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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2013
July 1, 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: There are circumstances beyond a family’s control that might cause the family to move. In Isaac’s case, the cause was a famine. Moves are usually stressful, especially a move that is forced upon someone. If a move is in your future, use it well. Seek the adventure that is therein. Don’t be conquered by the stresses that are placed upon you.
Matthew 2:12-15
July 2, 2013
Genesis 26:5 – Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Thought: Obedience to God is a concept that is downplayed in many religious organ-izations. Faith is emphasized, but obedience is not. It is said that obedience is impor-tant, but it is made out to be of secondary importance. God, however, has always recognized and commended man’s obedience. In fact, God sees man’s obedience as a part of his faith. The two go hand-in-hand. It is impossible for man to claim to have faith in God and not be obedient to His will.
Hebrews 11:8-19
July 3, 2013
Genesis 26:7 – And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
Thought: Parental sins are often repeated by children. Abraham had lied to Abimelech about his wife years before (Gen. 20:1). Drunkenness, drug use, all forms of abuse, and sexual misconduct are seen by children and repeated in their adult years. It behooves parents to remove sin from their lives. Don’t be the reason your children sin. Don’t let them be able to say: “Well, mom and dad did it.”
Acts 7:51
July 4, 2013
Genesis 26:10 – And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? One of the people might lightly have lain with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
Thought: Adultery is a serious crime. It is unfortunate that in our society so many fail to take their marriage vows seriously. Husbands cheat on their wives. Wives cheat on their husbands. In so doing they bring “guiltiness” upon themselves.
Mark 10:11-12
July 5, 2013
Genesis 26:11 – And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
Thought: Abimelech believed that the death penalty was a deterrent to crime. Many today do not. Perhaps the reason it is not a deterrent is because it is not executed enough times. Too, it is not executed in a timely fashion. Life is precious. If fear of death was certain, most would be refrain from crimes that have the sentence of death upon them.
Ecclesiastes 8:11
July 6, 2013
Genesis 26:18 – And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
Thought: Precious life-giving wells of water had been stopped up. Isaac opened them again and named them by the same names as of old. It is possible that life-giving truths from God’s Word can be stopped up. Men like Isaac must come along to re-dig the wells. This has been done in the past. It may need to be done again in the future.
I Timothy 4:1-6
July 7, 2013
Genesis 26:24 – And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.
Thought: One of the most encouraging thoughts to the faithful child of God is that God is with him. This thought allows one to rest in peace at night. It allows one to face the enemy with confidence. It allows one to die without fear. Walk each day and close your eyes each night with this thought from God in mind: “I am with thee.”
Acts 18:8-9
July 8, 2013
Genesis 26:34-35 – And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.
Thought: Marriage involves the union of a man and a woman. However, it also involves other people. Marriage involves the family members of both the husband and the wife. When a son or daughter marries a person who can influence one’s son or daughter for evil, that person becomes a grief of mind to a father and mother. The apron strings might be cut at marriage, but the emotional strings still exist.
Proverbs 12:4
July 9, 2013
Genesis 27:1a – And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see…
Thought: Old age brings physical difficulties. The eyes grow dim. One’s hearing is more difficult. The body may have numerous aches and pains. However, there is an inner man that can be very strong if it has been developed in the ways of God. This inner man is a treasure, not only to the elderly person, but to all those who have contact with him.
II Corinthians 4:6
July 10, 2013
Genesis 27:1 – And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and he said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.
Thought: Esau comes to his father at his request. He will also go on the mission that his father has for him. We learn that elderly parents are to be respected by their children. Because one is old and feeble does not mean that he is not valuable. Children should definitely understand this. Even when one’s parents enter the twilight of life, a child should give honor unto his mother and father.
Ephesians 6:1-3
July 11, 2013
Genesis 27:2 – And he (Isaac) said, Behold now, I am old, and know not the day of my death.
