Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 6, 2022

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:7.

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”  Exodus 20:7.  

———–

Q. 99.  What is required in the third commandment?

A.  That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God;  nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others;  and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence;  so that He may be rightly confessed and worshiped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

Q. 100.  Is then the profaning of God’s name by swearing and cursing so heinous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?

A.  It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His name;  and therefore He has commanded this sin to be punished with death.  Heidelberg Catechism.

“You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin.  Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death;  all the congregation shall certainly stone him.  The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.”  Leviticus 24:15-16.  

“If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants, even severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses.”  Deuteronomy 28:58-59.

“But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5.

—————

But, there is hope!

God has given us His Word to inform us how great He is and how to properly use His name.

“Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
Praise the name of the LORD.
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is high above all nations;
His glory is above the heavens.

5 Who is like the LORD our God,
Who is enthroned on high,
6 Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in heaven and in the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 To make them sit with princes,
With the princes of His people.
9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm chapter 113.

Jesus taught us how to pray.  

“Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9.

The Holy Spirit will fill us, bear all the fruit of the Spirit in us, guide us in all truth, and will glorify God.

“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.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”  John 16:13-14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 5, 2022

“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” – “I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:4-6.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.  You shall not worship them or serve them;  for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”   Exodus 20:4-6.

—————–

How easy it is for us to justify ourselves!  “I do not make idols!”

On August 10, 2022, I posted a devotion about this commandment, even being critical of another church for showing a popular art image of a smiling Jesus surrounded by children which image filled a huge screen in our worship service and stayed there during the blessing of the children.

But, just yesterday, I made an image (photograph) of a stained glass likeness of Jesus that I saw in front of a church that I was attending.  And, I even sent it in a text message to my children with a comment about how beautiful the front of the church was.  How hypocritical of me, particularly as a teacher!  How could I so lead my children astray!  

Please forgive me:  my Heavenly Father, my family, and my friends!

Here is a copy and paste of parts from that devotion until the words:  “the image of a god that is cute and that we prefer and can manipulate to our desires.”   

Q. 96.  What doth God require in the second commandment?

A.  That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

Q. 97.  Are images then not at all to be made?

A.  God neither can nor may be represented by any means.  But as to creatures, though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make or have any resemblance of them either in order to worship them or to serve God by them.

Q. 98.  But may not images be tolerated in the churches as books to the laity?

A.  No;  for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have His people taught, not by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of His Word.  Heidelberg Catechism.

What do we need?  An art image or God’s word?

We should not need to explain possible reasons for the second commandment, but consider that if such images are allowed, our tendency is to be lazy and rely on them rather than diligently studying God’s word and relying on Scripture alone to form our beliefs of God.  

Or worse, we may leave the God of Scripture and worship an idol, the image of a god that is cute and that we prefer and can manipulate to our desires.   

Here is the link to Westminster Larger Confession and a cite to the place (Questions and Answers 108-110) where it teaches about this second commandment: 

https://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/larger-catechism/

But, there is hope!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9.  

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:25-27.

“For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”  1 Thessalonians 1:9-10.

“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”  1 John 5:21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 4, 2022

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:1-3.

“Then God spoke all these words, saying,

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Exodus 20:1-3.

——————-  

We tend to rush to focus on the first commandment without first meditating on God’s statement of introduction to His Ten Commandments:  “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

In other words, if the LORD God was “only” the Almighty Sovereign LORD God, we should fear Him and have no other gods before Him and obey all of His commandments.  But, the LORD God first reminds us of His position as Heavenly Father to us.  He has brought us out of the house of slavery to sin and Satan and has brought us into a land of such abundant goodness.

Thus, we have an additional good reason to worship and obey Him. “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.” Romans 6:22.   

We may also rush to the next commandments without meditating on what this first commandment means.  “You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Both the Heidelberg Catechism and Westminster Larger Confession can help.  I will start with a copy and paste of only from the Heidelberg Catechism followed by a cite to the specific place in the Westminster Larger Confession followed by a direct link to it.

