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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for May 2014
June 1, 2014
Psalm 119:152 – Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Thought: Long before David conquered Goliath; long before David was a musician in Saul’s court; long before David was a soldier or king; David came to understand the endurable nature of God’s testimonies. Where did he learn this? He must have been taught these things by his faithful parents. Parents would do well to remember that what is taught today can be remembered tomorrow by their children. Sometimes the things taught will dwell with the child for a lifetime. Parents, teach your children well!
Psalm 111:7-8
June 2, 2014
Psalm 119:153 – Consider mine affliction and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
Thought: When we are suffering affliction, we often want someone to be with us. This person may only provide their presence. He might also provide sympathy. Perhaps the individual is able to comfort us, or, even, deliver us from our misery. This person, however, is not always available, but if one is a child of God, there is a being to whom the suffering can turn. God is present. He longs to hear from his child. As a loving Father, He desires to comfort and deliver the afflicted.
Lamentations 5:1
June 3, 2014
Psalm 119:154 – Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
Thought: If we ever stand before our accusers in court, we want a respectable and capable lawyer on our side. We want him to be able to deliver us from our enemy. In the spiritual world, we have the best attorney available. He can plead our cause and deliver us from every accusation. Without Him on our side, we would be cast into everlasting punishment with no hope of deliverance.
I John 2:1
June 4, 2014
Psalm 119:155 – Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
Thought: Salvation is the state of being free. The wicked to not realize it, but they are far from salvation. They are in bondage to Satan, sin, and self. They would have to travel great distances intellectually and behaviorally to acquire the state of freedom offered by God. It is usually difficult to get them to make this journey. It is sad that they are so far from their heavenly Father.
Luke 15:13
June 5, 2014
Psalm 119:156 – Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Thought: We often use words without caring much for their meaning. Not so with the Holy Spirit. Each word is precisely said in God’s revelation. Here, we are told that God’s tender mercies are “great.” The word means abundant, many, much, and enough. If man could write a list of all the tender mercies of God, the list would continue for page after page. God’s bountiful assistance toward us is great. Yea, it is more than enough!!!
Isaiah 63:7
June 6, 2014
Psalm 119:157 – Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Thought: It is difficult to imagine God’s people having enemies. They are people who are peaceful. They seek the good of others. They are law-biding citizens. They are individuals of honesty. Why would such people have enemies? The answers to this question are numerous. The reality is that God’s people have always had and always will have those who despise them. In fact, we can say: “Many are my persecutors and mine enemies...” also.
Matthew 10:22
June 7, 2014
Psalm 119:158 – I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not they word
Thought: Some transgressors of God’s law try to keep their activities hidden. Most, however, do not try to cover up their behaviors. They blatantly display them for all to see. Those who are righteous should be grieved by their behavior. The word “grieved” involves more than just a feeling of sadness. It involves a feeling of loathing. It encompasses the idea of being detestable to one. The righteous “hate” the actions of the transgressors.
Matthew 23:37-38
June 8, 2014
Psalm 119:159 – Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord according to thy lovingkindness.
Thought: The word “consider” involves the idea of inspection. The psalmist asks God to inspect how he loves the precepts of God. Are we following the Word of God in such a way that we would make the same request of God? If such an inspection were made today of your love for God’s precepts, would you pass the inspection? What is it that keeps you from loving God’s precepts? These questions are very important. Before we asked God to inspect us, we need to honestly consider our ways.
Haggai 1:5
June 9, 2014
Psalm 119:160 – Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.
Thought: The word of God is eternal in nature. It has always existed in the mind of God. God only” made known” his will in that it was revealed through the pens of inspired men. The word of God did not become truth at some point in time. It was truth from the beginning. As truth, it does not ever cease being truth. What was true for the first century is still true for this century and centuries to come.
John 17:17
June 10, 2014
Psalm 119:161 – Princes have persecuted me without cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
Thought: Those who persecuted the psalmist thought that they had a good reason for persecuting him. Their sole reason might have been to rid themselves of a righteous man. They, however, did not have an adequate cause for their persecutions. There was nothing justifiable in what they did. Their actions were brought to bear against a man who was diligently seeking to follow the will of God. My friend, don’t be surprised if you are persecuted, and, that you are persecuted without just cause.
