Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for June 22

RAISING UP YOUNG LEADERS

From: June 22, 2024

“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23 ESV).

After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples in city after city, they returned to each city to appoint elders in every church. In this way, a gospel centered, church-planting movement began to sweep across the Roman world. The speed with which the early church spread seems unbelievable, yet within this account we might find explanation.

First, the Scripture reported that after preaching the gospel they made disciples in every city. They weren’t simply making church goers, they made disciples, people who were serious followers of Jesus.

Second, after they would return to a city, they would consider which of their disciples had shown themselves faithful. Then, with much prayer and fasting they would appoint those that the Spirit had confirmed to them as elders.

Finally, they entrusted the ministry to these that were young in the faith without holding them back. They could’ve stayed in any of these cities themselves as the most qualified elders. Yet they trusted that the Lord would complete the work that they had begun in them.

How can we learn from the ministry of the early church in the raising up of young leaders today?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray for a gospel movement in our cities today. We pray for wisdom to raise up young people whose hearts will be set afire for You. Give us insight to know how to raise up the next generation and to lay hands on them to lead in Your ministry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE FIRST CHURCH MISSIONS REPORT

From: June 22, 2023

“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too” (Acts 14:27 NLT).

Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too.

This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.

Our church has sent out many short term and long term mission teams. But you don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent. You are sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, your coworkers, and your city. What will you report to Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being sent on mission in Your Name. We are Your ambassadors carrying the gospel to the world. Empower and embolden us, so that Your Word goes out. Stretch forth Your hand to open doors and hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT).

From: June 22, 2022

THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED MEDICINE

Solomon was given wisdom from God to write many proverbs on many topics. Among them, is this proverb on the connection between body, mind, and spirit, and how the health of one affects the other.

Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the proverb teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body.

Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.

As Nehemiah said, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh. 8:10).

PRAYER: Dear Father, You have made us so that our spiritual joy and our physical strength are connected. Encourage us this day by Your Holy Spirit. Give us the joy of the Lord that we might be strengthened to do Your will this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27 HCSB).

From: June 22, 2021

THE FIRST CHURCH MISSIONS REPORT

Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too. This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.

Our church has sent out many short term and long term mission teams. But you don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent–sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, coworkers, and city. What will you report to Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being sent on mission in Your Name. We are Your ambassadors carrying the gospel to the world. Empower and embolden us, so that Your Word goes out. Stretch forth Your hand to open doors and hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.” (Acts 14:27 NLT).

From: June 22, 2019

THE FIRST CHURCH MISSIONS REPORT

Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too. This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.

We just returned from our 4th mission trip to Uganda. Tomorrow evening we will giving our mission report to the church. But you don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent–– sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, coworkers, and city. What will you report to Jesus?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being sent on mission in Your Name. We are Your ambassadors carrying the gospel to the world. Empower and embolden us, so that Your Word goes out. Stretch forth Your hand to open doors and hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.” (Acts 14:27 NLT).

From: June 22, 2018

FIRST CHURCH MISSIONS REPORT

Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too. This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.

You don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent—sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, coworkers, and city. What will you report to Jesus?

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)

From: June 22, 2016

Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the Bible teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body. Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.

“We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them” (Acts 14:15)

From: June 22, 2012

The “worthless things” to which Paul referred was the worship of Zeus and Hermes. He contrasts them with the “living God” who is Creator of all. We are still called to bring this message to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard.

“She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof…Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us'” (2 Kings 4:9-10)

From: June 22, 2011

The Shunammite woman built a “Prophet’s Chamber” for Elisha. Rural homes often provided a room like this for itinerant preachers in the US. Would there be room at your house for such a one?