 |
|
Sunday schedule of services have changed, refer to home page
| |
|
OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for March 2013
April 1, 2013
Genesis 14:19-20 – And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Thought: Two actions take place in this one passage. First, Melchizedek blesses the noble patriarch Abram. Second, Abram pays tithes to the king of Salem. The Hebrew penman focuses upon these two actions in his discussion of Jesus’ priesthood. Both actions establish the superiority of Melchizedek. The greater always blesses the lesser. Too, the lesser always pays tithes to the greater. Thus, Melchizedek was proven to be greater than Abram. If Melchizedek were greater than Abraham, he is also greater than the descendants of Abraham. The ultimate point made by the inspired writer is that the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant.
Hebrews 7:4-10
April 2, 2013
Genesis 14:22-23 – And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.
Thought: Favors accepted from others can come back to bite us. These favors are not soon forgotten by the ones who give them. They boast of them. They use them against us in the future. The one who bestows the favor acts as if the one given the favor is in bondage to him. Abram refused to be under any obligation to the king of Sodom. Thus, he turned down the spoils of the battle that were offered unto him. Let us beware! Gifts received from others often come with strings attached.
Proverbs 15:27
April 3, 2013
Genesis 14:24 – Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the young men which went with me, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
Thought: Abram had turned down the spoils of victory for himself. Yet, he asked that three of the men who went with him to battle be given their portion. Abram manifests a sterling quality of leadership here, care and deep concern for one’s followers. These men had assisted Abram in the battle. They had risked much and had fought hard to help rescue Lot and his family from the enemy. They deserved a reward. Abram made certain their needs were properly met.
Philippians 2:4
April 4, 2013
Genesis 15:1 – After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and they exceeding great reward.
Thought: When we read passages such as this, we are impressed with the manner in which God communicated His message to the patriarchs. Sometimes we wish God would communi-cate in a more direct and engaging manner with us. What we forget is that God’s communi-cation was not received every day by the early fathers. They had to wait for God’s Word to come to them. Having His Word in written form allows us to hear Him speak to us every day. Each day we can hear Him say: “Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
Psalm 3:3
April 5, 2013
Genesis 15:2-3 – And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
Thought: It is not uncommon to find men of faith wondering, questioning, and confronting God with their spiritual struggles. God doesn’t always provide the particulars. He doesn’t always work on our time scale. He sees the end from the beginning, but man does not. This lack of understanding often causes us to doubt and wonder. In such times, one must turn again to God. It is appropriate to confront Him with our questions. Abram did: “Lord, God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless…?”
Hebrews 4:16
April 6, 2013
Genesis 15:4-6 – And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Thought: Saving faith is a controversial subject. All believe that faith is essential, but not everyone agrees as to what, if anything, should be included with faith. Here, we read that Abram believed in the Lord, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Notice that obedience is not found in this act. Why? The reason is because Abram was only given a promise by God, the promise of an heir. There was nothing for Abram to do except to trust that God would fulfill His promise to him. Let’s keep Genesis 15:6 in mind. We will see these words applied again in the life of Abram at a later date.
Romans 4:1-3
April 7, 2013
Genesis 15:7-8 – And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord God whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
Thought: Abram desired that some form of confirmation be given to him to assure him that God’s promise would come to pass. God provided him with that assurance that same day. We, too, may wonder if we can trust the promises of God. We may desire some type of a sign from God. A miraculous sign will not be provided today. However, we have the Word of God in our hands. We can read of hundreds of promises our God has made in the past that were fulfilled to the letter. This history proves that God is faithful. Whatever God promises will come to pass.
Deuteronomy 7:9
April 8, 2013
Genesis 15:18 – In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
Thought: The land promise was reiterated to Abram several times by God. Here, the boundaries of that land are established, “from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” In the days of Joshua, the bulk of the land was given to Israel. “And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein” (Josh. 21:43). In the days of Solomon, the kingdom reached its zenith (I Kings 4:21). Some teach that the land promise to Israel was not fulfilled. As we have seen, God was true to the promises He made to the patriarch Abram.
Joshua 21:43-46
April 9, 2013
Genesis 15:1-2 – Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarah said unto Abram, Behold, now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my handmaid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
Thought: Abram has been specifically told by the Lord: “…but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir” (Gen. 15:4). Sarai, however, remained barren. She devised a plan, whereby Abram might have children. Abram agreed to this plan. This was not God’s plan. This decision to have children through Hagar would bring much heartache to this family in the future. Such is always the case when we fail to include the will of God in our endeavors.
James 4:15
April 10, 2013
Genesis 16:3-4 – And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
Thought: We see the first sign that a mistake had been made in giving Hagar to Abram, but it was too late. Hagar had been put in a position to assist her mistress. Having the ability to conceive caused her to look down upon her owner, “her mistress was despised in her eyes.” It is not uncommon for an underling to exalt himself above his superior. He sees a weakness and exploits it. He has a talent and boasts of it. When this happens, positive relationships develop serious problems. Oftentimes the relationship comes to a bitter end.
