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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2015
July 1, 2015
Exodus 39:1 - And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Thought: During several chapters that reiterate the details of building the tabernacle, we also see God’s details as related to the priest’s clothing. He details the colors, fabrics, jewels, and complete design He desired for the clothing. While God does not require particular outfits today we should recognize that God does desire our clothing today profess godliness and nothing else. We can overdress and draw undue attention to ourselves or we can underdress and yield the same result. God does not want us to be so concerned with our appearance but with our hearts. Does your exterior or interior get more focus each day? No more time is needed on our exterior other than being sure we are dressed modestly.
1 Timothy 2:9
July 2, 2015
Exodus 39:32 - Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.
Thought: The children of Israel did everything God commanded them to do when constructing the tabernacle. No matter how many details God placed upon the work they still made sure to get it done. We must appreciate every single command of our Lord. Nothing He requests of us is insignificant nor is it too big of a task. No command is more important than any other with regards to our relationship with Him. Whether it be our seasoned speech or preaching the Truth they are all important to our Lord. Appreciate all the details of God’s commands today and make them practical with all sincerity of heart.
Psalm 119:15
July 3, 2015
Exodus 39:43 - And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.
Thought: When the work was finished Moses was able to reflect on the completion of the matter. He didn’t feel as though anything was left undone that the Lord had asked of him or Israel. Each of us will have a day when our time is up and our work is over. In that moment when we look back over all the Lord asked of us what will we think? Will we be able to feel that our work is done and the Lord is pleased? Or will we feel that we didn’t work as we should and we left the Lord’s will undone? There is coming a time when the work will cease. Don’t make that time while we are living and able to labor on Earth.
Matthew 9:37
July 4, 2015
Exodus 40:35 - And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Thought: The tabernacle was now complete and upright as God had instructed. Now Moses could not enter the tent because God had filled it with His presence. As special as Moses’ relationship with God was, there were still limits as Christ had not yet died. This was the whole purpose of the tabernacle to allow God to be with His people who were still in their sin. Through Christ the veil of the temple has been torn and that separation is now gone. We can be near to God without any interference as a faithful Christian. Do we live our lives in appreciation of this fact? Do we draw near to Him in decisions, teachings, and prayer?
Mark 15:38
July 5, 2015
Exodus 40:38 - For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
Thought: The final passage of the book of Exodus leaves us witnessing God’s continual care upon the children of Israel. By day and by night the Lord made it clear to them that He was there and that He was their guide. He revealed Himself as a cloud by day and fire by night. There could not no confusion as to where He was and where He wanted them to go. Our God always looks after His own and reminds us He is always there even today. It may not be through a cloud or fire, but we can see the Lord in nature, in Christians, and in His Holy Word. Look closely today and you just might see Him around you.
Psalm 16:8
July 6, 2015
Joshua 1:1 - Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying…
Thought: As we enter the book of Joshua Moses has now passed away. The mantle of leadership has been passed by God to Joshua. Moses led Israel for decades. We can only imagine how difficult a time this must have been for the people. Those who were around just under twenty years old had been with Moses for forty years. However, God expected them to trust their new leader and move forward. Sometimes our leaders and loved ones have to leave this world. Nothing can make that time easier. But like Israel we must continue to look to God and those He places in our lives to see us through it. All we can do it live our lives in a way that we can be with them again one day in Heaven.
2 Samuel 12:23
July 7, 2015
Joshua 1:2 - Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Thought: Moses was the original one who was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. However, Moses smote the rock when God had told him to speak to it. No matter what Moses did the rest of his life he still had to suffer the consequences of his disobedience. The result was Moses’ death prior to entering the land of Canaan. Now Joshua was to lead the people in his stead. While we can always repent of sin there are unavoidable consequences sometimes. Sin is not only dangerous for our soul eternally, but also for the here and now. We may hurt others and we may suffer physical consequences here on Earth. Sin is selfish and brings nothing but pain in our lives. When you are tempted to sin today remember that the pleasures of sin last for a moment, but the sting of sin often lasts much longer.
James 1:15
July 8, 2015
Joshua 1:3 - Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
Thought: Although Moses was gone, the promises of God remained the same. No matter what changes may come in our lives we can be sure that God’s promises never change. The promises of spiritual blessings on Earth, salvation from sin, eternity in Heaven, and many more all remain true as long as we live on this Earth. Don’t invest your time in things or people who will let you down, deceive you, and disappoint you. Focus your energy on the unchanging promises of God. After all, those promises have conditions that we each need to meet. Are you meeting God’s conditions for salvation, spiritual blessings, and one day Heaven?