John 15:25
June 11, 2014
Psalm 119:162 – I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
Thought: The Word of God saves. The Word of God gives life. The Word of God strengthens. The Word of God comforts. The Word of God gives hope. The Word of God protects. On and on the list goes regarding the benefits of the precious Word of God. Those who understand these things are like they psalmist, they rejoice at God’s Word.
Jeremiah 15:16
June 12, 2014
Psalm 119:163 – I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Thought: There are some things about which we read in Scripture that God hates. There are also things that the righteous are to hate. Lying is one of those things. Jesus said: “I am …the truth” (John 14:6). His nature is truth. Lying, therefore, opposes the Christ. Only truth saves (John 8:32). Lying, therefore, condemns man. In addition to lies opposing Christ and condemning the soul of man, all lies originate from Satan, our archenemy (John 8:44). We, too, need to hate and abhor lying.
Proverbs 6:16-17
June 13, 2014
Psalm 119:164 – Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy righteous judgments.
Thought: Many of us find it difficult to find time to pray once each day. The psalmist, however, made sure that he praised his God seven times a day. My friend, we are in charge of our schedules. Perhaps, we need to take our schedules, reevaluate them, make some changes, and inject more time for fellowship with our heavenly Father. Wouldn’t it be grand to be able to say: “Seven times a day do I praise thee”?
Daniel 6:10
June 14, 2014
Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Thought: Peace is something that most individuals wish for their lives. Peace has two sides. One side is the freedom from strife and warfare. The other side involves harmony, order, and security. Oftentimes peace is not obtained on stable ground. Individuals know that it is fragile. Such is not the case with those who love the law of God and are obedient thereunto. They possess what the psalmist calls “great peace.”
Proverbs 3:1-2
June 15, 2014
Psalm 119:166 – Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
Thought: When the psalmist says that he “hoped” for the Lord’s salvation, it was not merely a faint wish or longing. It was a deep desire coupled with strong expectation. There was no doubt in his mind about his deliverance. God would definitely free him from his enemies and their oppression. Such hope is a wonderful possession.
I Thessalonians 5:8
June 16, 2014
Psalm 119:167 – My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Thought: There are many great things that men can do. They can win wars. They can build huge companies. They can erect marvelous structures. The can pen literary masterpieces and compose musical lyrics that inspire the masses. One of the simplest things that a man can do to truly be great is to keep the testimonies of God. Those who do will hear the words: “Well done though good and faithful servant,” from the lips of a God who is over all.
John 14:21
June 17, 2014
Psalm 119:168 – I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before me.
Thought: Can you say to God: “I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies”? If not, why not? What is keeping you from obeying God commandments? Could it be stubborn pride? Could it be a lack of desire? Could it be a sinful situation in your life? Could be a lack of faith? Could it just be a trifling excuse? Dear reader, keeping God’s commands is essential to entering into that heavenly abode with Him.
Revelation 22:14
June 18, 2014
Psalm 119:169 – Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.
Thought: When man suffers, he cries out. He longs for someone to listen. He desires for someone to help alleviate the pain and anguish. Other humans, however, do not always listen and are not in a position to help. The psalmist knew one who could provide him aid. To Him, he cries out, saying: “Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord.” Can you imagine, God literally hearing the faintest cry of His suffering servant?
Exodus 3:7
June 19, 2014
Psalm 119:170 – Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
Thought: We have all seen people who are not afraid to ask for favors from others. Often, their requests are granted. This, dear reader, is what is involved in the word “supplication.” It refers to asking favors of God. Our requests for God’s favor do not cause Him to be hardened to our supplications. No, He longs for our requests. He yearns to hear our desires. Make supplication and watch your Father come to your aid.
Psalm 55:1
June 20, 2014
Psalm 119:171 – My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
Thought: Our praise of God is closely tied to our knowledge of His statutes. The greater our knowledge the more our lips will pour forth praise, adoration, and thanksgiving unto God. My friend, how much time do you spend in adoration of the Almighty? Drink deeply from the wells of His Word and your heart will burst forth in abundant praise before His throne.