Thought: Isaac expresses a truth about all men. No man knows when he will die. It could be within the next few moments. It could be that death will not come for years. Death, however, will eventually come. The question that needs to be asked now is: “What then?” What will happen after death? Then, how one has lived now will be the most important thing.
Hebrews 9:27
July 12, 2013
Genesis 27:4b-5a - …that my soul may bless thee before I die. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son….
Thought: Jacob desired to eat his favorite meal before he blessed his oldest son Esau. Rebekah overheard the conversation between the father and son. Her knowledge of what was discussed brought heartache to this family. It is sad to think that one’s wife cannot be trusted with information. She should be the one person in whom her husband can confide at all times. When a trusting relationship is not enjoyed, the home will be plagued with trouble.
Proverbs 31:11
July 13, 2013
Genesis 27:8 – Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
Thought: Jacob’s mother exhorts her son to obey her in doing something that is deceptive. Many seem to have fallen for Satan’s lie that it is okay to deceive as long as it is commanded by a superior. Children lie for their parents. Employees lie for their employers. Lying seems to be a commonly accepted practice. Christians, however are exhorted to “lie not.”
Colossians 3:9
July 14, 2013
Genesis 27:11-12 – And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: my father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
Thought: Jacob has some reservations about the deceptive plan of his mother. He is afraid that he will be found out by his father. That end would have very negative results for Jacob. Would that all could see the end of their actions, especially of evil actions. Severed relationships, broken homes, financial ruin, poor health, jail time, death, and hell should keep us from evil. Sadly, many cannot see afar off.
II Peter 1:9
July 15, 2013
Genesis 27:18-19 – And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here ma I; who art thou my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
Thought: Jacob boldly lies to his father in this text. As you read the account, he will lie over and over again. Many things are happening as he lies. His father is deceived. Jacob’s heart is being hardened. Jacob’s reputation is put at stake. Esau is being harmed. The God of heaven is being angered. Satan is winning a battle against one of God’s children. Is it any wonder why God hates lying lips?
Proverbs 6:16-17
July 16, 2013
Genesis 28:34 – And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
Thought: This extreme expression of anguish came when Esau learned that Jacob had received his blessing through deception. Lies hurt others. Sometimes we fail to realize the hurt our evil actions can bring to others. “Great and exceeding bitter” cries of anguish can result from one act of deception on our part.
John 8:44
July 17, 2013
Genesis 27:41 – And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Thought: The evils actions of another can spark anger within our hearts. This anger can lead to deeper sin. Esau’s anger led to hatred. That hatred moved him to plot murder against his brother. Anger must be dealt with quickly, lest it moves us to sin against God.
Ephesians 4:26-27
July 18, 2013
Genesis 27:43-44 – Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; and tarry with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away.
Thought: Because of their wicked scheme, Rebekah and Jacob are about to be separated. Rebekah sent Jacob to her brother’s house thinking the time he would be gone would be short. Little did she know that she would not see her son again. It would be over twenty years before he would reunite with his family. Is this what she had really bargained for?
Proverbs 13:15
July 19, 2013
Genesis 28:3-4 – And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; and give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee: that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.
Thought: These words are spoken by Isaac unto Jacob prior to sending him to Laban to find a wife. Remember, Isaac had been deceived by his son. Now, however, he passes on the Abrahamic promise to his younger son. Perhaps Jacob could see the hand of God in all that had transpired. God’s providence is a powerful force. It works the will of God in spite of man’s actions.
Philippians 2:13
July 20, 2013
Genesis 28:8-9 – And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father: then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.
Thought: Esau deeply desired the favor of his father. When he knew his Canaanite wives did not please him, he turned to the daughters of Ishmael. These women were just as unacceptable as the others. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he should have spoken to his father about the matter. If a child truly wants to please his/her parent, the parent can give the best advice.
Proverbs 4:1-4
July 21, 2013
Genesis 28:12 – And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
Thought: When we read about this dream, we say: “Wow! Wouldn’t it be great to have a ladder, a passage, into heaven?” Dear reader, we have a passage into the heavenly realm, prayer. At any time, we can mount this ladder and gain access to our Father in heaven. Through Jesus, we have a quick assent to the throne of God.
