 |
|
Sunday schedule of services have changed, refer to home page
| |
|
OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2017
August 1, 2017
Proverbs 20:25 – It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.
Thought: That which is holy is often despised my carnal man. He speaks of holy things with contempt. He treats holy things with contempt. Things that have been consecrated to God, he would destroy. The man who devours that which is holy will ultimately find himself entrapped by God. In addition, it is a snare to a man to make a rash, hasty vow. All the pros and cons need to be considered before any vow should be taken.
Numbers 30:2
August 2, 2017
Proverbs 20:26 – A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
Thought: The person who is over a nation has an awesome responsibility before God. He is to uphold righteousness. He is to be the one who protects the innocent. To do this, he must scatter the wicked. He must bring the threshing wheel over his people and separate the wheat from the chaff. He will be severely criticized for his actions. He will be looked upon as one who is wicked. Wisdom, however, dictates that to uphold the good, evil must be eliminated.
Psalm 101:6-8
August 3, 2017
Proverbs 20:27 – The spirit of men is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Thought: God has separated man from the rest of His creation by giving him a spirit. This spirit has many abilities. It can think, reason, will, and feel. It also has the ability to judge the man himself. It searches out all that man does and either approves or condemns his actions. It is assumed that this inner light has been trained in harmony with God’s will. If so, the conscience can be valuable to him who gives heed to it.
Romans 2:15
August 4, 2017
Proverbs 20:28 – Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Thought: One individual said that mercy and truth are the two brightest jewels in the king’s crown. Truth refers to the truth of God’s Word. Every leader should appeal to truth first since it is the highest of all laws. Once he understands the truth, the king should, then, act in mercy toward all. Mercy involves rendering assistance. In essence, leaders need to see themselves as public servants. They need to gird the towel and wash the feet of their citizens. Kings that do this will have a long, powerful reign.
Psalm 21:7
August 5, 2017
Proverbs 20:29 – The glory of the young man is his strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
Thought: Young men are strong and powerful. They can work diligently from sun up till sundown. This is the glory of youth. In time, a man ages. As he does, his strength is diminished. When he looks into the mirror, he sees a head full of gray hairs. This becomes his beauty. Those hairs represent wisdom and experience. They represent something the young man does not yet have. Both the young and the old are needed. In fact, they need each other. May young and old alike develop a healthy respect for one another.
Titus 2:1-2
August 6, 2017
Proverbs 20:30 – The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Thought: When the body is harmed, it must go through a healing process. Often the wound appears to get worse before getting better. The healing process, however, clears away all of the damage that was done. In like manner, disciple is not a pretty process. It can be very painful. But, the stripes have a cleansing effect. Clarke writes that the stripes “become the means of correcting and discharging the moral evil of the inmost soul, the vice of the heart, the easily-besetting sin” (e-sword, Clarke).
Hebrews 12:10-11
August 7, 2017
Proverbs 21:1 – The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Thought: One of the most wonderful aspects of God involves His providence. In His providence, God works through natural law. In His providence, He never violates the free moral agency of man. As He works, He brings His will to pass. It is nowhere better demonstrated than in His rule of the nations. Men and woman vote. Politicians fight for power. Money flows freely into candidates’ hands. Ultimately, however, God raises up kings and removes kings. And, while they are in office, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord.” God works through His rulers to both punish and reward, to protect and to discipline, to honor and to humiliate.
Acts 7:10
August 8, 2017
Proverbs 21:2 – Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
Thought: Man has a way of deceiving himself into thinking that all he does is right. He finds “reasons” and “justifications” that convince him that he is doing things for the right reasons. If he were honest with himself, he might have to reconsider his motives. What all need to remember is that God knows our hearts. He knows exactly why we do what we do. We must always seek to live honestly and genuinely. Self-deception keeps us from doing this.
Galatians 6:3
August 9, 2017
Proverbs 21:3 – To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Thought: Several thoughts present themselves in this first. First, God is not trying to minimize the need for sacrifice. Second, individuals need to remember that justice and judgment are forms of sacrifice. Third, there are some things that are of higher importance than others in the mind of God. Fourth, justice and judgment involve human beings. Sacrifice involves animals. Fifth, God does not need man. Man, however, sometimes needs the assistance of others. Sacrifice is important. However, justice and judgment are needed first at times.
Micah 6:6-8
August 10, 2017
Proverbs 21:4 – A high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin.
Thought: Pride is a sin that can enter into the heart of man. He walks around with a “high look.” This high look causes him to look down on others. What entices the pride is referred to in this verse as “the plowing of the wicked.” The proud look upon their works and their accomplishments and believe that what they have done is extraordinary. They see their efforts as being a result of their own prowess. Their pride and the things that have brought their arrogance all become sin.
