Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 12, 2022

“Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” – “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 2:15-25.

“When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come back so soon today?” So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Where is he then? Why is it that you have left the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.” Moses was willing to dwell with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”

Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.” Exodus 2:15-25.

——————-

Moses may have been a sojourner in a foreign land, but he ”settled” in the land. Verse 15. Moses did good. “Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock.” Verse 17. After Reuel, the priest of Midian who had seven daughters that Moses was willing to help, and Reuel invited him to have something to eat, “Moses was willing to dwell with the man”. Verse 21.

Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21) and we are called to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), but we are also called to trust in the LORD, do good, and dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Sometimes, this will involve being in a place where our family has lived for generations that we consider permanent. Sometimes, this will involve being in a place that we consider temporary. We may have fled there like Moses. Or, we may have come to it in our wanderings. Like me, we may have gone to college or graduate school there and stayed in the area. Or, we may have moved to an area later in our life as a place of new employment. But, we discern that it is God’s will, even His providence for us, and we trust in the LORD, do good, dwell in the land, and cultivate faithfulness.

“3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4.

We also rest in the LORD and wait patiently.

“7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:7-9.

“For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.” And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:13-15.

We see the result of Moses’ patience.

“Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.” Verses 23-25.

And, there is hope for us too!

“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 10, 2022

“For we are His workmanship” – “for it is God who is at work in you” – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it”

This is a Special Edit. Using the language of Philippians 1:6 and Matthew 5:16 quoted below: God Who began this good post, perfected it. God be glorified.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 2:11-15.

“Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, “Why are you striking your companion?” But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.”

When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.” Exodus 2:11-15.

—————-

People are not as grateful as they should be.

In today’s Scripture, Moses learned that lesson. “And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand.” Acts 7:24-25.

Likewise, when God appeared to Moses and called him to leadership, Moses had every reason to be grateful and jump into action considering all that God had done for him. God had saved Moses when he was a baby in a basket in the water among the reeds. God had raised him as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter with all the treasures of Egypt. God had educated him in all the learning of the Egyptians. Through God’s grace, Moses was “a man of power in words and deeds”. See Acts 7:20-22.

But, was Moses grateful and jump into action?

No, rather than be grateful and jump into action, notice Moses’ hesitation. “Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” Exodus 4:1.

Did God reprimand Moses and say: “You should be more grateful for all that I did for you, and you should do what I command you out of gratitude.”?

No, here is the beginning of what God said and did. “The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.” Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. But the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail” — so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand — “that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” Exodus 4:2-5.

Man’s gratitude is not trustworthy to be the motivation to do good works.

But, there is hope!

In sharp contrast, God’s grace (namely, God’s work within us) is not only trustworthy, but is also a much more powerful cause, to bring forth our good works.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.

Moreover, when we do those good works out of God’s grace, God is glorified (rather than man and man’s gratitude) for those good works.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 9, 2022

“Because I drew him out of the water.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 2:1-10.

“Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:1-10.

———

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on all the points of “TULIP”. “TULIP” is a nutshell summary of the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation as more fully taught in the Reformed confession of faith called Canons of Dordt. “TULIP” is an acronym for “Total Depravity”, “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Preservation of the Saints” (also known as “Perseverance of the Saints”), the “T”, “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”.

We have heard the expression “dead in the water”. Moses was “dead in the water”. Scripture teaches that the other exposed babies did not survive. “It was he (the king of Egypt) who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive.” Acts 7:19. This leads us to meditate our natural condition of “Total Depravity”. We were dead in sin.

We are saved like Moses, because, so to speak, we were drawn out of the water. Beware of thinking that we were drawn out of the water, because we were beautiful! Notice it was Moses’ mother who thought Moses was beautiful; every mother thinks their baby is beautiful. Moses was drawn out of the water by Pharaoh’s daughter, because “she had pity on him”. This leads us to meditate on God’s “Unconditional Election” of us.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; …” John 6:44.

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples,” Deuteronomy 7:7.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” Ephesians 1:4.

And, this leads us to the next point. For all those and only those whom God elected, Christ’s sacrificial death obtained and provided all the saving gifts necessary for the salvation of the elect. “…; and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44. This leads us to meditate on Christ’s “Limited Atonement”.

“… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

Christ cleansed and washed us by water; we were baptized by water; we were baptized by the Holy Spirit. We are saved, because like Moses, so to speak, we were drawn through the water.

Christ said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” John 6:63.

And, this leads us to the next point. Christ has given us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This leads us to meditate on the Holy Spirit’s “Irresistible Grace”.

We are saved, because like Moses, so to speak, we were given a new life. “The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. …” Verse 10. Moses did not choose his new life, to become Pharaoh daughter’s son and be raised by her. “Irresistible Grace” was shown to Moses and was also shown to us.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled THIRD AND FOURTH HEADS OF DOCTRINE Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof.