Hebrews 13:15
June 21, 2014
Psalm 119:172 – My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Thought: For one’s tongue to speak of the Word of God, one needs to understand the benefits of that Word. One must also have the willingness to speak about the Word. Too, one must have the courage necessary to speak the Word. Are you like the psalmist? Do you speak forth God’s Word? What is keeping you from it, if not? My friend, others need to hear about the Word of God.
Acts 26:25
June 22, 2014
Psalm 119:173 – Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Thought: There are times when the faithful must rely upon the promises of God. God has told His faithful children that He is with them. He has also told them to call upon Him when they stand in need. The psalmist is relying on that promise. He calls out to the Lord: “Let thine hand help me.” Perhaps you stand in need of God’s help today. You, too, can make this same utterance with assurance that God will come to your side.
Isaiah 41:10
June 23, 2014
Psalm 119:174 – I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.
Thought: If an individual is in physical captivity, he understands how important salvation is. POWs hope their country has not forgotten them. They long to be rescued from their captors. The psalmist understood the blessing of God’s salvation. He desired his freedom. Thus, he longed for the Lord’s salvation. Does your heart yearn to be free from sin? Do you earnestly desire the salvation that is in Christ? Are you like the psalmist?
Hebrews 2:3
June 24, 2014
Psalm 119:175 – Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
Thought: The living long to live. If allowed to live, the righteous know that their lives are to be spent in praise of the living God. Living without acknowledging the One who gives and sustains life is vain. Dear reader, God has granted you this day of life. Praise Him! If He grants you to live tomorrow, praise Him!!!
I Chronicles 29:13
June 25, 2014
Psalm 119:176 – I have gone astray like a sheep: seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Thought: The psalmist confesses that he has strayed from the flock and from his shepherd. He acknowledges that he has sinned and veered from the straight and narrow way. He does not want to be left in his vulnerable condition, however. Thus, he cries to the shepherd, saying: “Seek thy servant.” All men can identify with the inspired writer. The prophet of old said of us: “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isa. 53:6).
Luke 19:10
June 26, 2014
Psalm 119:1 – Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of God.
Thought: Is there a way for a person to walk through life in a pure condition? Yes, he must habitually comply with the law of God. God’s law sets clear boundaries between the profane and the holy. It sets forth the “thou shalts” and the “thou shalt nots.” No person has to stain his soul with iniquity. Just walk in the law of God.
John 15:3
June 27, 2014
Psalm 119:2 – Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Thought: It is possible to seek God with a partial heart. Cain offered a sacrifice unto God, but it was not the type of sacrifice that God commanded. Saul conquered the Amalekites, but he spared the king and the best of the flocks and herd. The scribes and Pharisees kept the law, but they added their human tradition to it as well. Is God getting your “whole” heart, or, is He only getting part? Those who are blessed give all.
Mark 12:33
June 28, 2014
Psalm 119:3 – They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
Thought: Obedience is a two-sided coin. There are things that man is not to do. There are things man is to do. The psalmist summarizes these two sides very succinctly. Man is not do practice iniquity. He is to walk in the ways of God found in His Word. If man will do these things, happiness will fill his life. Why don’t you try it and see what the results really are?
Titus 2:11-12
June 29, 2014
Psalm 119:4 – Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
Thought: Have you ever had an employee or a co-worker who was a “slacker” on the job? Their workmanship was poor. They always procrastinated. They did not mind if others had to pull their slack. They would spend hours doing what could have been done in minutes. These individuals were not diligent. Some who would never slack on the job are very slack in their obedience to God. My friend, God wants us to keep His precepts diligently!
Hebrews 11:6
June 30, 2014
Psalm 119:5 – O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Thought: The longing of the psalmist ought to be the desire of all men. Sadly, some believe that their ways are directed in the statutes of God, but they are not. These individuals are directed by the ways of man. They are guided by false teachings and the doctrines of devils. Each of us needs to get our map (Bible) out and make certain that we are directed only by the statutes of God.
I Samuel 15:20
Read devotionals for July 2014