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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2015
March 1, 2015
Exodus 13:1 - Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
Thought: God has always expected His children to put Him first. Remembering to give God the firstborn of all living things would help them put it into practice. Friends, God did not accept second place to anything in life. However, many times we allow things like work, money, family, and friends to come before God. Is God really receiving the first fruits of our time when we willfully forsake bible reading time, prayer time, or worship services? One day we will stand before God and be judged on whether or not God was our priority. Is He truly number one in your life today?
Matthew 6:33
March 2, 2015
Exodus 13:3 - And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
Thought: When the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea they could not look back with any pride. No one could have thought by any stretch that they deserved, earned, or worked for their deliverance in any way. All the glory belonged to the mighty hand of God. Christians must always remember that they have been delivered from their sin solely by the mighty hand of God. Nothing we have done has given or earned us salvation in any way. God’s grace is the reason we have any hope at all. When we sin against Him we are “biting the hand that feeds”. Don’t forget that hand we are rejecting is the same hand that gave us the greatest gift known to man.
Ephesians 2:8
March 3, 2015
Exodus 13:5 - And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
Thought: God promised the children of Israel a land flowing with milk and honey. However, this was contingent upon obedience to God. In particular, they were to keep the feast of unleavened bread each year in this context. God also promises us a plentiful land if we are faithful to Him. As Christians we should always be longing for that land as we make our journey toward Heaven. This world isn’t about careers, entertainment, and success. This life is about the road to Heaven. Don’t allow Satan to steer you off the narrow path today!
Matthew 7:14
March 4, 2015
Exodus 13:6 - Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
Thought: Israel was to eat unleavened bread for seven days and then enjoy the feast on day seven. Many numbers in the Bible have great significance. God uses the number seven symbolically throughout the entirety of the Bible. For example, God chose day seven to be the Sabbath day of rest. In addition, Peter was told to forgive others seventy times seven times. The number seven represents spiritual perfection or completion. As you see the number seven throughout the say let it remind you to strive for spiritual completion in Christ.
Matthew 5:48
March 5, 2015
Exodus 13:9 - And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.
Thought: God desired that Israel use this feast of unleavened bread as a memorial so His law might be in their mouth. That fact is, what is in our heart comes out of our mouth. No one functioning as they should has ever spoken a word without thinking it first. This is why our Lord tells us we will be judged for every single word we say. This should tell us to filter what we put into our hearts every day. If we put pure things into our hearts good will come out. However, if we fill our hearts with filthy music and movies what do we expect to come out?
Proverbs 23:7
March 6, 2015
Exodus 13:11 - And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee
Thought: The children of Israel were many years away from entering the Promised Land. Yet, Moses could discuss their entry with all confidence and surety. We serve a God which not only does not lie, but cannot lie. Anything God says we can “take to the bank”. This means that the promise of Heaven is as certain as life itself. However, this also means the promise of Hell for the wicked as just as sure. Friends, there will be a moment when you and I stand before God and receive His promise. There is no escaping eternity. Are you ready?
Titus 1:2
March 7, 2015
Exodus 13:13 - And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem
Thought: The term “redeem” means to “buy back”. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord described the process of redeeming land, animals, and even people. If a wife lost her husband the nearest kinsman could marry her and thus redeem the family name as well as the property. A great example of this would be Boaz and Ruth. This process is symbolic as today we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Through His death we can be bought back out of the world of sin. Jesus is the only kinsman redeemer we have. If we don’t accept His redemption then there is no hope.
Revelation 5:9
March 8, 2015
Exodus 13:17 - And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
Thought: God could have led the Israelites down the shortest path to their destination. However, this would have meant traveling through Philistine land. Israel had just come out of bondage and the people were mental and physically unprepared for war. How good our God is not to allow us to be burdened with a battle more than we are prepared to face. We serve a God who wants us to always look forward and never desire our old life of bondage. We can never say that our road is too hard to bear. Remember, God is faithful and promises to always provide that way of escape.
