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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2026
August 1, 2026
Romans 10:1 – Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Thought: Paul has spoken about his feelings toward the Jews, several times in this section of Romans. He yearned for their salvation. In this verse, he notes that their salvation was his “heart’s desire.” The heart of man is the mind of man. It involves such things as thinking, reasoning, will, and emotions. All of these aspects of Pauls’ mind longed for Israel to be saved. His heart also drove him to pray for them. Pray could do what Paul could not.
1 Corinthians 9:20
August 2, 2026
Romans 10:2, 3 – For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Thought: The Jews were a very sincere people. Paul proclaimed that they practiced their religion with zeal. However, they lack knowledge, that is, the knowledge of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Righteousness was found in Christ. The Jews rejected that righteousness and attempted to establish their own righteousness through keeping the law. This kept them from submitting to the righteousness of God. This caused them to be lost.
Proverbs 19:2-3
August 3, 2026
Romans 10:4 – For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Thought: The word “end” in this verse has two definitions. One definition is “conclusion.” The other definition is “termination.” Christ fulfills both definitions. The Law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets anticipated the Christ. He was the conclusion to which all of them pointed. Too, Christ fulfilled the law, abolished it at the cross of Calvary, and delivered the righteousness of God to man. Christ terminated Judaism. Christ instituted Christianity.
Galatians 3:18-25
August 4, 2026
Romans 10:5 – For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Thought: Under the Law of Moses, the way for a man to be righteous was to keep the law perfectly. When the individual transgressed a commandment, however, he ceased to be righteous. Too, the law did not provide a way for a man to regain his righteousness. There was no way to be cleansed of his sins. Even the animal sacrifices found in the law did not remove sin. Jesus was the only man to obtain the righteousness found in the Law.
Leviticus 18:5
August 5, 2026
Romans 10:6, 7 – But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Thought: The righteousness which is of faith in contrast to the righteousness of the law existed even as Paul wrote this epistle. It was not necessary to bring Christ down from above. He had already been manifested in the flesh. It was not necessary for Him to be raised from the dead. His death, burial, and resurrection had been accomplished. The key now was to believe the testimony regarding Him, testimony found in the gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
August 6, 2026
Romans 10:8 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.
Thought: Notice Paul now focuses on the Word, specifically “the word of faith, which we preach.” This word reveals how men can be righteous before God. Here, Paul returns to the theme of the book of Romans. In Romans 1:17, he had told his readers that righteousness is found in the gospel. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed…” This word produces faith liken unto the faith of Abraham. It also reveals absolute forgiveness.
1 Peter 1:22-23
August 7, 2026
Romans 10:9 – That is thou shalt confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Thought: Paul has established that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Because salvation is by faith, many teach that salvation is by faith only. Paul destroys the “faith only” doctrine in this verse. He notes that confession with one’s mouth and belief in one’s heart are essential to salvation. He also notes a point that demolishes the thief on the cross argument. Did the thief believe Jesus was raised from the dead? Absolutely not!
Matthew 10:32-33
August 8, 2026
Romans 10:10 – For the with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Thought: Paul continues to elaborate upon his words from verse 9. He affirms that belief and confession are essential conditions of salvation. There is a word that is important in this verse. It is the word “unto.” Man believes “unto” righteousness. Confession is made “unto” salvation. These are essential in getting to the point of salvation. Neither condition puts one “into” salvation. Baptism is the final step that puts one into Christ where salvation is found.
Galatians 3:26-27
August 9, 2026
Romans 10:11 – For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Thought: Did Paul make confession of Jesus’ name and belief in the Christ essential elements of salvation? Yes he did. Then, he quoted a passage that established his affirmation. “For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” The quote is from Isaiah 28:16. Paul knew that belief includes actions other than just mental assent. He understood that obedience to God’s commands does not contradict faith.
Acts 10:35
August 10, 2026
Romans 10:12, 13 – For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Thought: God’s plan of salvation under the New Covenant is the same for both Jews and Gentiles. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This call is not a simple affirmation that one believes Jesus is the Son of God. Calling on the name of the Lord involves obedience to all the requirements God has given for savation. Paul affirms that the Lord “is rich unto all that call upon him.” Note: We cannot fathom God’s riches.
Acts 2:21, 37-38
August 11, 2026
Romans 10:14 – How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Thought: Paul notes some the essential things needed before a person can call upon the name of the Lord. He must believe, hear, and have a preacher speak the message to be heard. What is interesting in this verse is that Paul separates belief from calling on the name of the Lord. The two actions are different. Sadly, the denominational world assert that they are the same act. Not so. Calling on the name of the Lord involves the act of baptism.
Acts 22:16
August 12, 2026
Romans 10:15 – And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Thought: Another essential that enables individuals to call on the name of the Lord is for preachers to be sent into the world. Christians must be willing to support those who are willing to take the message to the lost. Those who go have beautiful feet. This is because of the mission they have assumed. They preach the good news of peace, especially peace with God. They bring glad tidings of good things, especially the forgiveness through Jesus’ blood.
Isaiah 52:7
August 13, 2026
Romans 10:16 – But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Thought: The opportunity for both Jew and Gentile to be saved has been given by God. Individuals are saved through a process. That process ends with the lost individual calling on the name of the Lord. In order to call upon the name of the Lord, he must hear the gospel. This was the mission of Paul and the other apostles. The Word of truth had gone forth. Unfortunately, not all were willing to obey the gospel. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
Isaiah 53:1
August 14, 2026
Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Thought: This verse reveals one of the two ways faith is produced, that is, by the Word of God. Observing God’s creation is the other way, but it only provides one with limited information about God. The Word of God enables one to know both the person and works of God. It contains all one needs to know in order to be saved and to remain in fellowship with God. It also reveals end time events. It is the absolute truth and can be trusted.
