Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for October 9

“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT)

From: October 9, 2014

Paul said that the One who “entrusted” him with the gospel message was also the One whom he sought to please in its delivery. Those who claim to share the Word, yet water it down to please its hearers, are not approved by God. Not only do they not please God, they mislead the people. Whose approval do you seek? Whose applause?

“Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

From: October 9, 2013

When we share the gospel we pray that our presentation will not just be words. But that we will have what the apostle Paul had, namely the power of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit and overwhelming passion and conviction in our voices.

“And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead” (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

From: October 9, 2012

Paul applauded the Thessalonian believers for how they “looked forward” to Christ’s return. When we are “looking forward” to a vacation, a wedding day, a birth or a graduation, what kinds of things do we do? Do we mark the calendar and count the days? Do we talk about the upcoming day with others? Do we pack our bags and organize our lives accordingly? Do we work and prepare? If we do all these things and more to prepare for worldly occasions, what might it look like for us to live “looking forward” to Christ’s return?

“Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

From: October 9, 2011

Your words carry only your influence and authority. Can you back up your own words? But the gospel word is backed up by the Lord. They contain His power to save, HIs Spirit to convict and redeem. Therefore we speak it with deep conviction.