1 Corinthians 10:13
March 9, 2015
Exodus 13:19 - And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Thought: Before Joseph passed he expressed his desire to have his bones buried in the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses faithfully brought the bones of Joseph with him out of Egypt. Bones in the Bible are often symbolic of giving life. You might recall Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones which came to life. Furthermore, God made sure the Israelites did not break the bones of the Passover Lamb. That lamb represented our Lord who was destroyed externally, yet not a bone was broken. As you go about this day consider what that means to those of us who are in Christ.
John 19:33-36
March 10, 2015
Exodus 13:22 - He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Thought: God led the children of Israel by cloud during the day and fire during the night. Moses, by inspiration, points out that the Lord never removed either of these pillars from the people. God was perpetually with them as a symbol of guidance and protection. Christians are described as spiritual Israel today. God is perpetually continuing to protect and guide His people just as He did in Moses’ time. However, if you are not a faithful child of God you are not part of spiritual Israel. Therefore, you are missing out on all these spiritual blessings reserved for those who are His. Make the decision today to become a child of God and take part in these divine blessings.
Hebrews 13:5
March 11, 2015
Exodus 14:4 - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.
Thought: Pharaoh regretted letting the people go and decided to gather his men and pursue Israel. God knew this would happen and planned to show His might by making Pharaoh an example. At this time Pharaoh was easily the most powerful man alive. Yet, God could easily defeat him with the snap of a finger. How great it is to know that there is none greater than our God. He is the greatest leader. Naturally, we want to be on the team with the strongest captain. We want to be on the winning team. Friends, the most powerful captain is God and only His team will have the victory.
1 Corinthians 15:57
March 12, 2015
Exodus 14:10 - And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.
Thought: Certainly we can understand why the children of Israel were “sore afraid”. However, their fear was still not acceptable. The only one to fear is the greatest power of all. Christians should fear only the wrath of God. Man can harm us and even take our life, but he cannot hurt our soul. Sadly, the world today seems more bent on the safety of their physical bodies than their spiritual ones. Remember to fear the One who can destroy the soul and not those who can harm this fleshly body. Of course, for those who are faithful Christians there is nothing to fear other than the wrath that will come if we fall away.
Matthew 10:28
March 13, 2015
Exodus 14:12 - Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
Thought: The Israelites were so distressed they longed to return to Egypt. Fear and anxiety can be a serious weapon in the arm of Satan. He the Israelites thinking their present state of freedom with God was worse than the slavery of Egypt. Has Satan ever gotten you so distressed you felt like Christianity wasn’t worth it? He would love nothing more than for us to go back to the slavery of sin. In their fear they had forgotten God would see them through this difficult time. Don’t ever let Satan cause you to give up on God. Remember the Israelites mindset and keep yourselves from ever thinking that way!
Psalm 61:3
March 14, 2015
Exodus 14:16 - But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
Thought: The miracle of the Red Sea occurred solely by the power of God. Yet, Moses had a responsibility to obey God before the miracle would take place. When the deed was done Moses could not take any glory for the work as it al belonged to God. Our salvation today is the work of God and not man. However, that does not mean God doesn’t expect us to obey His Will. The Bible does not teach Christians to avoid working, but to work with the proper attitude. Obedience to God is of utmost importance, but so is a humble attitude.
Luke 17:7-10
March 15, 2015
Exodus 14:20 - And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
Thought: Once again God made a clear separation between the Egyptians and His people. In this case, the Egyptians were in darkness and the Israelites were in light. It is amazing in today’s world how so many are walking in darkness and so few in the light. Those in darkness don’t even realize their blind because they rely on their physical sight. The only way to be walking in the light is live the book. In fact, the Bible is described as our light on the paths of life. If you are not living by the Book today then you are walking in darkness.
Psalm 119:105
March 16, 2015
Exodus 14:22 - And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Thought: As the Israelites pass through the Red Sea the water surrounded them on either side and the clouds covered them overhead. What an incredible picture of baptism in the Old Testament. The Israelites had not been relieved of their bondage to the Egyptians until they were immersed in the waters of the Red Sea. God uses this event as a shadow of salvation in the New Testament. When the Israelites came up out of the water it collapsed upon the pursuing Egyptians. Likewise, when a man comes out of the waters of baptism his sin is destroyed by the blood of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 10:2
March 17, 2015
Exodus 14:31 - And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.
