Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for February 4

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25)

From: February 4, 2013

Jesus accused the Pharisees of the hypocrisy of outward expressions of holiness without any true heart change. The Pharisees had added layers of rules on cleanliness in their interpretation of the Torah. They even had instructions on how to do dishes. Yet, their eyes were blind and their ears deaf to Christ’s message. The disciples of Jesus may not have washed their hands according to the Pharisaic tradition, but their hearts were humble and open to Christ’s teachings. As God told Samuel, “man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart” (1 Sam.16:7). What does God see in your heart?

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12)

From: February 4, 2012

Number 5 of God’s Top Ten. This one along with #4 are “shalts” rather than “shalt nots.” This is the first command with a promise: long life. So, honor (respect, pay homage, give financial support, obey…) your parents. ‘Cause God said so.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7)

From: February 4, 2011

Can you empty your heart’s concern upon the Lord as David did? Carrying all to Jesus our heavy hearts are made light and free to leap and sing! This will seem foolish to some. Only those who have been weighed down and then set free understand this.