Q. 94.  What doth God enjoin in the first commandment?

A.  That I, as sincerely as I desire the salvation of my own soul, avoid and flee from all idolatry, sorcery, soothsaying, superstition, invocation of saints, or any other creatures;  and learn rightly to know the only true God; trust in Him alone, with humility and patience submit to Him;  expect all good things from Him only;  love, fear, and glorify Him with my whole heart;  so that I renounce and forsake all creatures, rather than commit even the least thing contrary to His will.

Q. 95.  What is idolatry?

A.  Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God who has manifested Himself in His Word, to contrive or have any other object in which men place their trust.  Heidelberg Catechism.

Here is the cite and link to what Westminster Confession states about the first commandment:  Questions and Answers 104-106 –  https://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/larger-catechism/

“One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?”  Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL!  THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;  AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’  The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:28-31.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 2, 2022

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries round about.” – “Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 19:16-25.

“So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.  And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire;  and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.  When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder.  The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain;  and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.  Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.  Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, or else the LORD will break out against them.”  Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds about the mountain and consecrate it.’”  Then the LORD said to him, “Go down and come up again, you and Aaron with you;  but do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break forth upon them.”  So Moses went down to the people and told them.”  Exodus 19:16-25.

————

“Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 4:4.

“11 God is a righteous judge,
And a God who has indignation every day.

12 If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword;
He has bent His bow and made it ready.
13 He has also prepared for Himself deadly weapons;
He makes His arrows fiery shafts.” Psalm 7:11-13.

“4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
6 You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.” Psalm 5:4-6.

“2 … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:2-3.

“6 “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
7 “And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.” Exodus 15:6-7.

“You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.” Psalm 9:5.

“16 The LORD has made Himself known;
He has executed judgment.
In the work of his own hands the wicked is snared. Higgaion Selah.

17 The wicked will return to Sheol,
Even all the nations who forget God.” Psalm 9:16-17.

“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 1, 2022

“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 19:10-15.

“The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments;  and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.  You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it;  whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.  No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through;  whether beast or man, he shall not live.’  When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”  So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.  He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day;  do not go near a woman.”  Exodus 19:10-15.

——————–    

“For I am the LORD your God.  Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.  And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth.  For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God;  thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’”  Leviticus 11:44-45.

Reformed Doctrine teaches us that man’s condition corrupted by the fall of Adam (through Adam’s sin) is a condition of “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.

We were “dead” in sin.  Ephesians 2:1-5.    We were hostile to God.  Romans 8:7 and Colossians 1:21.  We were in bondage to sin.  Romans 7:14-15.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” Romans 3:10-12.

The fallen condition of man is not that we are just affected or injured by the presence of sin. Rather, “… you were dead in your trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.” Hebrews 10:1.

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin
Or the leopard his spots?
Then you also can do good
Who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23.

But, there is hope!

“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), 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.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:4-9. 

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14.

“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.  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 1:3-7. 

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 31, 2022

“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 19:7-9.

“So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD had commanded him.  All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!”  And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD.  The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.”  Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.”  Exodus 19:7-9.

—————–   

Today’s Scripture, particularly the highlighted part of verse 8 above, of the LORD coming to Moses in a cloud, so that the people may also hear and may also believe, reminds us of The Transfiguration of Jesus and The Ascension of Jesus.

“Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves.  And He was transfigured before them;  and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here;  if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased;  listen to Him!”  When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.  And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”  And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”  Matthew 17:1-8.

“So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;  but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;  and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.  They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:6-11.

We have not witnessed such miraculous sights and words as the LORD appearing to Moses in a thick cloud nor The Transfiguration of Jesus nor The Ascension of Jesus, but we can read about these events in the Bible, and to use the language of today’s Scripture, we may also hear God speak and may also believe.  We also have the Holy Spirit and have received power to be His witnesses, so that other people of God’s elect may also believe.  

