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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2022
August 1, 2022
John 17:1 – These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.
Thought: Here, we learn several things about Jesus. He was a man of prayer. He was a man of submission to the Father’s will. And, He was a man who glorified His Father in heaven. Note the words: “…the hour is come.” Jesus anticipated this hour from the beginning of His ministry. It was the hour of His death. As that hour drew near, Jesus understood its importance. He longed to be glorified so His Father would be glorified. Again, glorifying the Father was His ultimate goal.
I Peter 1:19-21
August 2, 2022
John 17:2 – As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Thought: Jesus is contemplating both His death and His resurrection. Once these were completed, Jesus would possess all authority over all men. The purpose of this authority was not to severely dominate man. The purpose of the Lord’s power was to give men eternal life. Think of that. If individuals will yield to Jesus, they can live forever. To have eternal life, one must obey the gospel. These are the ones God has given to the Christ. All men can be part of those who will live eternally.
Matthew 28:18
August 3, 2022
John 17:3 – And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Thought: Jesus tells us that the way to obtain eternal life is by knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom the Father sent into the world. Knowing God does not involve a simple acknowledge-ment of His existence. Knowing God is not just manifesting faith in Him. It begins with these things, but knowing God is brought to perfection in one’s obedience to the Lord’s will. Those who say they know God but refuse to submit to His will are liars. These individuals have no hope of life eternal.
I John 2:3-6
August 4, 2022
John 17:4 – I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Thought: Jesus acknowledges that He had accomplished two things while on earth. First, He had glorified the Father. Second, He had finished the work God gave Him to do. Shouldn’t these two things be our top priorities in life as well? Every day we should rise seeking to bring glory to God and to accomplish all He desires for us to do. Then, when we come to the end of life, we can also boast as Jesus did. Dear readers, we can do many things in life, but these two things are the most important.
II Timothy 4:6-8
August 5, 2022
John 17:5 – And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Thought: We cannot imagine the expense paid by deity’s becoming flesh. Fortunately for humanity, Jesus did not think that something to be held on to. He was willing to submit to this transition in order to pay the price of sin for all humanity. But, Jesus also looked forward to possessing His glory once again. Thus, He requested of the Father, saying: “Glorify me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” The ascension must have been a wonderful event for our Lord.
Philippians 2:5-11
August 6, 2022
John 17:6 – I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
Thought: Jesus’ prayer in John 17 came at the end of His ministry. He notes that He had done His due diligence in training His disciples. He had manifested God’s name to the twelve that God had given Him. Even though Jesus selected them, He knew His Father was the one who provided Him with them. Jesus also acknowledged a very important thing about His disciples. He said: “They have kept thy word.” All but Judas were faithful, obedient, diligent, and steadfast followers of Jesus.
I John 5:20
August 7, 2022
John 17:7, 8 – Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
Thought: Jesus had a deep respect and love for His Father in heaven. He understood His mission perfectly. Too, He was fully committed to obeying all that was asked of Him. One important element of His mission was to train His disciples. These men had to be as committed to the cause as Jesus was. Once He left the earth, they were the ones responsible for making sure the good news was spread abroad. In these verses, Jesus expresses His confidence in His training and the apostles’ readiness.
I John 4:14
August 8, 2022
John 17:9 – I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Thought: Jesus knew He was soon to ascend to His Father. Even though the Holy Spirit would be given to His disciples, He was still concerned for them. Thus, he offered up a pray on their behalf. His prayer was not for those of the world, but “for them which thou hast given me.” It is comforting to know that we can pray to our Father for specific people. Too, it is reassuring to realize that others can pray for us. God’s children can tap into divine love, power, and resources. What a thought!
I Thessalonians 5:25
August 9, 2022
John 17:10 – And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
Thought: If a person belongs to the Father, he also belongs to the Son. And, if a person belongs to the Son, he also belongs to the Father. The Godhead holds a vital interest in every person who has been redeemed. In like manner, those who have been redeemed have a responsibility to fulfil. Their lives are to bring glory the Father and Son. Their lives mimic the Father and Son. Those in the world realize that they are different. The righteous live every day like they are God’s peculiar treasure.
I Corinthians 6:19, 20
August 10, 2022
John 17:11 – And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Thought: There are people in families and organizations who are the glue that hold everyone else in place. When that person is gone, sometimes the family or organization dissolves. Jesus was the glue that held the apostles together. He was soon going to ascend back to the Father. Thus, He prayed for the unity of His disciples. He wanted them to continue to be one. This oneness was not a pretend or fake unity. Jesus wanted it to be a unity like unto the unity within the Godhead. Unity brings success.
