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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for September 2026
October 1, 2026
Romans 12:8 – Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Thought: The body of Christ has many different members, each holding different offices. Paul notes seven functions in this three-verse section. He also reveals that these offices have purposes and that these offices should be carried out with positive attitudes. Some positions are self-explanatory. A prophet is to prophesy. A teacher is to teach. Giving is to be done generously. Rulers are to lead with diligence. Caretakers should display cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 9:6-7
October 2, 2026
Romans 12:9 – Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Thought: Paul now addresses numerous behaviors that Christians are to display. He begins with love which is one the crowning attribute of the child of God. It is to be “without dissimulation,” that is without hypocrisy. We are to genuinely and sincerely love others. Evil is to be abhorred. The word “abhor” means “to strongly detest” and “to have a horror for.” On the other hand, God’s people are to cleave, that is, to be glued to that which is good.
1 Peter 3:10-11
October 3, 2026
Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Thought: Relationships in the body of Christ are extremely important. To maintain healthy relationships, Christians must practice positive behaviors toward one another. Paul notes four behaviors in this one verse: “kindly affectioned,” “brotherly love,” “honor,” and “preferring one another.” The behaviors need more exhortation than explanation. We often feel that if we do these things, we come up short, but these are mutual, reciprocal actions.
1 Peter 3:8
October 4, 2026
Romans 12:11 – Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Thought: When the Scriptures address topics, they often picture both sides of the coin. Paul does that here. One side of the coin exhorts us not to be slothful in business. The Christian should not be lazy and sluggish in any business, but especially when involved in the Father’s business. On the other side of the coin, Paul counsels us to be “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” God’s children should be boiling over in worship, good works, and Christian service.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
October 5, 2026
Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Thought: Paul lists three more brief commands that are vital to Christian living. All of God’s children should rejoice in hope. Hope is something one does not presently have but involves things that are deeply desired and eagerly anticipated. Eternal life is part of that hope. The faithful of God will also be patient in tribulation. They will bear up under the struggles of life. They will endure to the end. Lastly, Christians will pray constantly and earnestly.
James 5:10-11
October 6, 2026
Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality.
Thought: There are occasions when brethren fall on difficult times. These individuals may stand in need of some type of financial support to get them through. Their brothers and sisters in Christ should be ready to help them if they have the means. Brethren are also supposed to be “given to hospitality.” The word “hospitality” literally means “the love of strangers.” Food, lodging, and kindness are part of hospitality. It is action, not mere words.
Hebrews 13:2
October 7, 2026
Romans 12:14 – Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Thought: All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Those who persecute us will often have deep hatred in their hearts for us. They do not care if we suffer severe pain and have no regard for our life. It is difficult for the Christian not to retaliate. This, however, he must not do. Paul exhorts us to “bless them which persecute you.” Knowing the difficulty of this command, he continues, saying: “Bless, and curse not.”
1 Corinthians 4:11-13
October 8, 2026
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Thought: Christians are children of God and belong to the family of God. Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. There is supposed to be a close bond and deep affection between them in this spiritual relationship. Their ties should cause them to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. To fulfill this obligation fully, it is best when Christians rejoice and weep “in person,” that is, giving others their physical presence.
Acts 20:36-38
October 9, 2026
Romans 12:16 – Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Thought: Paul’s words go “against the grain” of many. It is hard to be of the same mind toward all. Background, personalities, age, gender, and opinions can keep brethren apart. Too, we look for opportunities to mind “high things.” On the other hand, we usually shun “men of low estate.” Paul exhorts us to condescend, that is, yield to such individuals. In addition, we are not to be wise in our own conceits. Pride should have no role in our life.
Isaiah 5:21
October 10, 2026
Romans 12:17 – Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Thought: Paul addresses our response to evil taken against us several times in Romans 12. Here he exhorts Christians not to return evil back to those who have committed evil against them. Our evil against them does not correct the evil they committed against us. Paul also speaks about honesty. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Tell the truth. Do not steal. Fulfill your responsibilities. Do not exaggerate. Do not conceal needed information.
1 Peter 2:12
October 11, 2026
Romans 12:18 – If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Thought: Some individuals are cantankerous. There are individuals who enjoy drama. There are individuals who take pleasure in arguments and strife. Peace is not always possible with these individuals. But, if it is possible, we should strive to live peaceably will all men. The effort involved is found in the words: “…as much as lieth in you.” This takes kindness, patience, understanding, love, longsuffering, forbearance, and other qualities.
