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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2020
August 1, 2020
Revelation 14:18 – And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
Thoughts: The harvest in verses 15 and 16 involve the harvest of the righteous. This harvest involves the reaping of those who are wicked. In the Last Day, both groups will be cut by the sickle and gathered. After the harvest, Judgment will come. According to the psalmist, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment (Ps. 1:5). In other words, they will not stand justified. They will fall to the sentence of condemnation. Sadly, they will experience the punishment of God. Each of us will be into one or the other group. Will you be able to stand in the Judgment?
Psalm 1:5-6
August 2, 2020
Revelation 14:19 – And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Thought: For those who have chosen to oppose God, harvest time will not be a pleasant experience. They will be cut with the sickle, gathered together, and cast “into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” When God afflicts the wicked, it is horrible and devastating experience. None of the guilty escapes. God makes certain that all those who do not bear His name are punished. Somehow man numbs his mind to the wrath of God. To do so, is a huge mistake. One inspired writer told us plainly that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Deuteronomy 32:32-35
August 3, 2020
Revelation 14:20 – And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horses bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Thought: The author of the Revelation now sees blood coming out of the winepress. Blood indicates the loss of life by those who experienced the wrath of God. The devastation was significant. The blood rose as high as the bridle upon a horse. It flowed “by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs,” approximately 200 miles. Some commentators see this as the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Others believe that involves the conquest of the Roman Empire. In either case, the wrath of God is devastating. Victory belongs to the Lord!
Isaiah 63:3-4
August 4, 2020
Revelation 15:1 – And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
Thought: John has seen many great and wonderful signs, seven seals and seven trumpets. He is now introduced to seven vials containing seven plagues. These plagues will involve God’s wrath against His enemies. Although the word “victory” is only found one time in the book of Revelation, it is clear that victory is the theme of the book. Evil does not win against God. If the righteous will be patient and wait upon the Lord, their enemies will be conquered. No evil force is stronger than God.
Romans 2:3-6
August 5, 2020
Revelation 15:2 – And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Thought: In chapter 4, we first saw this sea of glass. There is was like crystal. Now it is mingled with the fire of God’s wrath. God’s faithful were standing on this sea and were preparing to praise the Lord God Almighty. Why? They were praising him because they “had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” All associated with the beast had been overcome. Victory demands praise!
Revelation 19:5-6
August 6, 2020
Revelation 15:3 – And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Thought: The redeemed are composed of those who lived under the Old Covenant and those who live under the New Covenant. Moses was the law-giver of the Old. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was the law-giver of the New. Thus, it is not surprising to hear a song sung by the redeemed about Moses the servant of God and about the Lamb. This psalm honors God and gives praise to all His ways. He is the Lord God Almighty and the King of saints. His works are great and marvelous, and His ways are just and true. This same God is worthy of our praise today!
Exodus 15:11
August 7, 2020
Revelation 15:4 – Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Thought: Those who are on the Lord’s side know of the greatness and power of God. Having seen His works and having experienced His deliverance, they ask: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?” They could not imagine anyone not giving honor to this wonderful God. They know that He alone possesses absolute holiness. Eventually, all nations would come and worship before Him. His judgments will not allow anything less. He will have complete victory. The forces of evil will have no option but to bow in His presence.
Psalm 86:8-10
August 8, 2020
Revelation 15:5, 6 – And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: and the seven angels came out of the temple, having seven plagues, clothed in pure white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Thought: God is not finished with His adversaries. Seven more angels have been commissioned to pour out seven additional plagues on God’s opponents. They leave the temple clothed in pure white linen. They are holy beings. The mission upon which God is sending them is holy as well. They are also girded with golden girdles. These girdles indicate their rank in the heavenly realm. These angels are mighty warriors among the hosts of heaven. The enemies of God’s people should tremble in the presence of God’s heavenly forces.