1 John 2:25
July 9, 2015
Joshua 1:5 - There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Thought: God told Joshua that he would be with him the way He was with Moses. What a comfort this must have been to Joshua who witnessed the relationship Moses had with His Father. Joshua could have great confidence that God would keep His promise not to leave or forsake Joshua. Of course, that same promise has been made to each of us who are Christians today. No matter how alone we might feel or how many people choose sin we will still have God on our side. As long as we choose Him He will be there for us. What greater comfort can we have as we begin our day today?
Hebrews 13:5
July 10, 2015
Joshua 1:6 - Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Thought: Joshua was going to lead the people of Israel into battle time and time again as they conquered the land of Canaan. It would have been easy for Joshua to be afraid of the upcoming events, but God gave him strength. He encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous and to remember His promise to give them the land. Any time we begin to be afraid of our spiritual battles or struggles we must remember to find strength in our God. Try to consider what God would say to us today as we battle with spiritual forces. Doubtless, He would tell us to be strong and to remember His promise to give us an inheritance with Him in Heaven if we choose to fight in the name of Christ.
Ephesians 6:10
July 11, 2015
Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Thought: God told Joshua to meditate on His law day and night. The implication is that only when one meditates on God’s law will he stay true to it. Why is it that we fall short from time to time? Have you ever sinned while focusing upon God and His Will? It is a lot harder to succumb to Satan when our focus is upon our Lord and His Law. We must be like the Psalmist and meditate upon His law day and night. The more we focus upon His Word and not upon the movies, games, sex, and other sins of this world the better off we will be. What will be the meditation of your heart throughout your day today?
Psalm 1:2
July 12, 2015
Joshua 1:14 - Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them
Thought: Under the leadership of Moses the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh requested that they get to inherit the land on the current side of the Jordan River. They loved the land as it would accommodate their large amount of cattle. Moses told them that they must go to war with Israel in order to possess that land as well. Otherwise they would be leaving their brethren to fight alone. Joshua reminds them of this command and they agree to join in the battle. Friends our brethren go to war every time they get together for fellowship or worship. Do we join them or sit back and watch as they fight for Heaven? If we are not joining our brethren in spiritual battle how are we any better than soldiers sitting out of war?
Num 32:6
July 13, 2015
Joshua 2:1 - And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Thought: These spies were sent to view the land of Jericho and report back to Joshua. There is no indication that they knew where they would rest their heads at night. However, it just so happens that they stumbled upon Rahab’s home and were allowed to lodge with her. Little did they know this would end up being a Gentile who would put her faith in God. It is incredible how often we see the handprint of God and His providence at work. Sometimes unplanned things may happen in our lives that we may not understand. They may be good things and they may not. But we must always remember that God is working in our lives and He might just be using us for His purpose. What greater action could we be taking at any given time than to be a tool in our Savior’s hand?
Rom 6:13
July 14, 2015
Joshua 2:4 - And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were
Thought: The king of Jericho learned of the spies and sent men to retrieve them from Rahab. However, Rahab lies to the men claiming not to know of their whereabouts. While her intentions might have been good she still sinned against God. Some say that she was innocent because she protected the men. She certainly had an obligation to do so but not at the expense of sin. There is never a time God encourages sin in our lives no matter what the circumstance might be. Remember the words of the apostle Paul, “Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just”.
Rom 3:8
July 15, 2015
Joshua 2:10 - For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed
Thought: What we are going to notice over the next few days is an incredible picture of God’s plan of salvation as seen through Rahab. Here we see Rahab has heard about the Lord and His mighty works. She knew about the Lord and wanted to learn more about His Will. This is how God’s plan for saving man begins. Man must hear the Word of God. In doing so he will learn of Christ’s love and the opportunity to have the sin removed from his life. Furthermore, as he is learning he must look through the scriptures and prove that what he is being taught is in accordance with God’s Word. If so, he will move on to the next step of belief.
Romans 10:17
July 16, 2015
Joshua 2:9 - And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Thought: As Rahab heard about the Lord and His plan to give Canaan’s Land to His people, she absolutely believed it to be true. This is the second step in God’s plan for saving man. After hearing the Word and proving it in the scriptures one must believe it to be true. Without believing, or having faith, one cannot please God. We must believe that His Word is Truth and that Christ is the Son of God. Believing in His Word means that one believes every word of it to be true and that Truth will motivate a response. That response, repentance, is the next step.
