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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for April 2013
May 1, 2013
Genesis 18:23-24 – And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city; wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are in it?
Thought: “And Abraham drew near.” This phrase is used in the New Testament with regard to prayer. This prayer, however, was not just any prayer. It was a prayer of intercession. Abraham placed himself between God and the righteous of Sodom and Gomorrah and pled for their lives. God hears these prayers. The compassion of one human being on behalf of another human being has weight with God. “And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes” (Gen. 18:26).
Hebrews 10:19-22
May 2, 2013
Genesis 18:24-25 – Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city; wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Thought: Abraham acknowledges God as “the Judge of all the earth.” This is a fact that some will not acknowledge. Every human being that has lived, is living, or ever will live, will stand before this Judge. Will this Judge do right? Absolutely! He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31) and according to truth (Rom. 2:2). Through His Son Jesus Christ, it is possible to stand before Him holy and unblamable and unreproveable in His sight.
Romans 14:12
May 3, 2013
Genesis 18:27-28 – But Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Thought: The Bible describes God as being “Spirit” (John 4:24). Abraham describes himself on this occasion as “but dust and ashes.” However, this feeble and frail human being not only had audience with God, but also had influence with God. Abraham began his plea with fifty righteous souls. The number was ultimately reduced to ten. “And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake” (Gen. 18:32). The righteous sometimes forget that they can influence God. The God of heaven is a loving Father who wants to answers the petitions of His precious children.
John 14:13-14
May 4, 2013
Genesis 19:1 – And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground.
Thought: Back in Genesis 13, we read of Lot’s decision to pitch his tent toward Sodom, a city filled with wicked and sinful men. Lot eventually moved into the city itself (Gen. 14:12). Now we read that he “sat in the gate of Sodom.” Those who sat at the gate were the offi-cials and judges, the prominent ones. From a material standpoint, Lot’s decision had been profitable. However, his decision had also brought hardship. Little did he know of the anguish that he and his family were about to experience. Dear reader, the well-watered plains of the Jordan do not always bring the happiness and peace that seem to be there. One would do well to look beyond their appeal and try to honestly see the hurtful consequences that might come from a pursuit involving prosperity and power.
I Timothy 6:9
May 5, 2013
Genesis 19:4-5 – But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: and they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in unto thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
Thought: Suffering is often blamed upon God. Suffering really has many sources. The choices and actions of evil men can bring suffering to the innocent. The evil men of Sodom attempted to bring harm to Lot’s guests. The mob waned to “know” Lot’s guests. They wanted to have homosexual relationships with the strangers who had entered into their gates. When others choose to bring evil acts of violence upon us, God should not be blamed. Evil men should be blamed and held accountable for their wicked deeds.
Psalm 10:2
May 6, 2013
Genesis 19:5 – And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
Thought: Twentieth century America no longer views homosexuality as an evil. In fact, many believe that homosexuals are born with the desire for same-sex relationships. The Bible presents a very different picture of homosexuality. It is seen as an evil that is against God and against creation. Those who engage in the practice of homosexuality will never enter into the kingdom of heaven. Dear reader, God created man. It is He who has legislated on this matter. His will is good for mankind. His will is always right. Thus, we must oppose homosexuality on every front.
I Corinthians 6:9-11
May 7, 2013
Genesis 19:6-7 – And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, and said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
Thought: The world stands in desperate need of men like Lot. We need man of courage who will arise and confront the evil workers of our day. We need men who will call those who are caught in the grip of sinful vice to cease from their wicked ways. We need men to arise and call men and women to repentance. We need men who will say: “I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.”
II Timothy 2:24-26
May 8, 2013
Genesis 19:8 – Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
Thought: Lot’s actions on this occasion have been widely discussed by commentators. Some see Lot as an honorable man who was seeking to protect his guests, a requirement of the law of hospitality. Others see him as a desperate man trading one sin for another. It was Lot’s greedy choices that had put him in this situation. Good fathers will seek to make wise, right-eous decisions for their family. They should never get into situations where they must sacri-fice the holiness and purity of any of their family members.