Exodus 28:5-8
August 9, 2020
Revelation 15:7 – And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Thought: The four beasts were introduced to us in Revelation 4. They represent the various aspects of God’s nature. One of them gives the seven angels vials or bowls. These would resemble the bowls used in the temple service. These vials are “full of the wrath of God.” The bowls are not partially filled. They are completely filled with divine wrath. In the next chapter, these bowls will be poured out. They will bring devastation to the enemies of God. My friend, when God’s wrath is full, fear should fill the hearts of men.
Revelation 4:6-9
August 10, 2020
Revelation 15:8 – And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Thought: The seven angels had come forth from the temple. The golden vials full of the wrath of God were given to them. Then, the glory of God filled the temple. The smoke represented His majestic presence. God’s presence was so overwhelming that “no man was able to enter into the temple.” In other words, no man would be able to enter the temple in order to make intercession for God’s enemies. God had made His determination to strike out at His opponents. There was no one who could change His mind. The plagues would be completely fulfilled.
Exodus 19:18
August 11, 2020
Revelation 16:1 – And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
Thought: In Scripture, God is often referred to as “the Lord of hosts.” The word “hosts” refers to His angelic army that fills the heavens. He commands this holy and powerful force. In Revelation 16:1, we see Him commanding seven of His angels. He exhorts them to “go your ways, and pour out the vails of the wrath of God upon the earth.” This command will be obeyed. It should strike terror in the hearts of men. The commander of the heavenly army is on the offensive. His enemies will not be able to stand.
Psalm 103:21
August 12, 2020
Revelation 16:2 – And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
Thought: The Lord’s fight continues against those who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. When the first angel poured out his vial, “there fell a noisome and grievous sore” upon the Lord’s enemies. The word “sore” can mean boil. It is described as being “noisome,” meaning “injurious” and “hurtful.” The word “grievous” means “hurtful, evil, and bad.” Even small boils upon the skin can inflict great pain. They hurt to touch them. They fester. They itch. They fill with infection. God intends for His judgment to be felt intensely.
Luke 16:20-21
August 13, 2020
Revelation 16:3, 4 – And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
Thought: The first vial was poured out on man. The second and third vials are poured out on the waters. The sea and rivers were a very important aspect of life. From these, many men made their living. Now, the sea was poisoned. “It became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” Thus, the Lord afflicts the prosperity of man. A lack of income has terrible ripple effects throughout homes and society. Starvation, sickness, and death are just three of the impacts. God is serious. He intends to teach His enemies a lesson.
Psalm 78:43-44
August 14, 2020
Revelation 16:5 – And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
Thought: When the Lord brings judgment upon individuals and nations, one thought that must always be kept in mind is that God is righteous. His judgments are right. He is not as man who is fickle in his judgments. His judgments are always against the right people. They are always poured out in the right measure. They are always fair. The angel acknowledges this about the Lord. Even though God’s judgment are severe, they are always upright.
Psalm 145:17
August 15, 2020
Revelation 16:6 – For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Thought: When God pours out His judgments on the earth, they are severe. Men often have a tendency to react negatively to them. They believe they are too intense. However, they forget the actions that have brought the judgments of God. John reminds his readers what the enemy had done. “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets.” Isn’t that a heinous crime? Yes. It deserves punishment. Therefore, God “hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.” My friend, God’s judgments are not arbitrary. He punishes evil men.
Luke 12:47-48
August 16, 2020
Revelation 16:7 – And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Thought: The truth we affirmed in the previous verse is confirmed by one speaking out of the altar. God’s judgments are “true and righteous.” God does not punish the righteous. God does not inflict harm upon the innocent. God does not seek vengeance upon those who are loyal to Him. He punishes the evil doers. He inflicts harm upon His enemies. His vengeance goes forth upon those who rebel against Him. God never errs in His judgments. They are always right!