John 8:24
July 17, 2015
Joshua 2:11 - And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Thought: Rahab explains that once she heard and believed these things concerning God’s plan it moved her heart. True belief can do nothing but prick our hearts. When we realize who God is and compare that to who we are, we recognize our need to repent. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of lifestyle. It is a mental decision to not live in willful sin any longer. It isn’t that we will be perfect but rather that we will give it our all every day to resist the devil and stay on God’s narrow path. If we are willing to repent of sin then we are ready to begin confessing our Lord.
Luke 13:3
July 18, 2015
Joshua 2:11 - And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Thought: After Rahab mentions their heart being melted she immediately follows it with a bold, declarative statement. She claims that God is the true God of Heaven and Earth. Following repentance one makes the great confession that he/she believes that Jesus Christ is truly the son of God. That confession is something that will be said time and time again by the faithful Christian. After making that confession only one step remains in order to become part of the saved.
Matthew 10:32
July 19, 2015
Joshua 2:13 - And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
Thought: Once Rahab understood she was talking with men of God she desired to be saved from death. Although Rahab is speaking in a physical sense this great picture of salvation continues. Salvation has become a simple term that simply means being right with God. However, it is important to remember that salvation really means being saved from something. Christians are being saved from a spiritual death in a devil’s Hell. How blessed we are not only to be right with God but to be able to avoid such an awful eternity. Sometimes we need to think about what we are being saved from and let that motivate us to want salvation like Rahab did.
1 Peter 1:9
July 20, 2015
Joshua 2:17 - And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
Thought: Rahab’s salvation was conditional. She had to keep quiet about Israel’s plans, place a red chord outside her window and stay inside her home during the battle. If she broke any of those conditions her salvation was no longer valid and she would also die in the battle. Furthermore, the men would then be blameless for her death. There is a great lesson here regarding our own spiritual death. Our God gives us the understandable conditions for our salvation and the freedom to make our own decisions. It is not God’s fault if we choose sin and death over salvation. In fact, we can blame no one expect ourselves. Your salvation and faithfulness are in your hands and your hands only.
Phil 2:12
July 21, 2015
Joshua 2:18 - Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
Thought: Rahab’s home became the sole location for salvation during the battle for Jericho. Everyone in Jericho but outside of her home would be destroyed. However, everyone inside Rahab’s house would be saved. Rahab’s job was to bring all of her family into the home as well before the battle took place. Today the church is the sole location for salvation. We might think of Jericho as being the world. We have the same responsibility as Rahab to bring in as many as we can into the house of God before destruction comes. We must bring them in by teaching them the gospel message. Its power will do the rest.
Heb 4:12
July 22, 2015
Joshua 2:19 - And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
Thought: Rahab’s home continues to symbolize the church of Christ today. The men explain to Rahab that if anyone leaves the house and dies it is their own fault. However, if anyone steps into the home and takes a life it is on the men’s hands instead. Of course we realize the latter did not happen. As we compare this to the church we see the application. Once we are part of the saved, located in the house of God, we can still choose to step back outside. If we let sin back into our lives we will be outside of the house and susceptible to Hell if our time runs out before repenting. We need to be sure we stay inside the house of God. The judgment day can come any moment and we must always be ready. If we are outside the church when Jesus’ comes we will regret it for eternity and it will be too late to change it.
1 Cor 12:13
July 23, 2015
Joshua 2:21 - And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
Thought: Have you ever considered why the thread was specifically a red one? Now that we see this great picture of salvation we understand the significance of a red thread. That thread marked the house that was to be spared from destruction. What marks the house of God today? It is marked with the blood of Christ. The thread represents the blood of Jesus that would be shed from His body so that we could become part of the church. Without the thread that house would be destroyed and all who were therein. Without Christ our outcome will be no different.
Acts 20:28
July 24, 2015
Joshua 2:24 - And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
Thought: It is interesting that the spies spoke of their taking the land in the past tense. They had not even begun to conquer the land and yet they spoke as if they had already finished. This statement is an example of faith in God’s promises. When God says something will be so we can be so certain of it that we can speak as though it already happened. A guarantee like that can only come from our Creator. Furthermore, they saw evidence of His promises as the people in the land were full of fear. God not only promised them, but showed them evidence in His own way as well. Consider what evidences God gives you of His promises today.
