 |
|
Sunday schedule of services have changed, refer to home page
| |
|
OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2017
March 1, 2017
Proverbs 15:19 – The way of the slothful man is a hedge of thorns: but he way of the righteous is made plain.
Thought: The slothful man is lazy. He is too lazy to work. He allows thorns and thistles to grow around his house. He may not like them. He may even complain about them. But, he is to blame for their presence. The righteous man’s life is easily defined. He works and labors and toils. His end consists of bountiful fruit and great reward. My friend, does your yard tell your neighbors what type of person you are?
Proverbs 24:30-34
March 2, 2017
Proverbs 15:20 – A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Thought: Good parents are a gift from God. They have been given by God to instruct, direct, and guide children in the early years of life. Too, they help them chart their course for life into their adult years. Children who listen, are respectful, and obey are wise. Their lives bring joy to their parents. Children who rebel bring heartache and misery. The Scriptures describe these individuals as being foolish.
I Kings 5:7
March 3, 2017
Proverbs 15:21 – Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Thought: Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are extremely important to a person’s life. Without them, a person foolishly involves himself in sin and evil things that appear to bring him joy. Little does he realize that the end of these things is misery and destruction. A man of understanding realizes that there is a right and moral way to live. He walks uprightly and happiness fills his life.
James 3:13
March 4, 2017
Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Thought: When major decisions must be made, it is wise to get a number of views from a number of people about the matter. Other counselors have more knowledge on the matter, have already had to make this very decision, and have experiences that are pertinent to the discussion. A multitude of counsellors can help get a positive result instead of a person having to face severe disappointment because he refused counsel.
II Chronicles 25:17
March 5, 2017
Proverbs 15:23 – A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Thought: The proper use of the tongue can bring joy and happiness to life. The right word can comfort another’s heart. The right word can bring an end to conflict. The right word can bring a needed answer to a problem. The right word can heal. The right word can encourage. The right word can bring about change. The right word can help save another’s soul. Learn to speak good words. When spoken at the right time, “how good it is!”
Isaiah 50:4-5
March 6, 2017
Proverbs 15:24 – The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Thought: The manner in which a person lives his life leads either upward or downward. The wise man seeks those things which are above. The foolish man may not seek what lies below, but his evil manner of life takes him that direction. One is a way of life. The other is the path of death and perdition. Dear reader, these are the only two options. Are you on the rise? Or, are you on the decline?
Philippians 3:20
March 7, 2017
Proverbs 15:25 – The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Thought: One’s position in life often determines the position of his head on his body. The head of the widow is bowed low. She is usually one who is poor. She stands in need of assistance from others. She realizes her humble position and never sees herself as above others. The rich and powerful, on the other hand, lift high their heads. They stand in need of nothing. They are undefeatable. The Lord will destroy the proud, but He will establish the border of the widow. Their mindset is the key. It has nothing to do with station in life.
Psalm 68:5-6
March 8, 2017
Proverbs 15:26 – The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Thought: God is ever aware of the thoughts, words, and behaviors of both men and woman. When God examines the thoughts of the wicked, they are detestable to Him. They are vulgar, nasty, immoral, selfish, corrupt, violent, and satanic. But, when He hears the kind, encouraging, positive words of those who are pure in heart, they are pleasant to Him. With such words, God is well-pleased.
Jeremiah 4:14
March 9, 2017
Proverbs 15:27 – He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Thought: Greed is an evil that all have to fight. Riches make bold promises. They appear to make one secure and powerful. Greed pushes one to accumulate wealth in evil ways. Some will gamble. Some will steal. Some will take bribes. Some will engage in unjust business practices. Those who seek gain in these ways bring trouble to their home. Their evil devices will be found out. The honest, diligent worker is just the opposite. He hates wealth acquired by evil ways. His honesty and discipline enable him to live a life of tranquility and success.
Isaiah 33:15-16
March 10, 2017
Proverbs 15:28 – The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Thought: There are times when we disagree with something that is said or written by another person. When we do, we need to be slow to answer. We need to make sure that we study the issue thoroughly. We need to be sure that we know the facts and the truth. When we do, we prove we have a righteous heart. When we just “spill our guts” without any investigation, we show our foolishness. Often we attack the messenger instead of the message. When we do, we can be classified with the wicked.
I Peter 3:15
March 11, 2017
Proverbs 15:29 – The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Thought: There has always been a controversy about whether the Lord hears a sinner’s prayer. This verse tells us whose prayers touch the ear of God. “…he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Can a righteous person sin? Yes. When he sins, can he pray and be heard? Yes. This is one of the great blessings given to the righteous. Those, however, who are not in a covenant relationship with the Lord are not heard. “The Lord is far from the wicked.”
