Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 7, 2025

“You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles 20:14-25.

“Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph;  and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat:  thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them.  Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel.  You need not fight in this battle;  station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’  Do not fear or be dismayed;  tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.”

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.  The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established.  Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”  When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”  When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah;  so they were routed.  For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely;  and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped.  When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found much among them, including goods, garments and valuable things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry.  And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much.”  2 Chronicles 20:14-25.

————-

Other doctrine focuses on man and what man should do.

But, Reformed Doctrine focuses on God and what God has done and what God will do.

In today’s Scripture, as shown by bold italic font, we see that the focus is on God and what God has done and what God will do.

Man rightly needs to fear when the outcome is dependent on man.  But, what does Scripture state?

“‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  …  You need not fight in this battle;  station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.'”

“Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established.  Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

Reformed Doctrine accurately summarizes Scripture and teaches that salvation is a work of God alone, by grace alone, and that God provides all the things that accompany salvation from beginning to end:  from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  (The “T” of “TULIP” represents “Total Depravity” of man).  This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 6, 2025

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles 20:1-13.

“Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.  Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).”  Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD;  they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.

Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD before the new court, and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens?  And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations?  Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.  Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?  They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’  Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance.  O our God, will You not judge them?  For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us;  nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

All Judah was standing before the LORD, with their infants, their wives and their children.”  2 Chronicles 20:1-13.

———–

“18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:18-22.

“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?  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?  God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.  Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,

“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:28-39.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 4, 2025

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”

Today’s devotion is a special devotion for this 4th of July, our nation’s anniversary.  On Sunday, July 6, 2025, God willing, we will continue to cover Scripture in its order with 2 Chronicles 20:1-13.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12.

Our nation’s hope is not in our democracy, nor in our capitalism, nor in the righteousness or other goodness of our leaders and our people.

Our hope is in God.  “In God We Trust”.

“Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  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 5:14-16.

Many of us believe, hope, and seek that God has chosen us, the United States, for His purposes, to some extent to be special, to be that “nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” and to be that “light of the world” and that “city set on a hill (that) cannot be hidden”.

We sing the song “America the Beautiful” whose first verse is:

“O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”

What specifically should we believe, hope, and seek?

We can learn from Israel who were God’s chosen people a/k/a nation in the Old Testament.  Here is what Moses asked on behalf of his nation Israel.

“For how then can it be known that I 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?”

The LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken;  for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”  Exodus 33:16-17.

In a nutshell, over time, through history, we have seen all the blessings that the LORD has done for the United States, a land of peace and prosperity, a land overflowing with milk and honey, and most importantly a land with religious freedoms that have protected and prospered Christianity, such that in summary, we have grown to believe and come to believe that the United States was distinguished from all the other nations.

Accordingly, over time, through history, we have grown and come to believe that God has chosen us, the United States, for His own purposes, to be that “nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” 

So, let us look at some Scriptures to understand that God makes distinction between peoples and nations.  God did not treat all peoples and nations equally.  Let us look at how God treated the nation of Israel at times in the Old Testament.    

“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,”  Deuteronomy 7:6.

In other words, there was no virtue in Israel that was the basis for the LORD setting His love on Israel and choosing Israel. For His own sovereign reasons and pleasure, the LORD decided to do so.

Likewise, there was no virtue in United States that was the basis for the LORD setting His love on United States and choosing United States. For His own sovereign reasons and pleasure, it appears from His blessings that He bestowed on the United States that the LORD decided that United States would be that “nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”  Accordingly, United States should be humble and thankful to the LORD.

Regarding the distinction that the LORD makes between nations, consider the following Scriptures.

“But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.”’”  Exodus 9:4.

“But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’”  Exodus 11:7.

“And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them;  the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.  Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed;  all came to pass.”  Joshua 21:44-45.

“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised;  not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.  May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers;  may He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers.”  1 Kings 8:56-58.

Although there is the presence of wickedness in the United States, and we do not deserve being chosen and blessed by our own goodness or other virtue, we can more easily generally believe that God has chosen, guided, protected, preserved, and otherwise specially blessed the United States for His own purposes and His own pleasure of His own sovereign will which we cannot fully understand.

Let us consider the context, the preceding verses, of that precious verse (“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, …” Psalm 33:12).

“8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.” Psalm 33:8-11.

