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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for November 2025
December 1, 2025
Philippians 3:12 – Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul eagerly anticipated a future enjoying his reward in heaven. However, he also understood that he had not yet attained that reward. Thus, he continued to “follow after” Jesus Christ. Paul knew the only way he could win his eternal prize was by finishing the race before him. His eternal salvation was the very reason he was apprehended of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. That salvation involves eternal life.
Psalm 63:8
December 2, 2025
Philippians 3:13, 14 – Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Thought: Paul again notes that he has not yet apprehended his eternal reward. In his effort to apprehend it, he did two things. First, he forgot those things which are behind. These things were baggage that weighed him down. Second, he reached forth unto those things which are before. Those things could not be seen with his eyes. He saw them by faith. His efforts at reaching forth involved great effort. He pressed toward the mark for the prize.
Hebrews 12:1-2
December 3, 2025
Philippians 3:15 – Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded, and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal this unto you.
Thought: Paul had been describing his efforts to seek the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He now exhorts the Philippians to do the same. He notes that only those who are “perfect” would make such a commitment. “The perfect” were those who were mature, that is, full-grown in Christ. Others would “be otherwise minded.” If this were the case, he wanted God to reveal it to them. Only those with a clear focus on the prize will obtain it.
Psalm 25:8-9
December 4, 2025
Philippians 3:16 – Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Thought: Each day a person lives, he slowly attains his eternal goal. The key to receiving it involves the standard by which we think and by which we live. That standard is the same for every child of God. Presently, it is the New Testament of Jesus Christ. This book contains the mind of God. This book contains the will of God for our lives. It is not different for different individuals. This “rule” is the same for all. It enables one to be like Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:16
December 5, 2025
Philippians 3:17 -Brethren, be followers of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Thought: Paul exhorts these Christians to follow him, that is, imitate his example in living the Christian life. This is a serious exhortation. Paul had to be very, very sure that he was imitating Christ. He also exhorts the Philippians to “mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” There were Christians who were imitating Paul’s life. Paul exhorts his reader to “mark them,” that is, to set their eyes on them, watch them, and follow them.
Psalm 37:37
December 6, 2025
Philippians 3:18 – (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ.
Thought: Not everyone was like Paul. He noted that “many walk” in such a way as to make them enemies of the cross of Christ. These individuals may teach false doctrine. These individuals may live ungodly, immoral lives. They may live in bold opposition to Christ, to the truth, and to his church. Paul had warned the Philippians about such individuals often. Now, he was warning them again with tears. Such people hurt themselves and the church.
Jeremiah 13:17
December 7, 2025
Philippians 3:19 – Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things).
Thought: Paul describes the enemies of the cross of Christ. “Whose end is destruction.” They will perish in the judgment. “Whose God is their belly.” They live only to satisfy their fleshly desires. They have little, if any, restraints on their sinful appetites. “Whose glory is their shame.” They take pride in their evil and their wickedness. They boast of their atrocities. “Who mind earthly things.” They are concerned with the carnal not the eternal.
Jeremiah 8:12
December 8, 2025
Philippians 3:20 – For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul asserts that the Philippians were different than the enemies of the cross. They understood that their citizenship was in heaven. Earth was not their home. They were just pilgrims and strangers here. Therefore, they were not lured by the world’s delights. Too, they were in anticipation of the Lord’s return from heaven. When He returns, this world and all that it in it will be burned up. Faithful Christians will be with Jesus forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-19
December 9, 2025
Philippians 3:21 – Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Thought: Things are different in heaven than they are upon the earth. In order for the faithful to inherit heaven, they have to be changed. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Thus, our “vile body” will be changed and made like unto the Lord’s glorious body, according to His working. This change enables us to be subdued unto the Christ. Paul discusses this body in 1 Corinthians 15, but it is still beyond comprehension.
1 Corinthians 15:51-54
December 10, 2025
Philippians 4:1 – Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Thought: Throughout this epistle Paul’s love for the Philippians and the Philippians’ love for Paul shines forth. Paul describes them with four terms in this verse, “dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown.” The last description, that is, “my crown,” is interesting. Paul’s converts would be part of the stars in his eternal crown in the hereafter. The apostle exhorts his readers to “stand fast in the Lord.” Remember, a heavenly body awaits them.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
December 11, 2025
Philippians 4:2 – I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Thought: This the first and only time these two women are mentioned in the Bible. It appears that there was a riff between them. Paul names both of them publicly and exhorts them to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” In relationships, there can be problems that divide two good people. Satan’s desire is for them to remain estranged. God calls upon us to be peacemakers. Paul was seeking to heal the wound between these two women.
