OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2021
July 1, 2021
John 6:12, 13 – When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Thought: Jesus performed a miracle that not only fed the multitude, but produced over the amount needed. Instead of wasting the leftovers, Jesus told His disciples: “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” The bread that was left over “filled twelve baskets.” The Lord teaches us a valuable lesson about wasting nothing. We should try to use our blessings to their full capacity. Waste involves poor stewardship. If we use what we are given properly, we will be blessed with more.
Luke 16:1-2
July 2, 2021
John 6:14 – Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.
Thought: Jesus’ miracles were intended for a purpose higher than meeting physical needs. Their design was to convince men of the claims that Jesus made about Himself. On this occasion, the multitude was convinced. They acknowledged: “This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.” Who else could perform such a miracle? Who else could feed the masses with five loaves and two fishes? Who else could multiply such a small portion into food for thousands? Who else?
Luke 7:15-17
July 3, 2021
John 6:15 – When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Thought: Jesus did not come to earth to establish an earthly kingdom. He came to build a spiritual kingdom, the church. Thus, when His followers tried to force Him to be a king, “he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Sadly, many have not understood this lesson. They still believe Jesus came to establish a physical kingdom, but was hindered in doing so by the Jews. Now, they await His return when He will put His kingdom on earth. My friends, this was never part of God’s plan.
John 18:36
July 4, 2021
John 6:16, 17 – And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
Thought: We are not told if Jesus and His disciples had discussed plans to go to Capernaum. It appears they had. The disciples waited for Jesus, but He did not come. Thus, they boarded a ship by themselves and “went over the sea toward Capernaum.” John also informs us: “And it was now dark.” The disciples were sailing without Jesus in the dark. Isn’t this how many of us feel in our lives? We know our destination, but we do not feel the presence of Jesus and life seems very dark.
Psalm 13:1
July 5, 2021
John 6:18 – And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
Thought: In the first century, ships were not made like ships are made today. Ships were made of wood. On the Sea of Galilee, most of the ships were smaller fishing vessels. In storms, these ships were put in great peril. When the disciples of Jesus crossed Tiberius to go to Capernaum, they soon found themselves in the midst of a storm. Remember the two factors from yesterday’s reading. It was dark, and Jesus was not with them. In the midst of a storm without Jesus is terrifying situation.
Matthew 14:24
July 6, 2021
John 6:19 – So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
Thought: The disciples had rowed between three and four miles into the sea when the storm broke. That far out, they certainly did not expect to see what they saw. “They see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship.” Men do not walk on water. Men do not walk on water in the midst of a storm. Yet, this is precisely what they saw. Instead of joy, they were filled with fear. What we see in the midst of our storms often causes us to fear. Could the thing we fear be our greatest blessing?
Psalm 93:4
July 7, 2021
John 6:20 – But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Thought: The words: “Be not afraid,” carry weight in the ears of the fearful depending upon the one who speaks them. In the dark in a storm, the Jesus’ discciples were terrified. Seeing one walking on the stormy seas did not help their fear. But, they heard the words: “Be not afraid.” These words were spoken by Jesus. “But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.” The person speaking the words made all the difference. Dear readers, in our storms Jesus still speaks, saying: “It is I; be not afraid.”
Isaiah 41:10
July 8, 2021
John 6:21 – Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Thought: When the disciples knew it was Jesus, they gladly received Him into the ship. Can you imagine the relief they had knowing that their Savior was now with them? He did not have to force Himself upon them. “They willingly received him...” Then, something miraculous happened. “And immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.” They were three to four miles out into the sea. In a moment, however, they reached land. With Jesus, we can quickly reach our harbor of safety.
Mark 6:51-52
July 9, 2021
John 6:22 – The day following, when the people, which stood on the other side of the sea, saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone.
Thought: Jesus had sent the multitudes away for the evening. Before they departed, however, they saw Jesus go to the mountain alone and saw His disciples board the only boat there and launch out into the sea. When they arrived the next day, they could not find Jesus. Where had He had gone? He did not get in the boat. He would not make the long journey to Capernaum alone at night. Where was He? Were they worried? Just curious? Or, both? Sometimes Jesus mystifies the crowds with His actions.
Matthew 9:33
July 10, 2021
John 6:23 – Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks.
Thought: One boat departed from the place where Jesus fed the multitudes, and overnight several boats had arrived from Tiberias. Those who arrived may have testified to the stormy Sea of Galilee the night before. This would have caused deep concern in the hearts of those who saw the disciples of Christ leave. Two questions now plagued them. Where was Jesus? And, where His followers okay? Life is often filled with concerns for others. Our hearts often hurt for them.
