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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for September 2015
October 1, 2015
Joshua 19:9 - Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.
Thought: Judah had received more than was needed when it came to their inheritance of land. On the other hand, Simeon did not have their needs met with regards to their inheritance. Therefore, Judah gave a portion of their land to Simeon so that both had their needs met and nothing more. What a great lesson for Christians today. It is easy to get caught up in a desire for riches above that which we need. But why do we desire to have more? Do we want to spend it on useless things that are going to burn up one day? Or do we want to give the extra we have to meet the needs of our brethren? Consider what kind of steward you are today!
Acts 4:36-37
October 2, 2015
Joshua 20:2 - Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
Thought: After giving out the allotments of land the Lord immediately sets up cities of refuge. According to the Law of Moses, there were to be locations where one could flee until he received a fair trial. Someone might accidentally take another’s life and he or she should not be willfully murdered by the avenger when the crime was not purposeful. Thinking of these places of refuge reminds us of the refuge we have in the kingdom of Christ. We have a place that allows us to be judged righteously when we make mistakes. When we sin on purpose we must repent and turn back to God. However, when we sin accidentally we are continually forgiven in Christ. As it stands right now, are you able to flee to our city of refuge, or are you guilty of willful sin?
1 John 1:7
October 3, 2015
Joshua 20:3 - That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
Thought: Recall that the cities of refuge were for those who did not willfully take another’s life. If someone took another’s life on purpose he would not be spared from the consequence. God has always placed a difference between purposeful and unwillful sin. The same is true of any sin today. If we miss services when we could have been there then we are sinning willfully. However, if we cannot be at services but wish we could then our sin is not purposeful. Of course, the blood of Jesus continually cleanses these sins. But when we sin purposefully we separate ourselves from the sacrifice of Christ. Ask yourself, “where am I if I am separated from the blood of Christ?”. Brethren we need to guard ourselves from willful sin!
Hebrews 10:26
October 4, 2015
Joshua 20:4 - And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
Thought: Man cannot judge the heart of an individual. We are tempted, especially when we have ought with someone, to want to judge their intentions without substantial evidence. But, as Christians, we must give others the benefit of the doubt. This is the same principle as any court case. The prosecutor has the burden of proof. Unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he is innocent of the crime. Furthermore, do I not want my fellow brethren to give me the same benefit of the doubt? Friends let’s remember there is only one who knows the heart. Let Him be the judge of intentions!
John 7:24
October 5, 2015
Joshua 20:5 - And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
Thought: During this time, before the Bible, God literally intervened in the lives of man. Through His prophets and casting lots God would help man make decisions that were right. Today, God works through His Word. Therefore, we cannot know the intentions of a man as they could during the days of Joshua. No wonder Jesus taught us not to practice an eye for an eye but to allow God to take vengeance in His own way. We may be tempted to harm those who harm us or ones we love. And there may have even been a time when God allowed man to gain vengeance for himself. That day, however, is not today. Under Christ’s law we must learn to react out of kindness instead of wrath. This is easier said than done, but we must learn to love our enemies as Christ loves us. Be aware the next time someone hurts you and get control of your reaction.
Romans 12:19
October 6, 2015
Joshua 20:7 - And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
Thought: By the end of this passage, and the next, there were six cities of refuge appointed. God placed them in strategic locations so that no matter where they lived a city of refuge was a reasonable distance away. This reminds us that no matter where we live today the Lord’s “city of refuge” is nearby. What a blessing to know that no matter where we may travel a sound body of the Lord’s church will be meeting a reasonable distance away. It is so important to make plans to visit a sound congregation as we travel for work or vacation. Sometimes we might be tempted to vacation from God when we are away from home. But if I am diligent I can always find a place to meet with the saints on the Lord ’s Day. Make sure you always know where the closest city of refuge is to you!