Genesis 13:7-8
December 12, 2025
Philippians 4:3 – And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose name are in the book of life.
Thought: Paul entreats a member of the church to “help those women.” He refers to him as a “true yokefellow.” He is not named. Conjectures about his identity are useless. He had been yoked to Paul in his missionary work. Paul exhorted the two women to be of one mind. He knew they would need help to do this. These two were close to Paul. They had worked with Paul, Clement, and others. He did not want their names blotted out of the book of life.
Romans 16:1-2
December 13, 2025
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Thought: Paul ended the previous verse noting that his fellowlabourers have their names written in the book of life. If your name can be found there, there is reason to rejoice. We often seek happiness and fulfillment in the wrong places. True joy is not the result of earthly things. True joy resides in things that are eternal. Carnal things bring temporary emotional highs. One’s name in the Lamb’s book of life enables one to rejoice now and always. Rejoice!
1 Thessalonians 5:16
December 14, 2025
Philippians 4:5 – Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Thought: Many people are easily angered. They are quick to want revenge. They are not willing to forgive. These individuals are not moderate in nature. Such should not be the mindset and behavior of God’s children. Paul writes: “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” The Christians does not have to be judgmental and retaliatory. He knows the Lord is at hand. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will judge correctly and right all wrongs.
Titus 3:2
December 15, 2025
Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Thought: Paul begins this verse with a challenging command: “Be careful for nothing.” What he is saying is: “Do not worry about anything.” Many Christians have asked: “How do I do this?” Paul provides the answer. He says to give your worries to God. “…but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.” If you can solve your problems, do it. If not, give them completely to God by faith.
1 Peter 5:7
December 16, 2025
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul had exhorted the Philippians to be careful for nothing. He taught this was done through prayer to God. If it were done in faith, they would, then, experience “the peace of God.” It is a peace that “passeth all understanding.” It is hard to describe. Too, it is hard for others to truly perceive. Yet, this peace keeps the hearts and minds of the faithful. The word “keep” means “to set a guard, protect.” God will not allow our worries to harm us.
1 Samuel 1:10-18
December 17, 2025
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Thought: The mind of man is the control center of all thoughts, emotions, and actions. What enters into the mind impacts the entire being of the individual. One has rightly said: “Garbage in; garbage out.” Paul exhorts his readers to think on positive things, that is, things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. If one’s thoughts develop virtue and result in praise, Paul says: “Think on these things.” We control our thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7
December 18, 2025
Philippians 4:9 – Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Thought: Paul had taught the Philippians. Paul had delivered unto them God’s holy Word. Paul had preached to them on numerous occasions. He had lived the Christian life before them. Thus, he commands them, saying: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.” This is the second time in this letter he asks his readers to follow his example. If they did, they had the promise of the peace of God.
Philippians 3:17
December 19, 2025
Philippians 4:10 -But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again: wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Thought: As Paul sat confined by the Romans, his heart rejoiced greatly. His joy came from the care given to him by the Philippians. They were finally able to provide him with a gift. He notes that their care for him “flourished again.” The picture is that of a flower blooming in the spring. Paul affirms that they had the desire to assist him sooner, but lacked the opportunity. The distance to Rome was long. Not all going there desired to find the apostle.
2 Corinthians 11:9
December 20, 2025
Philippians 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Thought: Paul was grateful, extremely grateful, for the gifts given to him by the Philippians. However, if he had received nothing, he would have been satisfied. He had learned a lesson that all need to learn, that is, to be content. Contentment is the understanding that what I have right now is enough. The content person needs nothing more to sustain him or to make him happy. He realizes that what he has right now is plenty. Nothing else is needed for joy.
Hebrews 13:5
December 21, 2025
Philippians 4:12 – I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Thought: Paul had been on both ends of life, that is, in poverty and in wealth. He had experienced times of famine. He had also experienced times of prosperity. There are learning opportunities in both experiences. Therefore, he writes: “…every where and in all things I am instructed…” The key is to train yourself to look for the lessons being taught in every situation of life. These lessons help one to grow. They also enable on to become a mentor.
