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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2015
November 1, 2015
Judges 1:14 - And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
Thought: Achsah asked her father, Caleb, if she could have a field. Apparently her land was very dry and she was in need of a source of water. Caleb gave her above and beyond what she requested. Parents understand how much they want to give their children everything they need and sometimes desire. This reminds us of the power of prayer as a righteous man petitions to God. He doesn’t view us as strangers or employees making a request to a superior. He views us as His very children of which He loves dearly. God wants to grant His children everything they need and desire just as earthly parents do. Of course, He knows what is best and will always respond with the prefect answer. As you pray to God today remember who you are speaking to and how He views you. We are speaking to our Father and He is listening to His children.
Matt 7:11
November 2, 2015
Judges 1:21 - And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
Thought: As you study through the first chapter of Judges you quickly see how Israel continued to dwell among Canaanites. They were told to drive them all out but each nation chose to dwell with them instead. This is a theme of the book of Judges. In fact, the primary reason the Israelites go in and out of faithfulness to God throughout the book is due to their decision to follow the idolatrous nations around them. They became friends with and even married those of the land of Canaan. Naturally, they began to talk like them, act like them, and therefore sin like them. If only Israel had driven them out how much oppression they could have avoided. Friends if only we would remove the poor influences from our lives how much oppression we would avoid!
1 Cor 15:33
November 3, 2015
Judges 1:24 - And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.
Thought: Before the city was destroyed the spies had the man show them where the entrance was located. Their gratitude for his cooperation was to show him mercy. Mercy is a word that describes our God. Even though we sin and hurt Him time and time again He still shows us mercy. But how often do we show our fellow man this same mercy? When someone hurts us do we forgive them as they request it or do we hold it against them for a long time? When someone makes a mistake do we try to make them regret it or do we show them patience and understanding? We must remember that My God will show me the mercy on judgment that I have shown others on earth. Will He be showing you lots of mercy or very little?
James 2:13
November 4, 2015
Judges 1:24 - And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.
Thought: There is another lesson we can learn from this same passage as well. These spies kept their word. They told the man they would do something and they followed through with it. Jesus taught us to be men and women of our word. That is, when we say something we shouldn’t need to promise or swear. Making promises shows that our word is not enough. Instead, we ought to simply say “we will”, “we will not”, “yes”, or “no” and always mean it. All we have is our words. If I fail to follow through with my “promises” then I will lose the trust of others and my Christian integrity. Don’t say you will do something if there is a chance you won’t. If you make a deal with someone always keep your end of the bargain. As Christians we must be men and women of our word!
Matthew 5:37
November 5, 2015
Judges 2:2 - And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
Thought: God reminds Israel that they were to drive out the Canaanites but they failed to do so. Instead they let them stay and made “leagues” with them as God warned they would. This led to idolatry and therefore a separating from their God. But it is the question God asked that we focus on today. “Why have ye done this?” Sin is ever before us, taunting us, tempting us to make a league with its pleasures. But whatever sin we may have in our lives we ought to pause and ask ourselves, “Why am I committing this sin?” What is the reason we choose that sin over God? Maybe we do it because it’s pleasurable for a moment. Maybe it is because we think we can justify it somehow. But if we really think about it we will realize the reason is never a good one. What is holding you back from letting go of that sin? Maybe it’s a need to recognize the poor reasoning behind our doing it in the first place.
Hebrews 11:25
November 6, 2015
Judges 2:4 - And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
Thought: God warned Israel and was longsuffering in allowing them to drive the Canaanites out of the land. However, their time ended and they would now suffer the consequences. When they realized the outcome they were regretful and full of sorrow. They wanted to start over and do it right, but it was too late. What a sad thought when we think of people who run out of time and are found guilty of disobedience. Friends, if we leave this world unfaithful to God we will be no different. We will be cast in Hell and beg for a second chance. But our time will be up and we will suffer the consequences eternally. If you are reading this it means your time is not up. Don’t wait any longer to repent of your sin and make your life right with God before it’s too late.
