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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for May 2013
June 1, 2013
Genesis 22:4-5 – Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
Thought: There are so many things that are packed into these two verses. The words “third day” are significant when studying Isaac as a type of Jesus Christ. The phrase, “go yonder and worship,” helps one to comprehend what worship is. All Abraham had been doing the past three days was not worship. His worship was about to be conducted upon one of the peaks of Moriah. Lastly, Abraham indicates that both he and the lad will return to the servants. These are words of great faith. Remember, his purpose in ascending into the mountain was to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. The Bible is truly a Book from God. It is filled with golden nuggets of information that challenge our thinking and make us better in the process.
II Peter 1:3
June 2, 2013
Genesis 22:7-8 – And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
Thought: Children are always perceptive. In this case, Isaac knew his father was missing the lamb for the sacrifice. His inquisitive mind, therefore, asked his father about its absence. Abraham responded to his son with great faith. “God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” Abraham’s knowledge that “God will provide” moved him forward in obedience. He did not know all of the details, but he trusted God to provide. God has also promised to provide for us. Let’s move forward in obedience to His will and trust Him to take care of the details.
Matthew 6:31-33
June 3, 2013
Genesis 22:10 – And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
Thought: In this verse, Abraham’s heart displays itself in complete obedience to the will of God. Abraham is posed to take his son’s life. In Romans 4:12, Paul exhorts his readers to “walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham.” If we would do this, obedience to God commands would never be difficult for us. Anyone who could slay his son at the Lord’s bidding could follow any other command as well. May each of us resolve to practice an obedient faith before God.
James 2:21-23
June 4, 2013
Genesis 22:11-12 – And the angel of the Lord called out unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
Thought: Abraham passed the test of God with an extremely high score. Everything God had commanded of Abraham was carried out in detail. The angel declared that this proved Abraham feared God. Many fear the wrath of God. Others, like Abraham, fear God in the sense of having a profound respect for Him. This respect leads them to obey God in all things. This fear brings the blessings of God into their lives.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
June 5, 2013
Genesis 22:13-14 – And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
Thought: Abraham’s words to his son had been: “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” Abraham’s faith proved to be true once again. God did provide a ram for a sacrifice. Faithful followers of God should never doubt God’s ability to provide for them. In the direst of circumstances, they must trust God’s provisions. God’s storehouse never runs dry. He can fulfill all orders. Yes, God will provide.
Matthew 6:25-31
June 6, 2013
Genesis 23:1-2 – And Sarah was a hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
Thought: There are only a few things that can cause our lives to come to a stop. Death is one of those events. Until we have buried and paid our respect to the deceased, all else is put on hold. Death gets man’s attention. This is a good thing. Eventually, all men will transition from time to eternity. We need to be reminded. Each funeral we attend can be a time of resolve. We can resolve to be ready for that time when death knocks on our door.
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
June 7, 2013
Genesis 23:3-4 – And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burial place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
Thought: The land of Canaan was promised to the descendants of Abraham. Abraham, however, would always be a stranger in the land. The only portion of this good land that he would possess was a burial place. It takes a dedicated faith to remain true to God when one will never possess the physical blessings God has promised. Abraham remained steadfast. His eyes were fixed upon another land.
Hebrews 11:13-16
June 8, 2013
Genesis 23:11-13 – Nay my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead. And Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land. And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: for I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.
Thought: Business transactions are very important matters. To place one’s self in a secure position, one must pay the price. Abraham wanted a secure burial place for his wife. He did not want any possibility to exist that it might be taken from him in the future. Therefore, he refused the cave of Machpelah as a gift and paid four hundred shekels of silver for the property. As you go through life remember that some things are well worth the price that must be paid for them.
II Samuel 24:21-24
June 9, 2013
Genesis 24:2-4 – And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: and I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: but thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
Thought: One of the most important decisions that our children will make involves the selec-tion of a mate. This decision can impact the child’s earthly joy and his eternal destination. Abraham was deeply concerned about Isaac. He did not want him to marry any of the women of Canaan. The starting place for parents is on bended knee. They need to ask God to prepare for their child a good mate. Next, they need to teach their child what constitutes a worthy companion. In addition, they need to stress the importance that faith must play in the relationship. Lastly, they need to model a Christian marriage before their children.
I Kings 11:1-8
June 10, 2013
Genesis 24:4-6 – But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.
Thought: Abraham’s concern for his son continues in today’s reading. Abraham did not want his son to return to Ur of the Chaldees. Abraham knew the strong, negative influence that place could have on his son. Abraham’s kinsmen were idol worshipers. Too, they were family. In a less hostile environment, the tendency to conform to evil can be great. It is difficult to oppose one’s relatives. Therefore, Abraham commanded his servant not to take Isaac to that land. Would that more parents were concerned about the negative influences in their lives of their children. Would that more parents would take action to protect them from the evils that could destroy their lives.