2 Corinthians 11:27
December 22, 2025
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Thought: There are many who allow their outward circumstances to get them down. They live depressed and defeated lives. Others, going through the same afflictions, live animated, victorious lives. The difference lies in the hearts of the individuals. Paul had lived through many difficult and painful situations as a Christian. He did not get down and give up. The reason was due to his motivation within. He lived for Christ, and Christ strengthened him.
Isaiah 40:29-31
December 23, 2025
Philippians 4:14 -Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Thought: Paul had taken the time to explain contentment. Nevertheless, he wanted these Christians to know that they had done well to communicate with him in his affliction. He did not diminish their gift. Instead, he exalted it. Gifts do not have to be given by the givers. They are expressions of love. Too, they represent a sacrifice upon the part of the person who gives. Every gift received from every individual should be received with thanksgiving.
Hebrews 10:34
December 24, 2025
Philippians 4:15 – Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Thought: This is an interesting verse. When Paul went into Macedonia, he did receive funds from several churches. However, only the church at Philippi communicated with him “as concerning giving and receiving.” Those words are accounting terms. It appears that Philippi was the church that received funds from numerous other congregations and sent them to the apostle. This arrangement provides transparency and speed in delivering funds to the work.
2 Corinthians 11:8-9
December 25, 2025
Philippians 4:16 – For even in Thessalonica ye sent once again unto my necessity.
Thought: There are many individuals and churches who will donate to certain works on a one-time basis. There are some, however, who get actively involved with a missionary or a certain mission work. When they get involved, they are constant supporters of the work. The church in Philippi took a deep interest in Paul’s labors. As much as they could, they sought to provide for Paul’s needs. Paul remembered every time a gift was sent to him.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
December 26, 2025
Philippians 4:17 – Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Thought: When Paul was supported by the Philippians in the mission field, this provided him time to preach the gospel in various locations. Through his labors many individuals were saved. Paul notes that the converts he made because of these gifts were not just credited to him. Those who assist another in the spread of the gospel are recognized as being part of that effort. The fruit that is produced is credited to them as well as to the missionary.
Titus 3:14
December 27, 2025
Philippians 4:18 – But I have all, and abound, I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
Thought: Paul had learned to be content in every situation of life. This attitude only made the moments of blessing that much better. The Philippians were definitely a church that blessed Paul’s life. They had provided for him greatly on this occasion with a gift brought to him by Epaphroditus. Not only was this a gift, it was also a sacrifice unto God. Paul notes that this sacrifice was “an odour of a sweet smell,” and that it was “well pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16
December 28, 2025
Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Thought: When we are asked to give, we often feel that we are giving up a lot. Sometimes, this hinders us from giving generously. When we give, we need to remember that we serve a very benevolent God. Our God is able to “supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ.” God has a storehouse of blessings that we cannot imagine. He is more than willing to give these to His children. Give, and it shall be given to you is true.
Luke 6:38
December 29, 2025
Philippians 4:20 – Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Thought: God is great. God is sovereign. God is Lord over all. He is the God of all gods. He is the Creator. He is the Redeemer. He is a rock, a shield, and a high tower. He is our comforter. He is our counselor. He is our provider. He is our protector. He is our shepherd. He is life. He is love. He is light. He is holy. He is the Judge of all. “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever.” Our God deserves honor, praise, reverence and adoration.
Psalm 72:18-19
December 30, 2025
Philippians 4:21, 22 – Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Cesar’s household.
Thought: Paul loved his brothers and sisters dearly and intensely. As he closed this epistle, he exhorted those who were charged with the reading of it to “salute every saint in Christ Jesus.” He also informed them that the Christians who are with him extended to them a warm greeting as well. He reiterated this with the words: “All the saints salute you.” One group in particular saluted them, the saints of Cesar’s household. The gospel was at work.
Philippians 1:13
December 31, 2025
Philippians 4:23 – The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Thought: Paul closed the book of Philippians with a desire for grace to be with all of the Christians in Philippi. Some define the word “grace” as “divine favor.” Another definition of grace is “help,” that is “divine assistance.” Paul wanted the help of God to always be present in the lives of these children of God. Grace sustains us. Grace empowers us. Grace encourages us. Grace saves us. Grace delivers us. No one can have too much grace.
Romans 16:24
Read devotionals for January 2026