In other words, God’s grace on the United States is not dependent on our faithfulness, but it is dependent on His faithfulness and His choice of the United States to be that “nation whose God is the LORD”. “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, …” Psalm 33:11.

It is more difficult to speculate on the specific reasons why God chose United States. Maybe, we do not know, the LORD did so choose and specially bless the United States maybe for the sake of His elect such as the Puritans and other pilgrims who founded our nation (Christians) to give them and their descendants a good place to live. Maybe, we do not know, the LORD did so to use the United States to send out the Gospel to the rest of the world. Maybe, we do not know, the LORD did so to use the United States to maintain peace and be an example and otherwise be a blessing to the rest of the world. Maybe, we do not know, the LORD did so to use the United States as part of His overall plan to otherwise exercise His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth.  

We do see from Scripture the following.

We do see from the New Testament that God only shows “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:7.  

“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.”  Ephesians 1:3-4.

“He who did not spare His own Son (Christ), but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.

“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.

Regarding the purposes of why God chose the United States, one analogy is how God chose Rome to build roads and maintain peace through much of the world at the time of Christ by which the Gospel could be more easily spread.

Regarding the presence of wickedness in the United States, and why God would still protect, preserve and specially bless the United States despite such wickedness, another analogy can be seen through Jesus’ parable in which Jesus taught that God does not punish wickedness as quickly as some may like.  

“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.

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?  And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.”  Romans 9:22-24.

Certainly, there are Christians in other nations, and God has also to some extent guided, protected, preserved, and blessed other nations, also for the sake of those Christians in other nations.  

More important than the United States is Christ’s church, His body, the elect of God from all nations.

“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.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;  and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  Revelation 7:9-10.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory.  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 13:24-27.

In conclusion, even though some of our government leaders may be bad, we are urged to pray for them.  And, even though some of the actions of the United States are bad, we are also urged to pray for the United States and give thanks to God for what God has done for our nation, the United States of America.   

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”  1 Timothy 2:1-6.

So, through God’s grace and providence, may our national motto and faith always continue to be: “In God, we trust.” May God always continue to guide, protect, and bless the United States of America!

“Those who trust in the LORD
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.

4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good
And to those who are upright in their hearts.
5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
The LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity.
Peace be upon Israel.” Psalm chapter 125.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 3, 2025

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

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles chapter 19.

“Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.  Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?  But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.”

So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city.  He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.  Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you;  be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.  Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly.  Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before the LORD, and wrath may not come on you and your brethren.  Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty.  Behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king.  Also the Levites shall be officers before you.  Act resolutely, and the LORD be with the upright.”  2 Chronicles chapter 19.

————-  

Why do we obey the LORD?

First, let us consider the following good summary from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?

A.  That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ;  who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil;  and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;  yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him.

Hopefully, these following Scriptures, starting with this following lead Deuteronomy Scripture, will also help us give us some reasons to answer that question.  

“Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD’S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?  Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.  Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.  So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.  For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the LORD of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.  He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.  So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.  You shall fear the LORD your God;  you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.  He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.  Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.”  Deuteronomy 10:12-20.

We obey the LORD, because He is the Sovereign Almighty LORD and we belong to Him.  “Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.”  See Deuteronomy 10:14 above.

We obey the LORD, because He chose us out of all the peoples to be His people, His children.  “Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.”  See Deuteronomy 10:15 above.

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48.

This verse means that we will be perfect, because “your heavenly Father is perfect” and He will provide everything that we, His children, need to be perfect.   

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

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.

We obey the LORD, because He has done great and awesome things for us.  “He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.”  See Deuteronomy 10:21 above. 

We obey the LORD, because He has given us a new heart and a new spirit and causes us to obey Him.

“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 36:26-27.

We obey the LORD, because He gives us the will to obey Him and works within us to obey Him.

“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 2:12-13.

“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. 

We obey the LORD, because He gives us everything that we need to obey Him.

“For by one offering He (Christ) 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.”  Ephesians 1:3-6. 

“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.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4. 

In conclusion, we obey the LORD, because the LORD places us in Christ and gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ and always leads us in triumph in Christ! Praise the LORD!!

“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.

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.” Romans 7:4.

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.’ Colossians 2:9-15.

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 2, 2025

“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles 18:23-34.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2018&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up against Ramoth-gilead.  The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you put on your robes.”  So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.  Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.”  So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him.  But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.  When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.  A certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor.  So he said to the driver of the chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the fight, for I am severely wounded.”  The battle raged that day, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot in front of the Arameans until the evening;  and at sunset he died.”  2 Chronicles 18:28-34.

