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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for May 2015
June 1, 2015
Exodus 31:3 - And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship
Thought: Being filled with the Spirit was often referenced in a miraculous sense. In this case, these men were given special abilities to aid in the construction of the tabernacle. Today every Christian is filled with the Spirit. However, this phrase does not apply the way it did in this passage. Christians are filled with the Spirit today by through the word of God. The Spirit brought the word through miraculous efforts, but once the Bible was finished the miracles ceased. As we read the word of God, given by the Spirit, we are filled with the same knowledge the apostles and prophets had in Jesus’ day. That is what it means to be full of the Spirit today.
Eph 6:17
June 2, 2015
Exodus 31:15 - Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
Thought: God made it very clear that working on the Sabbath day would result in immediate death. He wanted them to remember what He did for them in bringing them out of bondage. While we understand we are not expected to keep the seventh day or the week holy today, there is a principle of a rest described in the New Testament. This rest does not occur while on Earth but in the hereafter. If we continue to labor daily for the Lord and do not faint in our work, He will give us an eternal rest in Heaven. Everyone looks forward to the day they can retire from their jobs and continue to make enough money to get by. However, can you imagine the retirement plan God has in store for His workers?
Hebrews 4:9
June 3, 2015
Exodus 31:18 - And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Thought: How incredible it must have been for Moses to witness the handwriting of our God. The Ten Commandments were written in stone by His very finger. While we may not see His handwriting today we do have His words as though His own finger wrote them. While it was man who penned the words of the Bible it was God who wrote through their hands. The book of books we often leave on our shelf is the very words of our Creator. Do we treasure His words as though they were committed to our trust, like Moses? The reality is that we are entrusted with the words of God and responsible to cherish and share them with the world around us. Don’t treat God’s book like it is just any other book today.
2 Pet 1:21
June 4, 2015
Exodus 32:1 - And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Thought: When the people of Israel begin to doubt Moses’ return they went to Aaron turning to idolatry. They were ready to serve God until time passed and their fires went out. Many today have left the Lord and turned to the idols of this world. It would appear they believe Christ is never coming back “down the mountain” to bring judgment to mankind. While they may not be worshiping a statue they are certainly devoting their love, admiration, and time to television, worldly friends, sports, and other forms of entertainment. When these things come before God they become our idols. How are we any better than those in Moses’ time when we turn to sin as though Jesus isn’t coming back at any moment?
John 14:3
June 5, 2015
Exodus 32:4 - And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Thought: While Moses was gone it was Aaron’s responsibility to lead the people of Israel. When the people approached Aaron about creating an idol his response should have firmly been “No”. His response, instead, was not only the opposite, but he helped them create the idols personally. How discouraging it is when spiritual leaders bend the Truth in order to please the people. It might be elders who compromise in order to be praised by the church. It could be husbands who are flexible regarding certain sins in order to please their spouses. No matter how many people join or agree upon the wrong path, the path is still wrong. Are you following a multitude, like Aaron, who is doing evil?
Exodus 23:2
June 6, 2015
Exodus 32:8 - They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Thought: It is incredible how quickly Satan can turn the faithful to sin. One moment we can be worshipping God and focused upon His Will, and then the next we are falling to temptation. The Bible speaks often of being vigilant, or watchful. We can easily become confident and lazy with spiritual matters. And the moment we let our guard down we stumble. This concept reminds me of dolphins who sleep with one eye open at all times so as to always be aware of predators. Spiritually speaking we must always have an eye watching for stumbling blocks in our path. Don’t give your predator, Satan, any room to pull you away from Christ today.
1 Peter 5:8
June 7, 2015
Exodus 32:9 - And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people
Thought: The word “stiffnecked” appears in the New Testament as well during Stephen’s sermon. The word references a people who are stubborn, self-willed, and unwilling to conform to God’s way instead of their own. Every individual has a tendency to be stubborn and selfish about certain things. This is especially true about things we are most passionate about. Could it be that we have sacrificed much for the Lord but have been stubborn with one particular sin? After all, if Satan can get you to stick with just one willful sin then he has kept you from the Lord. One day we will stand before God and be judged based upon whose will matter most to us. Are you flexible when it comes to God’s truth or have you been stiffnecked about something?
