OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for December 2025

January 1, 2026

Romans 1:1 – Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

Thought: We will be studying the book of Romans this year. Paul had never been to Rome when he wrote this letter, but he knew many people there. He plainly declares himself to be the author of this epistle. He describes himself in three ways. First, he was a servant, literally, a slave, of Jesus Christ. Second, he was an apostle, one in an authoritative position as an ambassador of King Jesus. Third, he was separated unto the gospel of God. The good news was his message.

Acts 9:15-16

January 2, 2026

Romans 1:2 – (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy Scriptures,)

Thought: The good news of the salvation in Christ was a message that had been promised in the Law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets. Man had fallen into sin in the Garden of Eden. Instead of condemning man, God had a plan designed to redeem man. In the Old Testament, God worked to bring that plan to fruition. In many places, the inspired writers of Old Testament revelation revealed aspects of God’s plan to man. It was God’s love that drew salvation’s plan.

Isaiah 53:3-5

January 3, 2026

Romans 1:3 – Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.

Thought: The gospel of God concerns God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, there is no gospel, no good news. Paul affirms that Jesus “was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” This is important because David had been promised a son who would possess a kingdom and who would build a house for the Lord’s name. The prophecy was a dual prophecy, fulfilled in both Solomon and Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could have fulfilled the “forever” aspect of the prophecy.

2 Samuel 7:12-17

January 4, 2026

Romans 1:4 – And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Thought: In verse three, Paul affirmed Jesus was a man. He was made of the seed of David according to the flesh. Here, the apostle affirms that Jesus was also divine. One of the proofs of His deity was His resurrection from the dead. Paul proclaims that Jesus’ resurrection declares Him “to be the Son of God with power.” Jesus was the first individual raised from the dead who would never die again. Mere men do not come back from the grave. Jesus wasn’t a mere man.

Revelation 1:18

January 5, 2026

Romans 1:5 – By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name.

Thought: It was by Jesus who was both man and God that Paul received both grace, divine help, and apostleship, an authoritative position in the body of Christ. Having received these two things, Paul was obligated to proclaim “obedience to the faith among all nations for his name.” The faith is the system of faith, that is, the entirety of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here, Paul makes it clear that obedience to the faith is essential. Too, he affirms that the gospel is for men of all nations.

Mark 16:15-16

January 6, 2026

Romans 1:6, 7 – Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought: Paul was not the only recipient of Christ’s blessings. His readers had been “called” by Jesus Christ. The gospel issues God’s call to all men. When the Romans heard and obeyed the truth, they became “the called” of Jesus Christ and saints. Sadly, the word “saints” has been perverted by the Catholic Church. Sainthood is not a holy position. All Christians have been purified and set apart for God’s service. Upon the saints in Rome, Paul wished grace and peace.

1 Corinthians 1:2

January 7, 2026

Romans 1:8 – First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Thought: One of the important qualities of the apostle Paul was his gratitude. In this letter to the Romans, he gives thanks for the Roman Christians. Specifically, he was grateful for their faith. He noted that their faith was “spoken of throughout the world.” The faith of the Romans was displayed to others. It shined in their good works. It was exhibited in their support of those who faithfully proclaimed the good news. It was displayed as they overcame hardships and struggles.

1 Thessalonians 1:8

January 8, 2026

Romans 1:9, 10 – For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Thought: Have you ever promised someone you would pray for them, but failed to do so. Paul affirmed to the Romans that he expressed thanks to God for their great faith. In Romans 1:9, he calls God for a witness to testify that he made mention of these Christians in his prayers without ceasing. One of his requests involved his being able to “have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.” Christianity flourished in Rome, and Paul wanted to be part of it.

1 Thessalonians 3:10-11

January 9, 2026

Romans 1:11 – For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.

Thought: One of the reasons Paul longed to see the Romans is because he wanted to impart spiritual gifts to them. There were nine spiritual gifts given to the church in the first century. These were miraculous gifts. They enabled the church to carry out God’s will. Too, they established the church, making it firm. This is the meaning of Paul’s words: “…to the end ye may be established.” However, only the apostles of Jesus Christ could pass these gifts on to others.

Acts 8:14-17

January 10, 2026

Romans 1:12 – That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Thought: Paul had several reasons for wanting to visit the Christians in Rome. One of them was personal. He wanted to be comforted by the mutual faith of the saints. It is always exciting and uplifting to be around those who share in the blessings of the gospel of Christ. The world does not encourage us in our Christian walk. Faithful Christians, on the other hand, do. Paul’s desire to be comforted was not selfish. He knew that his faith would also bring comfort to the saints in Rome.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

January 11, 2026

Romans 1:13 – Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Thought: Paul’s focus as a Christian was upon bearing fruit. Everywhere he went he sought to convert souls to Jesus Christ. He had a deep yearning to have fruit from the city of Rome as well. He told the brethren that he had oftentimes purposed to come to them, but was hindered from doing so. His absence from Rome was not intentional. Other factors caused his plans to change. One day, however, Paul would make it to the Imperial City. There, he would bear much fruit.