Deuteronomy 32:4
August 17, 2020
Revelation 16:8 – And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
Thought: One of the things most dreaded by men is to be burned with fire. The pain is excruciating. The pain also lasts for days and weeks. The scars left on the body are horrible. If a person does not die, he often longs for death. This was the type of affliction the fourth angel poured out. “Power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” Sores were horrible. The waters turned to blood were awful. Being scorched with fire was far worse. God continues to “turn up the heat” upon His enemies. Truly, they are experiencing the fullness of His wrath.
Jonah 4:8
August 18, 2020
Revelation 16:9 – And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Thought: Again, God’s design for these plagues was to soften the hearts of the rebellious and bring them to repentance. But, the same sun that that can soften wax can harden clay. This is precisely what happens here. The wicked would not repent to give glory to God. Instead, they blasphemed the name of God. They continued to speak out against Him. Their reaction is intriguing since it was God which had the “power over these plagues.” The very one who could save them, they continued to curse. Man often fails to act in his own best interest.
Jeremiah 5:3-4
August 19, 2020
Revelation 16:10 – And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and the kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.
Thought: The fifth angel pours out his vial and “the kingdom was full of darkness.” When men walk in darkness, they grope about not knowing where they are going. There is stagnation, fear, confusion, and a lack of direction. This kingdom that had opposed God was about to be put into chaos. Its light that had shown so brightly in the past was about to be put out. It would no longer be a bright beacon upon a hill. Nations and their rulers often think they will last forever. Not so. God will extinguish all nations that forget Him. The reaction of man to this judgment was to gnaw their tongues for pain.
Ezekiel 32:7-8
August 20, 2020
Revelation 16:11 – And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Thought: We are once again baffled by the reaction of those who have been subjected to the judgments of God. They have been sorely afflicted. They have been shown that they are not supreme. They have witnessed how powerful the God of heaven really is. Instead of repenting of their transgressions, they continue in their evil ways. They are arrogant. They are self-deceived. They are drunk on their own power. They fail to understand that they cannot prevail. God will continue His judgments until they bow before Him or until they are completely destroyed.
Exodus 8:30-32
August 21, 2020
Revelation 16:12 – And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
Thought: Many warrior nations lay to the north, that is, beyond the great river Euphrates. If the Euphrates were dried up, it would make the crossing of this great river easy, or, as John writes: “…that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” The pouring out of this vial would enable others to easily join the battle against the enemies of God. Some see this as Rome coming against Jerusalem. Others believe this involves enemies of Rome being unleashed upon the Empire. In either instance, God is using His providential powers to bring victory.
Jeremiah 1:13-15
August 22, 2020
Revelation 16:13 – And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Thought: Three unclean spirits “like frogs” that are sent throughout the earth by the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These false prophets are to do the bidding of the forces opposing God and His people. Frogs are appropriate symbols deceitful workers. They are ugly to look upon. They never cease their croaking. They live in the mud and muck of the earth. They can swell their bodies against their enemies. Spiritually, false teachers are ugly. They constantly spread their lies. Their origin is the world. Too, they are swelled with pride.
II Peter 2:1-2
August 23, 2020
Revelation 16:14 – For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Thought: Satan has his allies. He gains their confidence through deceptive means. He knows that he needs all of the support he can get to fight against God. Here, the unclean spirits are sent forth “unto the kings of the earth.” They convince them to unite with the dragon, beast, and false prophet by “working miracles.” These are not true miracles. They engage in lying wonders. These wonders deceive the kings into believing they have great power. All of these evil monarchs have been convinced of a falsehood. They believe they can defeat God. They cannot!
Matthew 24:24
August 24, 2020
Revelation 16:15 – Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garment, lest he be naked, and they see his shame.
Thought: The Lord sends forth His servants to warn of impending judgments. They exhort men to repent and turn to God. Although they have been announced, God’s judgments come as a thief in the night. They come with a shock upon the wicked. Those who have watched, that is, have given heed to the warnings, and those who have kept their garments, that is, have lived faithful, godly lives, will be blessed. Those who have not will stand exposed before God. All will see their shame. My friend, be clothed. Do not be found naked when our Lord comes.