Joshua 24:15
May 9, 2013
Genesis 19:9 – And they said, Stand back. And they said again, this one fellow came into sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now we will deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
Thought: Evil companions are not true friends. Lot had resided in Sodom for some time now. He was one who sat at the city gates, a position of power and prominence. Yet, the moment he opposed the sinful actions of the inhabitants of Sodom, they turned upon him. They no longer owned him as one of their own. They threatened to do more harm to him than they intended to bring upon his guests. Choose your friends wisely. Choose righteous friends who will stick by you instead of turning and seeking your destruction when you oppose their sinful actions.
Proverbs 18:24
May 10, 2013
Genesis 19:12-13 – And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? Son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever, thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.
Thought: How blessed one is to be able to receive warnings before disaster ensues. Satellite technology allows us to warn the coasts of a coming hurricane. Advanced weather systems have enabled the National Weather Service to issue earlier warnings of impending tornadoes. These warnings are seen as a blessing. Lot received a blessing when he was warned of Sodom’s coming destruction. We, too, have received a blessing in the form of a warning. All those who refuse to obey the gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Please, dear reader, heed the warning!
II Thessalonians 1:7-9
May 11, 2013
Genesis 19:14 – And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seems as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
Thought: Lot was given the responsibility of warning his family about the disaster that was imminent. He warned his sons in law to flee the city of Sodom. They, however, rejected his message. They refused to take their father in law seriously. Disaster awaits our present world. The faithful seek to warn others of the fiery end of this world. Many refuse the message. Their refusal will not change the reality of the destruction to come.
II Peter 3:10-14
May 12, 2013
Genesis 19:15-16 – And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here: lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
Thought: Warnings had been given, yet Lot lingered. Destruction was nigh at hand, yet Lot lingered. The judgment of God upon Sodom was near the gates, yet Lot lingered. Leaving his home was difficult for this man of God. Too, he may not have truly understood the urgency of the command to leave. The call of the gospel is an urgent call. Men are exhorted to leave their sins and become new creatures in Christ. They, like Lot, often linger. Some linger too long. Don’t let this happen to you. Get out of your sins while there is still time.
II Corinthians 6:2
May 13, 2013
Genesis 19:17 – And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Thought: These angels of God had a deep concern for Lot and his family. They made every effort to get them out of Sodom safely. First, they took them by the hand and led them out of the city. Second, they gave them specific instructions concerning their flight from Sodom. One of these instructions was “look not behind thee.” Lot’s wife disregarded this command. “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Gen. 19:26). Simple commands are extremely important to God. He expects man to obey His will in all things.
Luke 17:32
May 14, 2013
Genesis 19:24-25 – Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven, and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
Thought: Archaeology has never discovered the remains of these wicked cities. The judg-ment of God was heavy upon the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. God showed that there comes a time when His patience comes to an end. There comes a time when He brings destruction upon the immoral and those who refuse to obey His will. A similar day is coming again. This time, however, the fires of destruction will consume the entire earth.
II Peter 3:9-12
May 15, 2013
Genesis 19:31-32 – And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
Thought: These words of Lot’s oldest daughter can be viewed in two ways. Some might think they are rooted in deep concern. Others see within them a lack of faith in God. The latter is the true view. She begins with a false assumption about not being able to find a husband. She uses the evil of intoxicants to engage in the sin of incest with her father. She sees only the end result: “…that we may preserve seed of our father.” This woman was involved in pragmaticism, that is, the concept that the end justifies the means. This is a doctrine embraced by our post-modern society. Sadly, many churches have embraced pragma-ticism. If it works, many believe that it is pleasing to God. This is a devilish doctrine.