Hebrews 10:25
October 7, 2015
Joshua 21:45 - There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Thought: Reading through battle after battle and the allotment of their land, this is such a comforting passage to read. God had made many promises to the people of Israel if they would remain faithful to Him through these difficult battles and struggles. God did not fail to come through on a single promise He had made. How encouraging to know our God never fails nor lies. What does that mean for you and me? We can rest assured that if we remain faithful to God today we will receive a crown of life, a home where there is no darkness, a life without sickness, sorrow, or pain. We can be certain there will be no more sin, no more fear, and never a dull moment. We will be with God and Christ forever alongside with the saints and angels as our neighbors…and it will never end. Don’t you want to be there?!
Titus 1:2
October 8, 2015
Joshua 22:4 - And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.
Thought: Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh did all that God asked of them. As you recall, they desired a unique reward separate from the land that the rest of Israel was promised. Our God loved them so much He allowed them to receive their reward as requested as long as they obeyed Him like the rest. They kept their end of the deal and so the Lord did as well. What an incredible thought that our God cares about each one of our own individual desires. Although He has a plan for us He is willing to listen to our tainted logic as we try to make requests we can’t really know are best for us. Yet, God hears us and considers giving us those blessings. David said it best when he asked, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?”.
Psalm 8:4
October 9, 2015
Joshua 22:5 - But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Thought: The Israelites were to take special care to obey the commandments and laws of God given to them by Moses. There is a movement today in the church teaching Christians to be more liberal when it comes to obeying every “little law” God places upon us. God has spoken to us today through His Son and yet we are being told that obeying all His laws is too legalistic. They suggest we negate grace and mercy by obeying the law. However, we see the Lord emphasizing the importance of taking special care to obey the laws. In fact, it is sin when we fail to keep every law and therefore we do still need God’s mercy and grace. Don’t buy into the “legalistic” arguments of man. The Bible teaches we are to follow God’s law to the best of our ability!
Matthew 23:23
October 10, 2015
Joshua 22:8 - And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.
Thought: Joshua blesses the half tribe of Manasseh telling them to bring in many riches but to divide those riches amongst the brethren. It isn’t that Joshua is making a priority out of being rich, but rather being a good steward. Jesus taught us how difficult it can be for a rich man to enter the kingdom. This isn’t because it is sinful to be wealthy. Instead, the issue lies with the temptation to use those riches for selfish gain. No matter how rich I may get I must always be giving with those riches. Don’t get caught sitting on a treasure trove of cash when the Lord returns. Give liberally to your brethren, to the church, and to those in need and you’ll be rich in eternity as well!
Matthew 19:24
October 11, 2015
Joshua 22:10 - And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
Thought: Immediately upon establishing their desired territory from God the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh decide to build an altar to a false god. What a blessing it was for God to grant their petition to receive this unique reward and they instantly use it for evil. I don’t know that they had planned this all along, but it seems more likely that they sinned when they lost the accountability of their fellow brethren. Christians, being in the flesh, all need accountability for sin. When no one is around to see what we are doing, or when we avoid the brethren for extended periods of time is when we get into trouble. If you are struggling with private sins maybe it is time to pick an accountability partner. That may be a congregation or a brother in Christ with whom you are close. But be sure someone is there to help you stay on the narrow path.
Gen 39:11-12
October 12, 2015
Joshua 22:18 - But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.
Thought: It is significant to notice that the day Israel chose to build that altar was the day they turned away from following the Lord. Throughout these devotionals on Joshua, we have noted willful and unwillful sin. We understand unwillful sin is continually forgiven by Christ’s blood. However, willful sin separates us from God. In addition to these thoughts, here we see how serious it is to willfully sin. Notice it didn’t take three willful sins to turn away from God. It didn’t take them sinning on purpose a few times during the same week. It only took one willful sin to separate them from God. Friends, purposeful sin is not something to take lightly. What a humbling thought that one purposeful sin, unrepented of, will keep me out of Heaven. If you have any willful sin going on in your life, today is the day to repent!
Hebrews 10:26
October 13, 2015
Joshua 22:23 - That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;
Thought: Now it came time for these two and a half tribes to respond to Israel. Their defense hinges on their intentions for building this altar. In short, they argue that God can be the judge of their purpose for building the altar. As it so happens, they intended to use the altar for their offerings to God. Two lessons jump out from this passage. First of all, as fleshly beings we cannot know the intent of another’s heart. We can’t know why people do what they may and so we must take their word for it. We must always give them the benefit of any doubt as we would want from them. Secondly, we see that God does know our intentions. This doesn’t mean that doing evil with good intent is acceptable, but it does mean that doing good with evil intent is not acceptable. We might be able to fool man but we can’t fool God!