I Samuel 9:3-5
July 11, 2021
John 6:24 – When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
Thought: The multitudes who had been with Jesus the previous day, desired to be with Him again. When they did not find Him, the text says: “…they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.” The people longed to see Jesus so much that they were willing to invest time and effort into finding Him. Would that more would follow their example. This longing begins by simply spending a little time with the Christ. His words and works will definitely intrigue the honest heart.
Matthew 2:1-2
July 12, 2021
John 6:25 – And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
Thought: Notice how the verse opens: “And when they had found him.” The people searched for Jesus. Their search was rewarded. They found Him. This holds true for all who will actively seek the Son of God. They WILL find Him. When they do, they will find someone unique, special, and loveable. There will be no regrets. When the multitudes found Jesus, they asked Him: “Rabbi whence camest thou hither?” They still marveled as to how Jesus made it to Capernaum without a ship.
Luke 2:44-46
July 13, 2021
John 6:26 – Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Thought: Seeking Jesus should be an honorable pursuit. For some it is because they seek Him for the right reasons. For others, it is not because they seek Him for the wrong reasons. The individuals who sought Jesus in Capernaum did so because of the benefits they received from Him. There are many today who follow Jesus only for the blessings they can get. Some preachers proclaim a “prosperity gospel.” Many who hear their message are moved because of all they can get from Jesus.
Philippians 3:18-19
July 14, 2021
John 6:27 – Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Thought: Man often gets caught up in the physical aspects of life and forgets the spiritual things that are truly important. We labor to put food on the table and pay the bills. We are meticulous and diligent in these pursuits. Yet, we often fail to labor “for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” The teachings of Christ and the works of the kingdom are much more important. Paying attention to those things will benefit one now and in the world to come. Labor for the right things!
I Thessalonians 1:3
July 15, 2021
John 6:28, 29 – Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Thought: Jesus had told His listeners to labor for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life. They, then, questioned: “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” Some today do not believe that works are necessary in the plan of salvation. Their misunderstanding brings ridicule. Jesus, however, did not downplay works. Instead, He pointed them to the most basic work, believing. If they did not believe, nothing else they would do would matter.
Acts 10:34-35
July 16, 2021
John 6:30, 31 – They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Thought: It is intriguing these individuals asked Jesus for a sign. They had already seen a sign from Him. He had fed them with the loaves and fishes. When Jesus confronted their hearts, they demanded more proof from Him. They reminded Jesus of Moses in the wilderness. He gave the Israelites a sign. He gave them bread from heaven to eat. If Jesus were a prophet like unto Moses, He should do the same. It’s telling when man makes demands of deity even after deity has proven Himself.
Exodus 16:14-15
July 17, 2021
John 6:32 – Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Thought: The Jews knew their history well and were proud of it. Jesus, however, corrected some of their misconceptions. Yes, Moses had given them bread from heaven, but not “the true bread from heaven.” The true bread from heaven was presently standing before them. The bread Moses gave could only benefit individuals from a physical standpoint. The true bread was bread for the soul. It was bread that would enable them to live forever. Moses’ bread was only a type of the true bread.
Exodus 16:4
July 18, 2021
John 6:33 – For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Thought: When Jesus said: “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven,” He was referring to Himself. He came to give life unto the world. Mankind was dead in trespasses and sin. By partaking of the Christ, those who were dead could live. They could bury the old man of sin and become new creatures in Christ Jesus. Ultimately, eternal life could be theirs to enjoy. It is a blessing far too few individuals contemplate. Sadly, they leave their eternal destination up to chance.
I Timothy 1:15
July 19, 2021
John 6:34 – Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Thought: Man usually wants the things that he believes will benefit him. Jesus told His followers that He had bread that gives life “unto the world.” Who would not want that bread? Thus, the disciples requested of Jesus, saying: “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” They, however, did not really understand the nature of their request. They were ordering from a menu they only thought they understood. Would they really want what they asked for? Many do not want the bread Jesus offers.
John 4:15
July 20, 2021
John 6:35, 36 – And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
Thought: Jesus now informs His hearers that He is the bread of life. The way an individual partakes of this bread is by coming to Jesus and believing on Him. It seems like such a simple thing to do. Man, however, is not eager and willing to partake of the bread of life. These individuals were not. They had seen Jesus, “and believed not.” What is it about the bread of life that is so repulsive to some? Perhaps you are one who can answer this question. Remember, those who eat will live forever.
I Peter 1:8-9
July 21, 2021
John 6:37 – All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Thought: Jesus acknowledges the Father’s role in the salvation process. By His love, by his Spirit, and by the powerful teachings of the gospel, the Father draws men to His grace. His call is open to all, but not all will receive it. Many will refuse the call and be lost. Those who chose to obey the truth, come to Jesus. Jesus said that those who come to Him will not be rejected. Deity longs to save mankind. However, God gives men the freedom to choose to come to Him. He will not force them to come.