————    

“The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

The king of Israel planned to protect himself and draw attention and the fight of the enemy to Jehoshaphat.  “The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you put on your robes.  …”  Verse 29.

But, the LORD directed the king of Israel’s steps to the exact position where an arrow would hit him in the joint of the armor.  “A certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor.  …”  Verse 33.

The army of the king of Aram planned to attack Jehoshaphat.  “So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him.  …”  Verse 31. 

But, the LORD diverted them away from Jehoshaphat.  “…  But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.”  Verse 31. 

“And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21.

“6 “The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 “The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
8 “He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S,
And He set the world on them.
9 “He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
10 “Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.” 1 Samuel 2:6-10.

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

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 1, 2025

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles 18:8-22.

“Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah, Imla’s son.”  Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, and they were sitting at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria;  and all the prophets were prophesying before them.  Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’”  All the prophets were prophesying thus, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and succeed, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”

Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king.  So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.”  But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?”  He said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be given into your hand.”  Then the king said to him, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”  So he said,

“I saw all Israel
Scattered on the mountains,
Like sheep which have no shepherd;
And the LORD said,
‘These have no master.
Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”

Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the LORD. I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left.  The LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’  And one said this while another said that.  Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’  And the LORD said to him, ‘How?’  He said, ‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’  Then He said, ‘You are to entice him and prevail also. Go and do so.’  Now therefore, behold, the LORD has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of these your prophets, for the LORD has proclaimed disaster against you.”  2 Chronicles 18:8-22.

———–

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1.

If the LORD was able to control the will of a king, even wicked king Ahab, as He did through putting a deceiving spirit in the mouth of these prophets, then why is it so hard for us to believe that the LORD is able to control the will of us, His righteous children?!

We have all these magnificent promises, but we rather believe false doctrine that man’s alleged free-will trumps both generally God’s sovereignty and His specific magnificent promises.  Ridiculous!  Enough is enough!  Let us turn our attention to God’s sovereignty and magnificent promises!

First, let us consider some additional Scripture on God’s sovereignty.

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

“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:4.

“‘Ah Lord GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm!  Nothing is too difficult for You,”  Jeremiah 32:17.

“Why are the nations in an uproar
And the peoples devising a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:1-9.

God’s sovereignty rules over all!  God controls even hearts and minds, and He is not releasing His tight and total control over them.  Man may cry:  “Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!”.  But, as we see in the foregoing Scripture, the Lord laughs at them and scoffs at them.

“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.

Now, let us consider some additional Scriptures about God’s magnificent promises.

“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 2:12-13.

“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, 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 36:26-27.

“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. 

“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 (Christ) has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14. 

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48.

You will be perfect, because “your heavenly Father is perfect” and He will provide everything that you, His righteous children, need to be perfect.   

“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.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 30, 2025

“The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it.” – “You preserve me from trouble”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles 18:1-7.

“Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor;  and he allied himself by marriage with Ahab.  Some years later he went down to visit Ahab at Samaria.  And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.  Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?”  And he said to him, “I am as you are, and my people as your people, and we will be with you in the battle.”

Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”  Then the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?”  And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.”  But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?”  The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me but always evil.  He is Micaiah, son of Imla.”  But Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”  2 Chronicles 18:1-7.

————-

A prudent man considers warning signs along the way.  So to speak, some warning signs are flashing red lights, but other warning signs are much more subtle and take much more wisdom to discern.  

And then, there are rewards to consider as well as as risks.  For a particular path, it might be worth it to assume the risks when we consider the rewards.

In today’s devotion, we will look at warning signs that Jehoshaphat, king of Israel, faced and how we can use them to be more careful in the risks that we face.  We will also meditate on some Scriptures on wisdom and protection.

In verse 1, we see that Jehoshaphat allied himself by marriage with Ahab.  We know that Ahab was a bad man, but Jehoshaphat did not marry Ahab.  We can presume Jehoshaphat married some relative of Ahab.  It is rarely, if ever, worthwhile to marry a bad spouse.  But, it may be worthwhile to marry a good spouse even though there is a bad member in the spouse’s family.  

In verses 2-3, we see that Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab, and Ahab threw him a party and Ahab asked a favor from Jehoshaphat.  Bad men are rarely generous.  Was Jehoshaphat prepared for the possibility, even likelihood that Ahab would ask a big favor from him?  We read that Ahab asked to go to war with him against Ramoth-gilead.  

