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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2013
March 1, 2013
Genesis 10:1 - Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.
Thought: Noah had been faithful to his God. His sons were also faithful and were spared from the flood. They now left the ark and replenished the earth. Sons were born to them. Would they, too, remain faithful. What would the years bring? Chapter ten sets the stage for things to follow. Mankind had a new beginning. How would they use this opportunity? How will we train our children who follow after? The stage is being set in our lives for the years to come.
II Timothy 2:2
March 2, 2013
Genesis 10:5 - By these were the isle of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
Thought: The sons of Japheth founded the nations of the Gentiles. Notice that they sprang from the family of faithful Noah. They had the same opportunities as the sons of Shem. They made different choices and went different ways. The New Testament book of Romans reveals that God ultimately gave them up to a reprobate mind. Which choices will you make? Which path will you tread? One leads toward God; the other leads away from Him.
Matthew 7:13-14
March 3, 2013
Genesis 10:19 - And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest in Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
Thought: In the course of time, these nations would become the enemies of the family of Shem. When Israel enters the Promised Land, it will be these that will be driven out. Why? Their iniquity would be full. They will have completely depart from God. Sadly, sin can make families bitter enemies.
Matthew 10:34-37
March 4, 2013
Genesis 10:25 - And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
Thought: Science often claims that the Bible conflicts with its theories. This is true because man often has not learned enough. There are times, however, when the Bible and science are in full agreement. This is one of those times. It appears that the land masses were at one time together. In the days of Peleg, the earth was divided. Look at a globe and notice how all the continents could have been joined in times past.
I Timothy 6:20
March 5, 2013
Genesis 11:3-4 - And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth.
Thought: Here we are introduced to man's prideful and foolish ambitions. God had told man to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. Man had another plan. It was cloaked in a massive project, and with the intent of "making us a name." It won the support of the masses, but it was wrong. We may need to examine our projects and their intents. They many seem convincingly correct, but be in opposition to God's will.
Proverbs 3:5-7
March 6, 2013
Genesis 11:5 - And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
Thought: The Lord is concerned about the affairs of men. He pays close attention to all of our doings. He often turns His attention to our ways and evaluates the works of our hands. Such a thought is both comforting and distressing. It comforts those who are doing His will. It is distressing to those are disobedient to Him. How does the idea that God is watching make you feel?
Proverbs 15:3
March 7, 2013
Genesis 11:6-8 - And the Lord said, behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
Thought: In verse four the people said, "...let us build us a city..." Here we find "...and they left off to build the city." What thwarted their purposes? The intervention of God. Today, God still rules in the affairs of men. Let none of us ever think that God does not have the power to overturn our efforts that run contrary to His will. He is sovereign. He is the ruler of the universe. Let us commit our wills to His.
II Chronicles 20:6
March 8, 2013
Genesis 11:27-30 – Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot. And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
Thought: The Bible is filled with ordinary, regular people. Here we read of common events in the life of a family: births, death, and marriage. This family had no idea of the great plans God would work through them. In like manner, most of our lives are simple and relatively ordinary. God, however, may have great plans for our family.
Acts 9:10-16
March 9, 2013
Genesis 11:32 – And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.
Thought: Within this chapter, we again read of a genealogy. It is interesting to note that the life-span of man has decreased. Numerous reasons have been given for this phenomenon. The change in the environment of the earth after the flood and the presence of sin in the world are two of the most common ideas suggested. By the time of Moses, the life-span of man would be between seventy and eighty years, as it is today. It isn’t the amount of time we live, but how we use it that counts!
Psalm 90:10, 12
March 10, 2013
Genesis 12:1 – Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.
Thought: Noah was commanded by God to build an ark. Here, Abram is told to leave his homeland for an unknown place. These are strange, somewhat difficult, commands coming from God. Yet, this “Hall of Fame” faithful obeyed without hesitation. The Lord still commands unusual things to be done by man. The command to be immersed for the forgiveness of sins is one of these commands (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16). The faithful do not question or hesitate; they humbly comply with the Lord’s directions.
Hebrews 11:8
March 11, 2013
Genesis 12:1-3 – Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of they country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Thought: Three promises are set forth to the patriarch of old: the land promise, the nation promise, and the seed promise. The land and nation promises dealt with Israel. The seed pro-mise, however, has all men in mind. God said: “…and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” This blessing would come in the form of a babe in manger, a boy from Nazareth, a carpenter’s son, and a great Rabbi who was never trained in the rabbinical schools. Jesus is His name. He still continues to bless all families of the earth through the salvation He offers to all.