Matthew 10:34-37
June 11, 2013
Genesis 24:7 – The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
Thought: Deism is a belief that asserts that God has distanced Himself from His creation. Abraham did not believe that God was far away. He believed that God was actively involved in the affairs of his life. His words to his servant were: “He shall send his angel before thee.” In the text that follows, we never see the angel, nor do we hear him speak. Yet, the events of the chapter turn out to be very fruitful. Let us never doubt that God is concerned about each of us. Too, He is willing to help and assist us in many ways through His divine provi-dence.
Acts 17:23-28
June 12, 2013
Genesis 24:12 – And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Thought: Every man, woman, and child needs to rely deeply upon God. Part of that reliance will manifest itself in fervent prayer. Abraham’s servant had been sent on a mission to acquire a wife for Isaac. The servant bowed himself before the God of heaven and asked for God’s kindness to be shown to Abraham. All aspects of our lives involve decisions and choices. Let’s take them to God. He eagerly awaits our petitions.
I Peter 3:12
June 13, 2013
Genesis 24:26-27 – And the man bowed down his head, and worshiped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.
Thought: Abraham’s servant had prayed for God’s kindness to be shown to his master. Even before he finished praying, the Lord began to fulfill his request (Gen. 24:15). A damsel named Rebekah came to the well to draw water. Her actions fulfilled all the signs asked by the servant. He knew this was the wife for Isaac. He praised God for answered prayer. God often answers our prayers. He provides exactly what we have requested. Let’s not forget to praise Him for supplying both our needs and our desires.
Matthew 7:7-11
June 14, 2013
Genesis 24:50-51 - Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, the thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the Lord hath spoken.
Thought: One of the most marvelous displays of the power of God is within the realm of His divine providence. God brings His will to pass without denying man his freedom of choice. It had been years since Laban had seen Abraham. He could have easily denied access to Rebekah. This was not the case. Laban freely allowed his precious daughter to go with Abraham’s servant. As you go through your day, remember that a powerful God is near.
Psalm 21:13
June 15, 2013
Genesis 24:64-67 – And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself … And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Thought: This was the first time Isaac and Rebekah had ever met. They married the same day. Their marriage lasted until death. In the U.S., we have much to learn about marriage. We date for months or years before getting married. Often our marriages last for only a brief time. There is something wrong. A man who came from a culture that practiced arranged marriages targeted the problem with these words: Those in the U.S. marry the one they love. Those in arranged marriages love the one they marry. Dating before marriage or arranged marriages, neither practice is wrong. The key is commitment. Those who say, “I do,” should be committed to one another till death.
Matthew 19:6
June 16, 2013
Genesis 25:1-2 – Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimram, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
Thought: For Abraham, there was life after the death of Sarah. Abraham did not let the death of Sarah paralyze him. He moved forward. He was blessed with a new mate and more children. Not all will do as Abraham did. They will not create new families. However, the living must learn the lesson that life must continue. Many fail to live life to its fullest after the death of a loved one. A life not lived is wasted. Live in such a way that you can joyfully meet your loved one in the hereafter.
II Samuel 12:22-23
June 17, 2013
Genesis 25:7-8 – And these are the day of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, a hundred threescore and fifteen years. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
Thought: The great men of God do not last forever. Eventually, these men give up the ghost and pass into the unseen realm of the dead. We are grateful for their good lives. We are thankful for the trails they have blazed. We owe them much for the battles they have fought and for the fires they have built. We should never, never disparage their good names. God honors them (Heb. 11) and so should we!
Hebrews 11:13-16
June 18, 2013
Genesis 25:9-10 – And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; the field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.
Thought: Isaac and Ishmael had been at this cave before. It was here that Sarah had been buried. The cemetery often becomes the place for family reunions. Time and again the family is drawn to the family’s burial site. Grandparents, parents, and children are placed side by side. Death constantly reminds the living that he is active. The living should take this to heart. Our ancestors have not escaped death and neither shall we.
II Kings 20:1
June 19, 2013
Genesis 25:11 – And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi.
Thought: The plans God made in Abraham will continue through his son Isaac. Isaac would take up the torch and serve God faithfully. God needs each generation to devote itself completely to His service. If this does not happen, apostasy is inevitable. Once departure takes place, several generations can pass before that family returns to God. Oftentimes, they never return. The present generation must teach the next. The next generation must give heed to the things taught and commit itself to its future responsibilities.
II Timothy 2:2
June 20, 2013
Genesis 25:12, 16 – Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham....These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
Thought: Any history of a nation tends to be focused upon specific people and certain events that influenced the nation. There is, however, a broader context. There are many more nations that are growing, thriving, and operating in the world. The Hebrew nation is the focus of the Old Testament. God reminds us from time to time that other nations exist. He is concerned about all people.