Thought: When people recognize the work of the Lord they fear Him, believe Him, and respect His Word. While it is true that God does not work the miracles He once did, He has given us plenty of evidence to see His Work. If there is one thing undeniable in nature around us it is the design of the Universe. The likelihood that your home was created by a random explosion is a million times more likely than the Universe coming into existence by chance. No wonder the apostle Paul says that God is clearly seen in the world around us.
Romans 1:20
March 18, 2015
Exodus 15:1 - Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Thought: In celebration of their deliverance the people of Israel sang a song. John calls this the “song of Moses” in the New Testament. Faithful Christians will get to sing this song of victory on judgment day. In fact, John says we will sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. No greater victory has ever been won and no greater celebration will ever take place. Don’t you want to be in that celebration on judgment day? Then choose to live like it from this day forward.
Revelation 15:3
March 19, 2015
Exodus 15:2 - The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Thought: As the song of Moses begins, the Lord is described as their strength and song. What does it mean that the Lord is their song? I find this very interesting. As I go throughout my day I find myself singing often. The songs I sing are usually what I heard on the radio earlier that day. Furthermore, the reason I sing is always because I am happy. Basically, I sing whatever song is on my mind when I am feeling happy. Clearly the people of Israel were happy, even thrilled, as they were just saved from the Egyptians. Their mind was obviously focused on who saved them. Therefore, they sang a song about the Lord. As you go through your everyday life are you happy to be a Christian? Are the blessings of God always at the forefront of your mind? If He is not already, make the Lord your song today.
Psalm 137:4
March 20, 2015
Exodus 15:5 - The floods covered them; they went down into the depths like a stone.
Thought: We made reference a few days ago to the Egyptians being destroyed in water representing sin being destroyed in baptism. Moses takes this imagery a step further in this song. God often uses imagery to help us understand the reality of His will. The Egyptians went down like stone into the depths. This symbolizes how far away they were and they would never resurface. God describes our sin the same way. When we are baptized our sins are like stone sinking to the depths of the ocean. What a blessing to know God will never hold those sins of the past to our account again. However, we can still sin again going forward and those sins will certainly be held against us.
Micah 7:19
March 21, 2015
Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Thought: Civilizations have announced dedication to many gods throughout the centuries. Even today there are those who believe in Allah, Buddha, and many other gods. Yet, there is truly no God like our God. Every other god is nothing more than an idol. Every other savior’s bones can be dug from the grave. However, the true God of this world cannot be found in any grave. He cannot be matched in power by any. “Who is like unto thee, O Lord?”
Isaiah 40:25
March 22, 2015
Exodus 15:24 - And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
Thought: Three days after their deliverance from Egypt the Israelites begin complaining. It is incredible how Satan can turn us from contentment to bitterness in a few moments. Their complaint was the lack of good water supplied to them. They did not trust in God to provide their needs. How often do we complain about lesser things when we have been delivered from our sin? We have all the necessities of life provided and a home in Heaven. Yet, we still complain about petty things from time to time. Murmuring is a problem of the heart. A heart that murmurs is a heart that has forgotten how good the Lord has been.
1 Corinthians 10:10
March 23, 2015
Exodus 15:25 - And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them
Thought: In order to provide the children of Israel with water, the Lord had Moses cast a tree into the bitter waters. The Lord performed a miracle my causing the tree to change all of the water from bitter to sweet. This event seems very symbolic when considering the wood and the water. Often the Lord uses wood and water as symbols of salvation. For example, Noah’s ark is used as a type of salvation in the New Testament. Here, through wood, water, and the power of God they can have drinkable water. Today, through the wood of the cross, the waters of baptism, and the power of Christ’s blood we can drink of the waters of life.