Hebrews 12:14
October 12, 2026
Romans 12:19 – Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Thought: When we are mistreated, anger and wrath swell within our hearts. We often desire revenge. The offender needs to feel the hurt we have felt. He needs to experience the loss we have experienced. The apostle Paul commands us saying: “…avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath.” This would seem unfair if we did not have the promise attached to this verse. The Lord has said: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” God is faithful!
Proverbs 24:29
October 13, 2026
Romans 12:20 – Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Thought: In verse 19, Paul forbids vengeance against our enemies. For most, this would seem like enough mercy granted to an adversary. Yet, God instructs us to do more. He wants us to do something positive for him when he is in need. “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.” This is not something expected by our adversary. This would cause him emotional pain. It would heap coals of fire on his head.
Proverbs 25:21-22
October 14, 2026
Romans 12:21 – Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Thought: God is a good God. He is a God who sends rain upon the just and the unjust. He is a God who gave His Son to die on Calvary, not for friends, but for enemies. God wants us to be like Him. He commands us to do good to our enemies. Sometimes we want to attack evil with evil. However, instead of being overcome of evil, we should overcome evil with good. Acts of goodness can bring embarrassment to our enemies that soften their hearts.
1 Samuel 26:7-9
October 15, 2026
Romans 13:1 – Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.
Thought: This verse is not one that is taught very often. Public officials and the public in general need to understand the content of this verse. First, Paul teaches us to be subject to the higher powers. We are not to disobey the laws of the land unless they contradict God’s laws. Second, it is God who allows power and authority to exist. It is delegated by him to governors, presidents, and kings. Third, God is in charge of governments. He ordains them.
Proverbs 8:15-16
October 16, 2026
Romans 13:2 – Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Thought: It is God who has delegated power and authority to man. It is He who has set up the powers that be. Man, therefore, has the obligation to obey the authorities. If we resist, we not only resist the statutes of man, we are resisting the ordinance of God. Those who disobey man’s laws might escape consequences in this life, but they will not escape in the world to come. Paul is clear. “They that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
1 Peter 2:13-15
October 17, 2026
Romans 13:3 – For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.
Thought: This verse needs to be implanted into the minds of all leaders. Rulers are not to be a terror to good works. However, they are to be a terror to those who engage in evil activities. Sadly, this is not always the case. If rulers are a terror to evil works, then all should be afraid of the power. Their power will deter those who long to engage in lawlessness and wickedness. The powers that be should also praise, honor, and bless those who do good.
Proverbs 14:35
October 18, 2026
Romans 13:4 – For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Thought: Paul makes an interesting statement about government leaders in this verse. He calls them ministers of God. Sadly, many of these leaders do not view themselves in this way. These leaders are supposed to exalt the good and punish the bad. In fact, they have the authority to bear the sword, that is, they can use capital punishment if necessary. God put these individuals in power as revengers “to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Ecclesiastes 8:11
October 19, 2026
Romans 13:5 – Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
Thought: Paul exhorts these Christians to be subject to rulers again. He gives two reasons for their submission. First, because of the wrath that awaits them if they do not. They will be punished by the authorities. Second, he commands them to obey for conscience’ sake. These individuals are appointed by God. They are the ministers of God. To disobey them is equivalent to disobeying God. This should weigh heavily upon their conscience.
Hebrews 13:18
October 20, 2026
Romans 13:6, 7 – For, for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Thought: Leaders who carry out their God-given responsibilities are valuable as God’s ministers. They reward the good and punish the evil. Thus, they are to be recompensed for their labors. Paul understood that this was done through taxes, tributes, levies, and customs. He exhorted the Roman brethren, therefore to pay their tributes and levies. In addition, he commanded these saints to give both respect and honor to their officials.
Matthew 22:17-21
October 21, 2026
Romans 13:8 – Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Thought: Paul had been writing about the Christian’s responsibility to government officials. Now, he turns his attention to mankind in general. Christians should be responsible individuals. This is especially true in matters of money. Paul exhorts the church to “owe no man anything.” Children of God should pay their debts. In the matter of love, on the other hand, we must constantly pay our debt to others. When we do, we fulfill the law’s demand.
