OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for May 2022

June 1, 2022

John 14:9 – Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?


Thought: If you really want to have a better understanding of God the Father study Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” In John 1:1, Jesus is called “the Word.” Words are used to express and explain complex thoughts and ideas. Jesus, as the Word, reveals and explains God to man. Man can visualize the Father through Jesus. Paul calls Him “the image of the invisible God.” The Hebrew writer refers to Jesus as “the express image of his person.” There is no need for man to say: “Shew us the Father.”

John 1:18


June 2, 2022

John 14:10 – Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.


Thought: In this verse we see the union that exists between Jesus and the Father. They are one in nature, one in their message, and one in their operation. This is not shocking if we believe Jesus is God. He is not the same person as the Father, but He is of the same essence. He is deity. His becoming flesh only enables man to see God clearly. Occasionally, we are surprised by the bodily manifestation of deity. Deity washes feet. Deity weeps. Deity forgives those who sin against Him. Dear reader, look at Jesus and see the Father.

Colossians 2:9


June 3, 2022

John 14:11 – Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.


Thought: When a person makes a claim, that claim can be absolute truth. Claims, however, can also be false. Sometimes, individuals have trouble when people make a claim. Jesus told His disciples: “I am in the Father, and the Father in me.” The claim was factual, but might be hard to believe. Therefore, Jesus pointed the apostles to something else. He said: “…or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” Jesus had more than a claim. His miracles were wonderful and undeniable. They were evidences that His claims were true.

Acts 2:22


June 4, 2022

John 14:12 – Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.


Thought: Jesus gives two promises to those who truly believe on Him. First, He says: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The apostles would be given power to copy the very miracles of their Master. They would heal the sick, restore sight, and raise the dead. But, Jesus also gives another promise. “…and greater works than these shall he do, because I do to my Father.” These words have puzzled commentators. How would their do greater works than Jesus? More in number? Different? Greater results?

Mark 16:17-20


June 5, 2022

John 14:13, 14 – And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.


Thought: Jesus had told His disciples that they would do greater works than He had done. Some might wonder how they could do this. In these two verses Jesus provides the answer. These men did not do their works on their own. These men would perform their miracles in the name of Jesus. If this were done, the results would follow. “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” These men would be divinely empowered to perform miracles. With divine assistance, they could perform marvelous wonders.

Ephesians 3:20


June 6, 2022

John 14:15 – If ye love me, keep my commandments.


Thought: This statement really goes against the grain of what some believe. They do not equate love and commandment keeping. They believe that teaching people to keep the commands of God is legalism. They believe that teaching strict obedience to God’s law is the opposite of love. Yet, Jesus was very clear when He said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience to the commands of the Lord is the way man manifests his love for the Savior. Dear reader, saying some words is much different than obeying the Word.

I John 5:3


June 7, 2022

John 14:16, 17 – And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.


Thought: This is the first time Jesus has promised the apostles the “Comforter.” He tells them the Comforter is “the Spirit of truth,” that is, the Holy Spirit. To do the work the apostles were commissioned to do, they would need divine assistance. This help would come from the Holy Spirit. He would empower these men to proclaim God’s revelation and to confirm their words with miracles. The word “Comforter” means both “assistant” and “advocate.” The Spirit would perform both works as He labored with the twelve.

Acts 1:8


June 8, 2022

John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.


Thought: Within days, Jesus would depart from the apostles and ascend to the right hand of God. This would leave the apostles without their Comforter. Jesus assured His ambassadors that this would not be a problem. He plainly said: “I will not leave you comfortless.” They would be given “another Comforter.” The word “another” indicates “another of the same sort.” The Holy Spirit is deity. Jesus would send Him to complete the plan of redemption. Thus, Jesus would return to them in the form of a divine representative.

Acts 2:1-4


June 9, 2022

John 14:19, 20 – Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.


Thought: Is Jesus speaking of His death or His ascension when he says: “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more”? It is difficult to know. However, we do know that He had His resurrection in mind when he said: “…but ye see me, because I live.” The resurrection of Jesus was a powerful proof of the deity of Jesus Christ. When He came forth from the hadean realm victorious, His apostles knew beyond any doubt that He was in the Father. They could also rejoice that they were in Christ, and He was in them.

Romans 1:4


June 10, 2022

John 14:21 – He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.


Thought: Jesus teaches the importance of keeping his commandments. He proclaims that keeping His commandments is proof that one loves Him. He also makes this promise: “…and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father.” In addition, He makes this promise: “…and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” With all these things wrapped up in keeping Jesus’ commandments, one would think all would seek to obey Him in all things. Yet, some see commandment-keeping as legalism. It’s not! It is a “love thing.”

I John 5:3


June 11, 2022

John 14:22, 23 – Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.