John 4:14
March 24, 2015
Exodus 15:26 - And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Thought: God’s love for the Israelites might have been unconditional, but His healing hand was not. God’s providential care for them was dependent upon submission to His will. The nature of God has not changed in our world today. Those who belong to God receive His richest blessings. What a comfort to know the God of all creation is our guide and keeper every day. However, while He loves those who are not Christians He does not bestow these blessings upon them as He does His own. We must all strive daily to hearken to His voice, do what is right, give ear to His commands, and keep all His statutes.
1 Kings 9:4
March 25, 2015
Exodus 16:2 - And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness
Thought: It is highly unlikely that the entire congregation of Israel simultaneously murmured about their present status. Someone, or a small group of people, began complaining and before long the entire group joined in. Unfortunately, negative attitudes are very contagious. When someone begins complaining to their brethren before long others are joining in with the same distress. It does not take long before most if not all of the congregation has heard it or joined in. Complaining, strife, and contention are all tools of the devil. Don’t allow a negative attitude to consume you and lead others down the path to sin. In fact, have a positive attitude even during hard times and you might find it to be contagious as well.
Proverbs 17:14
March 26, 2015
Exodus 16:5 - And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
Thought: God rained bread from Heaven for the children of Israel to gather and eat each day. However, each Friday they were to gather a double portion and get everything baked before the day ended. This was in order to prepare for the Sabbath day. While we may not have a Sabbath today we do have the Lord’s Day. How often do we prepare ourselves mentally for the next day’s worship? Sometimes we might allow worship to just be another day of “going through the motions”. To the world every Saturday is a free day to eat, drink, and be merry. For Christians, Saturday ought to be an enjoyable day as well, but also day used to prepare mentally for the Lord.
Revelation 1:10
March 27, 2015
Exodus 16:8 - And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
Thought: The children of Israel were complaining between themselves and to Moses. While they may have been talking to each other, ultimately, their complaints were against God. We can easily find ourselves disgruntled at someone’s actions or mistakes. However, we need to remember that our complaints are going up before God and not just our brethren. Christians make up the body and to murmur to them is to murmur to God. Furthermore, remember there is a difference between a genuine concern and petty complaints.
Matthew 25:40
March 28, 2015
Exodus 16:18 - And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
Thought: God provided the perfect amount so that every person was filled based upon their needs. Those who needed more to be filled were given more. God is so good to consider each of us individually and meet our daily needs. In fact, in most cases He goes well beyond our necessities as our cup overflows. As we often sing, count your many blessings and you will see what God is doing for you and your family every day. As we realize the goodness of God we are motivated to serve Him even more.
Matthew 6:33
March 29, 2015
Exodus 16:20 - Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
Thought: God instructed the people to leave no manna until the next morning. They were to eat all they had each day and not store up with the exception of the day before the Sabbath. Maybe it was a lack of faith or just plain rebellion, but some of them did not listen and their food was ruined the next day. In fact, it had worms in it and smelled awful. God doesn’t just give us commands because He enjoys being in control. There is always a reason for His advice. His commands protect and preserve us. He knows what is best. When we fail to heed to those commands there are consequences. We have so many reasons to simply do what He says, nothing more nothing less.
Deuteronomy 6:24
March 30, 2015
Exodus 16:28 - And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
Thought: On the Sabbath day many of the Israelites went out to find manna even though Moses had just instructed them not to do so. Israel continued breaking commands time and time again without learning their lesson. There is a big difference between someone who is genuinely trying to follow in the steps of Jesus and someone who is blatantly ignoring the Law of Christ day after day. I believe there are two categories of people in the church. First of all, there is that group who says, “How little can I do and slide into Heaven?” The second group has the attitude, “How much can I do in the service of my Lord?” The questions remains, which category of people are you in?
Romans 6:1
March 31, 2015
Exodus 16:28 - And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
Thought: Have you ever considered the mental stress we put on our leaders when we murmur and complain? Once again Israel was complaining about water. Moses questions the Lord feeling as though the people hate him and want to even stone him. One of the best way to put hardship on your elders is to complain about the church and what the elders are doing. Complaining comes from selfishness. We think about ourselves and what we want but forget the effect it has on others. Put yourselves in Moses shoes and the shoes of your elders before you bring an unnecessary complaint before them.
Acts 20:28
Read devotionals for April 2015