Proverbs 13:10
April 11, 2013
Genesis 16:5-6 – And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid unto thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: The Lord judge between me and thee. But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
Thought: Family relationships are often strained due to poor decisions family members make. Giving Hagar to Abram was Sarai’s idea. It was a bad idea that came back to haunt her. Tension grew between the two women. Abram was caught in the middle. Unloving actions took place in the household. One member fled. Many families could tell of similar instances within their homes. Everyone needs wisdom in the decision-making process. More wisdom usually means less harm.
James 1:5
April 12, 2013
Genesis 16:7 – And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way of Shur.
Thought: This is the very first time that we are introduced to “the angel of the Lord.” He will play an important role at various times in the Old Testament. He is a being who is distinct from God the Father. Yet, he is sometimes described as the Lord Himself. In Exodus 3:2, it is said that the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush. In Exodus 3:4 we read: “And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush…” In verse 6, the angel of the Lord identifies himself to Moses. “Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob…” Most believe that this “angel of the Lord” was none other than Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 10:1-4
April 13, 2013
Genesis 16:8-10 – And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? And whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for a multitude.
Thought: The angel of the Lord instructed Hagar to do two difficult things. First, she was to return to her mistress. After fleeing, her return could bring severe consequences. Second, when she returned she was to submit to Hagar. Her pregnancy had made her somewhat cocky. The angel now tells her to return to her rightful place of submission. These instructions were made easier by the promise given to her: “I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for a multitude.” God’s promises are comforting. God’s promises enable one to endure hardships and difficulties. We exhort our readers to trust in the promises of God.
II Peter 1:4
April 14, 2013
Genesis 16:11-12 – And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shall bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
Thought: God promised Hagar a son, but his life was going to be a difficult one. The Ishmaelites established themselves in the dry, desert regions of the Middle East. They were a nomadic people who dwelled in tents and traveled in large caravans. They were wealthy, but acquired their wealth through much lawless activity. Their evil practices caused them to be enemies of many. Even to this day, their descendants are wealthy and despised by many.
Psalm 83:4-6
April 15, 2013
Genesis 16:13 – And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seest me?
Thought: This conversation between Hagar and the angel convinced her that God was watching her. The thought that God’s eyes see all in our lives can be both comforting and haunting. When we do well, we are glad that God sees. When we struggle, it brings peace of mind to know that God is aware. On the other hand, when we do evil, the thought of God’s eye being upon us can be disturbing. Yes, our God is watching. It is out of love and concern, however. He is not a God who is intent on condemning us.
Proverbs 15:3
April 16, 2013
Genesis 17:1 – And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Thought: Sometimes we have a tendency to forget that large amounts of time passes between some of the events recorded in Genesis. A span of thirteen years is found between Genesis 16:16 and Genesis 17:1. Even more time than that had elapsed since God had appeared to Abram in a previous vision (Gen. 15:1). Abram had to constantly wait on God. Thus, when God appeared to him, He reminded the patriarch that He is “the Almighty God.” All power and authority resides in God. Man’s responsibility toward this powerful Being is to walk before Him and be perfect. We must remember that we still serve the Almighty God today.
Psalm 21:13
April 17, 2013
Genesis 17:4-5 – As for me, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Thought: In Bible times, names were more than identification tags. Names carried deep meaning. “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living” (Gen. 3:20). In Hebrew, the name Abram means “exalted father,” and the name Abraham means “father of a multitude.” Abraham’s name reminded all that heard it of the promise that God had made to him about fathering many nations. God’s people wear a name today. It is the name Christian (Acts 11:26). It is more than a label. It indicates the One who is living in and through us, Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Philippians 1:21
April 18, 2013
Genesis 17:10-11 – This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you.
Thought: This is the very first time that we read about the covenant of circumcision. It would become one of the major practices that separated the Jews from the heathen world. The Jews would be known as the Circumcision. The Gentiles would be referred to as the Uncirumcision. In Christ, however, this barrier would be removed. Paul wrote: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Gal. 6:15). Under the new covenant, it is the circumcision of the heart that is of utmost importance to God.
Romans 2:28-29
April 19, 2013
Genesis 17:13-14 – He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
Thought: For the male child of Israel, being in a covenant relationship with God depended upon his being circumcised. If he failed to be circumcised, he was to be cut off from his people. Thus, inclusion into the fellowship of God’s people was predicated upon a specific action. The new covenant does not require circumcision in order to be included among God’s chosen people. However, an act of faith is required, namely, baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). This act puts one into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27). When one is baptized, he is added to the body of believers, the church (Acts 2:41, 47).
I Corinthians 12:13
April 20, 2013
Genesis 17:15-16 – And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Thought: We often focus upon the men in our study of the book of Genesis. Yet, the women of this book were also faithful servants of God. They, too, had great faith and made tremendous sacrifices. Sarah’s name change indicates that she would be a princess. Nations and kings would spring from her. God still uses women of faith in His work today. Those who trust God with all their heart are blessed and richly rewarded.
