OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for June 2022

July 1, 2022

John 15:17 – These things I command you, that ye love one another.


Thought: In the upper room, Jesus commanded His disciples more than once to love one another. Jesus was sending these men into a hostile world. They would need one another’s love and support as they sought to accomplish their mission. In addition, their love for one another would be a testimony to the world. Their love for one another would prove to the world that they were true disciples of Jesus Christ. Love one another. These were simple words with a powerful purpose.

I John 3:11


July 2, 2022

John 15:18, 19 – If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.


Thought: Jesus contrasts His followers and the world. He tells them: “…ye are not of the world.” The world is all those who reject God and engage in sinful lifestyles. The world does not love Jesus’ disciples. Instead, they hate them. This should not be surprising. Why? Because the world first hated Jesus. The life of the child of God not only stands in contrast to those in the world, it also condemns the world. It reminds the one in the world that his life is sinful and evil. Thus, he despises God’s chosen ones.

I John 4:4-5


July 3, 2022

John 15:20, 21 – Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.


Thought: Jesus was always honest with His disciples. He did not hide the fact that they would face severe persecution because they were His disciples. He said they should expect it because “the servant is not greater than his lord.” The reason men would persecute the disciples was “because they know not him that sent me.” Many, like the Jews, thought they knew God, but they did not because they did not truly know His will. Fortunately, not all would reject the Christ or His apostles. A few honest hearts would keep their sayings.

Acts 4:27-30


July 4, 2022

John 15:22 – If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin; but now they have no cloak for their sin.


Thought: Jesus was not teaching that the Jews would have been completely sinless if He had not come and spoken to them. He had reference to a specific sin connected to His coming. The sin involved their rejection of Him as the Messiah. Had Jesus not come and spoken unto them, they would not have been guilty of that sin. But, since He had come and revealed God’s will to them, they had no cloak for their sin. The Jews had been exposed. Jesus’ teachings and works proved who He was. The Jews rejected Him. Thus, they sinned.

John 1:11


July 5, 2022

John 15:23 – He that hateth me hateth my Father also.


Thought: Some relationships that are so identical and so intimate that whatever is done to one is done to both. In John 10:10, Jesus said: “I and my Father are one.” In John 14, Jesus had taught that if anyone had seen Him they had seen the Father also. The Father and Jesus are both deity. Their minds and their unique characteristics are alike. Their relationship is completely unflawed. Thus, to love one is to love the other. Too, to hate one is to hate the other. Accepting one is accepting the other. The same is true of rejection.

I John 2:23


July 6, 2022

John 15:24, 25 – If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and the Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.


Thought: If someone hates another, it is usually because there is a cause. The person was mistreated or harmed by the one who is despised. In Jesus’ case, He was hated by the Jews without a cause. Jesus did not violate the law. Jesus did no injury to His nation. He did not harm any individual. His works were pure and benevolent. Yet, the Jews rejected Him. In so doing, two things were accomplished. The Jews sinned. Too, they fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. “They hated me without a cause.”

Psalm 69:4


July 7, 2022

John 15:26, 27 – But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.


Thought: Again, Jesus promises “the Comforter” to His disciples. He notes the purpose of the Comforter. “He shall testify of me.” The Holy Spirit would bring Jesus’ teachings to the remembrance of the apostles. Too, He would guide them into all truth. He would be a witness for Jesus. He would proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. In like manner, the apostles would also be witnesses. These men had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. Jesus’ claims were confirmed by the mouths of these two reliable witnesses.

Acts 2:33


July 8, 2022

John 16:1 – These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.


Thought: Jesus knew that once His apostles embarked on the mission of taking to the gospel to the world, things would get very difficult. He did not want them to lose heart, or lose faith, or quit having trust in Him as their Savior. He did not want them to apostatize from the faith. This is why He spoke at length with them in the upper room. He gave them adequate warning. He gave them wonderful promises and assurances. He did not want them to be offended and quit their mission. He doesn’t want us to quit either.

Matthew 13:20-21


July 9, 2022

John 16:2, 3 – They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.


Thought: Jesus goes into some of the specifics regarding the horrific things the apostles would experience. They would be put out of the synagogue. This would cause an individual to be cursed and cut off from all fellowship from his countrymen. This would be for the rest of the individual’s life. They would also be killed. These were two of the most grievous afflictions these men could face. Sadly, those doing these things would think they were doing God a service, but, in reality, they did not know the Father or the Son.

I Corinthians 4:11-13


July 10, 2022

John 16:4 – But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.


Thought: Early in Jesus’ ministry, He did not need to constantly inform the twelve about His death, His resurrection, and His ascension. He did not have to give promises and assurances at that time because they were not needed. However, now that the end of His earthly ministry was near, what needed to be taught changed. He needed to prepare His apostles for the challenges that lay ahead so they would not fall away. Everything in life has a time and a purpose. Doing things at the right time is valuable as Jesus shows us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1


July 11, 2022

John 16:5, 6 – But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.