Ephesians 2:18
July 22, 2013
Genesis 28:13-14 – And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
Thought: Jacob is now given the land and seed promise by God. He is the third generation to receive it. These two promises, along with the nation promise, will be developed throughout the course of the history of Israel. The Messianic corridor narrows as God continues to bring His Son into the world.
Galatians 3:16
July 23, 2013
Genesis 28:15 – And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
Thought: God does not leave man to fend for himself. When God makes a promise to him, He helps man to see the promise to fruition. Jacob will have some unpleasant and trying experiences that he will have to endure. In all of them, God promised to be with him. He will definitely be with us unto the end as well.
I Kings 8:57
July 24, 2013
Genesis 28:16-17 – And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
Thought: When a man truly communicates with God, he is changed. It is impossible to go into the presence of the Almighty God without coming away altered. Jacob arises from his sleep with a deep reverence for his Father in heaven. The words “afraid” and “dreadful” express his sense of awe for the God of Abraham and Isaac. Go to God today in prayer. You, too, will be impressed with God’s greatness.
Psalm 33:8
July 25, 2013
Genesis 28:20-21 – And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God.
Thought: Jacob makes a vow to God. This vow seems to put God to the test. This test, however, will involve Jacob’s faithful walk with God. It also involves great deal of time. Many individuals desire things from God. They, however, do not walk with God and they fail to give God the time to work on their behalf. As Jacob’s story unfolds, we will see that God will honor the patriarch’s request.
Deuteronomy 7:9
July 26, 2013
Genesis 28:22 – And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Thought: We have seen a tenth given one other time in the book of Genesis. Abraham paid tithes to the priest and king of Salem named Melchisedek. Tithes, the paying of a tenth of one’s goods, will also be part of the Jewish system. Interestingly, the New Testament does not command tithing. It does, however, exhort us to generous and cheerful giving. No one would go wrong by starting his offering to God at ten percent.
II Corinthians 9:6-7
July 27, 2013
Genesis 29:1 – Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
Thought: Jacob is entering into a new phase of his life. Little did he know how much time he would spend in “the east.” He will also be blessed with wives and children during this time period. In addition, he will have hardships and difficulties. All of us enter into new phases of life from time to time. Blessings and problems will often come. Our responsibility is to do as Jacob did and remain faithful to our God.
Psalm 27:1
July 28, 2013
Genesis 29:2-3 – And he looked, and behold a well in a field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.
Thought: Jacob was a long way from home. What did he find? He found human beings engaged in the daily affairs of their lives. We often get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that some 7 billion people on this earth are also busy dealing with day-to-day activities. Perhaps we need to stop for a moment and pray for them.
I Timothy 2:1
July 29, 2013
Genesis 29:4-6 – And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
Thought: Three seeming coincidences take place in these verses. The men at the well are of Haran, they know Laban, and they inform Jacob that Rachel comes to this well. We all know that Jacob will soon be married to Rachel. Was this just happenstance? Was this just luck? Absolutely not! This is the providence of God at work in the life of one of his children. God provides for His children. He can bring all manner of things to pass in our lives.
Ephesians 3:20
July 30, 2013
Genesis 29:12-13 – And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
Thought: There is something very powerful about the ties of blood that bind people together. God has planted within each of us what is called “natural affection.” This causes us to love and care for family members, even those we meet for the first time. It is one of the blessings that cause each of us to be both amazed and grateful.
II Samuel 5:1
July 31, 2013
Genesis 29:15 – And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Thought: It is easy to take advantage of people and situations. Jacob was a diligent worker. Laban could have used him freely in his home. Laban, however, did not take advantage of Jacob. He offered to pay him a wage for his labors. Respect and decorum should be involved in every relationship that we have with others.
Proverbs 21:3
Read devotionals for August 2013