Ephesians 1:13
August 15, 2026
Romans 10:18 – But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Thought: Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Paul notes that this had been done in the first century. He affirms: “Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” All men have the same opportunity to hear the truth. At that point, it is up to them to decide to receive or reject the truth. The Jews in Paul’s day reject it. The Gentiles accepted it.
Mark 16:20
August 16, 2026
Romans 10:19 – But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Thought: All that happened in the first century to both Jews and Gentiles had been predicted in the Old Testament. Here, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:21 as a witness that the Gentiles would be accepted by God. In so doing, the Jews would be provoked to jealousy. Too, by what they considered a foolish nation, they would be moved to anger. The Jews had been God’s chosen people. They did not comprehend the Gentiles’ acceptance by God.
1 Peter 2:9-10
August 17, 2026
Romans 10:20 – But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Thought: Paul continues to prove that events of the first century had been predicted by the law and the prophets. Here, he quotes Isaiah 65:1. This verse refers to the Gentiles. There was a time when they did not seek the Lord. Too, they were not a people who had relied upon God by asking things of Him. Under the New Covenant, the Lord was made known to them. Too, He was found of them. God welcomed them into His family of the saved.
Isaiah 49:6
August 18, 2026
Romans 10:21 – But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Thought: Paul previously noted Isaiah 65:1 that spoke of the Gentiles willingness to come to the Christ. Now he notes Isaiah 65:2, a prophecy regarding the refusal of the Jews to walk in the ways of God. God had been patient with them. His patience is seen in the words: “All day long I have stretched forth my hands.” But the Jews remained defiant. Isaiah describes them as rebellious walking in a way that is not good, and walking after their own thoughts.
Proverbs 1:22-25
August 19, 2026
Romans 11:1 – I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Thought: When Paul talked about the rejection of the Jews and the acceptance of the Gentiles, some may have thought God had cast off the Jews. Paul answers this question with the words: “God forbid.” He then used himself as an example of God acceptance of a Jew. Paul was a Jew to his core. “For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Paul was accepted by God. He was a child in God’s spiritual family.
Galatians 1:13-16
August 20, 2026
Romans 11:2 – God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying.
Thought: Many Jews rejected Jesus Christ and His gospel. This did not slow the spread of the good news. It opened many doors to the Gentiles. Their obedience to the gospel made it seem that God had cast Israel off. Paul, however, denies this. He was proof. Too, he points to Scripture to make his case that “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.” He turns to an event in the life of the Elijah when he made intercession against Israel.
1 Kings 19:9
August 21, 2026
Romans 11:3 – Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Thought: When we go back to this Old Testament account, we learn that Elijah had defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. This angered the wicked queen Jezebel. Therefore, she sought the prophet’s life. Thus, Elijah fled south to Horeb, the mount of God, and lodged in a cave. The prophet was tired, fearful, and spiritually depressed. When the Lord came to him and asked why he was there he summed up Israel with the words found in this verse.
1 Kings 19:10
August 22, 2026
Romans 11:4 – But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Thought: When Elijah viewed Israel, he believed that no faithful individuals other than himself existed in Israel. He was wrong. God informed him that seven thousand had not bowed the knee to Baal. In like manner, even though many Jews had rejected the Christ in the first century, there were some within the nation who had obeyed the gospel. Many were like Paul. They had honest and good hearts that heard the gospel and yielded in obedience.
Acts 2:37-41
August 23, 2026
Romans 11:5 – Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Thought: Paul affirms here what we noted yesterday. There was a remnant among the Jews who had obeyed the gospel. Paul teaches that their inclusion involved “the election of grace.” Some teach that these individuals had been elected by God before the foundation of the world. The reality is that they became part of the elect when they obeyed the gospel. Individuals were not predestinated. All who heed the call of the gospel are elected.
2 Thessalonians 2:14
August 24, 2026
Romans 11:6 – And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it is of works, then is it no more of grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Thought: Many are confused about the concept of works and grace. In this verse, the two are diametrically opposed. Many believe Paul is talking about any kind of works, including obedience to commands that Jesus Himself has given. Paul is contrasting the Jews’ attempt to be saved by the works of the Law of Moses. Those works were tied to the blood of animals which cannot save. Grace under the New Covenant is tied to Jesus’ blood which does save.
John 1:17
August 25, 2026
Romans 11:7 – What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest blinded.
Thought: Israel desired to be righteous before God. However, in seeking it through the law, she did not obtain it. However, those who were part of the elect of Jesus Christ had obtained it. They understood the purpose of the Law. They understood Jesus’ coming, His death, burial, and resurrection. They understood that He was truly the Son of God. Their obedience to the gospel made them righteous. Those who refused were blinded, Paul writes.
2 Corinthians 3:14-16
August 26, 2026
Romans 11:8 – (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear:) unto this day.
Thought: When individuals read this verse, they seldom ask important questions about the verse. The text says: “God hath given them the spirit of slumber…” Many assume God altered their minds in a miraculous way. Here’s a question: “How did God give them the spirit of slumber?” Had God never sent Jesus and had He never revealed the gospel, the spirit of slumber would not have been uncovered. This was the Jews’ reaction to God’s work.
Isaiah 29:10-13
August 27, 2026
Romans 11:9 – And David said, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them.
Thought: The table of the Jews was the Law of Moses. It blinded them from seeing the Christ and the law of the Spirit of life. The law became “a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense to them.” The things that they believed to be a blessing became a curse. This happens to many today. Their table is different. For many, it is a man-made creed or a false doctrine. It ensnares them. Sadly, they stumble at God’s Word.
Psalm 69:22-23