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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2014
November 1, 2014
Psalm 119:129 – Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them,
Thought: Our understanding of something is important to its usefulness to us. The psalmist knew that the testimonies of God are wonderful. This understanding is what caused him to keep them. Sadly, many people have not seen the wonder in God’s Word. This lack of understanding keeps them from obedience. “Thy testimonies are wonderful!” Is this how you view God’s revelation?
Isaiah 25:1
November 2, 2014
Psalm 119:130 – The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Thought: There are people in the world who desire truth. They, however, have never been taught the truth of God’s Word. Because of their vulnerability due to their openness to learn, they are referred to as the simple. These can easily be led astray. However, when they come in contact with truth they eagerly partake of it. Understanding for them is easy. They are a joy to teach. May God bless all of the simple with a knowledge of His will.
Proverbs 1:22-23
November 3, 2014
Psalm 119:131 – I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
Thought: Most of us have never been thirty enough to long for water. Most have never been hungry enough to long for food. Perhaps we can remember as children longing for Christmas day. Or, maybe we remember longing for that well deserved vacation. This is how the psalmist longed for God’s Word. He had a deep, burning desire for it. Would that all could have an intense longing for God’s truth. Longing leads to the fulfillment of the desire.
II Chronicles 15:12-15
November 4, 2014
Psalm 119:132 – Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
Thought: The name of a person envelopes all there is about the person: his attributes, his works, and his position. Those who love the name of God love all there is about Him. One of the reasons for this love is because of the mercy the Father bestows upon those who love Him. The two actions are reciprocal. God bestows mercy and we love Him. The more we love him, the more mercy He bestows.
I Peter 2:10
November 5, 2014
Psalm 119:133 – Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Thought: In the spiritual realm, we must invite something into our lives in order for it to become our master. In other words, we have control over who we will allow to dominate our lives. If we allow iniquity into our lives, we need to be aware that it is a very cruel taskmaster. If we order our steps in the Word of God, iniquity will never get a toe-hold on our lives. My friend, you DO NOT want sin as your lord.
Romans 6:12-14
November 6, 2014
Psalm 119:134 – Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Thought: Darkness does not love the light. Therefore, the world will always oppress those who seek to do the Lord’s will. The faithful should not grow discouraged. They should not be fearful. We need to resolve: “…so will I keep thy precepts.” If they are not delivered in this life, they certainly will find redemption in the world to com.
II Kings 23:3
November 7, 2014
Psalm 119:135 – Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Thought: It is a blessing for one to learn the statutes of God. Those who have this opportunity have experienced the shining of the Father’s face upon them. As we are taught, we need to remain pliable. We need to allow the Word of God to mold us into the person God desires for us to be. Eventually, that image will resemble Jesus, the Son of God.
Romans 12:2
November 8, 2014
Psalm 119:136 – Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Thought: The psalmist was deeply upset and cried many tears because individuals did not keep the law of God. Who were those who did not keep the law? They may have been the more fierce enemies of God. They could, however, have been the people of God. Sometimes even those say they follow God do not keep the law. Both events are tragedies. Sadly, some do not understand the seriousness of failing to keep the Word of the Lord.
I Samuel 15:11
November 9, 2014
Psalm 119:137 – Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.
Thought: The product of the producer often takes on the qualities of the producer. The Lord is a righteous God. Therefore, His judgments are upright. The word “upright’ means “straight.” The Lord’s judgments are not crooked. There is no shadiness to them at all. They are right and good and just. Those who possess and come to understand God’s judgments should rejoice. Nothing truer could ever be found.
Revelation 16:17
November 10, 2014
Psalm 119:138 – Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Thought: Whatever God speaks is true. If God reveals a fact, it is right. If God speaks forth a commandment, it is good to be done. If God makes a promise, it will come to pass. God’s testimonies are faithful. In fact, they are very faithful. Throughout man’s history, men and women have found out just how faithful God’s testimonies are. Sometimes, it was for their good. Sometimes, they found out to their detriment. Yes, God’s revelation is “very faithful.”
Acts 27:25
November 11, 2014
Psalm 119:139 – My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
Thought: Forgetting something can be frustrating, embarrassing and dangerous. When it is applied to forgetting the words of God, the problems are drastically increased. Some unintentionally forget God’s Word. Others seem to intentionally forget the things God has said. When God reminds them of His words, it will be a day of sorrow, fear, and deep regret on the part of man. My friend, don’t forget God’s precepts. Hide them deeply in your heart!
Deuteronomy 4:23
November 12, 2014
Psalm 119:140 – Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Thought: There are numerous qualities of the Word of God that should cause the disciple to love the Good Book. The psalmist mentions one here. He says that God’s Word is pure. Another quality of God’s Word is that it saves. Man’s sins put him on a collision course with God. Obedience to God’s Word changes this course. Man is directed to a path that will save him eternally. Yes, the Word of God saves: therefore thy servant loveth it.
James 1:21
November 13, 2014
Psalm 119:141 – I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Thought: When times are difficult, man often seems to forget God and His precepts. The psalmist did not. Even when he was small and despised, he did not forget God’s law. It is when we are struggling that we ought to turn to God. We ought to arm ourselves with His precious truths. God’s precepts can strengthen and sustain us when the trials of life humble us. My friend, do not forget God’s precepts even in your darkest hour.
Proverbs 4:5
November 14, 2014
Psalm 119:142 – Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Thought: As we seek to understand the events that happen in our world, we often have difficulty finding out the truth. When we hear individuals speak, we wonder if they are really telling the truth. Truth is not a plentiful commodity. There is one source of truth that is steadfast. The psalmist tells us about it. “Thy law is the truth.” God’s Word is as true as He is. In it there is no deception at all. Do you want to know the truth? Go to God’s Word to find it.
John 17:17
November 15, 2014
Psalm 119:143 – Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
Thought: Life seems to bring us constant struggles, difficulties, hardships and sorrows. About the time we think we are going to have some peace, another trouble comes upon us. In the hardships of life, there is a fountain of delight. This fountain contains the commandments of God. These commands will never harm us. They will never lead us astray. They will never forsake us. They will delight us, even in the midst of sorrow.
Job 23:12
November 16, 2014
Psalm 119:144 – The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Thought: Understanding is everything. Understanding involves comprehension and discernment. Understanding brings all of the pieces together. Understanding sees the big picture and all of its intricate workings. It is only when we come to an understanding of the precepts of God that we can live. Father, please give me understanding!
I Kings 3:7-9
November 17, 2014
Psalm 119:145 – I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.
Thought: Man often goes to God in haste when life becomes difficult. At that time, he expects God to hear him. Yet, he may have forgotten that there are conditions of acceptable prayer to God. One of these conditions involves obedience to His will. My friend, God is not open to an individual who has been stubborn and rebellious toward Him. Prayer is not a tool found in a spiritual emergency kit. It is a privilege for which we must prepare. “I will keep thy statutes.”
Psalm 66:18-19
November 18, 2014
Psalm 119:146 – I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
Thought: Salvation is a gift for which man ought to be thankful. Gratitude can be displayed in prayer to the Father. In addition, it should be manifested by keeping the commandments of God. This has been referred to as “thank-living.” Yes, our obedience keeps us in favor with God. Better yet, our obedience shows God that we are grateful for our salvation. Live a life of thanksgiving. Keep God’s testimonies!
Titus 2:14
November 19, 2014
Psalm 119:147 – I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
Thought: One of the most powerful words in the English language is “hope.” Hope keeps a person from giving up. Hope keeps a person pressing forward. One of the interesting things about hope is that it is not something that is literally seen. It is seen only through faith’s eye. However, hope is so certain that it causes one to endure the “hopelessness” of the present.
Romans 8:24-25
November 20, 2014
Psalm 119:148 – Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
Thought: Meditate! It is an interesting word. A picture that defines the word is a cow chewing its cud. The cow chews grass and stores it in one of its stomachs. It will bring that grass back up later and chew it some more. That is the meaning of meditation. We study a portion of Scripture. We store it in our memory. Later we can bring it back up to “chew on” a little more. My friend, meditation can be done at any time of the day. Meditate!
I Timothy 4:15
November 21, 2014
Psalm 119:149 – Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.
Thought: The Christian is often condemned by those in the world. In such times, there is a feeling of depression and sadness. However, when God judges according to His judgments, the child of God is found to be righteous. The judgments of God bring the disciple back to life. He has been tried in the Supreme Court of the Universe and has been justified. Yes, we can be quicked according to the judgments of God.
Psalm 19:9
November 22, 2014
Psalm 119:150 – They draw near that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
Thought: Jesus told one of the scribes: “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). In our verse today, however, we learn that some were far from the law of God. There are different degrees that exist in various individuals’ relationship to God and His Word. The best place to be is “in Christ.” When a person is “in Christ,” grace, salvation, and hope are his. Dear reader, do not stay far from God. Draw near unto Him. Make your abode in Him.
John 14:23
November 23, 2014
Psalm 119:151 – Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.
Thought: When God is on a person’s side, He is always near. He is there to guide and guard His faithful servant. Whatever he commands is truth. Those who abide in His will will never go wrong. They will never find themselves alone. They will always have a refuge from the storms of life. They will always have a guardian who will protect them from the evil ones. May we all give heed to the commandments of God.
Leviticus 26:3-8
November 24, 2014
Psalm 119:152 – Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them forever.
Thought: Milk is good for you. Milk is bad for you. Eggs are bad for you. Eggs are good for you. You need to exercise 20 minutes a day. No, you need to exercise 30 minutes a day. Crash diets are dangerous. Wait! Crash diets may be okay for a brief period of time. Man’s laws are constantly changing. When we listen to man, we do not know what to believe. Not so with God’s law. God’s law has been founded from eternity. It will never change. If you want an anchor, grab hold of God’s testimonies and never let them go.
Matthew 24:35
November 25, 2014
Psalm 119:153 – Consider my affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
Thought: God is concerned about all men. However, His own people hold a special place in His heart. He has made valuable promises to them. He will come to their assistance and deliver them. To receive this special treatment, we must obey His will. May all of us seek to never forget Gods law.
Deuteronomy 4:9
November 26, 2014
Psalm 119:154 – Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
Thought: We have days where we feel as if we are dead. Sometimes, we feel dead physically. At other times, we feel dead spiritually. Occasionally, we feel dead both physically and spiritually. In those times, we need to be revived. There is a place to which we can go to find life. That place is the Word of God. It has the power to bring the dead back to life. It can revive both body and soul. “Quicken me according to thy word.”
Psalm 71:20
November 27, 2014
Psalm 119:155 – Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
Thought: The law of Christ is a law that brings freedom. However, to have this freedom one must submit to God’s law. The wicked refuse to do this. Instead of seeking the statutes of God, they flee as far from them as possible. Sadly, the wicked only run farther into bondage. The key to evangelizing the wicked is to get them to seek the statutes of God.
Matthew 7:7-8
November 28, 2014
Psalm 119:156 – Great are they tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Thought: The idea of being quickened, or, made live, is stated numerous times in Psalm 119. David lived a difficult life at times. There were times when difficulties were brought on him because of his actions. There were times when others troubled his life. In those hard times, life was not animated. It seemed as if life were being taken from him. He, however, knew the source of life. Therefore, he turned to the Lord, and made this request: “Quicken me according to thy judgments.”
John 4:13-14
November 29, 2014
Psalm 119:157 – Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Thought: God’s people will always have enemies. Satan’s deception is to get us to think that if we turn from God’s testimonies the persecution will stop and that our enemies will become our friends. This is not the case at all. Let us not be deceived. Let us resolve to keep the commands of God. Let us never decline from the testimonies of God. Our obedience will deliver us from all of our enemies.
Job 17:9
November 30, 2014
Psalm 119:158 – I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
Thought: There is a right way to live. This way has been revealed to mankind through the Word of God. When man fails to live in harmony with God’s truth, he is heading toward difficulties and eventual destruction. When the righteous see the direction of the lives of the transgressors, they are grieved. Oh, what they would do to change their direction. Sadly, some will never be diverted from their destructive course.
Jeremiah 2:19
Read devotionals for December 2014