1 John 2:25
July 25, 2015
Joshua 3:1 - And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
Thought: Joshua always made it a habit to rise early in the morning. As the leader of Israel he never seemed to waste time or be slothful in any way. It can be hard at time to get out of bed and get an early start on our day. Of course there is nothing wrong with sleeping in from time to time. However, are our sleeping habits symbolic of our lifestyle spiritually? Sleep isn’t a bad thing unless we are “sleeping” throughout the day as well. Laziness can set in and overcome us before we realize what is happening. Even when we are working we may not be giving it our all. Our mind may be drifting elsewhere as we daydream more than we accomplish tasks. As you work today be sure to focus on your tasks and give them all your efforts.
Colossians 3:23
July 26, 2015
Joshua 3:3 - And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Thought: After the death of Moses the Israelites were no longer led by the cloud and fire of God. Their signal became the Ark of the Covenant as they crossed the Jordan River together. While we may not see literal signs today we are certainly led by God. Christians understand that God works today through His providence. We can never be certain of when or where God is involved but we can always know He is there leading us. He may do so through certain people placed in our lives. Or He may lead us through consequences for sin. One way or another we can be sure as Christians that He is leading us daily in His own way. What could bring you more comfort today?
Psa 23:2-3
July 27, 2015
Joshua 3:4 - Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
Thought: The instructions are for Israel to keep a space of at least 3,000 feet between them and the ark as they travel down the ravine. Notice the reason is about seeing everything they need to see. This would include the ark they are to follow as well as the miracle that is going to be performed to begin their entry into the Promised Land. Point of view is a very interesting aspect of sight. The way we see something and the way we perceive it place a lot of weight on how we react to it. Sometimes we may be too close to see the bigger picture. For example, we tend to focus on the little negative things that happen from day to day. However, if we stepped back and saw the bigger picture we would remember how blessed we are and remain positive instead. Remember to step back and see all God is doing for you today as you stay positive.
Psa 8:4
July 28, 2015
Joshua 3:5 - And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
Thought: Joshua told the people to sanctify themselves. Was he blatantly rejecting the grace of God? No, he was simply recognizing their part to play. The church gets a bad rap for teaching that we must “do” something in order to be sanctified today. We agree that salvation is through God’s grace through faith. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have to choose it and obey it. When we believe our obedience earns us salvation we have an issue. But following God’s commands as a humble servant is not only acceptable, but commanded. Some would be surprised to know that Peter told the people at Pentecost to save themselves.
Acts 2:40
July 29, 2015
Joshua 3:12 - Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
Thought: Numbers are interesting and often symbolic in the Bible. God uses numbers to represent different things and ideas. The number twelve is a number commonly used by God. Consider these twelve men from the twelve tribes of Israel. Consider the twelve apostles and the legions of angels Jesus could have called. And how old was Jesus when He began His ministry? Twelve is the number of government perfection. As you are reading your Bible take note of the number twelve and how often it is associated with authority and hierarchy with God. Furthermore, notice some other numbers as well God commonly uses and see what they represent in God’s eyes.
Revelation 21:12-14
July 30, 2015
Joshua 3:13 - And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap."
Thought: As Moses experienced the parting of the Red Sea so Joshua experienced the parting of the Jordan River. Once again God parted the water so Israel could cross over into a new land. Egypt represented a release from bondage and a new life serving God. The Promised Land represented that final destination with God, Heaven. In order for us to enter the Promised Land we too must experience an escape from bondage. Through the waters of baptism we are freed from the bondage of sin and begin a faithful life. If we remain true to God’s Word until we leave this world we will enter the Promised Land as well. However, remember that many fell away in the wilderness and did not make it to the Promised Land. We, too, can fall away from God after being free from sin and lose Heaven.
Heb 6:6
July 31, 2015
Joshua 4:6 - That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
Thought: Joshua ordered one man from every tribe to grab a stone from the Jordan River and bring it with them to their place of lodging. This was done to serve as a memorial to the people and a learning tool for their children. When the children asked about the stones it would provide an opportunity for the parents to explain how God brought them over the Jordan River into this land of milk and honey. Memorials can be a great way to keep spiritual things on the forefront of our minds. One of the greatest memorials we have today is the Lord’s Supper. What else do you have in your daily life that reminds you of spiritual things? Is there anything in your home that might provoke spiritual discussions with your kids or visitors when seen?
2 Pet 1:12
Read devotionals for August 2015