Jam 4:14
November 7, 2015
Judges 2:10 - And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Thought: Joshua and his generation have now passed away and passed the baton to the next generation. But notice these people who left the world were “gathered unto their fathers”. Some have often pondered if they will see their loved ones again. Naturally, knowing we are going to be in new bodies, we are curious if we will recognize one another. Passages like this one lead us to believe we will. Joshua and the people were going on to be with their families in Paradise as they awaited Heaven. What a wonderful thought to know we can see and forever be with our loved ones who have gone on before us. This adds yet another motivation to be faithful to Him and to encourage our loved ones to do the same!
Gen 25:8
November 8, 2015
Judges 2:14 - And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
Thought: While Israel was faithful to God He kept them from their enemies. But when they forsook Him and would not repent He allowed their enemies to overcome them. Sometimes we may forget why we are safe from our enemies. We may lose sight of why we are so rich in this world with friends, family, jobs, and the ability to even wake up in the morning. When we forget where these blessings come from we too might choose to forsake God and not even realize it. Our enemies stand no chance while we are on God’s side. But if we forsake Him we will lose to our worldly enemies and also our greatest enemy, Satan. Remember where the blessings in your life this moment came from.
Eph 1:3
November 9, 2015
Judges 2:16 - Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
Thought: Although Israel was in the bondage they deserved God “nevertheless” raised up leaders He would use to deliver them from their oppression. What a loving God we serve who despite our sin still hears our cry for mercy. Instead of allowing what we deserve to occur He pulls us out of the fire and places us in His care. However, when we recognize His longsuffering spirit we may be tempted to try Him. We may decide to sin for now and plan on correcting it later. This is a dangerous attitude as any day can be our last. Don’t try your Lord’s patience as you never know when it may run out. He may be longsuffering but He does not put up with willful sin. Instead, let the longsuffering of God motivate you to remain faithful to Him and not try His patience.
2 Pet 3:9
November 10, 2015
Judges 2:19 - And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Thought: Time and time again God would deliver the Israelites from bondage. Every time they cried to the Lord in their oppression His compassion kicked in and He brought them out of their captivity. Yet, Israel quickly went right back to their sin with a stubborn attitude. How often do we find ourselves in a tough situation and call on God for aid? It is in our darkest moments we decide we need God’s help. And He hears us and brings us out of the darkness of sin and despair and into His marvelous light. We can then choose to remain faithful and remember that dark place we left or we can be stubborn and go right back to our sinful habits. Friends we must recognize we need God when life is good to us as well and not just when it’s tough. As we realize our need for Him we remain by His side but the moment we forget we forsake Him. Don’t be stubborn and continue to go back to those dark places from your past.
1 Pet 2:9
November 11, 2015
Judges 2:20 - And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
Thought: It is interesting how God words His disappointment in this passage. Israel did not obey the commands God have given the generation before them. We live in a world who thinks when culture changes God’s will changes. People are not interested in the teachings of the first century but of what they think God wants in today’s society. We may be reading God’s law from over two thousand years ago but it still binds upon us today. The law our fathers before us followed and their fathers before them back many generations is the same law we are under today. If God was angered by Israel’s refusal to listen, how do you think He feels today when we refuse to listen?
2 Tim 3:16-17
November 12, 2015
Judges 2:22 - That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
Thought: God allowed the foreigners of the promised land to stay after Israel did not drive them out. In fact, He decided to use them in order to test Israel’s faithfulness to Him. While it is true that God does not tempt us with evil He may certainly allow Satan to do so. Thinking of temptations as a test brings a new outlook on sin. If we know we are being tested we are prepared and we do everything we can do pass. However, when we don’t think of it as a test we might be more prone to compromise our faith. When you are tempted today think of it as a test of your faith. Will you pass or will you fail? At the end of the day you don’t need the Teacher to tell you your score. You know whether you are passing or failing but others may not. Don’t willingly fail the test!