Ezekiel 16:49-50
August 11, 2017
Proverbs 21:5 - The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Thought: The diligent is contrasted with the hasty in this verse. The diligent thinks, reasons, and plans his course of action, then puts his plan into operation. This man receives abundant increase. There are others, however, who want to get rich quickly. They do not want to work, labor, and toil for what they have. These individuals soon find themselves in want. Honest effort over a long time pays well.
Proverbs 27:23-27
August 12, 2017
Proverbs 21:6 – The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Thought: We often hear the statement: “Evil never pays.” This is not really true. It pays, but it does not pay what is expected. There are some people who will say anything in order to “make a dollar.” They will lie about their products. They will lie about their services. They will spin their lies in order to make a profit. They will find that their lies do not pay in riches, but they do pay the wages of sin, which is death.
Jeremiah 17:11
August 13, 2017
Proverbs 21:7 – The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
Thought: Robbery is a form of injustice. An individual takes by force what lawfully belongs to another. There is nothing right about such behavior. The person who engages in such activity is wicked. Ultimately, his sinful actions will destroy him. Many a thief has paid for his crime behind bars. If they do not experience punishment in this life, it will come in the world to come.
Ezekiel 22:13-14
August 14, 2017
Proverbs 21:8 – The way of man is forward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
Thought: Man, when left to himself, knows not where he is going. He wanders aimlessly. As you watch his course in life, you find that it is “forward and strange.” The man who has been cleansed by God and has a relationship with Him is completely different. He lives with purpose. Those who watch his life understand why he does what he does. It can be said that “his work is right.” Which person are you at this time?
Ephesians 2:2-3
August 15, 2017
Proverbs 21:9 – It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Thought: The rooftops of the houses of Solomon’s day were flat. They were subject to the elements of the weather. They were very hot in the day and cold at night. The writer, however, says that these unpleasant circumstances were better than dwelling in a house with a contentious, argumentative, and yelling woman. This woman affects the nerves, the emotions, and the peace and happiness of the home in such a negative way that the best thing a man can do it escape from her upon the housetop.
II Samuel 6:16-20
August 16, 2017
Proverbs 21:10 – The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favour in his eyes.
Thought: Evil men are intent on doing evil. Their hearts long and yearn to do deceitful and violent things. Even those who are closest to them find no favor in their eyes. They will hurt their friends. They will do harm to their family. “No mercy” is their only rule. As long as their actions accomplish their evil intentions, they are satisfied. It is difficult for good people to think like this. It is even more difficult for them to believe that others can have hearts that are so full of evil.
Isaiah 32:6-7
August 17, 2017
Proverbs 21:11 – When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth wisdom.
Thought: There are some individuals who have the unique ability to learn. First, they learn from the mistakes of others. Second, they learn through instruction. These individuals do not face the punishment that others receive. These individuals lead lives of peace and prosperity. Those who will not learn, and those that must learn the hard way, are foolish. My friend, be open to instruction. Watch what others do wrong and to not follow in their ways.
Acts 5:11-14
August 18, 2017
Proverbs 21:12 – The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Thought: The righteous understand the thoughts and actions of those who are wicked. They know the harm that such actions bring. The righteous will even seek to teach and warn the wicked of the pending destruction. Many, however, will not listen to the righteous. Thus, the house of the wicked is overthrown by God because of their wickedness. When it happens, it only confirms the understanding of the righteous.
Psalm 37:35-36
August 19, 2017
Proverbs 21:13 – Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Thought: This is a play on the familiar words: “What goes around comes around.” When we are prosperous and can help others, we should. If we fail to do so, we may find ourselves in need with no one to answer our cries. Mercy is repaid with mercy. But, those who show no mercy will receive no mercy. My friend, do good when it is in thy power to do so. One day, you just may need assistance.
Zechariah 7:11-13
August 20, 2017
Proverbs 21:14 – A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
Thought: The power of riches cannot be underestimated. This power is often used in evil ways. There are some who have enough wealth that they can turn away the righteous indignation that others have toward them through gifts. This writer is not sure who needs to be blamed more, the one who gives the gift, or, the one who accepts the gift. Neither have hearts that are well-pleasing unto the Lord.
Proverbs 17:18
August 21, 2017
Proverbs 21:15 – It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Thought: When a just man practices justice, his heart is filled with joy. He knows and appreciates that good has been done. On the other hand, the workers of iniquity have no love for justice. They know that if justice were to be followed on every occasion, they would be destroyed. The evil man and his wicked ways exist because he despises justice and thwarts it in almost all that he does.
