Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 12

“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?

“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)

From: December 12, 2013

Amos was a blue-collar prophet. Unlike Samuel who grew up in the tabernacle and called as a child, Amos was called as a grown man who already had a vocation. Be careful about putting God’s calling in a box. You may think God does it this way or that. But He doesn’t do encores. And its never too late with God. After all, He called Moses at age 80! God calls whom He wills, when He wills, how He wills. Answering that call is ours to do. Yet, may I say that I have never seen anyone more miserable than the one called who declines. When God calls, hear and follow.

“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)

From: December 12, 2012

Christ’s warning to the church at Laodicea. Because of its location half-way between the mountains and hot springs, Laodicea had trouble getting good water. The snow-capped Phrygian mountains above the city were a source of ice cold water, but b…

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8)

From: December 12, 2011

This sounds like WCC. God keeps trusting us with open door opportunities, while we are little in strength (numbers, money, influence). Let’s keep on preaching the Word and the Name.