James 1:3
November 13, 2015
Judges 3:6 - And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Thought: Once again we see Israel falling away due to influences. In the flesh we naturally want to follow more than we want to lead. That is, we are much more tempted to act like our worldly friends than to lead them away from their poor habits. As a wise man once said, “It is easier for a friend to pull a man down out of a chair than for the man in the chair to pull his friend up”. But this takes things a step further in marriage. This is the greatest relationship man can be part of in this world outside of Christ. How can a child of God choose to enter that relationship with someone who doesn’t put God first? The flesh tempts us to overlook such an important part of marriage. We must encourage our young people to marry Christians and to not make exception. The risks are too high that the unbeliever will lead the believer astray than for the opposite to occur. Don’t risk it!
2 Cor 6:14
November 14, 2015
Judges 3:9 - And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
Thought: And so the cycle begins as Israel forgets their God and serves idols. God used the king of Mesopotamia to oppress Israel and then they look to God. Our loving God heard their cry and raised up Othniel to lead them from their bondage. Today we may not be oppressed by a wicked nation but we are certainly oppressed by sin. God has raised up a deliverer for us today and His name is Jesus. He literally raised Him up from the grave and conquered death so we might as well. Yet we often ignore Him and cycle back into sin ourselves. If we can look at Israel and think how foolish it was for them to return back to sin over and over then why can’t we see it in ourselves. It is easy to look at others and point the finger but what about myself? Look in the mirror today and be sure you are not making Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection be for nought in your life.
1 Cor 15:14
November 15, 2015
Judges 3:14 - So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
Thought: The second oppression came from the Moabites and their king, Eglon. Notice how long they were in bondage before they were delivered. It wasn’t as though they were released the same week they were taken captive. While suffering the consequences of sin is not pleasant it is necessary. We can never learn from our mistakes if we are not disciplined for making them in the first place. God hears our cry for deliverance but He knows best when the time is right to relieve us. It may be that in time we can be free from those consequences as Israel became free. Or it may never be in our best interest to lose them. When you are tempted to sin remember the consequences are not only there, but they will always outlast the pleasure of that sin you chose to commit.
Job 5:17
November 16, 2015
Judges 3:16 - But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
Thought: Ehud was a unique man in that he was left-handed. Like today, most men were right-handed. In fact, the guards would often check for weapons on the left side of the body more thoroughly as right-handed men would place their weapons there for the ease and speed of grabbing their blade. But Ehud placed his blade on his right thigh and made it past the guards. Friends each of us have things in common but we also have things that make us unique. These unique qualities are not to be despised but are a gift from God. Just as God used Ehud’s left hand God can use our unique traits for His purpose as well. Whatever your characteristics and talents might be allow God to use you the way He made you. In a world where people always want to become someone else, decide to embrace the way God made you and use it for His glory.
Matt 25:15
November 17, 2015
Judges 3:17 - And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
Thought: Not everyone is overweight due to overeating or gluttony. But in this case the inspired writer wants to see the lifestyle this wicked king lived. As a king he could have all the food and servants he wanted. Clearly he was a glutton in the true since of the word. He over ate and did nothing but sit around the palace all day. That is what gluttony really means. It isn’t just about overeating but about the lifestyle associated with the intake of that food as well. When I am overweight via eating and never do any extracurricular activities, due to laziness, then I am a glutton. In fact, you don’t even technically have to be overweight to be a glutton. Eventually one would become like king Eglon but in the beginning you may be a lazy, over eater and still be thin. The point is, don’t be lazy there is too much work to be done in the kingdom.
Prov 23:21
November 18, 2015
Judges 3:19 - But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.
Thought: Ehud acted as though he had come to present a wonderful gift to the king. He requested that it was a secret and only the king’s eyes should see it. This was quite manipulative as the king naturally expected and extravagant gift and felt special being the only one to see it. Therefore, the king ignorantly required everyone to leave the room including his guards. Now Ehud had the chance to take his life and escape unscathed. This story teaches us the importance of vigilance. Being vigilant is a way of describing someone as being watchful. Christ tells us to always be watchful and prayerful that we don’t fall into temptation. Spiritually speaking, we must always have our eyes open and be no alert. Be alert today of your spiritual surroundings and don’t let Satan catch you without your guard!