In verses 4-5, Jehoshaphat was at least wise enough to ask the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”  But, Ahab only assembled his own prophets, false prophets, to ask them.  And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.” 

In verses 6-7, Jehoshaphat was at least wise enough to ask:  “Is there not yet a prophet of the LORD here that we may inquire of him?”  And, when Ahab resisted, Jehoshaphat was at least wise enough to press the issue and insist that Ahab bring them Micaiah, son of Imla, who we was a true prophet. 

Unfortunately, this was not the end of the story.  The end of the story did not have a pure happy ending.  It is too complex to summarize herein.  But, for the purposes of this devotion, we can glean the importance of prudence, perseverance, and preservation.  We can not be content with making one prudent decision.  We also need to persevere in wisdom, and we also need God’s preservation of us.  

So, here are some Scriptures.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10.

“3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it.
4 The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:3-4.

“The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15.

“House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD.” Proverbs 19:14.

“My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3 For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.” Proverbs 2:1-9.

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

“…  But we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:16.

“… Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16.

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.

“3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
4 “Trust in the LORD forever,
For in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4.

“23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7.

“Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10.

“23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!
The LORD preserves the faithful
And fully recompenses the proud doer.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:23-24.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4.

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 29, 2025

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” – “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles chapter 17.

“Jehoshaphat his son then became king in his place, and made his position over Israel firm.  He placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had captured.

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did.  So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.  He took great pride in the ways of the LORD and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.

Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;  and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tobadonijah, the Levites;  and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.  They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the LORD with them;  and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

Now the dread of the LORD was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.  Some of the Philistines brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat;  the Arabians also brought him flocks, 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.  So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.  He had large supplies in the cities of Judah, and warriors, valiant men, in Jerusalem.  This was their muster according to their fathers’ households:  of Judah, commanders of thousands, Adnah was the commander, and with him 300,000 valiant warriors;  and next to him was Johanan the commander, and with him 280,000;  and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who volunteered for the LORD, and with him 200,000 valiant warriors;  and of Benjamin, Eliada a valiant warrior, and with him 200,000 armed with bow and shield;  and next to him Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 equipped for war.  These are they who served the king, apart from those whom the king put in the fortified cities through all Judah.”  2 Chronicles chapter 17.

————–  

Today’s Scripture about Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, leads us to meditate on Christ, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” 

We will primarily use the following Scripture in Revelation.  But, we will also refer to other Scriptures too.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems;  and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron;  and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  Revelation 19:11-16.

Jehoshaphat was faithful to God.  Christ is “Faithful and True”.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He (Christ) who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.”  Revelation 19:11. 

“I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.  …  

While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me;  and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”  John 17:4 and 12.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;  and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”  John 10:27-28.

“… 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.

Jehoshaphat taught Judah with the Word of God.  Christ has taught and builds up His church, His body.  

“… and His name is called The Word of God.”  Revelation 19:13. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John 1:1.

“Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world;  I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together;  and I spoke nothing in secret.”  John 18:20.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  … 

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:7 and 11-13.

“As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” 1 John 2:27.

Jehoshaphat had large numbers of valiant warriors and armies and fortresses and garrisons and fortified cities “and made his position over Israel firm”.  The LORD, God the Father, installed His Son, Christ, to be “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”, making His position firm with armies to wage war and putting all things in subjection under Christ’s feet. 

“And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron;  and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.”  Revelation 19:14-15. 

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

“Why are the nations in an uproar
And the peoples devising a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:1-9.

Christ is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And He (God the Father) put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”  Ephesians 1:21-23.

“For He (Christ) must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be abolished is death.  For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.  But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.  When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”  1 Corinthians 15:25-28.

“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.

“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.

“3 “The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.
4 “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 “The deeps cover them;
They went down into the depths like a stone.
6 “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.” Exodus 15:3-6.

“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 15:7.

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.” Luke 19:12.

“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.

“16 And He saw that there was no man,
And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;
Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,
And His righteousness upheld Him.
17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.
18 According to their deeds, so He will repay,
Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies;
To the coastlands He will make recompense.
19 So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west
And His glory from the rising of the sun,
For He will come like a rushing stream
Which the wind of the LORD drives.
20 “A Redeemer will come to Zion,
And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares the LORD.

21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from now and forever.” Isaiah 59:16-21.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:8-10.