Psalm 34:15-17
March 12, 2017
Proverbs 15:30 – The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Thought: There are many beautiful things in this world that can be seen with the eyes. A morning sunrise, a blooming flower, a majestic mountain, a cascading waterfall, all enter the eye and cause the heart to rejoice. We may even exclaim: “How beautiful!” Likewise a good report about the life or condition of another makes us feel good. We feel a little healthier because the report is positive. The good things of life make us much happier people.
Luke 2:10-15
March 13, 2017
Proverbs 15:31 – The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Thought: There are times when we believe the wrongs things. There are times when our attitudes are not right. There are times when we engage in wrong behavior. When these things happen, someone might rebuke us. When we are rebuked, we have a choice to make. We can hear the reproof and change. Or, we can overlook the reproof and remain in error. The first choice will put us in the company of wise men!
Isaiah 55:3
March 14, 2017
Proverbs 15:32 – He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof hath understanding.
Thought: One would think that no man would despise his own soul. Yet, there are billions who do. They despise their own soul because they refuse the divine instructions of God’s Word. Those who hear reproof understand the love of God, the purpose of the Word of God, their need to submit to it, and the wonderful hope that their obedience to the Word affords them. Dear reader, does your life exhibit understanding?
Isaiah 1:19-20
March 15, 2017
Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Thought: The inspired writer sets forth two important qualities that every person needs to possess: the fear of the Lord and humility. The fear of the Lord involves a reverence, respect, and awe for God. It involves elevating God to His proper place over the Creation. Flowing from this is submission to His divine will. The other quality is humility. Humility involves a proper view of one’s self. It is a view of self in relation to God. Those who fear the Lord are wise. Those who are of a humble heart are ready to assume positions of honor. Do you lack either one of these traits in your life?
Psalm 111:10
March 16, 2017
Proverbs 16:1 – The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
Thought: When a man must give an answer to another person, many things cross his mind. Some of the things may be good. Some of the things may be evil. He must sift through these things and arrange them correctly because he wants his answer to be from the Lord, that is, if he is a righteous man. What is in the mind is private. What is spoken is public. We must never allow evil, negative thoughts to fill our answers. Let God always govern our words.
Nehemiah 1:11
March 17, 2017
Proverbs 16:2 – All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Thought: It is easy for man to rationalize and justify all that he does. Seldom will he attribute evil motives to his actions. “All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes.” There is one, however, who is able to penetrate deep into the soul of man. He is able to weigh and make decisions about what is being determined in the heart. This being is God. He cannot be fooled. He knows whether the things that we do are clean or stained with wickedness.
I Samuel 15:3, 13-15
March 18, 2017
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Thought: The word “commit” means “to roll onto,” or, “to cast onto the shoulders of.” When we engage in any undertaking, we need to ask the Lord to be our assistant. We should ask for his blessings and providence to work on our behalf. When we do this, we will have proceeded correctly. All of our decisions will be made with our divine Helper in mind. Our thoughts and our work will include the Lord who will aid in our success.
James 4:13-17
March 19, 2017
Proverbs 16:4 – The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Thought: In this verse we contemplate the sovereignty of God. God is the potter. He has made all things for Himself. The Bible plainly teaches that man has the ability to choose. But, when men choose to become evil, God can use them in His divine plan. He used Nebuchadnezzar to punish the nation of Judah. He used Herod and Pilate in the crucifixion of His dear Son. When a man rebels against God, he does not free himself from God’s purposes. God can use him. Sadly, however, he puts his soul in grave danger.
Habakkuk 1:5-6
March 20, 2017
Proverbs 16:5 – Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Thought: Pride is an extremely dangerous quality to possess. The arrogant often rebel against God. Sometimes the boasters of the world join with one another in their rebellion against God and His people. Their unified efforts seem powerful to man. God, however, does not fear the proud. Ultimately, He will punish their proud hearts and evil deeds. These individuals are detestable to God. They stink in His nostrils.
Romans 2:8-9
March 21, 2017
Proverbs 16:6 – By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
Thought: The inspired penman reveals three things that are needed for men to be in a positive relationship with God. First, men need to have a deep respect for God. They must stand in awe of Him as the Creator and Redeemer of man. Second, they must hear and obey the truth. Truth reveals how a man can be in a covenant relationship with God. Third, when a man fears God and obeys His Word, God’s mercy will be extended to him. All of his sins and iniquities will be purged. He will stand sinless before God.