John 8:10-11
August 22, 2017
Proverbs 21:16 – The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Thought: “The way of understanding” is God’s way. It is the way of righteousness. It is the way, He has mapped out in His holy Word. It is ultimately the way to heaven. Those who leave the way enter into the congregation of the dead. These individuals are dead spiritually. Ultimately, they will face the second death. Stick to the “Good Book.” Follow its directions. Stay in the way. You will be glad you did.
Hebrews 10:38-39
August 23, 2017
Proverbs 21:17 – He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Thought: God is a God of order. In order to have order, there must be laws. Therefore, God has established laws in all areas of life, including finances. There are many people who love pleasure and spend hundreds of dollars in order to enjoy it. Others love the finer things of life and spend thousands of dollars on the luxuries of life. Often these individuals are in much debt. Too, they live from paycheck to paycheck. They wonder why. Our proverb today reveals the answer.
Luke 12:15
August 24, 2017
Proverbs 21:18 – The wicked shall be ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Thought: The wicked often devise evil schemes against the righteous only to be taken in their own traps. God intervenes and delivers the righteous and punishes the wicked and the transgressor. In essence, the wicked pays the price for the righteous. This has played out time and again in the history of the human race. My friends, the only pay found in wickedness is for the ransom of the righteous.
Isaiah 43:3-4
August 25, 2017
Proverbs 21:19 – It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Thought: Solomon was a man who married many wives. He was well acquainted with contentious and angry women. Some do not hesitate to express their anger with words and actions. Often, their words are sharp. Their actions can be very mean and ugly. Their words and actions are intended to wound. They certainly disrupt the peace and harmony of the home. I wonder: Did Solomon spend several days or nights in the wilderness to escape some of the contentious and angry women he had married?
Psalm 55:6-8
August 26, 2017
Proverbs 21:20 – There is a treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Thought: An individual’s bank account reveals much about a person’s character. If you want to find out who is wise or who is foolish, look at how a person either saves or spends his money. The wise have treasure and oil in their dwelling. He knows a rainy day is coming. The foolish person spends it up. He can barely make it from paycheck to paycheck. Parents would be wise to teach their children some financial laws when they are young. This will help them to grow up to be wise in their adult years.
Luke 16:1-2
August 27, 2017
Proverbs 21:21 – He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Thought: There has never been a man who has regretted living a godly life. Yes, he may not have all the thrills that others have. Too, he may not experience everything that the ungodly gets to experience. But, he does not regret living in harmony with righteous laws and principles. In fact, his life is blessed. He finds things that matter. He finds things that bring true and lasting meaning to life. Life, righteousness, and honor are not rewards to be discounted. These things are true riches.
Romans 2:7-10
August 28, 2017
Proverbs 21:22 – A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and caseth down the strength of the confident thereof.
Thought: Wisdom is often more powerful than brute strength. Wisdom knows how to think and reason. Wisdom knows how to plan and put plans into operation. Wisdom can outsmart and out flank the opposition. Wisdom does things God’s way. The man who trusts solely in his might and strength may be confident, but he soon sees the wise man scaling the walls and destroying the gates of his city. At that point, his strength it is useless. If you must choose, choose wisdom over strength.
Ecclesiastes 7:19
August 29, 2017
Proverbs 21:23 – Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Thought: How many times have individuals opened their mouths to their own hurt. We have harmed relationships with our words. We have shown our ignorance. We have spread gossip. We have told lies. We have defended something that was wrong. Oh that all of us could learn to keep our mouths shut. We would keep ourselves from many, many troubles. In other words, our lives will be filled with more peace if we can learn to control our tongues.
James 3:8-10
August 30, 2017
Proverbs 21:24 – Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
Thought: Pride is an extremely negative quality. It leads to the destruction of the person who possesses it. The proud are scorners. They show contempt for things that are holy and divine. They live their lives in “proud wrath.” Their anger is often very vocal against God and His people. These individuals live their lives in complete rebellion to the spiritual truths of God’s Word. Sadly, they cannot see the dangerous end that is coming their way.
Esther 6:6-10
August 31, 2017
Proverbs 21:25 – The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Thought: There are two views with regard to the phrase, “the desire of the slothful.” One says that the slothful’s desire for rest and ease is what kills him. The other says that the basic desires of the slothful, that is, to eat and drink, is what kills him. Either way, the slothful refuses to work and labor with his hands. He will not provide for his needs. He refuses to arise from his bed of slumber. It is his lack of activity that brings his demise. The Scriptures exhort us to get out of bed, get off the couch, get up from the front porch, and get to work. If not, death looms in the shadows.
Proverbs 13:4
Read devotionals for September 2017