OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2019
March 1, 2019
James 1:20 – For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Thought: When man is angry with God’s message he is not capable of receiving it. He yells and screams. He storms off. He makes all kinds of false accusations. He seeks to promote his false position. In such a state, he is still lost. It is only when he calms down, reasons correctly, and yields to God’s will that he can obtain the righteousness of God. Don’t let anger stand in the way of salvation.
Acts 7:57-58
March 2, 2019
James 1:21 – Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Thought: James has told us that the Word of God enables us to be God’s children. He has also instructed us as to how to receive God’s Word. Now he gives further instructions about how this is done. First, we must remove sin and iniquity from our lives. We often refer to this as repentance. The practice of sin will not allow us to obey. Obedience and sin are opposites. He then says to receive the Word meekness. This simply involves a willingness to yield to the authority of another, in this case, God’s authority. My friends, when we do these things, the Word of God will save our souls.
I Thessalonians 2:13
March 3, 2019
James 1:22 – But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Thought: It is one thing to hear God’s Word. It is another thing to do it. Sometimes we mistake hearing for doing. We sit at the feet of a preacher or teacher and hear his words. We depart and do none of the things he discussed. We will do this over and over again. In our mind, we think we are pleasing to God. In fact, we have deceived ourselves. We must be doers of the Word to please the heavenly Father, and not hearers only.
Romans 2:13
March 4, 2019
James 1:23 – For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.
Thought: In this verse, James compares the Word of God to a mirror. A mirror allows a person to investigate his appearance and make any necessary adjustments before going out into the public’s view. In like manner, the Word of God allows us to view our inner man and make any necessary corrections that need to be made. We adjust. We straighten. We brush. We change. We wash. We remove smudges. God’s Word allows us to appear before God and others righteously.
II Corinthians 13:5
March 5, 2019
James 1:24 – For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Thought: Have you ever seen a person look into a mirror, see that their hair is out of place, and refuse to fix it? If we did see such a person, we might laugh at him. We would definitely wonder why he did not fix his hair. But, this happens all of the time when individuals peer into the mirror of God’s Word. They see their flaws. They see their sins. They see their shortcomings. But, they refuse to make the necessary adjustments. Why? Why continue your Christian life out of sorts? Fix it! Straighten it up!
Jeremiah 6:16
March 6, 2019
James 1:25 – But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Thought: The blessed man is the doer of God’s Word. He looks into that divine mirror and makes the adjustments needed in his life. He obeys the commands. He does the work God calls for him to do. He refuses to be a forgetful hearer. He understands that this brings condemnation, not blessings. No, it is not always easy to be an obedient individual, but the rewards are well worth the diligent effort.
Psalm 19:11
March 7, 2019
James 1:26 – If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Thought: Doers of the word “do” the Word. They realize that God’s Word is not a buffet. We are not free to pick and choose the things we will do and the things we will not. Unfortunately, there are some people who like to believe they are extremely religious, but they do not bridle their tongues. They are gossips, talebearers, and slanderers. They refuse to obey God’s Word regarding the use of the tongue. They think they are religious, but they are deceived. In fact, James says: “This man’s religion is vain.”
Proverbs 13:3
March 8, 2019
James 1:27 – Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affiction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Thought: If a person were to define pure religion, he might think about worship. He might think about having an in depth knowledge of theological issues. Visiting the fatherless and widows, however, might be far down on the list of definitions. James puts it as the very definition of pure religion. Pure religion meets people where they are hurting. It seeks to assist and alleviate their pain. It also focuses on keeping one’s self like God, that is, unspotted from the world.
Isaiah 1:16-17
March 9, 2019
James 2:1 – My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Thought: James is really asking a question in this verse. “Do you really have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ if you have respect of persons?” Respect of persons is an easy sin to commit. We favor those who are like us. We favor those who can assist us. We favor those who have great riches or who hold high positions in our society. The poor, the lowly, the hurting, the weak, and the troubled are not favored. The question is: “Is this how the faith of Jesus Christ is supposed to work?”
I Timothy 5:21
March 10, 2019
James 2:2 – For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment
Thought: James gives his readers an example of their partiality. He asserts that two men have come to their assembly. This is the assembly of the saints that gathers for worship on the Lord’s Day. One is a very wealthy man. His gold ring and goodly apparel mark his financial standing. The other is a poor man. His clothing is vile, that is, cheap, shabby, and dirty. Which one do you favor and approach?
Matthew 11:8-9
March 11, 2019
James 2:3 – And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool.
