Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 2, 2019

“Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 2:22-28.

“Men of Israel, listen to these words:  Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.  But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.  For David says of Him,

‘I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE;
FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.
26 ‘THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED;
MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE;
27 BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES,
NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.
28 ‘YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE;
YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.’”  Acts 2:22-28.

———————-

Other doctrine presents a god of its imagination and desire, a Reactor, who reacts to the alleged free-will and actions of man.

But, Reformed Doctrine presents the God of Scripture, an Initiator, Who initiates what will be done according to His Sovereign Will and Plan. 

Today’s Scripture states that Jesus was “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God”.  Verse 23.

“So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me?  Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?”  Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above;  …”  John 19:11.

“No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.  This commandment I received from My Father.”  John 10:18.

Thus, we understand that Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross was done according to God’s Sovereign Will and Plan.

There was no suspense, no drama, and no doubt.

And, “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”  Verse 24.

Jesus had “the power of an indestructible life”.  Hebrews 7:16.

Jesus knew that His Heavenly Father would not abandon His soul to Hades nor allow Him to undego decay.  Verse 27.

“Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”  Luke 24:44-47.

There was no suspense, no drama, and no doubt.

Other doctrine exalts and exults in the alleged free-will of man.  Other doctrine hates the sovereign and total and perfect control of the God of Scripture.

“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”  Psalm 2:3.

But, Reformed Doctrine is not shaken nor moved.  Reformed Doctrine exalts and exults in the sovereign and total and perfect control of the God of Scripture.

“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 2:4-9.

“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.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.  For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in his own order:  Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.  For He 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.  …”  1 Corinthians 15:20-27.

God accomplishes all of His good pleasure.  There was no suspense, no drama, and no doubt.  Total Perfect Triumph.

“He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”  Romans 4:25.

“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 15:55-57.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 1, 2019

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

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 2:14-21.

“But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.  For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day;  but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN,
I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT
And they shall prophesy.
19 ‘AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE
AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,
BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.
20 ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS
AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,
BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
21 ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’”  Acts 2:14-21.

———————-

Other doctrine views this pouring of the Spirit that occurred at Pentecost and later as God loved everyone, Christ died for everyone, and the Holy Spirit was poured on everyone, but it is up to man to use his own alleged free-will to either choose Christ or reject Christ and thus be saved if he chose Christ.

Reformed Doctrine admits that the Holy Spirit was poured on many more people than previously and also poured on a broader range of people, including Gentiles as well as Jews, and even people of “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (See Revelation 5:9).  But, Reformed Doctrine, using Joel 2:32 and other Scripture, teaches that only God’s elect receives the Holy Spirit.  

Today’s Scripture states in verse 15:  “this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel”.  Specifically, the quote comes from Joel 2:29-32.  But, unlike the Scripture above, Joel 2:28-32 contains the following verse.

“And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Will be delivered;
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
There will be those who escape,
As the Lord has said,
Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”  Joel 2:32.

The importance of Joel 2:32 is that it provides an understanding of the pouring of the Spirit that occurred at Pentecost and later.  Just like not everyone survived in the events prophesied by Joel 2:28-32, but only those “whom the LORD calls”, not everyone will receive the Spirit in the events prophesied by today’s Scripture (Acts 2:17-21), but only those whom the LORD calls.  

“… you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  Acts 2:38-39.

And, this promise of the Holy Spirit comes to only those who are in Christ Jesus.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  Galatians 3:13-14.

In other words, Christ, by his death on the cross for all and only the elect, earned all the saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, “that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death” as stated in Article 8 in  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

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.  FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination of Canons of Dordt.

“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.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13.

“God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”  Hebrews 2:4.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 30, 2019

“speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 2:1-13.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.   And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?  Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”  Acts 2:1-10.

——————–

Other doctrine speaks of the deeds of man.

But, Reformed Doctrine, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks of the mighty deeds of God.

“Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.”  Psalm 150:2.

“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.