Galatians 3:16
March 12, 2013
Genesis 12:3-4 – So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran…and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
Thought: “So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him…” What faith! The move involved the whole family. Wife and children were uprooted from normal circumstances. It involved a slow, treacherous journey through new territory. Unfamiliar people surrounded them. Questions probably filled their minds. Where would they stop? What was God’s intent? None of these things stalled Abram. He departed. God still calls His disciples to go into all the world to preach the good news. How far have you journeyed from home?
Hebrews 11:6
March 13, 2013
Genesis 12:6 – And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
Thought: This is our first introduction to the Canaanites. They were not a God-fearing bunch. Eventually, they would become the ruthless enemies of God’s people. They would be a constant thorn in the side of the Israelites. God’s children still dwell among the enemy. Oftentimes, they plague us and war against us. At times, there are casualties. We must not befriend them. They can easily thwart our holy purposes. Evil companions can corrupt good morals.
Proverbs 1:10, 15
March 14, 2013
Genesis 12:7 – And the Lord appeared unto Abram and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
Thought: The precious promises of God, if believed and held dear, will produce worship on the part of the faithful. Forgiveness of sins, deliverance from evil, answered prayer, daily bread, resurrection, and a home in heaven are just a few of God’s promises to Christians. They should fill our hearts with gratitude. This gratitude should move us to offer our sacrifices of praise before His throne.
II Peter 1:4
March 15, 2013
Genesis 12:11-12 – And it came to pass, when he was come near into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
Thought: There have been many discussions about Abram’s actions. Did he lie on this occasion? Some say, “Yes;” others say, “No.” The real issue concerns Abram’s faith. Abram should have consulted God in this matter. God had great plans for this man. The enemy would not thwart those plans. God can always deliver the righteous out of the hand of the evil ones.
II Peter 2:9
March 16, 2013
Genesis 12:17 – And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.
Thought: Abram’s concerns came to pass. Sarai was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Sin lurked within the palace walls. God, however, intervened. He warned Pharaoh by means of great plagues upon his house. God protected those who were innocent. He also taught Abram a great lesson about His care. Perhaps the next time Abram would trust his God more.
Proverbs 3:5-6
March 17, 2013
Genesis 13:2 – And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Thought: The United States is enamored by wealth. We fail, however, to remember some important concepts about wealth. First, wealth does not make the man. It was Abram’s faith that is commended, not his wealth. Second, serving God does always bring wealth. Jesus served the Father, but had no place to lay His head. Third, it is not wrong to have wealth. Abram was “very rich.” It is wrong to allow our wealth to possess us.
Hebrews 11:8-10
March 18, 2013
Genesis 13:3-4 – And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.
Thought: This is the second of three times that the Bible reveals that Abram called upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 12:8; 13:4; 21:33). The phrase is an indication of the praise and worship Abram offered unto God. Abram’s homage was a regular part of his life. From beginning to end, Abram worshiped God. Faithful men and women will follow the example of this noble patriarch. They will seek each and every opportunity to honor and adore the God of heaven.
Psalm 29:2
March 19, 2013
Genesis 13:5-7 – And Lot also, which went with Abram had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled in the land.
Thought: Conflict within relationships is inevitable. Two individuals or groups have needs that often conflict. In Abram’s and Lot’s case, the problem was cattle and land. This difficulty brought strife among their herdmen. Strife is usually not very pretty. Harsh words are spoken and evil actions are performed. Both can bring harm and regret to a relationship. When in the heat of strife, we need to remember who is around us. “The Canaanite and the Perizzite” dwell in the land. They are watching the children of God. Let us, therefore, look for solutions instead of promoting warfare.
James 3:14-16
March 20, 2013
Genesis 13:8-9 – And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right: or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
Thought: Abram had the right attitude and the right approach toward this problem. He did not desire strife. He understood the importance of unity between brethren. He offered a solution to the problem that put Lot’s needs before his own. Many arguments in homes, in churches, in businesses, and between governments could be quickly resolved if those involved would take Abram’s approach.
Philippians 2:2-4
March 21, 2013
Genesis 13:10-11 – And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan: and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Thought: Abram gave Lot the first choice of the land for his herds. When Lot saw the well-watered plain of the Jordan, he could not resist. Some view this as a selfish decision. Perhaps. But it was also a wise business decision. Flocks need water and pasture. The plain of the Jordan had a rich supply of both. The question, however, that Lot needed to ask was: “Is this a wise spiritual decision?” One’s financial well-being means nothing when one’s soul is put in jeopardy.
I Timothy 6:10-11
March 22, 2013
Genesis 13:12-13 – Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lord dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.
Thought: In yesterday’s devotional, we agreed that Lot may have made a very sound business decision when he chose the plain in which to dwell. Now we see that this decision came with problems. Lot made his residence near the evil city of Sodom. Evil has a way of influencing even the godliest of men. Even if a man can refrain from the evil, it still finds a way to inject pain into one’s life. We should never pitch our tent toward Sodom. Instead, we should remove our feet from all evil.
