Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for July 13

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen” (Romans 1:25 NLT)

From: July 13, 2014

The beauty and order of creation points to the unseen Creator, yet sin has lowered humanity’s vision to the visible creature. With an innate need to worship, they praise nature instead of nature’s God. This fallen focus puts a lie at the center of their thinking, so that their thinking devolves into foolishness and futility. This falsehood cannot be exposed without spiritual power. Mere words and human persuasion will not suffice. Sin has blinded their eyes and their minds are darkened. Only the power of God and the preaching of the gospel can shine the light of truth and reveal their need to repent and be saved.

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done” (1 Chronicles 16:8)

From: July 13, 2012

David wrote this song of thanksgiving for the Levites to sing on the day they carried the Ark into Jerusalem. Today, the very Presence of God abides in us through Christ. We are His tabernacle. If David had cause to celebrate, we have more. So, let us give thanks and proclaim God’s greatness to the whole world!

“Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

From: July 13, 2011

The Psalms express every emotion of the human heart. This one questions where God is when trouble comes. The writer begins feeling distant from God, but as he pours out his heart, he is encouraged again. God is not afraid of your questions. Cry out to Him and be refreshed.

“And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:15)

From: July 13, 2010

David’s first attempt at transporting the ark to Jerusalem failed when Uzzah was struck dead by God while reaching out to steady the ark when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. David became so afraid of God that they left the ark there.
After a season, David researched this with the Levites and discovered that he had not followed God’s instructions for carrying the ark. It was not to be carried by oxen and cart. It was to be carried by men, specifically, set-apart men from the priestly house of Levi. And they were to carry it in a very specified way- “with the poles on their shoulders.” They were to carry it with their faces towards the ark and the backs towards the world, being careful not to touch it, but to honor it and not let it fall.
God still ordains that set-apart people carry His Word.