Ephesians 4:1-3
August 11, 2022
John 17:12 – While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Thought: The Father had blessed Jesus with twelve men who occupied the positions of apostles. Jesus understood His responsibility to these men. He said: “I have kept them in thy name.” He taught and trained them for the mission God had in store for them following the Lord’s ascension. Only one failed to remain faithful. It was Judas. Jesus referred to him as “the son of perdition.” “Perdition” means “ruin” or “utter destruction.” Sadly, Judas’ defection fulfilled the Scriptures written long ago.
Zechariah 11:12
August 12, 2022
John 17:13 – And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
Thought: It is not something that is preached very often, but Jesus came to bring joy into the world. The term “gospel” means “good news.” Good news brings joy and happiness. Those who carry the gospel to others should also experience great joy. They are bringing a message of deliverance, peace, and hope to those who are enslaved in sin. Far too often, we brood and wallow in things that are worldly and transient. When our minds are focused on the spiritual and eternal, there will be joy!
Romans 15:4
August 13, 2022
John 17:14 – I have given them thy word; and the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Thought: Jesus combines two statements that all need to comprehend. First, He tells His Father that He has given His disciples the Father’s Word. Second, He proclaims that the world hates them. It is the allegiance of the disciples to the Father’s will that brings the world’s hatred of them. The Word makes them spiritual. The Word molds them into the image of the divine. They no longer embrace the sinful things this world offers. Truly, they are not of the world just as Jesus is not of the world.
Proverbs 29:27
August 14, 2022
John 17:15, 16 – I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Thought: The Lord did not want His apostles taken out of the world. He knew the world needed their message and influence. However, He did pray that the Father would “keep them from the evil” one. Satan knew these men were promoting the cause of Christ. He would stop at nothing in his attempts to defeat them. Thus, they would need divine protection. One’s not being of this world is both a blessing and a curse. The thing that must be remembered is that the blessing is greater than the curse.
Matthew 6:13
August 15, 2022
John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Thought: To sanctify something involves setting it apart for a special purpose. Jesus prayed for His apostles to be sanctified. He notes the manner by which their sanctification was to be accomplished. They would be sanctified by the truth of God’s Word. Learning the truth and abiding in the truth causes one to be separated from the world. The life God calls people to is radically different than the life the world lives. The life of a child of God accomplishes a divine mission and brings glory to God.
Ephesians 5:25-27
August 16, 2022
John 17:18, 19 – As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Thought: Jesus’ time on earth was about to come to an end. His apostles would be sent out into the world with a message of glad tidings. In order for their mission to be successful, Jesus had to sanctify Himself. He set Himself apart for a special purpose for God. Only He could provide a sacrifice for sins that was acceptable to God. Having accomplished this purpose, He needed a group of men cleansed and dedicated to His cause. He chose the apostles and sanctified them through the Word of truth.
II Corinthians 8:9
August 17, 2022
John 17:20 – Neither pray I for these alone, but them also which shall believe on me through their word.
Thought: Jesus’ prayer now turns away from His apostles to all men who would come to believe in Him through the Word taught by the disciples. Jesus was praying for those who became Christians on the day of Pentecost. He was praying for the Samaritans who obeyed the gospel. He was praying for the Gentiles who would received the Word of God. In fact, He was praying for all Christians who are living today. What did He desire? Whatever He prayed for was certainly extremely important.
Acts 4:4
August 18, 2022
John 17:21 – That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Thought: The Lord prayed for His followers to be one. One does not mean two, three or four. The word one involves perfect unity. Some might respond: “Surely not.” Oh yes! Jesus wants the type of oneness that is found in the Godhead to exist among His followers. Listen to the words of His prayer: “…as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee…” That is a high standard. Jesus knew that this oneness was essential in evangelism. If His people were one, then world would believe God had sent Him.
Philippians 2:2
August 19, 2022
John 17:22 – And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.
Thought: Jesus was given the honor of being called “the Son of God.” This same glory He gave to His followers. They, too, can be called the sons of God. All men are His offspring, but only those who submit to Jesus Christ and His Word are children of God spiritually. All those who are His children need to be one. Again, Jesus sets the bar very high. He wants them to be one as He and the Father are one. Their oneness involves absolute perfection. Dear Christians, the standard for unity is very high.
I John 3:1
August 20, 2022
John 17:23 – I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Thought: When individuals are children of God, Jesus dwells in their hearts by faith. This relationship that they sustain with the Son should cause them to seek that same unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, they should long to “be made perfect in one.” If they can obtain such unity, the world will see it and be convinced God sent His Son into the world. Only something divine can unite men in an ungodly world. They will also see that God’s love was involved in the process as well.
Ephesians 3:17
August 21, 2022
John 17:24 – Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.
Thought: When Jesus used the words “I will,” He was expressing a deep, earnest desire to His heavenly Father. His desire was for His followers to ultimately be with Him in heaven. He yearned for them to behold His glory. Beholding His glory also involves participating in His glory. Jesus’ glory was the result of the Father’s love for Him. This love existed “before the foundation of the world.” This is another proof that Jesus is eternal. He existed with the Father before the earth was created.