Acts 7:51
June 8, 2015
Exodus 32:12 - Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people
Thought: Moses and God have an interesting conversation. In fact, we see Moses changing the mind, or so it appears, of God. Certainly there was a lesson to be learned. However, some believe God sinned in His desires since the word “repent” is used. Keep in mind that repentance is defined by a change of mind. While it certainly applies to changing our mind about sin, it is also true about changing the mind in general. For example, Judas Iscariot “repented” of his decision to betray Christ. While he regretted what he did he then went and hanged himself. Clearly Judas did not change his life for Christ, but he did regret his decision to betray him. Likewise, God did not sin but changed his mind regarding His plans of destroying Israel.
Matthew 27:3
June 9, 2015
Exodus 32:19 - And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
Thought: Moses, like God, hated sin. When he came down the mountain and saw the idolatrous worship of Israel he immediately lost his cool and broke the tablets in anger. However, the Bible makes no mention that Moses’ reaction was sinful in any way. Some may misunderstand how anger and sin work. While anger can lead to sinful action, anger in and of itself, is not sinful. In fact, the apostle Paul said it’s possible to be angry and not sin. Moses certainly was justified in his anger over sin. After all, God’s anger had also surfaced at the sinful actions of Israel. Anytime you get angry ask yourself “why am I angry and what am I going to do about it?” That feeling of anger will come from time to time, but be sure not to let it lead you to do or say something you’ll regret.
Eph 4:26
June 10, 2015
Exodus 32:26 - Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Thought: Youth groups often sing a song entitled, “Whose side are you fighting on?” That song appears to be based off of this passage. What a great question to ask ourselves today. Sometimes we might think that although we may be involved in a sin or two, we certainly are not on Satan’s side. But the Bible teaches that if you are not on the Lord’s side then you are on the devil’s team. There is no middle ground when it comes to Christianity. John told the church at Laodicea that being lukewarm would have them spit out of God’s mouth. As you are reading this you are either a tool in the hand of God or an instrument in the hand of Satan. Therefore the question must be asked again today, “Who is on the Lord’s side?”
Romans 6:13
June 11, 2015
Exodus 32:30 - And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
Thought: Notice how Moses describes Israel’s sin of idolatry as a “great sin”. There can be no doubt that Moses believed this sin was worse, in some sense, than other sins. However, we know that all sin is equal in God’s eyes. How do we explain this passage? While Moses is describing idolatry as inherently being worse than other sins, he is pointing out that this sin separated them from God. The Bible discusses two types of sin: ignorant and willful. Unintentional sin is not what separates us from God. These sins are continually washes by the blood of Christ as we walk in the light. But to sin purposefully is to make Christ’s sacrifice void in one’s life. If we commit sin on purpose, knowing we shouldn’t, we are once again lost in sin.
Hebrews 10:26
June 12, 2015
Exodus 32:32 - Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Thought: This statement is an amazing display of love from Moses on behalf of Israel. He cared so much for their soul he was willing to lose his own for their sake. The apostle Paul made a similar statement regarding Israel. While we certainly should desire our own salvation, could we even imagine loving our brethren this much? Brotherly love is a command and important part of a godly congregation. How often do we fight and gossip about our brethren instead of loving them this way? Next time your angry with your bother remember this prayer of Moses.
Rom 12:10
June 13, 2015
Exodus 32:33 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Thought: There is a common belief today suggesting that we inherit the sins of others. In addition, another belief teaches that we can be saved on behalf of others as well, like being baptized for the dead. Moses, however, learned the truth of the matter. Only the soul that sins will be held accountable for sin. Sin is not inherited nor removed from one’s soul based upon another’s actions. Sin is committed and forgiven solely based upon an individual’s decisions. This poses two questions to consider today. Have you made the personal decision to put on Christ in baptism? Have you done all you can to teach others to do the same?