Other doctrine trusts in the alleged free-will of man, the wisdom of man, and the works of man.

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts in the will of God, the wisdom of God, and the works of God Who provides all that is needed for salvation from the beginning to the 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, as more fully set forth in the Canons of Dordt.

“15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.
16 I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

17 O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?”  Psalm 71:15-19.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 29, 2019

“if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. … But now Christ has been raised from the dead”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 1:12-26.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.  When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying;  that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.  These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

…

Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”  So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.  And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”  And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias;  and he was added to the eleven apostles.”  Acts 1:12-14 and 21-26.

————

Of all the qualities to be an apostle that would be singled out as essential, it was the quality of being a witness to Jesus’ resurrection that was considered essential.  The one who would be chosen to replace Judas Iscariot was required to be “a witness with us of His resurrection.”  Verse 22.

“To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days …”  Acts 1:3.  Thus, the historical proof of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was abundantly established.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;  then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;  and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.  …

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised;  and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.  Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised;  and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless;  you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-7 and 12-20.

“He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 28, 2019

“Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 1:9-11.

“And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.  They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:9-11.

—————-

Q. 49.  Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?

A.  First, that He is our advocate in the presence of His Father in heaven;  secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that He, as the Head, will also take up to Himself, us, His members;  thirdly, that He sends us His Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.  Heidelberg Catechism.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;”  1 John 2:1.

“… Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:34.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;  if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  John 14:2-3.

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

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;  that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”  John 14:16-18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 27, 2019

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” – “Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 1:6-8.

“So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;  but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;  and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”  Acts 1:6-8.

——————-

Other doctrine is about trying harder.  

But, Reformed Doctrine is about trusting God more.

The disciples asked:  “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

We are like children on a road trip who repeatedly ask their father:  “Are we there yet?”

There are two problems.  First, the father knows that they are not there yet and that if they actually understood how long it would be before they get there, they would be very discouraged.  It is better that they trust the father, not be anxious and dwell on the time, but rather just rest and play games in the back seat.  Second, their image of what is at the destination is likely very different than what is there.

Like children, the disciples wanted it now, and they also wanted something very different than what would be given to them.  The disciples wanted now a political kingdom in which Israel would be sovereign and free from the control and oppression of Rome.  But, they would be given a much more important kingdom, a spiritual kingdom.

Like a father talking to his children, Jesus turned the attention of His disciples to trusting Him.

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

God, our Heavenly Father, likewise turns our attention to trusting Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.”  Proverbs 3:5.

“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 32:10-11.

“Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.  Selah.”  Psalm 62:8.

“Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”  Psalm 116:7.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 26, 2019

“I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.” – “with respect to the promise of God, he (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 1:1-5.

“The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.  To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.  Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  Acts 1:1-5.

———————–

Other doctrine teaches about man and what man did or should do, reminding us to try harder and building our faith in our self. 

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches about God and what God did, reminding us of God’s promises and building our faith in God. 

Today’s Scripture is the introduction and summary of Theophilus’ account.  His account is “about all that Jesus began to do and teach”.  His account summarizes that Jesus’ actions after His suffering and death “by many convincing proofs” proved that Jesus arose from the dead and that He was truly the Son of God.  His account reminds us of the hope in the promise of Jesus that “you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  Reformed Doctrine copies Theophilus who taught about God and what God does, reminding us of God’s promises and building our faith in God.

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;  but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;  and that believing you may have life in His name.”  John 20:30-31.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;  it is these that testify about Me;  and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.”  John 5:39-40.

“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 (Abraham) 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.  Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”  Romans 4:20-25.

“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.”  Romans 9:8.

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.  Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”  2 Corinthians 1:20-22.

“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 3:18.

“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God?  May it never be!  For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  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.”  Galatians 3:21-25.

“For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.”  And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.  For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute.  In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.”  Hebrews 6:13-18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 25, 2019

“If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” – “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” – “My grace is sufficient for you”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:18-25.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished;  but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”  Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.  And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”

Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them;  the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”  So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”  Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”  Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die;  yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”  John 21:18-23.

