Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for January 15

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37 NKJV)

From: January 15, 2015

This statement from Jesus to His disciples is very disconcerting, until you understand it’s significance. Jesus is claiming the priority love that belongs to God alone. He is not saying you cannot love your family and be His follower too. No, far from it. He is saying that we must love Him above all others, even our very families. Since Jesus is God, He appropriately claims our first devotion. Yet, choosing to love Christ first, above all others, we are actually filled with the love of God which causes us to truly love not only our families, but our neighbors and even our enemies. The thing that grieved Christ about the church of Ephesus was not that they had fallen into sin, or that they had become heretics. No, He commended them for their faithfulness in these areas. What grieved Christ is that they had “forsaken” their “first love” for Him (Rev. 2:4). Following Christ is a commitment of the heart as well as the head. We are called to a love relationship with the One who redeemed us.

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it” (Matthew 10:39)

From: January 15, 2014

Following Christ is an all or nothing commitment. Surrender control. Open up your clinched fists. Give Christ your entire life. And then, discover the abundant life that Christ promises.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31)

From: January 15, 2013

When trials and difficulty come don’t doubt God’s presence and care. Didn’t He allow His own Son to suffer in order to fulfill His purpose? And what is God’s purpose for us…? He is making us like Jesus. So don’t fear. God knows what you’re going through. Call on Him for strength and trust Him with your future for He cares for you.

Everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33)

From: January 15, 2012

Surely Peter recalled these words from Jesus after denying Him three times. Yet Jesus didn’t leave Peter in this broken condition. He restored Peter saying, “Do you love me?” Isn’t that what this is about? If you really love Jesus, then you’ll stand up and tell others.

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30)

From: January 15, 2011

With these words, Jesus encouraged His disciples not to worry about God’s awareness of their situation. God knows us better than we know ourselves.