“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.

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” Colossians 2:13-15.

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

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:4-6.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:16-18.

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” …

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:9 and 12-15.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24.

“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? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,

“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-39.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.

“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:14-57.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 27, 2025

“Do not be wise in your own eyes” – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles chapter 16.

“In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah.  Then Asa brought out silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the king’s house, and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who lived in Damascus, saying, “Let there be a treaty between you and me, as between my father and your father.  Behold, I have sent you silver and gold;  go, break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so that he will withdraw from me.”  So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim and all the store cities of Naphtali.  When Baasha heard of it, he ceased fortifying Ramah and stopped his work.  Then King Asa brought all Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber with which Baasha had been building, and with them he fortified Geba and Mizpah.

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand.  Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen?  Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.  For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.  You have acted foolishly in this.  Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.”  Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.

Now, the acts of Asa from first to last, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.  In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa became diseased in his feet.  His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.  So Asa slept with his fathers, having died in the forty-first year of his reign.  They buried him in his own tomb which he had cut out for himself in the city of David, and they laid him in the resting place which he had filled with spices of various kinds blended by the perfumers’ art;  and they made a very great fire for him.”  2 Chronicles chapter 16.

———–   

Even though Asa trusted the LORD as we read in the prior chapter, we see in this chapter that Asa trusted in the king of Aram and did not trust in the LORD.  The first lesson for us today is to continually trust the LORD.

“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8.

And yet, even after the rebuke of Hanani the seer and even after his disease was severe, Asa “did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.”

But, there is hope!

Reformed Doctrine preaches and teaches us God’s “Preservation of the Saints”,  the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings;  which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

“For the LORD loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.” Psalm 37:28.

“You, O LORD, will keep them;
You will preserve him from this generation forever.” Psalm 12:7.

“You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:11.

“The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

“23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7.

“Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10.

“23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!
The LORD preserves the faithful
And fully recompenses the proud doer.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:23-24.

“Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.” Proverbs 2:8.

“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.”  John 6:39.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;  and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:27-29.

“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me;  and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”  John 17:12.

“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.”  Romans 8:28-30.

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:37-39.

“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.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  Hebrews 12:2.

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

“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 | June 26, 2025

“He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Chronicles chapter 15.

“Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin:  the LORD is with you when you are with Him.  And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him;  but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.  For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law.  But in their distress they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.  In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands.  Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress.  But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”

Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim.  He then restored the altar of the LORD which was in front of the porch of the LORD.  He gathered all Judah and Benjamin and those from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who resided with them, for many defected to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.  So they assembled at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign.  They sacrificed to the LORD that day 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep from the spoil they had brought.  They entered into the covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and soul;  and whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman.  Moreover, they made an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, with trumpets and with horns.  All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him.  So the LORD gave them rest on every side.”  

He also removed Maacah, the mother of King Asa, from the position of queen mother, because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah, and Asa cut down her horrid image, crushed it and burned it at the brook Kidron.  But the high places were not removed from Israel;  nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.  He brought into the house of God the dedicated things of his father and his own dedicated things:  silver and gold and utensils.  And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.”  2 Chronicles chapter 15.

———–   

Few like warnings.  They are unpleasant to receive and to consider.  But, the wise heed the warnings and make appropriate reforms, like we see Asa do in today’s Scripture, and as we will also generally see in the following Proverbs.

But, even before the reforms, at the point of receiving the warnings and considering them, there is hope.  

“But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”  Verse 7.  Specifically, as we receiving the warnings and considering them, and more generally, as we give time and attention to God’s word, we receive the reward of having courage to undertake the reforms.  “Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage …”  Verse 8.

“The one who despises the word will be in debt to it,
But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13.

“He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.” Proverbs 16:20.

“6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.” Proverbs 2:6-9.

Now, let us consider the following Proverbs on how the wise heed the warnings and make reforms.

“A wise son accepts his father’s discipline,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” Proverbs 13:1.

“A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.” Proverbs 14:16.

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
That one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27.

“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.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
But a fool displays folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity,
But a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,
But he who regards reproof will be honored.” Proverbs 13:14-18.

“31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
Will dwell among the wise.
32 He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:31-33.

But, these Proverbs and the rest of the Law lead us to Christ Who provides all that we need, even faith!

“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.”  Galatians 3:24-26.

“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.

“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.

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”  Colossians 2:9.

“…  for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.

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