Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 1, 2022

“It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich” – “Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 26:12-17.

“Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.  And the LORD blessed him, and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy;  for he had possessions of flocks and herds and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him.  Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines stopped up by filling them with earth.  Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.”  And Isaac departed from there and camped in the valley of Gerar, and settled there.”  Genesis 26:12-17.

—————–

There are those who read the title to this devotion who may be tempted to immediately rush to judgment and dismiss the devotion without reading it and think:  “Prosperity Gospel!”

I respectfully request that the reader please read the whole devotion and consider the Scriptures and all the points before making judgment.    

First, we cannot ignore Scripture such as today’s Scripture and other Scriptures that it is by the blessing of the LORD that one becomes rich.  

“It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22.

“The LORD has greatly blessed my master (Abraham), so that he has become rich;  and He has given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and servants and maids, and camels and donkeys.”  Genesis 24:35.  

“Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’  But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”  Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Second, also in regards to Proverbs 10:22 above, there are those who are rich and they do not have God’s blessing.  God does add sorrow to their riches.

“16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!” Psalm 73:16-19.

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.”  James 5:1.

Third, faith requires a belief that God will reward us and provide for us.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism that faith believes in the care and other providence of God, our faithful Father.

 Q. 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body;  and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;  for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

Q. 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?

A.  The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures;  so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand. 

Q. 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

A.  That we may be patient in adversity;  thankful in prosperity;  and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love;  since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.

Fourth, even when we experience earthly riches, our minds are set above on heavenly riches.  Consider Abraham.  As rich as Abraham was, here is how his life was summarized.  “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 11:9-10.

Fifth, wisdom and understanding (particularly understanding of God) is better than riches.

“13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.” Proverbs 3:13-18.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Comments Off on “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich” – “Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 28, 2022

“Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 26:7-11.

“When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful.”  It came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah.  Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, certainly she is your wife!  How then did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”  And Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘I might die on account of her.’”  Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us?  One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”  So Abimelech charged all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”   Genesis 26:7-11.

———————-

God is very protective of His chosen ones.

As another example, there is a very similar story about Isaac’s father and mother.  “Now there was a famine in the land;  so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.  It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman;  and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’;  and they will kill me, but they will let you live.  Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.”  Genesis 12:10:13.

We may try to protect ourselves in different ways.  But, ultimately, God is the One Who protects us.  

“But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.  Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me?  Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife?  Now then, here is your wife, take her and go.”  Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him;  and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him.”  Genesis 12:17-20.

“9 The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.
10 Then He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
As the portion of your inheritance,”
12 When they were only a few men in number,
Very few, and strangers in it.
13 And they wandered about from nation to nation,
From one kingdom to another people.
14 He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes:
15 “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.” Psalm 105:8-15.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
3 Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
4 Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
5 Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,
6 O seed of Abraham, His servant,
O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
7 He is the LORD our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.” Psalm 105:1-5.

Comments Off on “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 27, 2022

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 26:1-6.

“Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham.  So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines.  The LORD appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt;  stay in the land of which I shall tell you.  Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham.  I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands;  and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;  because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws.”

So Isaac lived in Gerar.”  Genesis 26:1-6.

——————

We tend to focus on God’s election a/k/a predestination and forget about man’s “Total Depravity”.

Too many in Reformed circles minimize or hide “TULIP”.  But, “TULIP” is a helpful 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”.  One of the things that “TULIP” does is that it forces us to remember man’s “Total Depravity”, and thus, we are less likely to think that God’s election a/k/a predestination is unjust. 

In today’s Scripture, we see God’s wonderful promises to Isaac.  But, we may forget the immediately preceding Scripture:  “And Jacob said, “First swear to me”;  so he (Esau) swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew;  and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way.  Thus Esau despised his birthright.”  Genesis 25:33-34.  

So, although the following Scripture rightfully causes us to focus on God’s election a/k/a predestination known also by the TULIP point “Unconditional Election”, let us not forget about man’s “Total Depravity”.    

“And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;  for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.”  Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.”  

What shall we say then?  There is no injustice with God, is there?  May it never be!  For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.  …  So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.”  Romans 9:10-16 and 18.

“TULIP” starts with man’s “Total Depravity”, the letter “T” of “TULIP”.  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.

Consider the very first article in the Canons of Dordt.

 Article 1.  As all men have sinned in Adam, lie under the curse, and are deserving of eternal death, God would have done no injustice by leaving them all to perish, and delivering them over to condemnation on account of sin, according to the words of the apostle, Romans 3:19, “that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”  And verse 23:  “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  And Romans 6:23:  “for the wages of sin is death.”  FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“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.

Comments Off on “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 25, 2022

“Thus Esau despised his birthright.” – “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has … insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:27-34.

“When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.  Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.  When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished;  and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.”  Therefore his name was called Edom.  But Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.”  Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die;  so of what use then is the birthright to me?”  And Jacob said, “First swear to me”;  so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew;  and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way.  Thus Esau despised his birthright.”  Genesis 25:27-34.