Ezekiel 18:20
June 14, 2015
Exodus 32:35 - And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made
Thought: God made sure there were consequences for their idolatrous actions. We may not like it, but sin has consequences. The Bible describes this as God’s chastening. Sin is severe in that it not only affects our own soul but can also bring harm to others. These selfish decisions should not go without discipline. Just like parents discipline children to help them learn from their mistakes, so God chastens us as well. In this way we grow and become stronger to fight temptation in the future. Instead of being discouraged by difficult times, remember that it might be God’s love as He chastens you to become better.
Hebrews 12:11
June 15, 2015
Exodus 33:5 - For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
Thought: Whenever the Hebrews mourned it was customary to remove items like their jewelry. This might be compared to our wearing black at a funeral. God told them to keep those ornaments off until He decided what to do with them. Notice the reason for their mourning was their sin against God. There may be many reasons we cry from time to time, but how often is it due to our sin? There is nothing sadder than when a soul is separated from God due to his or her own negligence. Far too often we glory in sin by continually committing it and being entertained by others who do. How does your sin affect you?
Heb 6:6
June 16, 2015
Exodus 33:11 - And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
Thought: Moses did not literally see the Lord face to face as we know any man to do so would have died. This phrase is a figure of speech used to symbolize the special communication God had with Moses. How incredible it is to know we can have a relationship like this with God. Israel did not have a close relationship or communication with God like Moses since they were in sin. However, when Christ died He removed the veil so that all could do so as Christians today. How often do we take this opportunity for granted? The more we speak with someone the closer we become. How often do speak with your Heavenly Father?
1 Pet 3:12
June 17, 2015
Exodus 33:12 - And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
Thought: While Moses is disputing a bit with God he references the fact that God knows him by name. Have you ever met someone famous or popular and hoped they would remember you? Or maybe you saw someone for a second time and they couldn’t remember your name? What a blessing it is to know that the most powerful being in the Universe knows you by name. He thinks of you and loves you more than you could ever know. To paraphrase the words of the Psalmist, who are we that God would remember us?
Isa 43:1
June 18, 2015
Exodus 33:20 - And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Thought: No man has ever seen the face of God and lived. Interestingly, the Bible does not attempt to describe His facial features as a spiritual being. The only way to see God’s face is to be with Him eternally. As the song we often sing goes, “Don’t you want to see him look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace?” Live your life by His standard of authority and you can behold the face of God on that final day.
John 4:24
June 19, 2015
Exodus 34:11 - Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite
Thought: We live in a religious world that God does everything for us. While it is true that God is the worker and deserves all praise, it is not true that we have no part to play. Notice God would be the one to drive out the Canaanites from the land. But how did He do it? He had Israel fight in His name. When the battle was over it was God who had the victory and not man. Certainly Joshua could not have believed it was he who was responsible for the victory. Yet, he still had a part to play and without his obedience the land would not have been conquered. Give God all the glory today but don’t forget your responsibility to allow Him to work through you.
Ephesians 2:10
June 20, 2015
Exodus 34:12 - Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee
Thought: It was very important to our Father that Israel not make deals with the Canaanites in the land. God knew if they became friends with these idolaters they would fall into temptation. Throughout the book of Judges we see the reality of their negligence. We would be equally ignorant and arrogant to suppose we can spend our time with wicked influences and not be stained with sin. Christians must be humble enough to realize we need to avoid sin and those who practice it. Those bad influences will affect us negatively and there will never be an exception. Today remember the words of Paul and do not be deceived into thinking you are the exception.
1 Corinthians 15:33
June 21, 2015
Exodus 34:16 - And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
Thought: In discussing the importance of influences with Israel God also references the marriage bond. There is no greater relationship on earth than that of marriage. Certainly if a friend can pull someone away from God a marriage partner can even more. God has never desired that His people marry those who don’t love Him. More times than not the faithful one gets pulled away and not the opposite. We can never overstress to our children, friends, and loved ones the importance of marrying a Christian. Ideally, even dating a non-Christian should be discouraged as you date in order to marry. The greatest bond on Earth should share the greatest priority on Earth.
Ezra 9:2
June 22, 2015
Exodus 34:26 - The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Thought: Our God has always expected the firstfruits of our labors and no less. He certainly has prioritized man above all living creatures as He sent His only Son to die for us. God deserves to be no less than our priority every day. When we give each first day of the week we have an opportunity to give our firstfruits to Him. Do we give what we have left each week? Or do we set aside His portion before our finances go anywhere else?