Matt 26:41
November 19, 2015
Judges 3:24 - When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
Thought: Before Ehud left he locked the doors and windows to buy himself some time before the king’s servants found his body. In fact, the servants assumed he was taking a nap or something simple and no harm was done to him. It was a while before they finally opened the door and found him dead. While the servants did no wrong here it does remind us of making assumptions. We tend to make quick judgments about situations and people based on appearance. We have a tendency to assume we know what is going on or who someone is before we take the time to prove it. Jesus instructs us not to judge according to appearance but to do so righteously. Don’t assume anything, especially negative, without confirmation. Accusing someone of something can have devastating effects when no harm was done.
John 7:24
November 20, 2015
Judges 3:26 - And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
Thought: Ehud managed to escape untouched even though he had just murdered the king. All glory was certainly to be given to God. He saw him safely out of harm’s way that day. We must remember that as long as we are doing the will of God, we too can escape from anything man might do to us. While we may be persecuted verbally, fined money, or even put in prison God will still provide an escape in eternity. We cannot fear what man can do to us but what God can do to us. No amount of time in prison is more fearful than God’s eternal prison. Furthermore, no punishment on earth could make Heaven no longer worth it!
Romans 8:18
November 21, 2015
Judges 3:31 - And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
Thought: The third judge of Israel was Shamgar. He is an interesting figure as we only have this one passage about him. We know he was a judge that successfully delivered Israel from oppression. The only detail we have is that he took an ox goad and killed six hundred men alone. We can certainly be reminded of what God can accomplish through one man or one woman. It can be easy to feel useless or to feel like there is little we can do for His kingdom. But that is Satan hindering us from doing great things in the kingdom. God can turn nothing into something. No matter how talented you feel you are or are not God can use you. We may not kill six hundred people with an ox goad but we may be able to save that many with God’s help.
1 Cor 12:28
November 22, 2015
Judges 4:5 - And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
Thought: Deborah was the fourth and only female judge of Israel. She was a prophetess of God. The people would come up the hill to visit her under the palm tree seeking advice and wisdom. While we do not have prophecy today we do still have women of God who can give council and wisdom to others. In fact, the Bible commands older women to teach the younger women. Both men and women alike benefit from the wisdom of our wives, mothers, and female friends. Women may feel left out because of their inability to lead in the Lord’s body. But even leaders need advice, encouragement, and support. This is not even mentioning the importance of being a mother in the home. What a blessing from God to have women in our lives.
Prov 31:10
November 23, 2015
Judges 4:6 - And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
Thought: Deborah may have been the judge of Israel but she was a woman and therefore not the military leader. That title belonged to Barak. However, God had told Barak to lead the armies of Israel into battle and he was hesitating. Deborah encourages him to obey God as he ought. What a great example for women everywhere. Although they may not have a leadership role in the church, they can be a great encouragement to men. Sometimes we men hesitate or work slowly to get things done in the kingdom. Our wives can be there for us to push us along and keep us accountable when we slow down. Thank God every day for your wife as she pushes you to work the works of God.
Prov 31:26
November 24, 2015
Judges 4:8 - And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
Thought: Barak was afraid to go into battle alone. Therefore, he requested that Deborah join him in the battle. Two thoughts come to mind here. First of all, a person should never make a request of someone else that he is not willing to do himself. Deborah was asking Barak to do something she was willing to do as well. Secondly, we must not fear what man can do to us. When we go into spiritual battle we must be confident in the promises of God. He will be with us just as He promised Barak He would be with him. Be confident today as you enter the world of spiritual warfare and remember not to ask things of others you won’t do yourself.