————–

The action of Esau in despising his birthright is the theme of today’s devotion, particularly because we are warned “that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.  For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”  Hebrews 12:16-17.

Many of us were born and raised in a family and home where we attended at least some church and some Sunday School and received some amount of Christian teaching.  

Some of us have received much more and in addition attended Christian school and regular children’s catechism and were abundantly taught the doctrines of grace.

This was our birthright, and we received it just because we were born in a family who provided all of it.

Yet, as we got older, we became wise in our own eyes and desired to be like others.  We became attracted to churches that prioritized popularity programs that appealed to our senses rather than appealed to the purity of the preaching including the doctrines of grace which we were taught.  We justified it in our eyes as being more seeker-sensitive.  We joined the crowd who minimized and eventually hid the importance of the doctrines of grace summarized by TULIP.  When others scoffed at election a/k/a predestination, we were silent and stayed with them.  In summary, like Esau, we went our way and despised our birthright.    

Be warned by the lesson of today’s Scripture and this following concluding Scripture!

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said:  “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

Comments Off on “Thus Esau despised his birthright.” – “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has … insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 24, 2022

“God has chosen” – “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.” … So then it (salvation) does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:12-26.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son:  Abraham became the father of Isaac;  and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife.  Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren;  and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.  But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?”  So she went to inquire of the LORD.  The LORD said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb;
And two peoples will be separated from your body;
And one people shall be stronger than the other;
And the older shall serve the younger.”

When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.  Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.  Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob;  and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.”  Genesis 25:19-26. 

———————-

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.” Malachi 1:2-2.

“And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;  for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.”  Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.”

What shall we say then?  There is no injustice with God, is there?  May it never be!  For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:10-16.

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

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, and effectually to call and draw them to his communion by his Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification;  and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of his Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of his mercy, and for the praise of his glorious grace;  as it is written:  “According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love;  having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved,”  Ephesians 1:4,5,6.  And elsewhere:  “Whom he did predestinate, them he also called;  and whom he called, them he also justified;  and whom he justified, them he also glorified,”  Romans 8:30.

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.

Article 10.  The good pleasure of God is the sole cause of this gracious election;  which doth not consist herein, that out of all possible qualities and actions of men God has chosen some as a condition of salvation;  but that he was pleased out of the common mass of sinners to adopt some certain persons as a peculiar people to himself, as it is written, “For the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil,” etc., it was said (namely to Rebecca):  “the elder shall serve the younger; as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,”  Romans 9:11,12,13.  “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed,”  Acts 13:48.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  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 1:26-31.

Comments Off on “God has chosen” – “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.” … So then it (salvation) does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 23, 2022

“For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:1-11.

“Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah.  She bore to him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah.  Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan.  And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim and Letushim and Leummim.  The sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah.  All these were the sons of Keturah.  Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac;  but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east.

These are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years.  Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life;  and he was gathered to his people.  Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth;  there Abraham was buried with Sarah his wife.  It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac;  and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi.”  Genesis 25:1-11.

—————–

Despite the fact that Abraham had many sons, including Ishmael born to Hagar and the sons born to Keturah mentioned in today’s Scripture, that we read in today’s Scripture, “… Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac;  but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east.”  Verses 5-6.

Thus, we see the inheritance given to Isaac specifically described above and generally summarized in the following last sentence of today’s Scripture. “It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac;  …”  Verse 11.

“But what does the Scripture say?

“CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON,
FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.” Galatians 4:21.

“For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise;  but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”  Galatians 3:16-18.

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:13-15.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:4-7.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  …  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”  Galatians 3:24-27 and 29.

“nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but:  “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS BE NAMED.”  That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.  For this is the word of promise:  “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.”  Romans 9:7-9.

“In hope against hope he (Abraham) believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. THEREFORE, IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Romans 4:18-22.

So, we have seen inheritance is based on God’s promise and man’s faith in that promise, but ultimately the inheritance is based on God’s election.  

For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. 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 1:26-31.

Consider that “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, … Canons of Dordt, FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“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 1:3-8.

Comments Off on “For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags:

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 22, 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”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:62-67.

“Now Isaac had come from going to Beer-lahai-roi;  for he was living in the Negev.  Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening;  and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.  Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from the camel.  She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?”  And the servant said, “He is my master.”  Then she took her veil and covered herself.  The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.  Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her;  thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”  Genesis 24:62-67.

—————-

God comforted Isaac after his mother’s death by providing Rebekah to be his wife.  

Isaac was a child of promise a/k/a chosen of God a/k/a an elect thereby being a recipient of God’s blessings including comfort.  

“And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.”  Galatians 4:28. 

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.  It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-16.

“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 1:3-8.