Matthew 11:28-30
July 22, 2021
John 6:38 – For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Thought: Jesus had one focus in mind as He lived his life on earth. He wanted to do the will of God. His will did not matter. If His will conflicted with God’s will, He chose to do God’s will every time. We all need to practice this mindset. It is not easy. It requires sacrifice. It could require the giving of our lives. However, this is why we are here. Doing God’s will, however, always pays big dividends. My friend, once you know God’s will, do it!
Psalm 40:7-8
July 23, 2021
John 6:39 – And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
Thought: Who does the Father give to Jesus? Is it specific individuals who were predestined before the world was created? Or, is it a group of individuals who conform to the teachings of the Word of God? We will soon see that it is the latter. Those who accept the teachings of Christ and abide therein will never be lost. Too, Jesus will raise them up to salvation in the last day. God has provided the means of obtaining His grace. Man is free to choose it or reject it. Those who choose it will be saved.
I Peter 1:5
July 24, 2021
John 6:40 – And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Thought: Jesus said: “…every one that seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life.” Not all believe this is possible. They believe that everlasting life has been limited to only those specifically chosen by God. How would such a selection manifest the love of God for all men and enable one to say God is no respecter of persons? Dear reader, everyone who sees the Son, and who believes on Him may have everlasting life and hope of a resurrection to life at the last day.
John 11:25-26
July 25, 2021
John 6:41 – The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Thought: Instead of seeking to understand Jesus’ words, man often does what these Jews did when they heard Jesus. “The Jews murmured at him.” The word “murmured” means “to grumble” or “to discontentedly complain.” They certainly did not agree with Jesus when He said: “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” It appears that His words angered them because they “spoke against His words in a low tone.” Their murmuring did not change the truth of Jesus’ words, however.
I Corinthians 10:10
July 26, 2021
John 6:42 – And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Thought: The Jews believed they knew all that they needed to know about Jesus. He was the son of Joseph, the carpenter from Nazareth. He was the son of Mary. This insignificant individual was not sent from heaven. The Jews wondered: “Why does this common man make such unbelievable claims about himself?” Their limited knowledge caused them to do two things. First, it caused them not to seek additional knowledge. Second, it caused them to reject evidence that would prove Jesus’ claims.
John 7:25-27
July 27, 2021
John 6:43 – Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
Thought: When the Jews heard Jesus affirm that He is the bread of life, they began to murmur. They began to speak against His words under their breath. Jesus heard their whispers, and said: “Murmur not among yourselves.” Robertson tells us that this statement in the Greek language is a present active imperative. It could have been translated: “Stop murmuring!” Deity wants man to actively listen rather than murmur against divine revelation. Only by hearing what God says can man be saved.
Hebrews 2:1
July 28, 2021
John 6:44, 45 – No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Thought: Some believe God draws men in some mystical way. Others believe sinful men are drawn to God by means of the Holy Spirit operating directly upon the heart of individuals. Jesus shatters these doctrines in this verse. God draws men to Jesus by teaching. “And they shall be all taught of God.” Those who are taught hear and learn the truth. In this manner, they come to Jesus. This is why Jesus came to earth as a Teacher. It is why He sent the disciples out on the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:18-20
July 29, 2021
John 6:46 – Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Thought: Jesus had just told the Jews that the way the Father brings men to the Christ is by teaching them. Having said that, He immediately addressed a counter some might bring forward. The teaching they received from God would not involve a personal session with God. God does not teach by that means. Thus, the Jews were not to expect to see God. Only Jesus had ever done this. God teaches men through revelation. This revelation is made known through individuals led by His Spirit.
II Peter 1:20-21
July 30, 2021
John 6:47 – Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Thought: Jesus provides vital information on “how” one partakes of the bread of life. It does not involve the literal eating of Jesus’ flesh. One partakes of the bread of life by believing on Jesus. One believes the claims of Jesus, the works of Jesus, the commands of Jesus, and in the promises of Jesus. This belief makes him a partaker of the bread of life. When he eats this bread he will live forever. That point stated another way is: “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
I John 5:12-13
July 31, 2021
John 6:48 – I am that bread of life.
Thought: Twice Jesus told the Jews: I am the bread of life. There are two things we need to remember about bread. First, bread sustains life. Those who eat physical bread will live. Those who eat spiritual bread will live forever. Second, bread is pleasant. Very few individuals do not like to eat bread. For some, it is a staple at every meal. Many restaurants serve bread as an appetizer. People enjoy bread. The bread of life is also very pleasant. Those who sincerely taste it will not be disappointed.
Psalm 34:8
Read devotionals for August 2021
