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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for March 2014
April 1, 2014
Psalm 119:91 – They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Thought: The word “they” refers back to the previous verse. It refers to the earth and all that is therein. All elements and aspects of this world operate because of the ordinances of God. He is in control of the universe. Everything moves and operates at the command of His voice. Man may learn “how” things operate, but he will never be able to control the universe. Only God is at the central control center of everything.
Hebrews 1:3
April 2, 2014
Psalm 119:92 – Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
Thought: Man usually engages in things that delight him. Some delight in eating luscious foods. Thus, they frequent the restaurants with exquisite menus. Some delight in sports. Thus, their Saturdays and Sundays are spent watching TV with a remote in hand. The psalmist’s delight was the law of God. Thus, he read it, studied it, and applied it to his life every day. It was a pleasure that brought him benefits in times of affliction. This cannot be said of many of the delights that man delights himself in.
Romans 7:22
April 3, 2014
Psalm 119:93 – I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Thought: Strong gives an interesting definition of the word “forget.” He defines the term as “to mislay, that is, to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.” There are several ways for one to forget the Word of God. Some just set it aside and never embed it in their memory. Some may not remember what has been memorized. Some may forget the teachings of a particular passage. Some may intentionally forget God’s Word because they will not apply what they know to their life. The psalmist resolved that he would never do these things. “I will never forget thy precepts.”
Deuteronomy 8:11
April 4, 2014
Psalm 119:94 – I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
Thought: There is a sense in which all men belong to God. He is their Creator. As the created, man belongs to God. Here, however, the psalmist speaks of his belonging to God in a special sense. He was God’s in that he had yielded himself to Him. He was in a covenant relationship with Him. God was his Father. He was God’s child. In that relationship, he cries out for God to save him. All of God’s children can make the same request today.
Matthew 14:30-31
April 5, 2014
Psalm 119:95 – The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
Thought: For many reasons, the wicked hate the righteous. Their hatred drives them to eagerly look for ways to destroy the godly. They seek to destroy their influence, their livelihoods, their families, and, even their lives. Many examples of this despicable behavior are found in the Bible. If the wicked can destroy the faithful of God, they are no longer reminded that they themselves are evil.
Luke 19:47
April 6, 2014
Psalm 119:96 – I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Thought: The “perfection” of which the psalmist speaks involves the matters of men. Man’s conclusions about science have their limits. Men can do wonderful things with technology, but, again, his accomplishments are limited. In the realm of art, man amazes us, but, there are still limits. There is no perfection within man. There will always be limitations to what he can be and accomplish. The psalmist had lived long enough to see the proof of such a statement.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
April 7, 2014
Psalm 119:97 - Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
Thought: Ten times in Psalm 119, the psalmist declares his love for God’s law. This is the third time he makes the declaration. He emphasizes his love for God’s Word with the word “oh.” God’s law was dear to him. It was something for which he had a deep affection. It was something with which he shared a close relationship. It was his companion. His heart deeply longed for the message of God’s wonderful revelation. My friend, do you share the sentiments of the psalmist. Is the law of God something that you deeply love?
II Thessalonians 2:10
April 8, 2014
Psalm 119:98 – Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Thought: Man often views the Word of God with contempt. He often asserts that the Bible is merely a human product that was written thousands of years ago that is no longer relevant. The believer knows better. He knows that the Scriptures are a product of an all-wise God. Those who give heed to them can be wiser than their enemies. God’s wisdom supersedes man’s wisdom farther than can be imagined. Do you want to be wiser than your enemies? Heed God’s commands.
I Corinthians 1:25
April 9, 2014
Psalm 119:99 – I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Thought: There are many brilliant professors who occupy classrooms and lecture halls throughout our world. These individuals have been trained in prestigious universities. They have obtained many degrees. Much of their wisdom, however, involves the wisdom of man. A man of true wisdom is one who makes God’s word his meditation. In fact, those who are skillful in the Word of God can have more understanding that all of their teachers.
I Corinthians 1:20
April 10, 2014
Psalm 119:100 – I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Thought: We have been taught that with age comes wisdom. This, however, may not always be the case. If the aged have not immersed themselves in the Word of God, their wisdom could involve the wisdom of man and the wisdom of carnal experiences. It is possible for a young man to understand more than the ancients. This is because of the young man’s relationship to the Word of God.
Matthew 7:24
April 11, 2014
Psalm 119:101 – I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Thought: God’s Word warns us of evil ways. Some of these evil ways bring immediate pleasure to mankind. They satisfy the desires and longings of man’s heart. Thus, some individuals despise the law of God, saying: “It takes away my pleasure.” What man forgets is that the ways are “evil.” These ways bring hurt, heartache, ruin, destruction, and death to mankind. Man would be happier and more prosperous if he refrained his feet from every evil way as the psalmist did.
Proverbs 4:14
April 12, 2014
Psalm 119:102 – I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
Thought: It is possible for one to depart from the judgments of God. Many have done so to their hurt. Departure indicates a turning from. Departure also pictures man putting himself at a great distance from God’s Word. Those who depart from God now will one day hear these words: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).
II Samuel 22:23
April 13, 2014
Psalm 119:103 – How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.
Thought: All humans are composed of two beings, an inner man and an outer man. One being is physical; the other is spiritual. In some respects they operate in the same way. Both beings need to be fed and nourished. The inner man needs to be fed with the milk and meat of God’s Word. The psalmist loved the taste of God’s Word. It was sweet like honey. When God’s Word is pleasant to the taste, the inner man can digest it in large amounts. Yum!
Psalm 19:10
April 14, 2014
Psalm 119:104 – Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Thought: There are two bodies of knowledge within our world. One body of knowledge originates with God. The other is authored by man. There are times when the two are in complete harmony. However, there are other times when the two contradict. Sadly, man’s wisdom often supports and encourages the false ways. God’s precepts should always be the standard of man’s beliefs and behavior. God alone is all-wise and all-knowing. His instructions will keep us from the false ways that bring harm, ruin, and death.
Proverbs 14:12
April 15, 2014
Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Thought: Walking around in darkness is not an enjoyable experience. One is constantly thinking that unseen dangers are present. It is difficult for the individual who is in darkness to reach his destination. Any task that needs to be done in the dark is difficult at best. The world in which we live is a realm of darkness. Without light, man gropes through the darkness not knowing where he is going. Fortunately, we have a light to shine on our path to show us the way. That light is the inspired Word of the living God.
II Peter 1:19
April 16, 2014
Psalm 119:106 – I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Thought: To swear to do something usually shows the serious intent that one has in performing an action. Courts ask individuals to swear to tell the truth. If the truth is not told, the individual is held in contempt. Here, the psalmist swears to perform the judgments of God. His resolve is worthy of our imitation. We must remember, however, that it is to the God of heaven that we have made such a promise. It is a promise to which He will hold us accountable.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
April 17, 2014
Psalm 119:107 – I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.
Thought: There are many preachers today who preach a “prosperity” gospel. They tell individuals that if they follow God life will be a bed or roses. They promise ease and wealth and healing. This may not be the life that the child of God experiences at all. The psalmist declared to the Lord: “I am afflicted very much.” This may be the state in which many of God’s children find themselves. These afflictions can be life-draining. We, too, may cry out unto God for life to granted unto us.
I Thessalonians 3:3-4
April 18, 2014
Psalm 119:108 – Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.
Thought: When we think of giving offerings to God, we think of money or physical gifts. Offerings, however, can be rendered to God in several ways. One type of offering that God desires comes from the mouth of man. We give God our offerings when we pray. We bestow our offerings before Him when we sing praises unto Him. All He asks is that these offerings be given with a willing heart. Yes, the poorest man on earth can bring his offerings to the throne of God.
Hebrews 13:15
April 19, 2014
Psalm 119:109 – My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
Thought: There were several periods David’s lifetime that his life was in constant danger. This is what he meant when he said: “My soul is continually in my hand.” In those times, fear fills one’s heart. Survival is what is constantly on one’s mind. There is also confusion as to why such difficulties are happening. Spiritually, one can be deeply shaken. This was not the case with the psalmist. He declares: “…yet do I not forget thy law.” It is possible to be faithful in the midst of adversity.
Romans 8:36
April 20, 2014
Psalm 119:110 – The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Thought: Evil men despise the righteous. They seek all types of ways to entrap and destroy God’s faithful. These traps are meant to either destroy the godly or to get him to forsake his God. Many have been overcome by the wicked. Those who were steadfast to the cause in the past ceased their labors for God because of the traps of the wicked. Yes, it has happened to the best of both men and women.
II Timothy 4:10
April 21, 2014
Psalm 119:111 – Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Thought: The psalmist had been given the Word of God as an inheritance. It was something that he deeply treasured. He realized its value and its importance. He determined to pass this inheritance on to his children and grandchildren. He took God’s testimonies as a heritage forever. Dear reader, you may not be able to leave great physical wealth to your children. You can, however, leave them something much more valuable. You can leave them the teachings of God found in His Word.
Deuteronomy 33:4
April 22, 2014
Psalm 119:112 – I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.
Thought: We often do not pay enough attention to the importance of the spiritual heart of man. It is that component that thinks, reasons, wills, and produces emotions. It is important because out of it comes all the issues of life. A resolution of one’s heart can radically alter one’s life, especially if that resolve is to perform the commandments of God.
Joshua 24:23
April 23, 2014
Psalm 119:113 – I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Thought: Many of us have been told that we are not to hate anything. This is not true. There are things that the righteous must hate. Here, the psalmist says that he hates vain thoughts. The words “vain thoughts” are divided thoughts, ambivalent thoughts, and half-hearted thoughts. These are the thoughts of the skeptics, the undecided, and the doubters of religion. Vain thoughts only confuse and agitate the mind. They do not provide a solid foundation for life.
Jeremiah 4:14
April 24, 2014
Psalm 119:114 – Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Thought: When tornadoes are spotted on the horizon, individuals flee to basements and storm cellars. These offer protection. They ensure that one will survive the storm. In the storms of life, the child of God has a place of refuge. The psalmist knew its exact location. Of God, he writes: “Thou art my hiding place and my shield.” God had given him protection in the past. He knew that his heavenly Father offered true protection. His refuge is still available to the faithful.
Psalm 91:1-2
April 25, 2014
Psalm 119:115 – Depart from me, ye evil doers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Thought: It has been said that misery loves company. So does evil. Evil doers are constantly seeking others to join them in their evil schemes. The best thing that the righteous can say to the wicked is: “Depart from me, ye evil doers.” We must be bold in our resistance. The wicked must come to understand that we are deeply determined never to follow them in their evil ways.
Proverbs 1:10-19
April 26, 2014
Psalm 119:116 – Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Thought: There are times in life when we feel that we are about to fall. In such times, we need something to use for a prop. In such times, the best prop we will find is the Word of God. With something to support us, we can make it. The key is to read and study God’s Word enough so that it will be useful when we find our feet are faltering.
II Peter 1:3
April 27, 2014
Psalm 119:117 – Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
Thought: When the flood waters of life roll toward us, we need to be lifted up above them. We, like Noah, need an ark that will rise above the destructive force. The psalmist knew that God could protect him. He says: “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” The picture is also like unto a parent who lifts his child up from a barking dog. Once in the arms of the parent, the child is safe. In the arms of God, we, too, can feel safe and secure.
Deuteronomy 33:27
April 28, 2014
Psalm 119:118 – Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
Thought: God has revealed His statutes to man and expects them to be understood and carried out. It is possible, however, for man to stray from God’s precepts. Too, an individual can teach things contrary to God’s will. In both cases, man has erred. Those who err from God’s Word will be weighed in the balances. They will be found wanting and punishment will await them.
Daniel 5:24-28
April 29, 2014
Psalm 119:119 – Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
Thought: Dross is a scum produced by oxidation on the surface of metals. Dross is useless and ugly. It is a refuse. God looks upon the wicked of the earth as dross. Just as dross is taken away from precious metals, so will God remove the dross, the wicked, of the earth. The words “puttest away” can be very strong words, meaning: “to put to an end, to exter-minate, and destroy.” The wicked may appear to prevail today, but eventually God will bring them to an end.
Jeremiah 6:30
April 30, 2014
Psalm 119:120 – My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Thought: One of the biggest problems our nation and world faces is a lack of respect for the Creator. Man no longer trembles before God. Sadly, man has come to believe that he is his own God. If asked: “Does God exist?” the answers range from: “No” to “I don’t know” to “Yes, but…” My friend, either you tremble before His presence now, or, you will tremble before Him later. Yes, His power, wisdom, and glory should cause man to bow and shake before Him.
Hebrews 12:28-29
Read devotionals for May 2014