Comments Off on “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”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 21, 2022

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:28-51.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things.  Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban;  and Laban ran outside to the man at the spring.  When he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he went to the man;  and behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.  And he said, “Come in, blessed of the Lord!  Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?”  So the man entered the house.  Then Laban unloaded the camels, and he gave straw and feed to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.  But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.”  And he said, “Speak on.”  …  So now if you are going to deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me;  and if not, let me know, that I may turn to the right hand or the left.”

Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter comes from the Lord; so we cannot speak to you bad or good.  Here is Rebekah before you, take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.”

 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the ground before the LORD.  The servant brought out articles of silver and articles of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah;  he also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.  Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night.  When they arose in the morning, he said, “Send me away to my master.”  But her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten;  afterward she may go.”  He said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way.  Send me away that I may go to my master.”  And they said, “We will call the girl and consult her wishes.”  Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?”  And she said, “I will go.”  Thus they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse with Abraham’s servant and his men.  They blessed Rebekah and said to her,

“May you, our sister,
Become thousands of ten thousands,
And may your descendants possess
The gate of those who hate them.”

Then Rebekah arose with her maids, and they mounted the camels and followed the man.  So the servant took Rebekah and departed.”  Genesis 24:28-22 and 49-61.

————–

We need the favor of God above all which often includes the favor of men. 

Despite the servant doing everything he could in fulfilling Abraham’s commission, the servant realized that he needed the favor of Laban, Bethuel, Rebekah, and her mother.

Any one of them could refuse his offer, and so the servant said;  “So now if you are going to deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me;  and if not, let me know, that I may turn to the right hand or the left.”  Verse 49.  

We see clearly and repeatedly in today’s Scripture the favor that Laban, Bethuel, Rebekah, and her mother all had toward the servant.  

But, as a quick side note, we also need to realize that there are times, even many times, when we should not seek the favor of men! 

“As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:9-10.

But, with that exception in mind, today’s Scripture leads us to focus on favor with God and men, so today’s devotion will examine some Scriptures on this favor.

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12.

“But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.”  Genesis 39:21. 

“I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians;  and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed.  But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing;  and you will put them on your sons and daughters.  Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.”  Exodus 3:21-22.

“For how then can it be known that I (Moses) have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people?  Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”  Exodus 33:13.  

“Then she (Ruth) fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”  Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.”  Ruth 2:10-13. 

“Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men.”  1 Samuel 2:26.

“So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered;  and Saul set him over the men of war.  And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.”  1 Samuel 18:5.

“Now the young lady (Ester) pleased him (King Ahasuerus) and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem.  …  The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”  Esther 2:9 and 17.

“Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials,”  Daniel 1:9.

“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  Luke 2:52.

“10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:10-11.

“For he who finds me (wisdom) finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 8:35.

“A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.” Proverbs 12:2.

“14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn aside from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding produces favor,
But the way of the treacherous is hard.” Proverbs 18:14-15.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22.

“4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5.

Comments Off on “For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 20, 2022

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; … he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:15-27.

“Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.  The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her;  and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up.  Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”  She said, “Drink, my lord”;  and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink.  Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking.”  So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.  Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.

When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half-shekel and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels in gold, and said, “Whose daughter are you?  Please tell me, is there room for us to lodge in your father’s house?”  She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”  Again she said to him, “We have plenty of both straw and feed, and room to lodge in.”  Then the man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.  He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master;  as for me, the LORD has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.”   Genesis 24:15-27.

———————

We remember the command and commission that Abraham gave his servant:  “but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”  Genesis 24:4.

Was the servant proud in what he did or was the servant humble and glad in what God had done?

The servant was humble.  “Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.”  Verse 21.  “Then the man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.”  Verse 26.

The servant was glad in what God had done.  “He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master;  as for me, the LORD has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.”  Verse 27.

The servant could have focused on and trusted his sense of direction and his wisdom in finding and choosing Rebekah.  But, instead, the servant focused on and trusted in God and God’s guidance. 

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.

Comments Off on “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; … he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 18, 2022

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:10-14.

“Then the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master, and set out with a variety of good things of his master’s in his hand;  and he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.  He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.  He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.  Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water;  now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac;  and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”  Genesis 24:10-14.

————–

Through God’s grace to us, including His gift of faith to us, we have faith that God will show us lovingkindness.

First, we believe in the quality of God that He delights in lovingkindness and exercises it on earth. 

“… I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:24.

“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.

“But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” Psalm 86:15.

Second, we believe that God shows lovingkindness to His elect.

“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3.

Consider that “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.  Canons of Dordt, FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“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. 

Third, we believe that the faith that God gives to His elect contains the element of expectation of lovingkindness.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6. 

Fourth, whatever we face, we believe that God will show us lovingkindness.

“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 23:6.

“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”
Says the LORD who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10.

“I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever;
To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.
2 For I have said, “Lovingkindness will be built up forever;
In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.” Psalm 89:1-2.

Comments Off on “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags:

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories