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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for January 2015
February 1, 2015
Exodus 5:22 - And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
Thought: Sometimes we may be tempted to question God. Moses didn’t understand why things were not going as he expected them to go. Life can throw curveballs from time to time and we must recognize that God is not to blame. Sometimes we may receive evil even though we are doing the will of God. However, this is always for good as long as we respond to it in the proper manner. Let the tough times strength your faith instead of allowing it to waiver.
1 Peter 2:20
February 2, 2015
Exodus 6:9 - And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
Thought: The people of Israel would not listen to Moses because of the terrible situation life had currently put them in. When it comes to evangelism, timing can be very important. You may teach someone on a bad day or during a difficult time in their life in which God may seem so far away. We must not let this hinder us from trying again after some time has passed. Teaching someone the gospel at the right time in their life could make all the difference in the world…and more importantly, their soul.
Acts 20:31
February 3, 2015
Exodus 7:3 - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
Thought: Many think Pharaoh did not have the freedom to choose for himself. However, we do not serve a God who forces men to reject Him and then punishes them for “choosing” evil. What is really going on here? Pharaoh freely chose to harden his own heart, but he made that decision because of the request God made of him. God’s command to let the people go caused Pharaoh to harden his heart in that sense. The same is true today when God commands obedience and someone rejects it. They freely chose to harden there heart. However, they did it as a result of God’s commandments.
Exodus 8:15
February 4, 2015
Exodus 7:5 - And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
Thought: God has always given ample evidence of His power and existence in the world around us. While we may not see miracles today as they did, we have access to one of those miracles, the Bible. The book never contradicts itself even though it was written by forty different authors over a period of sixteen hundred years. Furthermore, God gives us evidence in the design of every living orgasm on this Earth. The alternative is to believe that something came from nothing and then exploded to form everything over billions of years. I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist, how about you?
Romans 1:20
February 5, 2015
Exodus 7:11 - Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Thought: These “magicians” attempted to mimic the power of God. Although some men were convinced we know better. In fact, Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. Today many also try to mimic the power of God. For example, man has been trying for years to create human life. No matter how much time they are given, no one will ever be able to create something from nothing. In time the people realized the magicians could not keep up with God. There will be another day coming when all will realize that no one can match the power of God. We will all stand before Him and confess. Are you ready?
Romans 14:11
February 6, 2015
Exodus 8:7 - And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
Thought: The magicians were able to fool people for each of the first few plagues. Of course, they didn’t actually conjure frogs from nothing as God did. They probably used some sleight of hand to make it appear they had performed a miracle. After all, frogs were already all over the place. Today many “spiritual” figures are on television claiming to perform miracles of healing. They are just like any other magician making a living off of fooling those around them. However, this is even worse as it mocks the power of God. Let’s do our part to help people realize where the true power lies.
Ephesians 4:14
February 7, 2015
Exodus 8:10 - …And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.
Thought: Moses asked God to remove the frogs out of the land on Pharaoh’s behalf. This showed both the mercy and the power of our God. We all go through difficult times and need the aid of our Lord to remove those hindrances. Does it not remind us of how great a God we serve knowing He listens and cares? Next time things aren’t going your way remember to cast it to God and be ever grateful knowing He will answer.
1 Peter 5:7
February 8, 2015
Exodus 8:14 - And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.
Thought: The frogs were removed but the land still stank. There are always consequences for sin that “stink”. It might just be a guilty conscience or it might be that someone else was hurt. In many cases sins can affect us for years or even the remainder of our lives. Sin might be pleasurable for a time, but it is never worth it in the long run. A moment of pleasure often causes a long time of pain. Of course, if we die in sin the “stink” will be eternal.
Hebrews 11:25
February 9, 2015
Exodus 8:19 - Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Thought: Apparently the plague of lice was the most difficult to replicate with sorcery thus far. The magicians finally accepted that this was not magic tricks, but God. Sometimes it can take time for people to accept that God exists, that we are His creation, and that we are the result of His power. However, we must never give up on attempting to convince them otherwise. In time, the evidence might just be too overwhelming to continue to ignore. We never know what piece of evidence might be the one to change everything.
Romans 1:20
February 10, 2015
Exodus 8:23 - And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be.
Thought: God plagued the Egyptians with flies but kept them from bothering His people. He made it clear that He wanted them to see the division between His people and those belonging to Pharaoh. God has always made a dividing line between those who are His own and those who belong to the devil. We cannot be a servant of this world and a servant of God’s at the same time. We must be different from the world if we want to be on God’s team. Which side of God’s dividing line are you on today?
1 Peter 2:9
February 11, 2015
Exodus 9:5 - And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, Tomorrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.
Thought: God had set an appointed time for this plague to destroy the Egyptian’s cattle. The next day, as appointed, the plague came and the cattle died. When God sets an appointed time we can be certain it won’t be canceled or changed. This reminds us of an appointed time God has given each of us to leave this world in death. There is no avoiding the appointment nor of knowing how soon it will come. However, we do know we must be ready for it because the only thing that comes next is our eternal judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
February 12, 2015
Exodus 9:16 - And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Thought: God raised Pharaoh up as the leader of the Egyptians. Although God did not force Pharaoh to make the decisions he made, He knew Pharaoh would refuse Him. Therefore, God providentially made him to be the leader so His power might be shown to all. We must remember that our political leaders, whether godly or not, have been ordained by God. Although our prayer is that they turn to God, we can be content knowing God can still use them for His will. We must submit to our leaders, assuming it is not contrary to God’s will, and remember that God is in control.
Romans 13:1
February 13, 2015
Exodus 9:20 - He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Thought: The Egyptians who feared the Lord and His word decided to hide their animals from the plague of hail God had promised. Although we understand the love of God we must also resect His wrath. In fact, we cannot truly appreciate His love without recognizing what He is saving us from. As soon as we stop fearing Him we may become lax in adhering to His warnings. Some of the Egyptians did not fear God and ignored the warning. However, a hail storm like no other did come and destroy all their beasts of the field. What does it mean to you that God promises your destruction if you heed not to His will?
Proverbs 14:27
February 14, 2015
Exodus 9:27 - And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
Thought: As Pharaoh suffered the effects of the hail storm he felt that he should be penitent of sin so the pain would stop. However, as soon as the storm ended he hardened his heart once more. Sometimes we may find ourselves looking to God only in times of pain. What happens when the pain stops as our prayers are answered? Do we go right back into sin or do we show our gratitude with continued faithfulness? Look to God in times of joy and not just when life is tough.
Psalm 55:17
February 15, 2015
Exodus 10:3 - And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
Thought: Certainly Pharaoh was filled with pride as he denied to adhere to the Father’s requests time and time again. When listing the seven sins God hates Solomon was inspired to put pride first on the list. Satan loves to have pride keep us from obeying the will of God. Choosing to put another’s will before that of our own can be difficult sometimes. If you are struggling to submit to the will of God is it because you are allowing your pride to get in the way? Remember, humbling yourself is the only true way to be lifted high.
James 4:10
February 16, 2015
Exodus 10:11 - Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
Thought: Moses and Aaron requested that everyone be allowed to leave including the children otherwise a plague of locusts would be upon them. However, Pharaoh denied them the children and attempted to compromise with God’s plan allowing only the men to leave. However, this was not acceptable to God and He plagued them with the locusts as promised. Many today also want to compromise with the will of God. They will partially obey, but alter the plans ever so slightly to fit it in with their own desires. We do not serve a God who doesn’t mean what He says. We cannot serve God partially and expect to be pleasing in His sight. Christ didn’t partially submit to God when He died on that cross and He certainly expects more from us as well.
Revelation 3:16
February 17, 2015
Exodus 10:19 - And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
Thought: These locusts covered the entire face of the Earth and yet God removed every single one of them. This display of God’s power reminds us of His power to remove every sin from man’s past. Just as He removed every individual locusts He can remove every single sin we have committed no matter how covered in sin we may feel. God takes that sin and separates it from you as far as the east is from the west. Have you allowed God to remove the “locusts” from your life in obedience to His will?
Psalm 103:12
February 18, 2015
Exodus 10:21 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
Thought: For three days the Egyptians were in a darkness we cannot even fathom. There was no light whatsoever and they could “feel” the darkness. We may not be certain what that entails but none of us want to find out. Unfortunately, this same darkness is found in Hell and that darkness will last forever. Those inhabiting Hell will never see light again and their existence there will never end. If the goodness of God is not motivation enough for you to serve Him daily, then maybe the fear of Hell will help.
Matthew 8:12
February 19, 2015
Exodus 11:5 - And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
Thought: The final plague upon Egypt was the death of the first born. We might think of how awful it must have been for these parents to lose their first born children. However, we must always trust in God’s methods in all His wisdom whether we understand them or not. The good news for those who died is the children will all be comforted who had not reached the age of accountability. Furthermore, we may also forget that we are the reason God’s firstborn was taken from Him. Not to mention God had to witness His Son be tortured and humiliated before that death. The death of God’s firstborn is what is truly unjust.
Acts 2:23
February 20, 2015
Exodus 11:8 - And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
Thought: Moses was very angry about Pharaoh’s hard, impenitent heart. Remember that anger is not inherently sinful. In fact, as Christians we should be angry about sin and the harm it does to one’s soul. However, anger can lead to sin if it is not kept under control. We must be slow to anger and when it comes we must avoid allowing it to get the better of us. Anger can lead to harmful speech and actions. It becomes sinful when we are quick tempered or we let the “sun go down” on our anger.
Ephesians 4:26
February 21, 2015
Exodus 12:5 - Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Thought: God gave great detail about this lamb that was to be used for the Passover meal. This lamb was symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ. It, like Christ, was to be a young male that had no blemish. This reminds us of that 33 year old man who had never done anything wrong in His life. Yet, He was mocked, beaten, and crucified on our behalf. He is that sacrificial lamb without blemish that died for you and for me. Are we living our lives in a way that shows our gratitude for His sacrifice? Or are we living daily in a way that makes us no better than those who spit in His face?
1 Peter 1:19
February 22, 2015
Exodus 12:7 - And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
Thought: God told the children of Israel to put themselves inside of their homes and to put the blood of the lamb on the door posts. When God passed through the land He passed over the homes which had the blood on the posts. Safety from God’s wrath has always been found inside of a unique home identified with specific characteristics. This holds true whether we are referencing the ark, Rahab’s home, or the church. One day the judgment of God will come to man for all eternity. Will you be found in the blood stained house of Jesus Christ?
1 Timothy 3:15
February 23, 2015
Exodus 12:12 - For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Thought: God passed over the land of Egypt and took the life of every family’s firstborn with the exception of the houses which had the blood on the door posts. Do you suppose God made any exceptions that night? Did God spare some of the firstborns that night who lived in those Egyptian homes? Obviously, there was no exception to God’s judgment that night. Yet, some suggest that God will overlook their sin at the final judgment. Do we really think we can live in willful sin and God will just overlook it on that day? God made no exception in the days of Moses and man would not be wise to assume He will in the days of Jesus.
Romans 6:1
February 24, 2015
Exodus 12:14 - And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.
Thought: The Passover feast was to be practiced for the rest of their lives. God used this as a memorial for them. What a blessing it is to serve a God who wants us to succeed. We serve a God who gives us ways to remember He exists and the good He does and has done for us. How often does the beauty of creation around us serve as a memorial of our God? How many times do we see God and His goodness in the lives of our Christian brethren? Allow yourself to be reminded daily of God’s love for you and keep Him as your focus today and every day.
Matthew 6:33
February 25, 2015
Exodus 12:15 - Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Thought: No leaven was to be consumed for seven days. This feast of unleavened bread reminds us of the Lord’s Supper. The bread we eat is unleavened. God uses leaven to represent sin. Just a little leaven affects the whole just as it is with sin. Satan doesn’t have to get you to commit ten sins to be lost. In fact, all he needs is to keep you committing one willful sin to keep you from God. Christians remove the leaven in your life by confessing and repenting of the sin. Don’t let Satan win that easily!
Hebrews 10:26
February 26, 2015
Exodus 12:26 - And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Thought: The little ones of Israel would ask questions about the parent’s observance of the Passover. This would provide an opportunity for them to be taught about God’s power and love as He brought them out of Egypt. Children watch their parents and learn on a daily basis. There questions will be material if that is what they see every day. However, if they witness a family who prioritizes the church, prayer, and home Bible study their questions will be about spiritual things. Teaching our children the Bible primarily happens in the home not in Bible class. What kind of questions are you provoking your children to ask?
Proverbs 22:6
February 27, 2015
Exodus 12:43 - And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof
Thought: God reserved this Passover meal for those who physically and spiritually belonged to Israel. A stranger was required to be circumcised before he could partake. Today the Lord’s worship, as well as all spiritual blessings, is reserved for those who are in Christ. God richly blesses His children in so many ways here on Earth. However, if you are not one of His children you are not receiving a single one. If you are not a Christian become one today and begin to experience the abundant life.
Ephesians 1:3
February 28, 2015
Exodus 12:51 - And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies
Thought: God, through His servant Moses, led all the people of Israel out of the bondage of the Egyptians. He did not leave a single soul behind nor fail to deliver on His promise in any way. While we may not experience the physical bondage of Israel, every person who reaches the age of accountability will experience the bondage of sin. Today God promises a release from spiritual bondage through His Son Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, repentance of sin, confession of His name, and baptism we can accept the free gift of salvation. Don’t let another month end neglecting to obey the gospel of Christ. Let the Lord free you from the bondage of sin as quickly as He freed Israel from the bondage of Egypt, the “selfsame day”.
2 Corinthians 6:2
Read devotionals for March 2015