I Peter 1:22-23
March 22, 2017
Proverbs 16:7 – When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Thought: Joseph was a great man of faith. He was placed in some very trying circumstances throughout his life. First, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. As a slave in the house of Potipher, he continued to be faithful to God. Potipher conferred upon him the stewardship of his house. When he was accused of inappropriate behavior by Potipher’s wife, he was cast into prison. There, he continued serving his God. Once again, he was promoted and put in charge of the prisoners. Ultimately, his brothers became his friends as well. Truly, “when a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Acts 9:26-31
March 23, 2017
Proverbs 16:8 - Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Thought: Some truths are very difficult for people to grasp. This is one the poor have difficulty with. They believe that if only they had great wealth, all would be fine in their lives. This is not the case. A poor home filled with righteousness if much better than a wealthy home that is filled with evil and immorality.
I Timothy 6:6-9
March 24, 2017
Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Thought: When man makes his plans and sets his goals, all kinds of things go through his mind. To gain wealth, he could build a business, or, he could purchase a lottery ticket. He could save his money over a long period of time, or, he could extort money from his company. Yes, a man’s heart deviseth his way. A righteous man, however, chooses only those avenues approved of God. He allows the Lord to direct His steps because God’s path is always right.
Psalm 119:116-117
March 25, 2017
Proverbs 16:10 – A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not judgment.
Thought: A king, or, any ruler, holds a very important position. His responsibility is first and foremost to God. It is God who has raised him up and given him his power. One of his chief obligations is to make sure judgment is carried out in the land. When the king relies upon God’s Word and looks at all the facts of a case before speaking, his ultimate sentence is approved of God. His laws are to be obeyed just as divine laws are to be obeyed. May God give us leaders whose mouths “transgresseth not judgment.”
Deuteronomy 17:18-20
March 26, 2017
Proverbs 16:11 – A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Thought: One of the things that God requires of all men is honesty, equity, and fairness. In business dealings, He wants “a just weight and balance” applied to all transactions. He does not want cheating and swindling. It is God who has formed the rules and guidelines for business dealings. “All the weights of the bag are his work.” May every merchant receive a profit for his produce, but may he always measure accurately and precisely for his customer.
Leviticus 19:35-36
March 27, 2017
Proverbs 16:12 – It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Thought: Again, we learn that God holds kings accountable. They are to operate first and foremost in accordance with His law. If they engage in or promote wickedness, it is detestable to God. The ruler’s throne is established by righteousness. A good king will be a terror to evil works. He will not bear the sword in vain against the wicked. He will seek to promote morality. He will work to allow the people to live quiet and peaceful lives. Kings and rulers around the world: God is watching!!!
I Kings 15:4-5
March 28, 2017
Proverbs 16:13 – Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they him that speaketh right.
Thought: A good king surrounds himself with individuals who are loyal and trusted. He puts them there to be his honest advisors. If the king himself is a man of integrity, he will delight in those who tell him the truth. It may not be what he wants to hear. It may not be flattering, but his advisor’s words are right. If the king gives heed to the message, he can be saved from much hardship and despair. His reign among the people will be prosperous.
Psalm 101:6-7
March 29, 2017
Proverbs 16:14 – The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Thought: When a king’s anger is ignited, it can burst forth not as one messenger of death, but as many. When this happens, many can be harmed in the process. At times, a person can be found who can pacify the wrath of the king. His words and his reasoning ability enable him to calm the king’s agitation. A person who has this ability is wise.
Acts 12:12
March 30, 2017
Proverbs 16:15 – In the light of the king’s countenance there is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Thought: Having favor with those in positions of power can bring blessings to an individual. We are not talking about compromising one’s values. We are not talking about flattering the king. We are not talking about obtaining his favor through bribery. Those who respect and honor the king. Those who submit to the king. Those who seek the king’s honor. They are the ones who shine in the king’s eyes. He will bless them like the latter rain blesses the crops.
Daniel 1:18-21
March 31, 2017
Proverbs 16:16 – How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding than choice silver!
Thought: This is a profound truth that is easy to understand and difficult to believe. Most would prefer to have an abundance of wealth instead of an abundant understanding of the Word of God. If our efforts to pursue these ends are evidence, then we can rest assured that most desire wealth over understanding. The problem is that our focus is on our outer man and this world instead of our inner man and the world to come. Our focus and priorities are the key.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Read devotionals for April 2017