Colossians 3:17
May 16, 2013
Genesis 20:1-2 – And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, she is my sister: and Abimelech, king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
Thought: The controversy still rages over this text. The question is: “Did Abraham lie?” Sarah was both Abraham’s half-sister and his wife. We know of a certainty that Abraham did not tell the whole truth. He did this in an attempt to spare his life. In addition, we know that he put Abimelech in a position of committing sin. All of this combined indicates that Abraham’s actions were wrong. Abraham should have trusted God. God can provide without man’s deception and sin.
Colossians 3:9
May 17, 2013
Genesis 20:3 – But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.
Thought: God has always been deeply concerned about the sanctity of marriage. It is a grievous sin for a man to have sexual relations with another man’s wife. The Bible calls the act “adultery.” Those who engage in it cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is interesting that Abimelech did not possess the knowledge that Sarah was Abraham’s wife. However, he was still about to commit a sin that would bring death. Ignorance is no excuse for violating God’s law.
Galatians 5:19-21
May 18, 2013
Genesis 20:4-5 – But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
Thought: It is possible for a person to commit sin based upon false information. Abimelech had only been told partial truths. He took Sarah into his house believing she was the sister of Abraham. Had he lain with her, he would have committed adultery. It is imperative to know all the facts about a matter before believing or acting. This is true of salvation as well. Don’t trust the words of a mere man. Investigate. Get the facts. Study the plan of salvation for yourself from the pages of God’s Word.
Acts 17:11
May 19, 2013
Genesis 20:6-7 – And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
Thought: It is often said that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath and judgment. Those who make this claim fail to see the numerous times that God’s grace and mercy are displayed in the Old Covenant. Here, God keeps Abimelech from sinning. He warns the man of the situation he is in and gives him a way to maintain his innocence. What was this king’s concept of God? Did he see Him as a God of judgment, or as a God of grace?
Exodus 34:6-7
May 20, 2013
Genesis 20:9-10 – Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? And what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? Thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
Thought: Abimelech openly confronted Abraham about his misdeed. He was not abusive, but he was forthright. He did not attack the character of Abraham; he merely stuck to the facts. He also sought for understanding in the matter. In relationships, troubles will arise. It is imperative for the parties to actively communicate when conflicts arise. Sadly, too many people refuse to handle matters forthrightly. The conflict seethes beneath the surface. Ultimately, the relationship is harmed or destroyed.
Matthew 18:15
May 21, 2013
Genesis 20:17-18 – So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.
Thought: Abimelech restored Sarah to Abraham. He also made proper restitution. Prayer was then made by Abraham on his behalf. These actions brought healing to the household of Abimelech. Repentance and prayer can still bring healing to Christians who commit sin. It is comforting to know that pardon is offered when we violate the commands of God.
Acts 8:18-24
May 22, 2013
Genesis 21:1-2 – And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
Thought: Three times in these two verses we are told that God did exactly as He had promised in the past. Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son. That promise of God was brought to fruition. God can always be trusted to fulfill His promises. He is not like man who often reneges on his word. Even the passing of large amounts of time will not negate God’s Word. If God says it will happen, it will come to pass.
II Peter 3:8-10
May 23, 2013
Genesis 21:3, 6-7 – And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac….And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? For I have born him a son in his old age.
Thought: Sarah is now well aware of the marvelous power of God. No human would have predicted the birth of Isaac. Both Abraham and Sarah were well up in years. The human mind would have thought that the birth of a child to this older couple was an impossibility. No so with God. Are there things in your life that appear to be impossible? Take them to God. The same God who gave Abraham a son in his old age has the resources and power to deal with your apparent impossibilities.
Matthew 19:26
May 24, 2013
Genesis 21:9-11 – And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
Thought: Here we see an instance of rivalry within a home. In this case, polygamy was partly to blame for the warfare that resulted. Rivalry, however, can happen within any home. Self-ishness, pride, and ambition often drive the rivalry. Abraham was caught in the middle of the conflict between Sarah and Hagar. This shows that the family is a system. What impacts one in the home will also impact other family members. This is true both negatively and positively. Each member of the home, therefore, should seek to bring good influences into the home.