Thought: All Christians must guard against prejudice. The word prejudice is formed from two words, “pre” and “judge.” It is easy for us to prejudge another person wrongly. Just because one is rich does not make him a person of good character. And, just because a person is poor does not make him a person of bad character. In fact, just the opposite could be true. All of us need to learn to judge righteously rather than on sheer appearance.
I Samuel 16:6-7
March 12, 2019
James 2:4 – Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Thought: When one becomes a respecter of persons, he has gone down an evil road. James says that he has become partial. He also says that he has become a judge of evil thoughts. Our thoughts about others soon lead to actions. We saw that in the previous verse. The rich was invited to sit. The poor man was told to stand. Do we want others judging us by our outward appearance? Isn’t our heart much more important? So are the hearts of other human beings.
Galatians 2:6
March 13, 2019
James 2:5 – Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Thought: Man often perceives things much differently than God does. Man is drawn to the rich and powerful. God, however, appeals to the poor and lowly. The rich are often independent and do not see their need for God. The poor, on the other hand, see their need, their poverty, and their lowly estate. Therefore, the poor are the ones who are chosen of God. They are chosen because they are the ones who answer His call sent out by the gospel.
I Corinthians 1:26-28
March 14, 2019
James 2:6 – But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before judgment seats?
Thought: We often cater to those who do not have our best interest in mind. We cling to those who despise us and oppress us. We have this false belief that says: “If only we cater to them enough, they will become our friends.” Once they are our friends, we think they will provide us with some type of assistance. But, it never happens. We would be wise to open our eyes. Those who afflict us are not our friends.
Proverbs 22:16
March 15, 2019
James 2:7 – Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Thought: Most of the time the rich are not very concerned about God, His Word, spiritual things, or the people of God. In fact, they count them as their enemies. They believe that those who put their trust in God are weak and feeble. They ridicule, mock, and scold those who wear the name of Christ. Why would anyone want to have part with such individuals? Again, we want them to be our friends, but we must come to understand they are our enemies.
Ezekiel 16:49
March 16, 2019
James 2:8 – If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself, ye do well.
Thought: Loving our neighbor is the solution to partiality and favoritism. All men are to be loved, not just the rich, and not just the powerful, and not just those who can benefit us. James says that if we make loving our neighbor our habit, then we do well. I find it interesting that he refers to this as “the royal law.” This is the law of the King of the Universe. There is only one law that is higher, loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Upon these two laws hang all of the other laws of God.
Romans 13:8-10
March 17, 2019
James 2:9 – But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Thought: If we respect one person above another, we violate the law of God. We violate the royal law. Violating the law of God is sin. Committing sin separates us from God. Therefore, this is a serious matter. We have a choice to make. We can either be obedient children, and show love to all, or, we can be transgressors of God’s will. Loving all and not respecting one above another is not easy, but it certainly is God-like.
Romans 2:11-13
March 18, 2019
James 2:10 – For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Thought: This is a difficult concept for us to fully comprehend if we only apply it spiritually. It is an easy concept to understand if we apply it to the home or society. A child only has to violate one of his/her parent’s rules to be guilty of disobedience. In like manner, a person only has to violate one law in society to be considered a transgressor. There are many who are in jail for committing only one crime. One crime sets one against the whole system of laws. This is also true of the law of God. We only have to violate one point to be guilty of all.
Matthew 5:19
March 19, 2019
James 2:11 – For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Thought: James gives his own illustration of what it means for a person to be a transgressor of the law in this verse. All it takes for a person to become a transgressor is one violation of the law. He can keep the rest of the law and violate only one point and he is still a criminal. We all need to keep this in mind when confronted with situations wherein we can violate the law of God. We need to ask ourselves: “Do I really want to be a transgressor?”
Leviticus 4:13-14
March 20, 2019
James 2:12 – So speak ye, and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Thought: James provides wise counsel. Everyone needs to remember that they will be judged by the law of liberty. This reality should govern our speech and actions. Our speech needs to conform to the law of God. Our actions need to harmonize with the law of God. We must remember that one day all of us will stand in judgment. It will be the law of liberty that will be the standard on that sober day.
John 12:48
March 21, 2019
James 2:13 – For he shall have judgment without mercy, that shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Thought: We must keep this verse in its context. James has been writing about our being respecters of persons. We have a tendency to treat the poor, the downcast, the misfit, and deformed, and the stranger without any mercy at all. If this is the case, our Lord will have no mercy upon us in the judgment. Please keep in mind that the one thing all will need in judgment is mercy. Those who receive it will rejoice.