Article 11. But when God accomplishes his good pleasure in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only causes the gospel to be externally preached to them, and powerfully illumines their minds by his Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God; but by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the inmost recesses of the man; he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens; from being evil, disobedient and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable; actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions.

Article 12. And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture, and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed his part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted, or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation, or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner, are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. – Whereupon the will thus renewed, is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence, becomes itself active. Wherefore also, man is himself rightly said to believe and repent, by virtue of that grace received.

And, this leads us to the next point. We are saved, because like Moses, we became the son. This leads us to meditate on God’s “Preservation of the Saints”. Moses was safe and preserved, because he became the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Verse 10. We are safe and preserved, because we became the son of God.

“… In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. …” Ephesians 1:4-8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 8, 2022

“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – “who gave Himself for us to redeem us … and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus chapter 1. Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them.

Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land.” So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel. …

Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. …

So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive.” Exodus 1:6-12 and 15-17 and 20-22.

—————–

God blessed Israel, and they were fruitful and increased greatly, even when the Egyptians afflicted them with hard labor.

But, today’s Scripture shows that there was hope even for the Hebrew midwives. It is unclear whether the midwives were Egyptians or part of Israel. Calvin in his Commentary on Exodus 1:15 states: “Josephus falsely conjectures that the midwives were Egyptian women, sent out as spies; whereas Moses expressly says, that they had been the assistants and attendants of the Hebrew women in their travail; and this erroneous idea is plainly refuted by the whole context, in which it especially appears that they were restrained by the fear of God from yielding to the sinful desire of the tyrant. Hence it follows, that they were previously possessed with some religious feeling.”

It seems to me that the midwives were Egyptians, but the following verses apply whether or not they were Egyptians.

We may feel that we are outside the circle of God’s promises and God’s blessings.

But, there is hope!

“remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12-13.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

Article 16. Those who do not yet experience a lively faith in Christ, an assured confidence of soul, peace of conscience, an earnest endeavor after filial obedience, and glorying in God through Christ, efficaciously wrought in them, and do nevertheless persist in the use of the means which God hath appointed for working these graces in us, ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to rank themselves among the reprobate, but diligently to persevere in the use of means, and with ardent desires, devoutly and humbly to wait for a season of richer grace. Much less cause have they to be terrified by the doctrine of reprobation, who, though they seriously desire to be turned to God, to please him only, and to be delivered from the body of death, cannot yet reach that measure of holiness and faith to which they aspire; since a merciful God has promised that he will not quench the smoking flax, nor break the bruised reed. But this doctrine is justly terrible to those, who, regardless of God and of the Savior Jesus Christ, have wholly given themselves up to the cares of the world, and the pleasures of the flesh, so long as they are not seriously converted to God.

“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.” Verse 17.

“10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:10-12.

“There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:9-16.

“25 As He says also in Hosea,

“I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’
AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’”
26 “AND IT SHALL BE IN THAT PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,’
THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.” Romans 9:25-26.

“who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 7, 2022

“God will surely take care of you”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 50:22-26.

“Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:22-26.

—————–

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-4.

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22.

“casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
…
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

…
15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91:1-6 and 10 and 15-16.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8.

“Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.

“8 O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.” Psalm 34:8-9.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.

“3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
You who have been borne by Me from birth
And have been carried from the womb;
4 Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Psalm 46:3-4.

“2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
We are glad.” Psalm 126:2-3.

“For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.” Psalm 48:14.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,” 1 Corinthians 1:30.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3.

“and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6-7.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:2-3.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; …” Galatians 5:22-23.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13.

“… for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” Hebrews 13:5.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 6, 2022

“God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 50:15-21.

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:15-21.

————-

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.

“Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:1-2.

“The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4.

“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4.

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” Revelation 19:6.

“To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:11.

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 5, 2022

“I am about to be gathered to my people” – “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 49:27 through Genesis 50:14. This Scripture spans two chapters. Here is a link to Genesis chapter 49 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+49&version=NASB1995  Here is a link to Genesis chapter 50 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then he charged them and said to them, “I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site. There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah— the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth.” When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

…

Thus his sons did for him as he had charged them; for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field for a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.” Genesis 49:29-33 and Genesis 50:12-14.

—————–

We too will be gathered to our people. Our people are all the elect, and we will be brought to Heaven.

“And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” Matthew 24:31.

“And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” Mark 13:27.

In the following parables by Jesus, we also read vivid figurative descriptions of the gathering, not only the gathering of the elect a/k/a righteous so that they may be brought to heaven, but the gathering of the non-elect a/k/a the wicked so that they may be brought to hell.

The Parable of Tares among Wheat

“Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ But he *said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” Matthew 13:24-30.

The Parable of A Dragnet

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50.

The Parable of The Judgment

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:31-33.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 3, 2022

“From the God of your father who helps you, And by the Almighty who blesses you”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 49:22-26.