Shortly after the Ascension, at Pentecost, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter gave a sermon which concluded:  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”  Acts 2:36.

What was the result?

“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”  Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;  and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”  So then, those who had received his word were baptized;  and that day there were added about three thousand souls.  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  Acts 2:37-42.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 30, 2022

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. … so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 19:1-6.

“In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.  When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness;  and there Israel camped in front of the mountain.  Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:  ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.  Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;  and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”   Exodus 19:1-6.

—————-

“10 They did not keep the covenant of God
And refused to walk in His law;
11 They forgot His deeds
And His miracles that He had shown them.
12 He wrought wonders before their fathers
In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.” Psalm 78:10-12.

But, there is hope!

“For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says,

“BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD,
WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT
WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH;
NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS
ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND
TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT;
FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT,
AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD.” Hebrews 8:7-9.

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.  I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst.  Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.  For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.  Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.  You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers;  so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”  Ezekiel 36:22-28. 

“and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  Revelation 1:5-6. 

“And they *sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals;  for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God;  and they will reign upon the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 29, 2022

“the wisdom from above” – “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God” – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 18:13-27.  Here is a link to this Scripture  – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+18&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.  Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people?  Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?”  Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.  When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.  You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.  Now listen to me:  I will give you counsel, and God be with you.  You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.  Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain;  and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.  Let them judge the people at all times;  and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge.  So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.  If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”

So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said.”  Exodus 18:13-27. 

—————-

As the Scripture quoted below teaches us, there are two wisdoms.  There is wisdom from below, and there is wisdom from above. The qualities of each wisdom are detailed below.    

But, let us consider and use the specific example presented by Scripture today.

Those who have wisdom from below think they are wise by holding on to power and not delegating responsibility, because they are motived by pride, selfish ambition, and they want all the attention and honor.  In summary, they are motivated by wisdom from below.  

But, those who have wisdom from above think they are wise by delegating responsibility to “able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain”, because they are motivated by humility, gentleness, and reasonableness.  In summary, they are motivated by wisdom from above.   

As another example, we read of wisdom from above in Scripture used in the appointment of elders such as in Titus chapter 1.

So, here are the qualities of each wisdom.

“Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”  James 3:13-17.

But, there is hope!

Christ is our wisdom from above.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM?  BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF THE CHRIST.”  1 Corinthians 2:16. 

“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.

“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. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 28, 2022

“The LORD reigns” – “For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised” – “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.” – “Give thanks to Him” – “For the LORD is good”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 18:9-12.

“Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians.  So Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.  Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods;  indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.”  Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”  Exodus 18:9-12.

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Today’s Scripture describes some reasons why we praise and worship God and also some ways to do so.  

Psalm chapters 95 to 100 expand on these reasons and ways.  Here are some quotes.

“O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” Psalm chapter 95:1-2.

“Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3 Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
Bring an offering and come into His courts.
9 Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
12 Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
13 Before the LORD, for He is coming,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.” Psalm chapter 96.

“O sing to the LORD a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
2 The LORD has made known His salvation;
He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Psalm 98:1-3.

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm chapter 100.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 26, 2022

“I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” – “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 18:1-8.

“Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.  Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away, and her two sons, of whom one was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”  The other was named Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mount of God.  He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”  Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him;  and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.  Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them.”  Exodus 18:1-8.  

——————–

What and Who motivate us to be a sojourner in a foreign land?

What and Who motivate us to endure our travels through the wilderness?

The answer to what motivates is that faith motivates us.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8. 

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt;  for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king;  for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.  By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.  By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land;  and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”  Hebrews 11:24-29.

The answer to Who motivates is that the LORD motivates us.

“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 2:10.

“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.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

And, we see Moses give credit to the LORD.

“The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”  See Verse 4.

“Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them.”  Verse 8. 

“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.

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