James 2:8
October 22, 2026
Romans 13:9, 10 – For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Thought: The Ten Commandments can be divided into two sections. One section involves man responsibilities to God. The other involves man’s responsibilities to other men. Paul reveals that the second section “is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This reveals that love has a very broad definition. It envelopes a multitude of behaviors. Six of the Ten Commandments are rooted in love for others.
Matthew 22:36-40
October 23, 2026
Romans 13:11, 12 – And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Thought: Paul says: “It is high time.” He indicates the need to get serious. Today our salvation is nearer than it was yesterday. The night is quickly coming to a close. Therefore, God’s children need “to awake out of sleep.” We need to “cast off the works of darkness.” We need to “put on the armour of light.” The battle is on. If we sleep, we will be defeated. If we side with the enemy, we will be defeated. If we fail to put our armor on, we will be defeated.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-8
October 24, 2026
Romans 13:13 – Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Thought: Paul exhorts the church to “walk honestly.” The word “honestly” means “with a sense of decorum” or “in a seemly manner.” He then notes six things that will seriously hinder an honest walk. Rioting is what some refer to as “partying” today. Drunkenness is the intake of intoxicating beverages. Chambering and wantonness involve sexual sins. Strife is quarreling. Envy involves a desire for another’s good fortune to be taken from him.
1 Peter 2:12
October 25, 2026
Romans 13:14 -But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof.
Thought: Christians have two alternatives before them each day. They can put on the Lord Jesus Christ, or, they can fulfill the lust of the flesh. The two lifestyles are opposites. One involves holiness, righteousness, and godliness. The other involves sin, corruption, and wickedness. One pleases God. The other angers God. It is interesting that Paul exhorts Christians not to “make provision for the flesh.” Please, do not make plans to sin!
Colossians 3:5-8
October 26, 2026
Romans 14:1, 2 – Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Thought: Paul now addresses an issue within church over an optional matter. At Rome, the matter involved the eating of meats. One believed that it was appropriate to eat meat. Another believed eating meats was wrong and would only eat herbs. The meats may have been classified as unclean in the past or meats that had been offered to idols and sold in the marketplace. It was lawful to eat the meat, but some who were weak in faith would not.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
October 27, 2026
Romans 14:3 – Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God receiveth him.
Thought: In this verse, we learn that the matter Paul is discussing involves a matter of option and liberty. If a person ate meats, he was not to despise the one who did not eat meat. Too, the person who refrained from meats was not to judge the individual who did eat meat. God would receive both of these Christians. Although the matters were extremely personal to each individual, neither had an impact on their souls. God accepted them both.
1 Corinthians 8:8
October 28, 2026
Romans 14:4 – Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth; yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Thought: For some reason, there is a desire in some to judge others even though the things they are judging are matters of liberty or option. Paul asks these individuals: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?” Our brethren do not belong to us. They are the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be before this Master that they will stand or fall. In matters of option, “he shall be holden up” by his Master for God is able to make him stand.
James 4:11-12
October 29, 2026
Romans 14:5, 6 – One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord for he giveth thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Thought: The first century Christians who came out of Judaism, were no longer under the demands of the Old Covenant. Yet, those demands had been impressed upon them for many years. There were several days that were very important to them. Some probably held these days in high esteem. They may have set these days aside on their calendars. Like the eating of meats, these were optional matters as long the celebration did not violate Christ’s law.
Colossians 2:16-17
October 30, 2026
Romans 14:7, 8 – For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth unto himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Thought: Human beings, including Christians, often see themselves isolated from the world. However, we are not. No man lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. A person’s life and death impact other individuals. Christians must also remain cognizant of the fact that all Christians belong to the Lord. All Christians occupy the same position in the body of Christ. We are the slaves of Christ. This is true in life and in death.
1 Thessalonians 5:10
October 31, 2026
Romans 14:9 – For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and living.
Thought: Jesus came to earth with a mission, to die on the cross of Calvary, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise from the hadean realm on the third day. Jesus is the first to rise and never die again. These facts manifest that Jesus is Lord. He is the only being who truly has authority over mankind. In fact, He possesses authority over the dead and the living. With this truth in mind, we must be careful how we treat one another. We are not the Lord.
Ephesians 1:20-23
Read devotionals for November 2026