1 Corinthians 16:2
June 23, 2015
Exodus 34:28 - And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Thought: Some say Moses fasted for forty days and nights. While he certainly abstained from food during this time he also abstained from water. No one can live without water for forty days and live. God sustained Moses in a miraculous way during this time. Biblical fasting is abstaining from anything but water. It can be dangerous to go long without water but with it man can live quite some time. Fasting can be a great practice to remember the One who gives these blessings and to focus on spiritual things. It is not necessarily commanded at a given time but up to one’s discretion. Consider fasting next time you feel you have not been appreciative for the little things in life.
Matthew 6:16-18
June 24, 2015
Exodus 34:29 - And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
Thought: Moses did not realize his face was glowing after his intimate experience with God. Sometimes it is hard to fathom that we are in a different realm from the spiritual. To be with God is to be in glory, in a new body. One day we will all get a new body as we enter the spiritual realm eternally. We will either be with God shining forever or in darkness with Satan. Are living your life so that you may shine forever?
Colossians 3:4
June 25, 2015
Exodus 34:33 - And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
Thought: The people feared Moses when they saw his shining face. He decided to put a vail over it as he talked with the people on Mount Sinai. However, when he spoke with God he removed the vail. These details are not given to us by mistake. They embody great symbolism as we consider the vail separating God from man. When there is sin in our lives a vail separates us from the light. However, when we repent and allow Christ to remove the sin we are in the light. Only through Christ can the vail of darkness be removed from our lives.
1 John 1:7
June 26, 2015
Exodus 35:5 - Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass
Thought: When we offer our service and worship to God He desires that it come from a willing heart. God knows our heart better than we do. How do we think it makes Him feel when we are simply going through the motions? Is God pleased when we serve Him because we have to and not because we want to? Giving to God, whether financially or in general, must be from a willing heart. Otherwise our service to God is in vain. Whatever you find yourself doing in the name of the Lord today be sure to do it with all of your heart.
2 Corinthians 9:7
June 27, 2015
Exodus 35:21 - And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
Thought: The people of Israel who brought their offering to the Lord were those whose heart was stirred. Sometimes we get desensitized to spiritual things and lose that prodding in the heart. The heart should be stirred daily by several things. First, we ought to be stirred to serve God because of the blessings He gives us daily. Second, we ought to be moved by love for others and their soul’s condition. Lastly, we should be stirred by sin. Any and all of these reasons should keep us motivated daily to serve God and obey His will. Is your heart hardened to spiritual things or are you being stirred daily?
Acts 17:16
June 28, 2015
Exodus 35:29 - The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
Thought: There were lots of jobs to do in order to serve God to the best of their ability. This was a congregational effort and not the responsibility of one man or even a few men. Whether you could lift the pillars of the tabernacle or sow the tent coverings you were needed. The same is true of the church today. Every individual Christian has a part to play. That part may be a preacher, song leader, building cleaner, or something in between. However, every role is as important as another. Only when everyone works together is the church serving the best she can. Only then can the church grow and dwell in unity together.
Eph 4:16
June 29, 2015
Exodus 35:35 - Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
Thought: Whatever our talents might be, we must not only use them but appreciate them. The abilities these Israelites had, and the wisdom to use them, came from God. You may be a wonderful Bible class teacher or maybe the strongest song leader in the congregation. However, remember why you have that ability. It isn’t because you are better than someone else or that you have room to boast. That high talent all came from God. Remember to give God the glory for all the talents you possess and all the good you do with them.
James 1:17
June 30, 2015
Exodus 36:5 - And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
Thought: The hearts of the people were so focused on the work that they provided more than enough offerings to cover the work needing to be done. In fact, Moses has to tell them to stop bringing more work because they had more than enough. These offerings are the result of a willing, devoted heart. When is the last time the elders ask people to back off of their giving because the church was way over budget? When is the last time someone was told to slow down because they are too involved in the work of the church. Examine your heart this week as you give of your time and money to the Lord.
Phil 2:21
Read devotionals for July 2015