Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for May 27

THE PROPHET SPEAKS TRUTH TO POWER

From: May 27, 2024

‘Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”‘ (2 Samuel 12:7 ESV).

The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Certainly, the focus of the story is on David’s sin and repentance, and God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Yet, the prophet Nathan’s role in this story is worthy of consideration too.

What manner of man was Nathan? He didn’t hesitate to carry the Lord’s rebuke to David, declaring him “the man” who in his parable had taken the poor man’s lamb, which in reality was Uriah the Hittite’s wife. Nathan’s parable was so well conceived that David didn’t suspect that he was its subject until he had unknowingly pronounced a death sentence upon himself. Yet, Nathan didn’t hesitate. The moment David reached his judgment, Nathan declared him “the man” deserving such judgment. Nathan boldly fulfilled his prophetic office, risking his own life to declare such a thing to the king. Remember what happened to the prophet John the Baptist when he rebuked King Herod’s sin? He ended up with his head on a platter (Mark 6:27-28)!

Nathan didn’t hesitate to rebuke sin, even if a king was the focus. But he also was quick to declare the Lord’s forgiveness when David confessed his sin without excuse. Nathan was a good prophet. He did not hesitate to rebuke sin, nor was he slow to offer the message of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent.

May the Church today fulfill its prophetic office as Nathan did, fearlessly speaking God’s Word to those in power. May we boldly rebuke sin no matter where it occurs, while also being quick to offer the message of forgiveness to those who repent.

PRAYER: Dear Father, may we be obedient like Nathan to go to those to whom You send us, speaking Your Word boldly. May we also be quick to repent and confess our sin as David. For we too are in need of your grace and forgiveness. Help us to walk by faith in Your Son, knowing when to speak and when to listen. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PEACE IN CHRIST THAT OVERCOMES SORROW

From: May 27, 2023

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

True peace is not found in a trouble-free place, but in a Person. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So, true peace is found only in Christ Jesus.

The word, “shalom,” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” This is important because it has a greater depth of meaning than our word “peace.” Shalom is more than a cessation of hostilities, or an absence of trouble. Shalom speaks to an inward sense of fullness and wholeness. It describes an inner tranquility and sense of well-being that cannot be disturbed by external storms.

Speaking of storms, can you picture Jesus asleep in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee as a terrible storm threatens to swamp and sink it? Can you see the disciples trembling in fear and calling out to Jesus? Do you hear the quiet and commanding voice of Jesus speak to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still.”? This is the same Jesus that offers to live in us.

The question is not whether storms will come. They certainly will. The question is, “Do you have Jesus in your boat?” Do you have Jesus in your life? For only those who abide in Christ know this shalom, this “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). The peace of Christ overcomes worldly sorrow.

PRAYER: Dear Father, give us this peace of Christ today. For we face many troubles in this world. Give us this peace that sorrow cannot disturb and trouble cannot break. As we give our sufferings and sorrows to You, give us more of the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith” (John 16:1 NLT).

From: May 27, 2022

DON’T LET TROUBLE CAUSE YOU TO STUMBLE IN YOUR FAITH

The NLT translates the Greek word, “skandalizo,” as “abandon your faith.” It’s not a bad dynamic interpretation of the word. The word’s literal meaning is to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another might trip and fall.

But what was this scandal that might cause believers to stumble and abandon their faith? It was trouble and persecution. Jesus warned them that following Him would cause many of them to be rejected by family and friends and even to be persecuted. For the “slave is not greater than the master” (John 15:20). Jesus explained, “If they hate me and persecute me, then they will hate and persecute you too.”

So, what things did Jesus say to prepare them? He gave them two categories of information to remember, so they would not stumble.

The first category was one of warning. There would be trouble for them in this world. Jesus did not want His disciples to think that following Him would be trouble-free. Indeed, He warned them that following Him would actually cause them to experience even more trials and persecution because they belonged to Him. He was very specific about the trials they would face.

The one who follows Jesus thinking to avoid trouble, will soon stumble in their faith. For there will be trouble. Yet, Jesus promised “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The second category of information that Jesus gave His disciples was one of encouragement. He told them of His departure, but promised them that: 1) He would return to them after a “little while,” 2) They would receive the Holy Spirit as Helper, 3) the Father loved them, 4) they could ask for anything in His name and receive it, 5) He was preparing a place for them with Him, 6) All things of the Father were His and He was theirs, and 7) their temporary sorrow would turn into eternal joy.

Jesus does not want us to stumble and abandon our faith in Him. He warns us of temporary trouble, but promises us eternal joy, both now and forever.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that Jesus has called us to follow Him and has told us these things that we should not stumble. Help us today to obey and follow Jesus in all things. We want to walk in the Spirit and enjoy all that Christ has promised. We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen.

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33 HCSB).

From: May 27, 2021

YOU CAN HAVE PEACE AMIDST SUFFERING

True peace is not found in a trouble-free place, but in a Person. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So, true peace is found only in Christ Jesus.

The word, “shalom,” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” This is important because it has a greater depth of meaning than our word “peace.” Shalom is more than a cessation of hostilities, or an absence of trouble. Shalom speaks to an inward sense of fullness and wholeness. It describes an inner tranquility and sense of well-being that cannot be disturbed by external storms.

Speaking of storms, can you picture Jesus asleep in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee as a terrible storm threatens to swamp and sink it? Can you see the disciples trembling in fear and calling out to Jesus? Do you hear the quiet and commanding voice of Jesus speak to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still.”? This is the same Jesus that offers to live in us.

The question is not whether storms will come. They certainly will. The question is, “Do you have Jesus in your boat?” Do you have Jesus in your life? For only those who abide in Christ know this shalom, this “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).