Hebrews 4:13
October 14, 2015
Joshua 22:34 - And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.
Thought: The word “witness” in this passage is used in the sense of giving a testimony on their behalf. That is, the altar’s use for offerings revealed their good intentions in serving the Lord. This concept reminds us that our evidence for being Christians is found in our works. We show others our true colors not just by what we say, but what we do. The Pharisees said many good things but their works said something different. One day as we stand before the Judge our presentable evidence will be our works. The question is, “Will my works be good or bad?” When you are making choices throughout the day remember that your actions will precede you on judgment. Be sure to take fruitful works of obedience with you and not the unfruitful works of darkness.
Titus 1:16
October 15, 2015
Joshua 23:6 - Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;
Thought: Yet again we have another passage revealing the importance of sticking to God’s law. This liberal mindset that suggests we need to not be so concerned with law more “grace focused” is false teaching. It isn’t that grace is insignificant of course, but that law is not insignificant either. Instead of diminishing certain parts of God’s plan we must recognize the importance of grace, law, faith, and works. These four together are what bring salvation in Christ Jesus. Take any one of these out and there is no hope of Heaven. God’s grace is what brought us the law to know right from wrong. When we hear that law we have faith it is true and the Lawgiver is real. That faith produces actions that correspond with the law. That is God’s plan and we need not veer to the right or to the left from that plan!
Gal 1:8
October 16, 2015
Joshua 23:7 - That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
Thought: God knew that idolatry was not only against His will, but also a temptation for Israel. In this passage God commands them not only to avoid bowing down to their gods, but do not even mention their names nor be around those who serve them. Christians often think that as long as they do commit the sin itself they can as close as they want. This attitude is the work of Satan. He wants us to think we will be fine surrounding ourselves with sin and temptation so long as we do not commit it personally. That mindset is exactly what leads to sin. In the flesh we are not strong enough to get close to sin and remain unspotted from this world. Remember the words of God and let’s stay away from sin altogether and those who are practicing it.
1 Cor 10:12
October 17, 2015
Joshua 23:8 - But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
Thought: To cleave to something is to hold on with all our might. When Ruth clave to Naomi nothing could separate the two of them unless she chose to let go. This also shows a total reliance upon God. We need to grab hold of our God and never let go. The moment we loosen our grip Satan will pull us away. But as long as I am cleaving to Him I will not stumble. In order to do so I must continue in study, prayer, and evangelism. He must always be on the forefront of my mind. Every decision I make should include His insight. I must remember that nothing else matters without God in my life. Grab hold of God today and don’t loosen your grip!
James 4:8
October 18, 2015
Joshua 23:11 - Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.
Thought: Loving our God has always been and always will be our top priority. It is the greatest command because everything else stems downward from this command. For example, the second greatest command is loving our neighbor as we do ourselves. However, I don’t get to decide how to love my neighbor because the first command is to love God. That means I go to God and see how He wants me to love my neighbor. When my neighbor is rude to me I don’t get to be rude back. Instead, I respond with kindness because that is what my God wants from me. Every command in God’s book stems from loving God. If we are careful to love God as we should we will never fail. Of course, the moments we choose to sin are not love’s fault, but our fault. In those moments we have not loved God like we ought. Therefore, we must also give heed to love God just as Israel was told to do.
Mark 12:30
October 19, 2015
Joshua 23:13 - Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
Thought: God warned the people to avoid marriages with these wicked nations. Israel did not drive out all of the Canaanites as God had commanded. God was longsuffering with them, but warned them what would happen should they marry outside of Israel. This isn’t because He wants to be controlling, make us miserable, or any other wicked intention, but to keep them from falling away to idolatry. Today it is so important to encourage our young people to date and marry Christians. While it is certainly possible for Christians to influence their spouse to God it is more likely that the opposite will occur. Of course, if you are married to a non-Christian never give up on trying to bring them to Christ. But for those who are unmarried, let’s encourage them to marry a Christian!
1 Cor 7:39
October 20, 2015
Joshua 23:14 - And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.
Thought: Joshua knew he would be leaving the world shortly. By inspiration he knew his appointment was near. In these final words he reminds them how they have plainly seen God fulfill all His promises. He had not failed them in any point and they knew it. Notice no matter how much they may have been tempted to deny it, deep within them they knew the truth. There is no indication that they did try to deny it, but this brings a good lesson for us today. We all know those who we have taught the truth who deny it and choose the world or denominationalism instead. However, we must confidently remember that we have planted the seeds and others will water. Of course, the increase will be given by God. Somewhere deep within their heart and soul they know the truth!
1 Cor 3:6
October 21, 2015
Joshua 24:13 - And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.
Thought: Israel was given a new land that flowed with milk and honey. They were given cities and homes in which to live. They were even gifted with vineyards they could eat from to their satisfaction. It may have been easy for them to feel proud of their accomplishments. Some may have boasted of their achievements. But God reminds them that they did not labor, they did not build, and they did not plant. What a powerful passage of scripture to consider. It wasn’t that Israel did not work at all as some would like to teach today. Yet, it was not by their works that they were blessed either. God did the work but He expected their humble obedience. If the religious world only understood that works are necessary to show true faith and to obey God’s law, but we are saved by His grace and cannot boast that we have done anything to save ourselves.
Luke 17:10
October 22, 2015
Joshua 24:14 - Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Thought: Joshua’s farewell address is full of wonderful lessons for Israel and for Christianity today. After reminding them how good God has been to them he boldly demands their service to God but as real as God’s service to them. That is, they must serve Him in sincerity and in truth. As Christians today this reminds us of our worship as it is to be in spirit and truth. Joshua expected of Israel the same that Christ expects of us. Our service to God must be with the proper heart, or intentions. We must be serving Him with love and genuine adoration. Furthermore, our service must be according to His will and not our own. God expected obedient and honest service then and He expects it still today.
John 4:24
October 23, 2015
Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Thought: Joshua points out that in the minds of some it could be evil to serve the Lord. This is not evil in the sense of wickedness, but in reference to the burden or discomfort they feel. Just like today many of the Israelites didn’t like being told what to do. They did not want to make sacrifices and give up their comfortable lives for God. Therefore, they may choose to serve a false god so their life would be more pleasurable for them. Joshua made it clear that they had to choose one or the other. You can’t choose something other than God and not choose Satan. Friends the same rings true today. Some may not want to choose God for any number of reasons, but the only other option is Satan. Choosing your family over God is choosing Satan. Choosing your spouse or children over God is choosing Satan. So who will your choice be today?
1 Kings 18:21
October 24, 2015
Joshua 24:17 - For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:
Thought: In this moment the people shouted together that they would choose God. Their reason wasn’t godly sorrow at this point in time. However, their reason was acceptable. That is, they chose God because of how good He had been to them. While Godly sorrow is certainly necessary in order to repent, so is an understanding of God. When we really sit down and meditate upon what God has done for us we want to serve Him more and more. It is because of God that I woke up this morning. It was God who granted me my job, my clothes, my dwelling place, my friends, my family, and so on. Of course, it was also God who sent His only Son to be crucified so that I could be saved from a devil’s hell. Has the goodness of God led you to repentance lately?
Romans 2:4
October 25, 2015
Joshua 24:19 - And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Thought: Our God is a jealous God. Of course, this isn’t meant in a sinful sense but is used to help us better understands how our God feels when we put our “idols” before Him. Anything I choose to make a priority over God becomes an idol today. We are no better than idolaters when we place something before Him. We make Him feel jealous as He desires to be our number one priority and instead is pushed to the side. Friends, nothing can come before our God. That includes sports, events, friends, and even family. Jesus says that we must hate, or love less, our father and mother in order to be right with God. Who or what is the real priority in your life?
