and send us out with Your gospel of grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15-16 NLT).

From: December 12, 2019

JESUS WARNS AGAINST BEING LUKEWARM

“You are lukewarm!” These words were given by Jesus to the apostle John to pass on to the church at Laodicea. The ruins of this ancient city are located in the Western part of modern day Turkey. It’s geographic location gives insight to the words of Jesus. Located in the fertile Lycus valley between the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, the wealthy city of Laodicea was the financial headquarters for the whole area and the political center for the district. Yet, the city was dependent on external sources for water. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to carry water from the nearby hot springs at Hierapolis and the refreshing cold waters at Colossae, but by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was “lukewarm.” The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic value and the ice cold waters of Colossae, for its refreshing taste for drinking. But the water at Laodicea was good for neither.

So, what was Jesus saying to the church at Laodicea when He accused them of being “lukewarm?” He was telling them that their works were useless, good for nothing, because they lacked spiritual power. This was not about their salvation, as some have suggested, but about their lack of spiritual zeal. They were depending on their own wealth and power to live. They thought themselves “rich,” but Jesus called them “poor” (Rev.3:17). A church that depends on worldly wealth and influence, rather than the Spirit’s power, is at risk of being “spit out” of Christ’s mouth! Today, the only evidence that Laodicea ever existed are its ruins. The only people who visit are archaeologists and tourists.

Are you lukewarm in following Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, our works are useless unless they are accomplished by faith in You and according to Your Spirit’s power. We are often tempted to accomplish deeds by human wisdom and strength in the church, but Your Son has warned us that such works are lukewarm and useless. Help us to be the church and lean on Jesus to build the church. Give us Your strength and provision to serve You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—” (Revelation 3:17 NKJV).

From: December 12, 2017

Jesus’ letter to the Laodicean church warned them of depending on worldly wealth rather than spiritual power. This church is representative of many in America and the Western world that depend on human methods and material wealth, rather than prayer and spiritual power. Like the Laodicean church, they are in danger of being “lukewarm” in their dependence on the Lord. Yet, when the Lord sees them, they don’t appear rich, but “poor, blind, and naked.”

There is no church in Laodicea today, only ruins. Let us take heed. Let us pray that the Lord would make us rich in Him, seeing His direction and clothed in His power.

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 ESV)

From: December 12, 2016

“You are lukewarm!” These words were given by Jesus to the apostle John to pass on to the church at Laodicea. The ruins of this ancient city are located in the Western part of modern day Turkey. It’s geographic location gives insight to the words of Jesus. Located in the fertile Lycus valley between the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, the wealthy city of Laodicea was the financial headquarters for the whole area and the political center for the district. Yet, the city was dependent on external sources for water. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to carry water from the nearby hot springs at Hierapolis and the refreshing cold waters at Colossae, but by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was “lukewarm.” The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic value and the ice cold waters of Colossae, for its refreshing taste for drinking. But the water at Laodicea was good for neither. So, what was Jesus saying to the church at Laodicea when He accused them of being “lukewarm?” He was telling them that their works were useless, good for nothing, because they lacked spiritual power. This was not about their salvation, as some have suggested, but about their lack of spiritual zeal. They were depending on their own wealth and power to live. They thought themselves “rich,” but Jesus called them “poor” (Rev.3:17). A church that depends on worldly wealth and influence, rather than the Spirit’s power, is at risk of being “spit out” of Christ’s mouth! Today, there is no church nor city in Laodicea, only ruins.

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8 NKJV)

From: December 12, 2015

The letter to the church of Philadelphia is the only one of the seven that contained a commendation without any correction from Jesus. This little church was in the smallest of the seven cities addressed in Revelation. It didn’t have the population nor resources of the churches in the larger cities, but it did have spiritual power (“a little strength”), a commitment to God’s Word (“kept my word”), and Christ-centered faith (“not denied My name”). Jesus not only commended them, He gave them an “open door” of ministry effectiveness, so that the gospel went out from this little church to the surrounding world for centuries. God loves to do big things with little people.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20 NLT)

From: December 12, 2014

These are the words that Jesus told John to write to the “lukewarm” church at Laodicea. He asked them to listen for his gentle knocking at their door. Christ expressed that he was ready to “spit” (Literally, “vomit”) them out for their lukewarm commitment. But then he offered to come and abide with them, if they would only open their hearts and listen to his Word. Has your lukewarm commitment locked Jesus outside your church?