Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for January 4

“News about him spread as far as Syria” (Matthew 4:24)

From: January 4, 2014

After Jesus overcame Satan and returned from His wilderness fast, He began His public ministry. News of Him soon reached other lands, including Syria. In the book of Acts we read that Christians were in Damascus in such number that the persecutor, Saul, headed there to bring them to trial. Of course, His mission was changed when the Lord struck him blind along the way. Instead of persecuting them, he ended up preaching the gospel there. A large Christian fellowship of believers has lived in Syria since the 1st century. Yet, today they are experiencing terrible persecution once again. Pray for the Christians in Syria. Before the civil war, they made up over 10% of the population. Untold numbers have been persecuted and killed. Pray that the Lord once again directs help to a street called “Straight” (Acts 9:11).

“The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.)

From: January 4, 2013

These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed” (Genesis 9:18-19).
Racism is without real basis. There is only one race, the human race. We are all related. It appears that Japheth’s tribe settled Europe, so there’s a strong possibility that the Combs clan (from Combe Manor, England) goes back to him. Regardless, we all go back to Noah, and Noah back to Adam and Adam… from God.

“Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father” (Genesis 9:23)

From: January 4, 2012

When someone sins, should we play “Gotcha” and expose them? Or should we graciously offer a covering? This story is a foreshadowing of what the Son of God and of Shem has done for us. Jesus comes not to accuse, but to cover our sin with His own blood.