—————-

We tend to get jealous of parts of other people’s lives.

We covet Bob’s athleticism, Mary’s wealth, Sue’s good looks, John’s job, etc.

We suffer and serve in a certain area and grumble that another person does not seem to have any problems in that area.

In today’s Scripture, Peter felt that it was unfair that Jesus signified what kind of death he (Peter) would experience while Jesus said nothing about John, thus Peter thought Jesus implied John would not suffer such death.

But, Jesus only said:  “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”

In other words, Jesus was telling Peter then and us today:  “Don’t grumble about what suffering and service God has given to you.  Don’t be jealous of others.  Trust God!  Follow Me!”

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”  Matthew 16:24.

Cross signifies the suffering and service God has given to us to endure.  We are called to accept it, not grumble nor rebel nor bristle against it.  We are called to not get jealous of others.  We are called to trust Jesus and follow Jesus.  Thereby, with such proper attitude and actions, we “take up our cross and follow Jesus”.

And, there is hope!

Whatever cross that we are called to bear, Jesus gives us grace to bear it.  

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 23, 2019

“Tend My sheep.” – “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. … for the equipping of the saints for the work of service”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:15-17.

“So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord;  You know that I love You.”  He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.”  He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”  He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord;  You know that I love You.”  He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”  He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”  Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things;  You know that I love You.”  Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.”  John 21:15-17.

——————–

Other doctrine uses today’s Scripture to teach a lesson on man’s alleged free-will, teaching that Jesus was trying to motivate Peter to tend sheep. 

But, Reformed Doctrine uses today’s Scripture to meditate on the qualities of God and the work of God.  

What quality of God and work of God does today’s Scripture lead us to meditate?

Our first meditation may be on Psalm 23.

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

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

But, then we quickly remember how Jesus labeled Himself “the good shepherd” in John chapter 10.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father;  and I lay down My life for the sheep.  I have other sheep, which are not of this fold;  I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice;  and they will become one flock with one shepherd.  …

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 10:14-16 and 27-29.

We remember Revelation 7:17 and what our good shepherd does.

“for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life;  and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:17.

With that understanding of Who God is and what God does, Reformed Doctrine does not view today’s Scripture as teaching that we need to pump up our alleged free-will to tend sheep as other doctrine teaches.  But rather, Reformed Doctrine studies how God accomplishes His work of tending to the sheep.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore it says,

“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”

…  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 4:7-13.

God totally and perfectly accomplishes all of His good pleasure in tending the sheep.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 22, 2019

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; … My cup overflows.”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:1-14.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach;  yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.”  And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.”  So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

…

So when they got out on the land, they *saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.  Jesus *said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”  Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three;  and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus *said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”  None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord.  Jesus *came and *took the bread and *gave it to them, and the fish likewise.”  John 21:4-6 and 9-13.

——————–

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on God’s providence.  We will focus on God providing presence, prompting, productivity, and preparation.

The disciples did not at first recognize Jesus on the beach, but He was present.  In our time of need, we too often do not recognize God’s presence, but He is also present.

“…  “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”  Hebrews 13:5.

Jesus prompted the disciples:  “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.”  In our time of need, if we knew what to do, we would do it.  But, we do not know what to do, and God prompts us what to do.

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

Jesus caused the action of the disciples to be productive:  “Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three”.  God also causes the action (which He prompts us to do) to be productive.

“I, even I, have spoken;  indeed I have called him,
I have brought him, and He will make his ways successful.”  Isaiah 48:15.

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

It would have been much more than sufficient for Jesus to “only” cause the net to be full of large fish, but in addition, Jesus prepared a meal of fish and bread on the beach for the disciples.  God also makes many preparations for us that are unnecessary but abundant showing His Fatherly love and lavish care for us.

“5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”  Psalm 23:5-6.

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

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