Hebrews 11:11
April 21, 2013
Genesis 17:17-18 – Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Thought: Human reasoning is often challenged by the God of heaven. Such is not difficult for God to do because His thoughts are so much higher than man’s thoughts (Isa. 55:8-9). Men, like Abraham, may laugh at God’s plans. Yet, God always brings His will to pass. It is always best to trust in the Lord and never lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6
April 22, 2013
Genesis 17:18 – And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
Thought: At first, Abraham’s statement seems to be Abraham’s continued attempt to convince God to carry out His plans through Ishmael. God, however, did not take his request this way. He took it as a father’s desire for his present son to be blessed by God (Gen. 17:20). To this point, God had said nothing specifically to Abraham about Ishmael. Abraham loved his son and desired his best. Therefore, he confronted God, saying: “O that Ishmael might live before thee!” Good fathers love all their children, desire their best, and bring their names before the God of heaven on a regular basis.
I Thessalonians 2:11
April 23, 2013
Genesis 17:23 – And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circum-cised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Thought: Abraham’s faith was constantly being challenged by God. First, he was told to leave his home and go to an unknown land. Second, he was promised a son when both he and Sarah were beyond the age of childbearing. Now, he is commanded to circumcise all in his household in order to enter into a covenant relationship with God. Abraham could have easily questioned God. Why circumcision? It is a painful operation? Abraham’s faith, however, did not waver. Abraham circumcised all the males in his household “in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.” Abraham’s life was truly “a walk of faith.” Can the same be said of your life?
II Corinthians 5:7
April 24, 2013
Genesis 18:3-5 – And said, My Lord, if I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away. I pray thee, from me thy servant: let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
Thought: Abraham sets before us the perfect display of hospitality. The Greek word for hospitality comes from two words, “love” and “strangers.” Hospitality, therefore, is “the love of strangers.” Abraham saw three men near his tent. He ran to meet them and manifested his love toward them. Clean feet, rest, and food were given to the strangers. Such is the practice of hospitality. Some claim that showing hospitality to strangers today is dangerous. So be it. Can you, then, show hospitality to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Make plans to show your love to another this week
I Peter 4:9
April 25, 2013
Genesis 18:6 – And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
Thought: Great men are under girded by loyal, diligent wives. Abraham was a man of hospitality. This quality was strengthened by his good wife. Abraham knew he could depend upon Sarah for assistance. She would labor to make her husband “shine” in the presence of his guests. This would require self-denial and sacrifice. As her husband’s helpmeet, she willingly assisted him. Our world has put to much emphasis on self. Too many are watching out for number one. Good marriages can’t survive with this mentality. A good home will have a woman therein who is willing to spend and be spent on behalf of her family, especially her husband.
Proverbs 31:10-12
April 26, 2013
Genesis 18:9-12 – And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life, and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age, and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
Thought: Faith can be difficult at times. Sarah had been told of a child by Abraham. Now she heard it from the lips of a stranger. The very thought of conceiving a child in her old age made her laugh. She and Abraham conceiving a son was most comical. Sarah’s faith was being challenged. Our faith can be challenged at times as well. God says He hears our prayers. At the grave side, we hear that the dead will live again. When our enemy viciously attacks us, the Lord tells us that vengeance is mine, I will repay. As we hear these words, we, too, sometimes doubt. Yet, we must continue to believe.
Hebrews 11:6
April 27, 2013
Genesis 18:13-14 – And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Thought: Man often forgets the great power and ability that God has. We limit God to the scope of what we deem possible. Anything beyond the realm of possibilities is deemed impossible, and perhaps, even foolish. God shakes His head, and asks: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” His question is rhetorical. The answer is obvious. Whatever God says He can do, He can do. We must trust Him and never lean upon our own imaginations.
Matthew 19:26
April 28, 2013
Genesis 18:15 – Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay, but thou didst laugh.
Thought: Throughout the Bible, one is impressed with the knowledge that God has of the actions of men. Laughs, thoughts, desires, prayers, and actions of men are all known to God. Men might deny them, or, seek to cover them up, but they are known by God. Nothing can be hidden from Him. To lie about our thoughts and deeds is futile. To seek to cover them up is useless. God knows. He says to us, as He did to Sarah: “Nay, but thou didst laugh.”
Psalm 139:1-6
April 29, 2013
Genesis 18:16-17 – And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on their way. And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?
Thought: After being refreshed by Abraham, these travelers set out to accomplish their original mission, to survey the wickedness of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was under no obligation to reveal His purposes to Abraham. However, there were some good reasons He might disclose to him the real purpose of His journey. It is interesting that God does not act without due consideration of others, especially those He considers to be His friends. God loves and is genuinely concerned about His people.
Exodus 3:9-10
April 30, 2013
Genesis 18:20-21 – And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me, and if not, I will know.
Thought: This passage seems to indicate that God has limited knowledge. It appears that He must do a personal inspection in order to determine whether the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were as wicked as they seemed to be. Such is not the case. God is all-knowing. What we really have here is a picture of God’s longsuffering. Instead of immediate judgment, God affords mankind time to repent. God longs for the salvation of all. Allowing a few more days before destruction comes could mean the salvation of a few more people.
I Peter 3:9
Read devotionals for May 2013