Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for November 5

“Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3 NLT)

From: November 5, 2014

There is a type of idol that is unseen, but is just as surely built and worshiped in the human heart. This idol of the heart comes between us and God. Those elevated to leadership must recognize their particular vulnerability to this type of idolatry. These idols are not made with wood nor stone, but with a prideful lust for power and position. It causes a kind of religious self-delusion and makes us susceptible to sin. It makes our prayer life ineffective. Remove the thing that has stolen your heart and taken first place ahead of loving God. Repent and make the Lord your first love, so that you might know God’s forgiveness and experience fellowship with Him in prayer!

“In the morning the word of the Lord came to me” (Ezekiel 12:8)

From: November 5, 2013

Rising up in the morning, Ezekiel is filled with the Word. No internet, no morning news, no ESPN updates, or emails, no empty personal plans… the Word. The Word came to him and there was no room for anything else. How’s your morning so far?

“Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3)

From: November 5, 2012

There is an idol that no one can see outwardly, but is just as surely built up and worshiped in the human heart. This idol of the heart comes between us and God. It causes a religious self-delusion and makes one susceptible to sin. It makes prayer ineffective. Remove the thing that has stolen your heart and taken first place ahead of loving God! Make God your first love.

“He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert” (Psalm 105:41)

From: November 5, 2011

Water is life. When we go through desert times in our lives, Jesus is our Rock. There are seasons of dryness that test us. They teach us to go to the Rock. Even when all looks to be desert, go to Jesus and drink. Why do you thirst? Is it not to remind you that you need Him above all else?