Thought: The Father and Son manifest themselves to human beings through a relationship. That relationship is based upon two things, love and obedience. It is important to remember that obedience is proof of one’s love for God. The faithful of God know God. They trust in God. He works in their lives. The world, on the other hand, does not have such a relationship with God. Because of their lack of love and obedience, He is not manifest in their lives. Dear reader, the heart of the Christian is the abode of God.

I John 4:15-16


June 12, 2022

John 14:24 – He that loveth me not keepth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.


Thought: Jesus continues to teach His disciples about having a relationship with the Father. Those who refuse to keep the sayings of Christ do not love Him. Obedience is the divine test of love. If we do not like this standard, we must take it up with the Father. Jesus said: “…and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” God the Father made obedience the test of love. He is the Creator of all. He is the Governor of the Universe. He has absolute authority. He says to fail to obey Him is to fail to love Him.

I John 2:3-5


June 13, 2022

John 14:25,26 – These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.


Thought: Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles again. This promise is not to all men. If it were intended for all, we would not need the Bible for the Holy Spirit would teach us all things. Too, we would never have to study for the Holy Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance. The apostles had a special work to do, that is, to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. How could these men remember all Jesus had taught them over three years? They needed divine assistance. It came by the Holy Spirit of God.

I Corinthians 2:12-13


June 14, 2022

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


Thought: Strong leaders are a blessing. Jesus was definitely a strong leader for the apostles. But, He told them He will soon be leaving them. This information could both trouble their hearts and cause them to be filled with fear. Jesus knew this. So, He gave them His peace. That peace came in the form of promises that would soon be fulfilled. They would not be left alone. The Comforter, that is, the Holy Spirit would be given to them. He would teach them, guide them, and fill them with power. They had nothing to fear.

Isaiah 41:10


June 15, 2022

John 14:28, 29 – Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.


Thought: Jesus was the perfect leader. He never left His disciples in the dark. He warned them about the future. He also gave them the provisions they would need to deal with future events. These provisions involved physical and spiritual realities. They also involved emotional provisions. Although Jesus’ physical body would return to the Father, He knew the benefits to come after His departure. The apostles could rejoice in these things. He told them of these things beforehand so their faith would be greatly fortified.

John 13:19


June 16, 2022

John 14:30 – Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.


Thought: Jesus could feel the burden of the cross approaching. He knew His disciples would flee from Him and that He would be arrested. He also knew who was responsible for this heinous act, the prince of this world. This is none other than Satan himself. Satan may not have understood why Jesus was manifest in the flesh. He may not have comprehended the scheme of redemption. But, he was going to do all he could do to destroy the Christ. In all things, Jesus remained pure and true to the Father. Satan had nothing in Him.

Luke 22:52-53


June 17, 2022

John 14:31 – But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go.


Thought: Jesus taught earlier that obedience is the proof of one’s love for God. Jesus didn’t just preach this concept; He live it. He wanted the world to know that he loved the Father. The proof of that love involved His obedience. “…and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” What God wanted Him to do was not easy. Jesus was about to face His greatest test yet. The cross of Calvary was in sight. Jesus knew this. Soon He was to be crucified. Would He obey the Father? Listen to His words: “Arise, let us go.”

Acts 1:1


June 18, 2022

John 15:1, 2 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bearth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.


Thought: Jesus was the Master in taking physical things and making spiritual applications of them. As the Creator of all things, Jesus understood the wisdom locked within the physical world. Grape vines were very important in Canaan. Vines had branches. These branches were to produce fruit. The caretakers would purge them so more fruit would be forthcoming. Spiritually, Jesus is the vine. Jesus’ disciples are the branches. Jesus wants the branches to bear fruit. He purges the good ones. He takes way the fruitless ones.

Romans 11:20-22


June 19, 2022

John 15:3 – Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.


Thought: Jesus is presently engaged in a discussion about the true vine and the branches. In verse 2, He told the disciples that “every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” The method by which purging is done involves the Word of God. This was the manner in which Jesus cleansed His apostles. He tells them: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” All that is useless and not needed is removed from the branch. Then it will bring forth an abundance of fruit.

James 1:21


June 20, 2022

John 15:4 – Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except is abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.


Thought: In verse 1, we noted that the physical world has the ability to teach us spiritual lessons. All of us have seen branches that were cut from a tree or shrub or vine. In a very short amount of time, the branch begins to wilt. Soon it turns brown and dies. The same happens to Christians who fail to abide in Jesus Christ. Thus, Jesus exhorts, saying: “Abide in me, and I in you.” Branches that are cut off from the vine cannot bear fruit. These branches are worthless. How does one abide in Christ? By abiding in His Word.

I John 2:5-6


June 21, 2022

John 15:5 – I am the true vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.