Thought: We often read the Scriptures without the emotions that were attached to the words being said or written. Jesus told His disciples that He was going away. Think about that. They had been with Him for three years. They believed deeply that He was the awaited Messiah. Soon, however, He would leave them. He was going back to the Father. They were deeply saddened by these words. Jesus described their emotions with the words: “…sorrow hath filled your heart.” The apostles, like us, knew the pain of loss.

Luke 24:15-17


July 12, 2022

John 16:7 – Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.


Thought: The apostles may not have been able to fully comprehend the magnitude of the Comforter Jesus promised them in this verse. They may not have understood the help He would give them as they carried out their mission to the world. One day they would! But, for the Comforter to come, Jesus had to depart. Jesus said: “…for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you…” There are times in life that for one blessing to come into our lives another blessing must depart. Letting go isn’t easy, but it is worth the reward.

Acts 1:8-9


July 13, 2022

John 16:8, 9 – And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me.


Thought: One of the tasks of the Comforter was to reprove the world of sin. The dominant sin He would confront would be unbelief. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost fulfilled the point Jesus made. Peter told his listeners that they had taken the Son of God and with wicked hands had crucified and slain Him. This reproof was for a purpose. It was intended to prick good and honest hearts and cause them to believe. Again, this happened on Pentecost Day. “Now then they heard this, they were pricked in their heart…” (Acts 2:37).

Acts 2:22-23


July 14, 2022

John 16:10 – Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.


Thought: When the Holy Spirit would come to earth, He would reprove the world of righteousness. Most commentators believe the immediate context of this verse refers to the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He had been condemned as a criminal. He was vilified as an imposter and a blasphemer. His resurrection and ascension to the Father would proof these charges to be false. The Holy Spirit would manifest the righteousness of Jesus Chris to the world. Too, His plan to make men righteous would also be made known.

Romans 1:16-17


July 15, 2022

John 16:11 – Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.


Thought: Judgment is a major part of the Lord’s plan for the world. By means of the Holy Spirit, the world has been warned of pending judgment. If they have any doubts that it will occur, they need to study the fact that the prince of this world has been judged by Jesus already. Satan thought he defeated the Christ in death. Not so! Jesus was victorious over death when He was raised from the dead. At that time, Satan’s judgment was sealed. He is a doomed being. So are all those who follow Satan instead of submitting to Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:14


July 16, 2022

John 16:12, 13 – I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come.


Thought: Jesus had spent over three years with His disciples and had taught them much. However, as His death drew nigh, He knew there was still much, much more that they needed to learn. Some of the things they needed to learn they were not ready to be taught. However, Jesus knew that this would be the function of the Spirit of truth. He would guide them into all truth. He would show them things to come. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit would provide these men with all the knowledge and instruction they needed.

I John 2:27


July 17, 2022

John 16:14, 15 – He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you.


Thought: Jesus teaches two vital points in these verses. First, He states the Comforter’s mission. Jesus said of Him: “He shall glorify me.” So many today are consumed with the Holy Spirit. They are so addicted to Him that they forget that His purpose was to glorify the Christ. Second, Jesus again affirms the chain of divine authority. All things originate from the Father. Then they were given to the Son. “All things that the Father hath are mine.” Then the Holy Spirit took them from Jesus and gave them to the apostles.

I John 4:13-14


July 18, 2022

John 16:16 – A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.


Thought: Jesus speaks of His death, His resurrection, and His ascension in this short verse. In just “a little while” Jesus’ disciples would no longer see Him. He would die on the cross and be buried in the tomb, hidden from their view. However, in “a little while,” just a few short hours later, they would see Him again. He would come forth from the grave victorious over death. He would appear unto them. He would continue to teach them. He would make wonderful promises to them. Then, He would ascend back to His Father.

Acts 1:1-3


July 19, 2022

John 16:17, 18 – Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.


Thought: Here, some of the disciples of Christ are having a discussion about the words of Jesus involving the phrase “a little while.” They were confused. “What is this that he saith, A little while?” However, instead of asking Jesus for clarification, they discussed it among themselves. Will a group of students, all of which do not understand, ever come to a correct conclusion by merely discussing an issue among themselves? It is highly unlikely. Unfortunately, fear or pride often keeps one from asking for clarification.

Mark 9:32


July 20, 2022

John 16:19 – Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?


Thought: There are two ways Jesus might have known of this desire of His apostles. First, He could have known through His divine knowledge. He knew the hearts of all men. Second, He could have been a very perceptive teacher. There are times that teachers have the ability to read external signals such as body language that let them know their students are questioning their words. We do not know how Jesus knew, but He was not going to overlook the matter. Good teachers want their students to understand their words.

Psalm 139:1-4


July 21, 2022

John 16:20 – Verily, verily I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.