John 15:8

January 12, 2026

Romans 1:14 – I am a debtor both the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Thought: Paul reveals his motivation to bear much fruit in this verse. He says it was because he was a debtor to the Greeks, Barbarians, wise, and unwise. In essence, he was a debtor to all men. This is interesting because all of the groups Paul mentions had done nothing for him. His indebtedness came from the fact that Jesus paid the price to save Paul from his sins. He could not keep this blessing to himself. He had to tell others about the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:10

January 13, 2026

Romans 1:15 – So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Thought: Paul’s understanding about being a debtor caused him to be “ready to preach the gospel.” The word “ready” involves both a willingness and an eagerness to preach. Paul was literally “busting at the seams” with readiness. This is found in the words, “so as much as in me is, I am ready.” To preach in Rome was a deep longing in the heart of the apostle because he had never been to the Capital City. However, was eager and willing to preach the gospel anywhere.

1 Corinthians 9:16

January 14, 2026

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek.

Thought: Paul earnestly yearned to preach the gospel because he was debtor all men. Too, he wanted to preach the gospel because he knew it was “the power of God unto salvation.” The gospel involves words, but they are words that have been filled with power by the Holy Spirit. The message is designed to enter into honest and good hearts and bring salvation to those who truly believe. Paul was not ashamed of the design of the gospel, that is, to save both Jews and Gentiles.

James 1:21

January 15, 2026

Romans 1:17 – For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Thought: Paul begins this verse with the words “for therein.” The righteousness of God is found “in” something. That something is the gospel of Christ. In the gospel, God has revealed a plan whereby lost man can be made righteous. Paul describes the plan as being “from faith to faith.” The New Testament is “the faith,” that is the system of faith. The purpose of the message is to create faith in man. “From faith to faith.” This was God’s plan. “The just shall live by faith.”

Habakkuk 2:4

January 16, 2026

Romans 1:18 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Thought: Paul plainly says God’s wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness of man has been revealed. Those who continue in their evil and wickedness will experience this wrath. Paul does not want any individual to experience this wrath. It is another reason why he preaches the gospel. Those who obey the truth will be saved from wrath. They will submit to Jesus who suffered the wrath of God upon the cross of Calvary for them. Dear reader, remember God’s wrath is fierce.

Romans 5:9

January 17, 2026

Romans 1:19, 20 – Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath revealed it unto them. For the invisible things from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

Thought: There are multitudes of people who reject God and the truth of His Word. Some will even go so far as saying God does not exist. These individuals are “without excuse” for holding on to this error. God has clearly revealed that He exists in His creation. There is order and design that screams out that a divine, powerful God is responsible for all that exists. The Universe is not here by accident. It is not the product of billions of years of evolution. A wonderful God made it.

Psalm 19:1-3

January 18, 2026

Romans 1:21 – Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Thought: Paul begins to address the circumstances of the Gentiles. God had revealed himself to them. There was a time when they knew God. That all changed when they ceased to glorify Him and when they ceased being thankful. When they turned from God, they became “vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Without the reality of God, men have empty and useless thoughts. Their hearts become dark instead of being enlightened by the truth.

Ephesians 4:17-18

January 19, 2026

Romans 1:22 – Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

Thought: Man is definitely the crown of God’s creation. He has been made in the image of the Almighty. His knowledge and abilities, however, sometime cause him to be lifted up with pride. Man is so impressed with his wisdom that he becomes a fool. He is foolish in what he believes. He is foolish in what he proclaims. He is foolish in what he does. He is foolish in his alignments. He is foolish in what he rejects. He often rejects the all-wise God. This is his ultimate foolishness.

Proverbs 26:12

January 20, 2026

Romans 1:23 – And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Thought: Here we see one of the foolish acts of the man who professes himself to be wise. Instead of worshiping the Creator, he bows before the creatures created by Him. He worships birds and fourfooted beasts. He worships creeping things. Not only does he worship animals, he worships images he forms that are like unto the animals. His foolishness culminates in the worship of a man just like himself. He might even worship himself. Yes, the “wise” worships the fool.

Jeremiah 2:11

January 21, 2026

Romans 1:24 – Wherefore God also give them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.

Thought: We want to believe that God never gives up on us. That is true unless we first give up on Him. The Gentiles chose uncleanness over holiness. They chose their lust over the love of God. They chose to dishonor their bodies between themselves instead of presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Yes, their poor choices caused God to “give them up.” God will not force Himself upon anyone. He will allow men to choose their own path, but each path as a destiny.

Psalm 81:11-12

January 22, 2026

Romans 1:25 – Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Thought: God and all about Him is truth. In fact, His very nature is truth. Instead of embracing the truth, God, the Gentiles changed the truth of God into a lie. They exalted the creation over the Creator. Instead of affirming that God is Lord of all, they proclaimed that the creatures made by God were their lords. They worshipped and served them. The one who “is blessed forever” was rejected for that which will one day come to an end. God alone should be worshipped and served.

Habakkuk 2:18-20

January 23, 2026

Romans 1:26, 27 – For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

Thought: When people depart from God, morals crumble. “Vile affections” run rampant. Natural things are rejected. Unnatural things become “normal.” This happened among the Gentiles. The women changed their natural use into that which is against nature. Too, the men left the natural use of the women. Women longed for other women, and men longed for men. Homosexuality, an unseemly practice, became common. This lifestyle, however, was not without consequences.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

January 24, 2026

Romans 1:28 – And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

Thought: Man often comes to believe that he does not need God. When this happens, God’s law is complete rejected. The individual’s mind becomes “reprobate.” One definition of that term is “worthless.” This worthless state of mind creates the second definition of reprobate, that is, “rejected.” Those who reject God are rejected by Him because their minds are corrupt, worthless. From their minds spring forth all kinds of behaviors “which are not convenient” or becoming.

Jeremiah 6:28-30