Psalm 22:28
June 21, 2013
Genesis 25:21 – And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Thought: Once more we are impressed by the power of prayer. Isaac longed for a child, but his wife was barren. He took his problem to the One who sits upon the throne of grace, “and Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife.” Would God listen? Would He answer Isaac’s request? “…and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” What Isaac could not do, God did. Do you have a need? Take it to God. Boldly lay it before Him and expect Him to answer.
Philippians 4:6
June 22, 2013
Genesis 25:22-23 – And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels, and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Thought: Rebekah had a very active pregnancy. She carried twins. These two sons were constantly moving in her womb. It appeared that tension existed between the two sons prior to birth. When the Lord explained the struggle, He informed Rebekah that it would continue after their birth. In fact, both sons would father a nation. The two nations, Israel and Edom would also be rivals. Family frictions can begin early and continue years into the future.
Obadiah 10-14
June 23, 2013
Genesis 25:24-27 – And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, There were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
Thought: All children are unique, even if they are twins. They have their own looks. They have their own thoughts. They have their own feelings. They have their own abilities. They have their own experiences. Parents must appreciate and respect these differences. They must use these differences properly as they raise their children in the nurture and admoni-tion of the Lord. To expect one child to be like another or to make unfair comparisons can bring serious problems into the home. Learn to treat your children as individuals and deal with them as such.
Proverbs 22:6
June 24, 2013
Genesis 25:28 – And Isaach loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Thought: It is evident from this verse that both Isaac and Rebekah had their favorite sons. This love sprang from the personality, talents, and interests of the child and parent. It is easy for a parent to get more closely attached to one child than another. Parents must be careful that this does not create division in the family. They must also be careful not to allow the close relationship to cloud their judgment. Satan can easily exploit a parent-child relation-ship and create havoc in the home.
James 2:9
June 25, 2013
Genesis 25:29-31 – And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: there-fore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
Thought: There are some decisions that one will make that can radically affect the rest of his/her life. Sometimes these decisions must be made when the body and mind are under extreme duress. Esau found himself in such a position. He was extremely hungry after his hunting expedition. Jacob, his brother, had food that would sustain his life. This food, however, came with an extremely high cost, his birthright. It was time to contemplate beyond the immediate situation. Esau needed to carefully weigh the long-term consequences of his decision.
Proverbs 21:5
June 26, 2013
Genesis 25:32 – And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
Thought: Proper reasoning is vital to our well-being. There are times in our lives when right thinking is very difficult. Esau was so hungry that he reasoned that he was going to die. If he died, his birthright would not matter anyway. Counselors call this “stinking thinking.” It happens often to children who have been reared in homes of abuse and neglect. It happens to those who find themselves under the stress of divorce, financial ruin, abuse, and loss. Improper thinking needs to be confronted. If not, choices can be made that will adversely affect one’s life far into the future. Esau was about to find this out.
Proverbs 29:20
June 27, 2013
Genesis 25:33-34 – And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Thought: The birthright was a proud possession of the firstborn son. It entitled him to a double portion of his father’s assets upon the father’s death (Deut. 21:17). For a single bowl of soup, Esau sold his birthright. As children of God, we have an inheritance that awaits us (I Pet. 1:3-4). We, like Esau, can despise our birthright. Some have sold their birthrights for fleeting riches, moments of sensual pleasure, or for popularity among peers. The day will come when it is time for the inheritance to be distributed. Please, don’t come to that day having sold your birthright.
Hebrews 12:15-17
June 28, 2013
Genesis 26:1 – And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
Thought: Various circumstances of life can force families into transitions. In this case, a famine caused Isaac to move his family into Philistine territory. A job loss, a career move, a need for more education, or sickness can be some of the reasons families are forced to move. Three things can assist a family during these major adjustment periods. First, keep a good attitude. Second, express love toward your family members. Third, keep your faith in the God of heaven. Transitional periods will eventually come to an end. Stability will come to the home once again.
Psalm 71:1-3
June 29, 2013
Genesis 26:2-3 – And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all those countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father.
Thought: God said unto Isaac: “I will be with thee.” This is one of the most comforting promises God makes to man. It assures him that he will never face the struggles and diffi-culties of life alone. In fact, during the hard times God will pick His child up and carry him. Let us take comfort in the fact that God is by our side at all times.
Hebrews 13:5
June 30, 2013
Genesis 26:4 – And I will make thy see to multiply as the stars of heaven, and I will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed.
Thought: The concept of the seed promise began in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15). It is a prominent theme in the book of Genesis. God had told Abraham that in his seed all families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3). God now renews this promise to Abraham’s son, Isaac. Later, the promise will be made again to Jacob. This seed is none other than Jesus Christ. God is systematically working His plan to bring His Son into the world.
Galatians 3:16
Read devotionals for July 2013