Romans 15:1-3
May 25, 2013
Genesis 21:12-13 – And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
Thought: It is interesting to watch God at work in the affairs of men. God can take what is evil and turn it into something good. That which brings feelings of sorrow can be turned into rejoicing. God told Abraham to grant Sarah her desire. God, however, had plans to bless both Isaac and Ishmael. In our times of difficulties and struggles, we need to turn them over to God. God can bring blessings to our lives in the midst of trials.
Romans 8:28
May 26, 2013
Genesis 21:14 – And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
Thought: God is constantly working and many times man is unaware of God’s activity. This is evident within this Old Testament event when compared with the teaching found in Galatians 4:21-31. Hagar’s being cast out would become an allegory for the removal of the Old Covenant. Rebekah and Isaac would come to represent the New Covenant and the children of promise. In Abraham’s day, this information was unknown to man. In fact, the events that happened in Abraham’s home occurred long before the Law of Moses was given. God shows us that He is sovereign. His constantly works in the affairs of men to bring about His will.
Galatians 4:21-31
May 27, 2013
Genesis 22:22-24 – And it came to pass at the time, that Abimelech and Phicol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all thou doest: now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. And Abraham said, I will swear.
Thought: Genuine kindness between men and nations should not only be desired, but it should be diligently sought after. The problem with kindness, however, is that it often involves deceit. Sometimes both parties wonder whether or not the kindness of another is sincere. If kindness is ever found to be false, strife, estranged fellowship, and warfare will follow. Abraham pledged his kindness to Abimelech. Let’s pledge our kindness to others, then, follow through.
Ephesians 4:32
May 28, 2013
Genesis 21:33 – And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
Thought: This is the third time that we have read of Abraham’s calling on the name of the Lord. Abraham understood the nature of God. He had put his complete faith in Him. That faith motivated him to prostrate himself in God’s presence often. For the true believer, wor-ship is not just a duty, an obligation. Worship is a compulsion. A lover of God longs to be in the presence of God in order to give Him praise and adoration.
Psalm 116:17
May 29, 2013
Genesis 22:1 – And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
Thought: In the book of James don’t we read that God does not tempt any man? (See James 1:13). Yet, the Bible plainly says “that God did tempt Abraham.” Is this a contradiction? No! The answer lies in the definition of the word “tempt.” God was not tempting Abraham to sin. Instead, He was testing Abraham’s faith and love. We, too, can be put in similar tests by God. He subjects our faith to overwhelming obstacles in order to prove our trust, fidelity, and loyalty to Him.
I Peter 1:6-7
May 30, 2013
Genesis 22:2 – And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there fore a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Thought: This command from God was a very difficult command for many reasons. First, it involved the taking of life. Second, it involved Abraham’s son. Third, this was a son who was deeply loved and cherished by his father. Fourth, he was a child a promise, that is, through this son all families of the earth were to be blessed. God definitely made the obstacles very difficult for Abraham. This would be a real test of his faith. Can you honestly say that you have faced this level of testing in your life?
Romans 4:17-18
May 31, 2013
Genesis 22:3 – And Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and cleaved the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place which God had told him.
Thought: Abraham’s immediate obedience causes one to marvel. God commanded him to offer his son as a burnt offering. Abraham proceeds immediately to the mountain of sacrifice. Abraham did as God commanded because he trusted God. He did not know “how” God would fulfill His promises through Isaac, but he knew He would. Therefore, he made the three day journey to the land of Moriah. In like manner, we must always trust God’s Word. How God will fulfill all of His promises may not be revealed unto us, but He will. We must trust Him to do as He says He will do.
Hebrews 11:17-19
Read devotionals for June 2013