Thought: When men hear the words of Jesus, they often fail to think spiritually about what He says. Jesus ends this verse with the words: “…for without me ye can do nothing.” Many do not believe this is true. They do not acknowledge Jesus, but they excel. They do not submit to the Christ, yet they are successful. Jesus refers to a person’s spiritual life in the text. In order to produce fruit in the spiritual realm, one must abide in Jesus, the true vine. Those who are without Christ in this life are dead while they live.

I Timothy 5:6


June 22, 2022

John 15:6 – If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.


Thought: Men have two options regarding Jesus. They can abide in Him as the true vine, or, they can refuse to abide in Him. If they abide in Christ, they will produce fruit. If they do not abide in Christ, they will wither and die. Dead branches are useless. Thus, they are gathered, cast into the fire, and are burned. Jesus has reference here to eternal condemnation in the fires of hell. If men burn useless branches in the physical world, why is our Lord unjust to do it in the spiritual realm? Dead, useless branches must be disposed of.

Matthew 13:41-42


June 23, 2022

John 15:7 – If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.


Thought: Jesus has been telling His apostles that He is going away and another Comforter was coming. Maintaining a relationship with God was extremely important for these men. This could only be done if they complied with the Word of God. If they did, Jesus promised to abide with them. In addition, these men could ask what they will, and it would be done for them. These men could testify to the truthfulness of their words by the mighty works they could perform. Again, the key to answered prayer was their obedience.

Proverbs 4:4


June 24, 2022

John 15:8 – Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.


Thought: The disciples understood the importance of glorifying God. One of the ways they could glorify the Father was by bearing much fruit. Again, this could only be done if they remained in the true vine, Jesus Christ. Soon these men would go forth into the world sowing the seed of the kingdom. This seed would produce and bring forth fruit in the form of saved souls. God’s name would fill the earth through them. Their faithfulness and obedience were essential. Their mission depended upon their abiding in God’s Word.

Psalm 92:12-15


June 25, 2022

John 15:9, 10 – As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.


Thought: Jesus told His disciples that He loved them. He, then, exhorted them to continue in His love. In verse 10, He reveals how this is done. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love.” If we obey the Lord Jesus Christ, we will continue in His love. It is interesting that Jesus set Himself up at an example of this type of love. He says: “…even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Those who do not like commandment keeping cannot follow in the footsteps of Jesus, nor abide in His love.

I John 2:28


June 26, 2022

John 15:11 – These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.


Thought: Jesus and His followers are about to experience some very difficult and sad hours. Jesus will be betrayed, denied, arrested, tried, and crucified. The apostles will be overwhelmed with sorrow, grief, and hopelessness. Therefore, Jesus sought to overcome these negatives with His teachings at this time. The things that Jesus told them had a purpose. He wanted His joy to remain in them. He wanted their joy to be full. His death was not the end. They had to look beyond the crucifixion. On the other side was great joy.

John 17:13


June 27, 2022

John 15:12, 13 – This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


Thought: When Jesus teaches about loving others, His standards are exceedingly high. First, loving others is not an option as far as Jesus is concerned. It is a commandment. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another.” Second, deity is the standard of love. “That ye love one another, as I have love you.” Humans definitely have a challenge here. Can we really love as Christ love? Third, true love involves great sacrifice if called upon to do so. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Ephesians 5:2


June 28, 2022

John 15:14 – Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.


Thought: In previous verses, Jesus conditioned love upon obedience. In this verse, He conditions our friendship with Him on love. Sadly, many who claim to be friends with Jesus will not pass this test. They do not pass the “friendship test” because they are not obedient to the commands of the Christ. It is hard for one to really grasp the concept of obedience to commands that some individuals have. They will say that one probably needs to be obedient, but, if pressed, will not say obedience is absolutely necessary. Jesus said it is!

Matthew 12:50


June 29, 2022

John 15:15 – Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.


Thought: Different relationships involve different types of boundaries. One of those boundaries involves the types of information that is shared with another. In a master/servant relationship, the servant “knoweth not what his Lord doeth.” However, when two individuals are friends, information is freely shared between them. Friends are equals. Friends trust one another. Jesus wanted the apostles to know that they were His friends. He proved it by revealing to them the things His Father had revealed to Him.

John 17:7-8


June 30, 2022

John 15:16 – Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of my Father in my name, he may give it you.


Thought: Jesus chose the twelve and officially appointed them to be apostles. Jesus summarized their mission in simple terms: “…that ye should go and bring forth fruit…” The apostles would be commissioned to take the gospel to the world in the near future. Their efforts would bring men and women to Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted their fruit to remain. Thus, He gave these men the promise that whatever they asked in the Father’s name, He would give it to them. Miracles from God would definitely confirm their message.

Acts 9:15


Read devotionals for July 2022