Proverbs 4:27
March 23, 2013
Genesis 13:13 – But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.
Thought: The words found in this verse are not politically correct in our postmodern society. We are told that is it wrong to judge. We are urged to be tolerant and accepting. We may not agree with something, but we are instructed that we should not condemn. It is this attitude that enables evil to permeate our homes and our society. God’s children must recognize evil for what it is. Those who engage in evil are “wicked and sinners before the Lord…”
Psalm 5:4-6
March 24, 2013
Genesis 13:14-15 – And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.
Thought: Lot had chosen the fertile plain of the Jordan for his herds. God, however, insisted for Abram and his seed to possess the land. At times, God’s promises seem to be made null and void by life’s circumstances. The faithful must continue to trust God’s word. What God has spoken will come to pass. Neither men, nor angels, nor demons can thwart the plans of God. God will bring His will to pass.
Ezekiel 12:25
March 25, 2013
Genesis 13:15 – For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.
Thought: The word “forever” is an interesting Bible term. Its improper handling has been at the root of much false teaching. The word can be defined in at least two ways. One defini-tion involves eternity, time-unending. The other definition is simply a very long period of time, but that comes to an end. Both the immediate context and the remote context of the Bible help one ascertain the true meaning of the word in specific passages. Abram’s seed was promised the land of Canaan forever. Their possession of it was complete in the days of Joshua (Josh. 21:43-45). Their retention of the land was conditional, however (Deut. 28:63-68). With such a condition attached to the land promise, we know that the term “forever” had to mean “for a long period of time.”
Psalm 23:6
March 26, 2013
Genesis 14:1-2 – And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; that these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admmah, and Shemeber king of Zeboim, and king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Thought: The stories surrounding the six main characters of Genesis are so familiar that we sometimes forget that hundreds of years are passing as we read this wonderful book of beginnings. The population of the earth grew tremendously. Small nations began to form. Each of these kingdoms had a desire for power, wealth, land, control, and prestige. Their desires and needs often brought them into conflict with other nations. This conflict often erupted in war. In war, someone always gets hurt. There is hardly a time that innocent civilians fail to get hurt. Sadly, the destruction and death does not thwart the desires of those in control. Thus, war continues.
James 4:1
March 27, 2013
Genesis 14:4 – Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Thought: Freedom seems to be a desire that is placed within the hearts of all men. Those who are under the dominion of others long for freedom. For a time, they will submit to oppression and bondage. Eventually, they will rebel. This is true in almost every realm except the spiritual realm. Lost humanity is in the bondage and oppression of sin. Sadly, few desire to be set free.
Romans 6:16
March 28, 2013
Genesis 14:10-11 – And the vale of Siddom was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.
Thought: Wars usually end with one side victorious and the other side defeated. Those who are conquered suffer great losses. Freedom, land, wealth, dignity, and lives are just a few of the losses that can be incurred. Those who are overthrown seldom regain their former status. They struggle for years to overcome. Sometimes they cease to exist. These realities are not only true of nations, but of churches and families. Wars have been fought in both. The defeated always suffer their losses.
Psalm 79:1-4
March 29, 2013
Genesis 14:12 – And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Thought: Lot had chosen to pitch his tent toward Sodom. It was supposed to have been a wise decision. The plain was fertile and well-watered. This choice, however, did not rescue him from the other problems of life. He and his family were now captives of enemy nations. The future seemed dark and bleak. In the blink of an eye, Lot went from riches to poverty, happiness to sorrow, and freedom to slavery. Truly, riches have wings and soon fly away.
Proverbs 23:5
March 30, 2013
Genesis 14:14-16 – And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Thought: Why would Abram do such a thing as this? With Lot out of the picture, he could possess the good land of the Jordan. The answer lies in a statement Abram had made earlier with regard to him and Lot. “…we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8). For Abram, this relationship was precious. It involved a deep love for his brother Lot. That love moved Abram to always seek Lot’s best interest. When Lot was taken captive, Abram immediately came to his rescue. Abram is a demonstration of what it means to practice the command to love one’s brother.
I Peter 1:22
March 31, 2013
Genesis 14:17-18 – And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is in the king’s dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Thought: We are introduced to a very unique man in today’s reading. His name is Melchizedek. He is the king of Salem and the priest of the most high God. Moses only gives him three verses in Genesis. He appears “out-of-the-blue.” He exits as quickly as he comes. It will not be until the first century that his real importance is established. He is a type of Christ. Jesus would become a priest “after the order of Melchizedek.” This priesthood would replace the priesthood of Aaron. A study of Hebrews 7 will shed more light upon this intriguing figure of the book of Genesis.
Psalm 110:4
Read devotionals for April 2013