Deut 31:6
November 25, 2015
Judges 4:9 - And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Thought: Deborah agreed to go with Barak but reminded him that the victory would be credited to a woman and not him. As we labor together in the kingdom we must always remember it is a team effort. No one man can lead a church, grow a church, or save others without the help of his fellow brethren. We must work together and be united. There is no time for squabbles amongst brethren. Furthermore, this means when we do accomplish great things in the body there is not one person responsible for the growth. Some may work harder than others but there is always a team effort. God gets the credit first and then we must give others the credit second.
Prov 27:2
November 26, 2015
Judges 4:14 - And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
Thought: After deciding to go to battle with the armies of God Barak still hesitated when the day came for battle. Once again Deborah came to him with another push to lead the troops to victory. Her motivation to Barak was to remember that God was before Him and the victory was so certain it was as if Sisera was already defeated. We can easily say we will resist temptation and follow the Lord during our daily battles. But when the time comes we may hesitate or begin to change our thinking in tough situations. Remember what Deborah told Barak when those times come. God is before us and we will have the victory if we lead for Him and not follow those of the world. Remember who you are fighting for!
Col 3:24
November 27, 2015
Judges 4:20 - Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No.
Thought: Sisera ends up in the tent of a woman named Jael. After receiving her hospitality he desires to lay down. He requests that Jael tell anyone who comes to the door that there is no man inside her tent. In short, he asked her to lie for him. We naturally have a wonderful desire to help others who are in need. We must even love our enemies. However, when our enemies, or our friends, ask us to do something contrary to God’s will we must draw the line. Sometimes it can be difficult to say “no” as it may hinder our relationship. But we must remember that saying “yes” hinders our relationship with someone much greater. Don’t ever lie for your friends or anything else contrary to God’s will. There is always a better solution if we look for it and pray for it. The outcome or intention does not justify the means.
Rom 3:8
November 28, 2015
Judges 4:21 - Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
Thought: This scene is certainly one of the more gruesome in the Bible. Jael literally took a tent peg and nailed it through Sisera’s head. Consider the false sense of security Sisera had. He believed Jael was on his side and would support him. Little did he know she was an instrument in the hand of almighty God. This reminds us of those in this world who have a false sense of security when it comes to their salvation. Satan leads them into his home, makes them feel warm and good, and leads them to think all is well. He wants us to sleep well at night in our sin. However, our Lord makes no statement leading us to think that feeling saved is enough. We must prove that our salvation is true and that we are in God’s hands and not the devil’s. Ask yourself if you have a false sense of security today.
2 Pet 1:10
November 29, 2015
Judges 5:2 - Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
Thought: Deborah and Barak began to sing a song of victory as they and the people celebrated together. The very first line of the song is giving the praise to God. Barak may have led the troops and Deborah may have encouraged him to go, but they gave glory to the true Victor, God. However, it is the latter part of the passage that we find our lesson for the day. The people were granted victory because they willingly offered themselves. We need to occasionally ask ourselves why we serve the Lord. Are we doing it because someone will notice if we don’t? Do we serve Him to avoid conflict with our Christian brethren? Or do we serve Him from a ready and willing heart? God doesn’t want us to choose Him because we feel we must. Nor does He want us to choose Him based upon what others think. He wants us to willingly serve Him because we love Him as He loves us. He wants His love and sacrifice to motivate a heart of a willing servant. Why are you serving God today?
1 Cor 9:17
November 30, 2015
Judges 5:4 - LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
Thought: Based upon this passage, and the next, it appears God defeated Sisera’s army through earthquake and flood. He turned everything to mud and caused their chariots to fail them. How interesting it is that God’s will is sometimes done through nature. While this was miraculous we don’t know how God might use nature today to serve His purpose. After all, what we call providence is God working within the laws of nature. Miracles, in contrast, are works outside of the laws of nature. While we may not know which circumstances in life are providence and which are not, we can be certain God is working in our lives and in the world around us. If God wants to use a storm for His purpose we won’t know it, but we can be sure He can. Don’t forget what God can do to gain the victory through His providence in our lives!
Philemon 1:15
Read devotionals for December 2015