PRAYER: Dear Father, give us this peace of Christ today. For we face many troubles in this world. Give us this peace that sorrow cannot disturb and trouble cannot break. As we give our sufferings and sorrows to You, give us more of the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble” (John 16:1 NKJV).

From: May 27, 2020

WHAT DOES JESUS SAY TO KEEP US FROM STUMBLING IN OUR FAITH?

The word translated “stumble,” has the meaning to “trip over and fall because of some impediment.” In this context, Jesus meant to prepare them, so that when trouble came, they would not be tempted to fall away from following Him.

What things did Jesus say to prepare them? He gave them two categories of information to remember, so they would not stumble.

The first category was one of warning. There would be trouble for them in this world. Jesus did not want His disciples to think that following Him would be trouble-free. Indeed, He warned them that following Him would actually cause them to experience even more trials and persecution because they belonged to Him. He was very specific about the trials they would face.

The one who follows Jesus thinking to avoid trouble, will soon stumble in their faith. For there will be trouble. Yet, Jesus promised “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The second category of information that Jesus gave His disciples was one of encouragement. He told them of His departure, but promised them that: 1) He would return to them after a “little while,” 2) They would receive the Holy Spirit as Helper, 3) the Father loved them, 4) they could ask for anything in His name and receive it, 5) He was preparing a place for them with Him, 6) All things of the Father were His and He was theirs, and 7) their temporary sorrow would turn into eternal joy.

Jesus does not want us to stumble and fall away in following Him. He warns us of temporary trouble, but promises us of eternal joy, both now and forever.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that Jesus has called us to follow Him and has told us these things that we should not stumble. Help us today to obey and follow Jesus in all things. We want to walk in the Spirit and enjoy all that Christ has promised. We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT).

From: May 27, 2019

TRUE PEACE IS ONLY FOUND IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST

True peace can only be found in a Person, not a place. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So, true peace is found only in Christ.

The Hebrew word, “shalom,” is the word that Jesus would’ve used. This is important because it has a greater depth of meaning than our word “peace.” Shalom is more than a cessation of hostilities, or an absence of conflict. Shalom speaks to an inward sense of fullness and wholeness. It describes an inner tranquility and sense of well-being that cannot be disturbed by external storms.

Speaking of storms, can you picture Jesus asleep in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee as a terrible storm threatens to swamp and sink it? Can you see the disciples trembling in fear and calling out to Jesus? Do you hear the quiet and commanding voice of Jesus speak to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still.”? This is the same Jesus that offers to live in us.

The question is not whether storms will come. They certainly will. The question is do you have have Jesus in your boat? Do you have Jesus in your life? For only those who abide in Christ know this shalom, this “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).

“Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy” (John 16:24 NLT).

From: May 27, 2018

THE ABUNDANT JOY OF PRAYING IN JESUS’ NAME

Jesus has become our Mediator, opening up the way to the Father by giving Himself as a ransom for our sin (1 Tim. 2:5-6). The veil of separation has been torn, allowing our entrance into the Father’s presence in prayer. Asking and receiving from the Father in Jesus’ name, we “will have abundant joy.” This joy is not the request, nor the answer, but the real experience of praying in Jesus’ name. This joy is not only for the moment, but is abundant, overflowing into every area of our lives.

Do you know the abundant joy of praying in Jesus’ name?

‘Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”‘ (2 Samuel 12:7 NKJV).

From: May 27, 2017

God sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Certainly, the focus of the story is on David’s sin and repentance, and God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Yet, the prophet Nathan’s role in this story is worthy of consideration too.

What manner of man was Nathan? He didn’t hesitate to carry the Lord’s rebuke to David, declaring him “the man” who in his parable had taken the poor man’s lamb, which in reality was Uriah the Hittite’s wife. Nathan’s parable was so well conceived that David didn’t suspect that he was its subject until he had unknowingly pronounced a death sentence upon himself. Yet, Nathan didn’t hesitate. The moment David reached his judgment, Nathan declared him “the man” deserving such judgment. Nathan boldly fulfilled his prophetic office, risking his own life to declare such a thing to the king. Remember what happened to the prophet John the Baptist when he rebuked King Herod’s sin? He ended up with his head on a platter (Mark 6:27-28)!

Nathan didn’t hesitate to rebuke sin, even if a king was the focus. But he also was quick to declare the Lord’s forgiveness when David confessed his sin without excuse. Nathan was a good prophet. He did not hesitate to rebuke sin, nor was he slow to offer the message of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent.

Pray for preachers today to have the boldness of Nathan, unafraid to rebuke sin no matter where it occurs. And also pray that they would have the gentleness of Nathan, quick to offer the message of forgiveness to those who repent.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8 ESV)

From: May 27, 2016

Jesus taught his disciples about the threefold ministry of the Spirit towards the world. The promised Helper that would come at Pentecost would be Comforter to his saints, but “Convicter” to sinners. Yet, even this ministry is grace, for he moves to bring the sinner into realization of the depth of their sin, the truth of Christ’s righteousness, and the inevitability of God’s judgment. The Spirit acts in conjunction with the preaching and hearing of God’s Word to bring those far from God, near. This clarifies the role of Christ followers. We are to share the Good News and leave the convicting of sin to the Spirit. Yet, pity the one who would harden their heart to the Spirit’s conviction, for they remain in their sin with full knowledge of their condition.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV)

From: May 27, 2015

Peace is not a place, but a Person. It is not an absence of external “tribulation,” which is inevitable in this world. But it is a quiet confidence in the Christ who has overcome the world and now invites us to live in Him. It is an awareness that worldly wars are temporary, while His peace is eternal. The peace of Christ is not a pause between storms, but a permanent state of mind even in the midst of storms. True peace is found only in the Person of Christ Jesus. Only those who abide in Christ know this peace “that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).