Matt 10:37
October 26, 2015
Joshua 24:23 - Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
Thought: Israel verbally chose to serve God. Joshua’s response revealed that in order to adhere to their decision they had to put away their sin and turn their heart over to Him. The religious world misses this part of God’s plan. It is easy to claim to be a Christian and claim to be serving God. However, in order for that to be a reality we must turn away from our sin and make God our everything. I can claim to be serving God but if my mouth doesn’t have a filter then I am a liar. I can claim to be serving God but if I rarely show up to services I am lying. Being a Christian is a twenty-four hour job. It isn’t something we do from time to time. It is all or nothing. Are you really serving God today or just spouting out falsehoods?
Luke 6:46
October 27, 2015
Joshua 24:31 - And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.
Thought: As we close the book of Joshua, we see that while Joshua was living the people were faithful to God. Of course, after Joshua passes Israel became like the world around them. What a testament this is to the need for godly leaders. The Lord’s body is falling apart because of a lack of godly elders. Too many elders today don’t have the backbone to stand for the truth. Many are interested more in numbers and money than with God’s will. Some allow their preachers to influence them. Others desire to make everyone happy and therefore turn the church into a democracy. Our Lord created qualifications for church leaders for a reason. He knew that unqualified men would lead brethren astray. Don’t put elders in position to simply have elders. Be sure your leaders are qualified as God would have them be. And elders, be sure to lead the church as Christ would!
1 Tim 3:1
October 28, 2015
Judges 1:3 - And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.
Thought: With Joshua now gone the children of Israel looked to the Lord for their new leader. God chose Judah to go up and fight with the Canaanites. However, Judah was new at this and requested that Simeon join him for support. While we may not be fighting physical battles today we are certainly fighting spiritual ones. It may be that you are a new Christian and/or new at evangelizing. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable teaching someone alone yet. What can you do? Ask another member to come along with you and be your support. What a blessing to know we don’t have to go into battle alone. Not only do we have our God, but we also have our brothers and sisters in Christ!
Exodus 4:14
October 29, 2015
Judges 1:6 - But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
Thought: When Judah and Simeon defeated the people of Bezek they saw Adonibezek, their leader, flee. They chased after him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. As brutal as this may appear, this was the most minor way of keeping him from using a weapon or running ever again. What a great lesson we can learn from this as the body of Christ today. While we may feel that we are not the backbone or the thighs of the congregation, every part of the body is important. Even if you feel you are simply a finger or toe you must realize the importance of your role. If any part of the body, big or small, fails to do its part, the entire body is negatively affected. Make sure you are involved in the work of the body so that you are helping the church to grow instead of being a hindrance.
Eph 4:16
October 30, 2015
Judges 1:12 - And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
Thought: Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, was being offered as a prize for the man who would conquer Kirjathsepher. It was customary in those days to have an arranged marriage. While we may not like the idea of offering our daughters as a prize to a stranger, we can certainly appreciate the picture of a godly, valuable, wife. Caleb, her father, was a god fearing man all his life. It can be assumed that Achsah was a daughter of faith like her father. Certainly she was a prize that was “far above rubies”. What a wonderful reminder of the blessings our godly wives are to us men. Do we treat her as the incredible prize she is? Or do we act like she has no value at all from time to time? As you see your wife today look at her for the godly wife she is and not someone to take your frustrations out on.
Prov 31:10
October 31, 2015
Judges 1:13 - And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
Thought: Othniel was Achsah’s first cousin. Again, it was not uncommon to marry within one’s own family during this time either. Interestingly, this same Othniel becomes the first judge of Israel. Once again we focus upon the value of a godly wife. The saying is true that behind every good man is a good woman. This statement could not be more true. Who was it that Othniel used as his support beam? Who did he come home to every night after fighting his battles? Who did he vent to about the struggles of his day? It was his wife, Achsah. Not only do we need to be good to our wives but we ought to thank God daily for them. Where would we be as men of God without our wives to push us to be better? Where would we be without their help around the house? Without their motherhood? We are good men because of our God and because of our godly wives.
Prov 18:22
Read devotionals for November 2015