Thought: Different people hold different perspectives on different things and different people. When Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, the apostles wept and lamented over their Master’s passing. Others, like the chief priests and Pharisees rejoiced. Not long thereafter, however, Jesus was resurrected from the grave. The sorrow of the disciples was turned into joy. The rejoicing of the Jewish leaders was turned into grave concern. Yes, different people hold different perspectives on different things and different people.

Job 20:5


July 22, 2022

John 16:21 – A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.


Thought: Jesus compared the emotions His disciples were about to feel to the ones felt by a woman with child. When the child is born, the woman experiences pain. She may shed tears in the process of delivery. There is much weariness attached to the delivery as well. However, once the child is born, all of the pain and anguish is forgotten. The woman rejoices and looks with joy into the eyes of her child. Jesus’ death would bring sorrow to His apostles, but His resurrection would bring celebration and the sorrow would be forgotten.

Luke 1:57-58


July 23, 2022

John 16:22 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.


Thought: Jesus had told His apostles two things that caused them to sorrow. First, He was going to die. Second, He would depart and return to the Father. Their love for Jesus was sincere. News like this would cause them to be sad. His death, however, would not be the end. Jesus told these men: “…but I will see you again.” Following His resurrection, Jesus would appear to these men several times and joy would fill their hearts. They would be so convinced of His resurrection that no man would ever be able to remove their joy.

Luke 24:50-53


July 24, 2022

John 16:23, 24 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.


Thought: When Jesus ascended to the right hand of God, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on the apostles. This would be a transition time in God’s plan for man. The apostles would be fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus would no longer be with them physically. Thus, they would ask for what they needed in Jesus’ name. What they needed would then be provided by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Divine revelation and confirmation of their words through miracles would play a major role in their kingdom efforts.

Matthew 21:22


July 25, 2022

John 16:25 – These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.


Thought: Jesus taught using illustrations, pictures, parables, and other techniques to get across spiritual concepts to His listeners. Sometimes, they understood. Sometimes, they did not. Jesus now declares that the time was coming when “I shall shew you plainly of the Father.” These men would receive the power of the Holy Spirit and would speak by inspiration. The things that had been unclear in the past would become clear. Too, they would speak additional things that would build on Jesus’ teachings. What a time to come!

Luke 24:49


July 26, 2022

John 16:26, 27 – At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye had loved me, and have believed that I came out of the Father.


Thought: Jesus made bold and powerful promises to His apostles when He instructed them in the upper room the night before His crucifixion. These men would definitely need everything that the Lord had promised. These men could ask for wonderful, miraculous things, and they would be granted. The answers to their prayers were based on two things: their faith and the Father’s love for them. God loves, appreciates, and rewards those who truly believe in His Son. One should never underestimate the power of belief.

John 1:49-51


July 27, 2022

John 16:28 – I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.


Thought: Jesus speaks of two actions in this verse. First, He came forth from the Father and entered into the world. Second, He was to leave the world and return unto the Father. Both of these events involved blessings for mankind. Jesus came and brought redemption through His blood. When He returned to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to reveal to man how that redemption could be obtained. Regardless of the actions of God, He is always in the habit of providing blessings to man. We should praise Him for His gifts.

Luke 24:50-52


July 28, 2022

John 16:29 – His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.


Thought: There are numerous ways a teacher can communicate ideas to his students. Sometimes, the best way to address situations is to just speak plainly. There is no use of figurative language at all. This can often open the eyes of the disciples, especially if proverbs have been used in the past. Jesus spoke clearly to the twelve at this time. Their eyes were opened. Their understanding became clear. They had light like they had never seen before. Once illuminated, the hearer bears a great responsibility in heeding the teaching.

John 10:6


July 29, 2022

John 16:30 – Now we are sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.


Thought: When Jesus began this discussion with His disciples, they did not comprehend the meaning of His words. According to John 16:17, some of them reasoned among themselves about the things He was teaching. Jesus had the ability to read their thoughts. Having done so, He explained himself more clearly. When he did, the disciples realized that He had looked into their hearts. Thus, they did not have to ask Him in order to get an explanation. This divine ability convinced them that He came forth from God.

Acts 1:23-25


July 30, 2022

John 16:31, 32 – Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.


Thought: After Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples, they confessed they believed that He came forth from God. Jesus immediately questioned them: “Do ye now believe?” He was asking them: “Are you sure you truly believe?” Mouthing the words is easy. Living them in difficult times is a different matter. Jesus knew their faith would soon be tested, and their faith would fail. They would be scattered, and Jesus would be left alone. This did not concern Jesus. He affirmed: “Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”

Mark 14:50


July 31, 2022

John 16:33 – These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


Thought: God does not want His children tormented in their minds. He wants them to have peace. This is one of the purposes of His precious Word. This fact, however, does not negate the fact that in the world the Christian will suffer tribulation. The world hates God’s ways and God’s people. It will oppose them in the most vicious ways. But in the midst of hardship, the Christian can still be of good cheer. He knows that his Lord has overcome the world. Ultimate victory belongs to God and to those who faithfully serve Him.

II Thessalonians 3:16


Read devotionals for August 2022