I Thessalonians 5:2-3
August 25, 2020
Revelation 16:16 – And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Thought: It is found only one time in the Bible. Yes, the word is found only one time in the Bible, but entire books have been written based upon this one word. It is the word “Armageddon.” Most believe that the word means mount of Megiddo or mountain of Megiddo. In the valley surrounding this mountain, many battles have been fought. Here, the kings of the earth, influenced by the spirits of devils, are gathered to do battle against God. Sadly, rather than viewing the war through the figurative lens of Revelation, many believe it refers to a physical war.
II Kings 23:29
August 26, 2020
Revelation 16:17 – And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
Thought: The final vial was poured into the air. We are not told about the effects of this vial. However, after the vial was poured out the voice of God speaks from the throne. Note: God was aware of every vial. His words are: “It is done.” God’s judgments were complete. He had destroyed the dragon and the beast. Evil fills our world. From time to time, God must execute His judgments upon evil. These judgments are severe, but eventually they come to an end and God is victorious. The saints must be patient. God’s judgments will not last forever.
Exodus 11:1
August 27, 2020
Revelation 16:18 – And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
Thought: God’s judgments are severe. The magnitude and severity are described by the words “thunders,” “lightnings,” and “a great earthquake.” Unless a person has experienced an earthquake, it is difficult to understand the magnitude of the damage that can be caused as the foundation of the earth shakes beneath one’s feet. Too, it is difficult to imagine the fear that fills the heart of those experiencing the event. This judgment would truly rattle the earth. It would be something “such as was not since men were upon the earth.”
Matthew 24:21
August 28, 2020
Revelation 16:19 – And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
Thought: What happens when there is division? The thing that is divided cannot stand. John had beheld a great earthquake. This earthquake was a judgment of God upon the wicked city called Babylon. The earthquake divided the city. In this divided condition, it could not stand. Her demise would cause others to fall as well. When God pours out “the wine of the fierceness of his wrath” it accomplishes its purposes. God’s enemies are NEVER able to stand before Him. God is also very effective in employing the divide and conquer method.
Matthew 12:25-26
August 29, 2020
Revelation 16:20 – And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Thought: When God brought His judgment upon wicked Babylon, others were impacted. In verse 19, we learned that “the cities of the nations fell.” Cities are rich and powerful. They felt Babylon’s destruction. John also tells us: “And every island fled away…” Islands are smaller and remote. They are not as significant as a large metropolis. But, when Babylon fell, the small, insignificant places were impacted. Too, “the mountains were not found.” The strong, the powerful, and the noble suffered with Babylon’s passing. God’s judgments are far-reaching.
Isaiah 2:14-17
August 30, 2020
Revelation 16:21 – And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Thought: God continues to rain His judgments upon the earth. This plague involves “a great hail out of heaven.” Hail can destroy property and lives in just a matter of minutes. The design of God’s plague is to bring men to repentance. This, however, was not man’s response. Instead, “men blasphemed God.” The heart that should have been softened was hardened. The mouth that should have confessed sins chose rather to condemn God. We are often confused by the hearts and reactions of humanity toward their God. Even when they are judged, they rebel.
Isaiah 30:30
August 31, 2020
Revelation 17:1 – And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters.
Thought: Judgment is the theme of Revelation. John is now exhorted by an angel to see the judgment of “the great whore.” Cities are often portrayed in two ways in the Bible. Some are pictured as being pure, chaste, and holy. These cities honor God. Others are pictured as being evil, vile and practitioners of whoredoms. These are the enemies of God. God is about to pour his wrath out on “the great whore,” one of His enemies. It is said that she “sitteth upon many waters,” that is, her influences are spread abroad through many tributaries.
Nahum 3:4-5
Read devotionals for September 2020