“22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a spring;
Its branches run over a wall.
23 “The archers bitterly attacked him,
And shot at him and harassed him;
24 But his bow remained firm,
And his arms were agile,
From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
25 From the God of your father who helps you,
And by the Almighty who blesses you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
26 “The blessings of your father
Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills;
May they be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.” Genesis 49:22-26.

——————–

Most of the prior Scripture in this chapter was prophecy concerning the other sons. “Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come.” Genesis 49:1.

Now, in today’s Scripture, Jacob now advances from prophecy about Joseph in verses 23-24 to blessings upon Joseph in verses 25-26. But, even in verse 24, Jacob credits God: “… From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),”.

Today’s Scripture leads us to consider some other Scriptures about this “Mighty One of Jacob”, ‘the Shepherd”, and “the Stone of Israel” and to also consider blessings from God.

“From the God of your father who helps you,
And by the Almighty who blesses you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.” Verse 25.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4.

“Therefore thus says the Lord God,

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,
A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” Isaiah 28:16.

“3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5.

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.
4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.” Psalm 128:1-4.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 2, 2022

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 49:19-21.

“19 “As for Gad, raiders shall raid him,
But he will raid at their heels.

20 “As for Asher, his food shall be rich,
And he will yield royal dainties.

21 “Naphtali is a doe let loose,
He gives beautiful words.” Genesis 49:19-21.

—————

It is interesting to compare the prophecy of Jacob in today’s Scripture for Gad, Asher, and Naphtali with the following blessings of Moses for them.

But first, we should recognize the difference between prophecy and blessing. Notice Scripture’s descriptions of each.

“Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come.” Genesis 49:1.

“Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.” Deuteronomy 33:1.

Here is how Moses blessed Gad, Asher, and Naphtali.

“20 Of Gad he said,

“Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad;
He lies down as a lion,
And tears the arm, also the crown of the head.
21 “Then he provided the first part for himself,
For there the ruler’s portion was reserved;
And he came with the leaders of the people;
He executed the justice of the LORD,
And His ordinances with Israel.” Deuteronomy 33:20-21.

“24 Of Asher he said,

“More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers,
And may he dip his foot in oil.
25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze,
And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be.” Deuteronomy 33:24-25.

“23 Of Naphtali he said,

“O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the LORD,
Take possession of the sea and the south.” Deuteronomy 33:23.

In conclusion, as we consider by this comparison how much more favorable blessings are, let us appreciate all that more the blessings that we receive from God, our Father.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6.

And, let us recognize the basis for those blessings: “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”. Ephesians 1:4.

As stated in the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination, “election is the fountain of every saving good”.

Article 9. This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended; but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good; from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle: “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,” Ephesians 1:4.

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 7:6-8.

But, there are many in the church who nevertheless still shun God’s predestination and election, preferring that God prophesy about their works and their will so that they will be glorified.

There are few in the church who treasure and cherish God’s predestination and election, preferring God’s blessings so that God will be glorified.

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” 1 Peter 2:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 1, 2022

“For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 49:13-18.

“13 “Zebulun will dwell at the seashore;
And he shall be a haven for ships,
And his flank shall be toward Sidon.

14 “Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between the sheepfolds.
15 “When he saw that a resting place was good
And that the land was pleasant,
He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens,
And became a slave at forced labor.

16 “Dan shall judge his people,
As one of the tribes of Israel.
17 “Dan shall be a serpent in the way,
A horned snake in the path,
That bites the horse’s heels,
So that his rider falls backward.
18 “For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.” Genesis 49:13-18.

————————

As we read today’s Scripture, we may feel that this Scripture does not seem so interesting and meaningful to us.

But, through God’s grace, we are patient and come to a verse that rewards us for our patience as is true today with verse 18: “For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.”

Another example is Joshua chapter 18. As we read about the forty-eight cities given to the Levites, we may feel that this Scripture does not seem so interesting and meaningful to us.

But, through God’s grace, we are patient and come to a verse that rewards us for our patience as is true with Joshua 21:45: “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”

“Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5.

“My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.” Psalm 62:1.

“Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14.

“25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
26 It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man that he should bear
The yoke in his youth.
28 Let him sit alone and be silent
Since He has laid it on him.
29 Let him put his mouth in the dust,
Perhaps there is hope.
30 Let him give his cheek to the smiter,
Let him be filled with reproach.
31 For the Lord will not reject forever,
32 For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.” Lamentation 3:25-32.

And, there is hope that our LORD will give us patience!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.

“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

“Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31.

“And it will be said in that day,
“Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us.
This is the LORD for whom we have waited;
Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: "wait for the LORD", patience, Scripture

Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

“Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” – “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him”

“For we are His workmanship” – “for it is God who is at work in you” – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it”

“Because I drew him out of the water.”

“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – “who gave Himself for us to redeem us … and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

“God will surely take care of you”

“God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result”

“I am about to be gathered to my people” – “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect”

“From the God of your father who helps you, And by the Almighty who blesses you”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”

“For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.”

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