Revelation 7:13-15
August 22, 2022
John 17:25 – O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Thought: There are only two groups of people in the world. One is known by the words “the world.” These individuals do not know God. Not knowing God is broader than being a person who refuses to acknowledge God exists. Anyone who refuses to obey God does not know Him. The second group of people are those who do know God. They compose “the church,” that is, “the called out ones.” These people obey the Christ. They understand His mission. They are beneficiaries of His wonderful grace.
I John 2:3
August 23, 2022
John 17:26 – And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Thought: Jesus taught His disciples with a clear message and with a divine purpose. His message involved the Father’s name. When He declared God’s name, He declared all that was involved in that name. He asserted that He would continue to do so. If these men understood the Lord’s message, the Father’s love would be in them. They would understand that it was God’s love that motivated all that He did for them. Too, Jesus would be in them. One cannot separate the teaching from the teacher.
Hebrews 2:11-12
August 24, 2022
John 18:1 – When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Thought: Having prayed His priestly prayer, Jesus went with His disciples “over the brook Cedron.” There was a familiar garden located there. It was the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus often resorted to this place for rest, meditation, and prayer. Everyone needs a place of seclusion, a place to be alone with God. Mountains and gardens were Jesus’ places of retreat. Ours might be a back porch, a park, a cabin in the woods, or a beach. These places allow us time to think and pour out our hearts to God.
Matthew 26:36
August 25, 2022
John 18:2 – And Judas also, which betrayeth him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with the disciples.
Thought: Jesus picked twelve men to be His ambassadors. He loved them, taught them, set an example before them, and disciplined them. They were with Him constantly for some three years. In the process, Jesus made Himself vulnerable to them. Sadly, Judas took advantage of this. When He betrayed the Christ, Judas knew where Jesus could be found without the public being involved. He had been with Jesus many times in Gethsemane. Unfortunately, he forgot those previous engagements.
Matthew 26:14-16
August 26, 2022
John 18:3 – Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Thought: Evil deeds are first contrived in the mind. Then, the plans to do evil are slowly executed. Eventually, the moment for evil to be on full display comes to pass. A moment of evil is just about to be carried out by one of Jesus’ chosen. Judas has agreed to betray the Christ for thirty pieces of silver. He knows the exact location of Jesus on this Thursday night. The chief priest and Pharisees give him a band of men and officers. The time has come for betrayal. Judas will lift up his heel against his Friend.
Acts 1:16
August 27, 2022
John 18:4 – Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
Thought: Jesus knew His hour had come. He had prayed fervently unto His Father. He had entrusted His care into the Father’s hands. When the silence of the garden was broken, and when the darkness of the garden was removed by the light of torches, Jesus did not run. The text tells us that He “went forth.” Jesus was resolved to do the Father’s will. Too, He did not want any of His followers harmed. He knew the suffering that was soon to come, and He voluntarily yielded Himself to the process.
Psalm 27:1-3
August 28, 2022
John 18:5 – They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Thought: The officers who were sent from the chief priests knew the name of the one they desired to take into custody. It was Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus did not hesitate with His response. He proclaimed: “I am he.” At that point, it is as if Jesus sees someone in the crowd. “And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.” An apostle was found within the mob. A friend was found among the enemies. Why is he with them? What has he done? Has Judas really betrayed His Lord?
Matthew 26:47-49
August 29, 2022
John 18:6 – As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Thought: When the officers said that they sought Jesus of Nazareth, He simply said: “I am he.” Yet, His words caused the entire group to step backwards and fall to the ground. They were introduced to the divine power of Jesus Christ. It was made clear to them that had He desired to overcome them, He could have done so with ease. Instead, He would voluntarily give Himself into their hands. As they dusted themselves off, what did they think? What did Judas think as he rose from the ground?
Job 4:9
August 30, 2022
John 18:7, 8 – Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Thought: When the crowd stood, Jesus asked them again: “Whom seek ye?” Their answer was the same: “Jesus of Nazareth.” Evil men are very resolute in their purposes. They had come to arrest Jesus. Even though He had manifested His power before them, they were going to fulfill their mission. If the godly could develop the type of resolve for their righteous causes as the wicked have for their evil schemes, they would have many more victories. Determination overcomes many obstacles.
John 11:53
August 31, 2022
John 18:8 - Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way.
Thought: When they told Jesus that they were seeking Him the second time, He affirmed again that he was Jesus of Nazareth. However, Jesus commented further requesting that His apostles be allowed to “go their way.” Jesus knew that this was the commencement of His crucifixion. He knew that He was going to be brutally treated by His opposition. He did not want His disciples harmed. Thus, He requested that they be allowed to leave. But, would they. Weren’t they committed to Him?
Psalm 55:22
Read devotionals for September 2022