Genesis 42:21
March 22, 2019
James 2:14 – What doth faith profit, my brethren though a man have faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?
Thought: James now moves into another topic of discussion, the relationship between faith and works. The works that he references are not man-made works, that is, works of man’s invention. They are the commandments of God. James teaches that faith and works must combine to be effective. If all a man has is faith, James asks: “What doth faith profit?” If he only has faith, James also asks: “Can faith save him?” Faith only profits nothing and cannot save.
Matthew 7:21-23
March 23, 2019
James 2:15 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food.
Thought: James is about to illustrate the truthfulness of the previous verse. He refers to a situation that could be very real within a local congregation. There times when our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer hardship. These are not pleasant situations. For most, it is difficult to ask for help because of their personal pride. Yet, it is the body of Christ that should come to their aid. The response of the members is centered in their faith. The faithful, that is, those full of faith, will give the help that is needed.
Acts 11:28
March 24, 2019
James 2:16 – And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Thought: What good is a man’s faith if he is not going to respond to the needs of his brothers and sisters in Christ? Seeing the need is not enough. Making positive comments to them about their need is not enough. If you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, James asks: “What doth it profit?” Faith alone means nothing. Faith alone does nothing. Faith only is empty and useless.
Matthew 25:42-45
March 25, 2019
James 2:17 – Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Thought: James states a very simple spiritual truth. Faith without works is dead being alone. Sadly, some have embraced the doctrine of “faith only” when it comes to salvation. James says that “faith only” is a dead faith. Can a dead faith really save anyone? It cannot! Faith must be mixed with works, that is, it must be joined with obedience to God’s commands in order to be a living faith. Only a living faith will save.
I Thessalonians 1:3
March 26, 2019
James 2:18 – Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thought: James contrasts two men who say they have faith. One only mouths the words. In other words, he says: “I have faith.” The other shows his faith by mixing it with works. Which man has proved he has faith? The answer is simple. It is the man who shows his faith through his works. Anyone can say he has faith. Only the person who displays faith through obedience can prove it.
Hebrews 11:8
March 27, 2019
James 2:19 – Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble.
Thought: James shows us the uselessness of faith alone. Men like to boast that they believe in God. That is fine. However, the devils have that kind of faith. The devils have no doubt that God exists. In fact, James says they believe and tremble. Will their faith save them? No. Why? It is not attached to works, that is, obedience to God. Faith without works is dead, useless, and has no hope attached to it.
Matthew 8:28-29
March 28, 2019
James 2:20 – But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Thought: James refers to the man who believes that faith alone is enough to save him as a vain man. The word “vain” means “empty.” It refers to a person who is devoid of spiritual health and wealth. Sadly, hundreds of people live their so-called Christian lives having only faith. My friends, it is an empty existence. To grow, to be productive, to be pleasing to God, faith must be combined with good works. Otherwise, faith is dead. A dead faith produces a dead religion.
Titus 2:14
March 29, 2019
James 2:21 – Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Thought: James uses an example from the life of “the father of the faithful,” Abraham. God gave Abraham a command to sacrifice his son of promise upon a mountain in the land of Moriah (Gen. 22:1-2). How was Abraham to prove his faith? Could he just say: “I believe what God wants me to do is right,” yet refuse to obey? No. He was justified when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar. Faith and works, that is, obedience, were necessary to justify Abraham.
Genesis 22:9-10
March 30, 2019
James 2:22 – Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.
Thought: In God’s scheme of redemption, there are facts that must be believed. There are promises that must be embraced. There are commands that must be obeyed. Facts and promises require only a mental assent. Commands, however, require action. James refers to this action as “works.” When God commands and we obey, faith mixes with our works, “and by works was faith made perfect.” If God commands, and we refuse to obey, we do not display faith in God.
Jeremiah 7:23
March 31, 2019
James 2:23 – And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed, God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and was called the Friend of God.
Thought: There are two times the Bible tells us that righteousness was imputed unto Abraham. Those who teach the doctrine of “faith only” love these verses. However, they really only prove the point we made in the previous verse. The first time it is used refers to Abraham’s faith with regard to a promise of God. All he had to do was believe. When James uses the phrase, righteousness is imputed to Abraham, Abraham’s faith wrought with works of obedience because God has given Abraham a command. Our faith response to facts, promises, and commands is different.
Romans 4:3
Read devotionals for April 2019
