Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 21, 2025

“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried” – “My grace is sufficient for you”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 7:20-29.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%207&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“The sons of Ephraim were Shuthelah and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take their livestock.  Their father Ephraim mourned many days, and his relatives came to comfort him.  Then he went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son, and he named him Beriah, because misfortune had come upon his house.  His daughter was Sheerah, who built lower and upper Beth-horon, also Uzzen-sheerah.  Rephah was his son along with Resheph, Telah his son, Tahan his son, Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Non his son and Joshua his son.”  1 Chronicles 7:20-27. 

————   

In today’s Scripture, we read about Ephraim’s grief caused by the men of Gath killing two of his sons:  Ezer and Elead.  We also read about different ways that Ephraim was comforted.

First, we read that “his relatives came to comfort him.”  Second, we read:  “Then he went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son”.  Third, we read;  “His daughter was Sheerah, who built lower and upper Beth-horon, also Uzzen-sheerah.”

How can we use today’s Scripture to consider how we can be helped when we experience grief?

First, most importantly, let us consider that it is God Who is “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” and that He does so in different ways, including but not limited to using family and friends to comfort us. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  

Let us appreciate small specific comforts. Sometimes, we don’t need much help and comfort; just a boost to get us to the next day or week. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34.

Here are two small personal examples of what family and friends did for me which comforted me, both happened many years ago. When my mother died, my wife simply framed a photo of my mother in her twenties and put it on top of our family room bookcase. That small gesture made me think of my mother in heaven with new immortal body and greatly comforted me. When a check did not arrive in the mail and I was hungry and very discouraged, a friend took me to a church social lunch that was suppose to be for the social group only, and he invited me to sit down and eat lunch for free. That small boost got me to the next day when the check did arrive.

Let us not only value our sons or more generally certain family members. What Ephraim’s daughter, Sheerah, did (“who built lower and upper Beth-horon, also Uzzen-sheerah”) was likely unexpected but benefited Ephraim.  We are reminded what Ruth did for her mother-in-law, Naomi, who lost two of her sons, generally in helping her so much over a long time and also specifically when she gave birth to Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David.

“Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. May he (Obed) also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age;  for your daughter-in-law (Ruth), who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”  Ruth 4:14-15.

So to speak, we naturally want our cheese to come from one place.  But, we need to recognize that God sometimes moves our cheese around to build up our faith in Him.  Thus, we should keep our eyes open and appreciate that God may help us in different ways, sometimes in very unusual and unexpected ways. We should trust God and not only trust that the location of the cheese will always stay the same. 

In conclusion, most importantly, let us consider that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is very familiar with grief and is able and willing to help us.

“3 He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5.

“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.”  2 Corinthians 12:9. 

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

“18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:18-19.

“Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  John 14:27. 

Comments Off on “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried” – “My grace is sufficient for you”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 20, 2025

“mighty men of valor” – “who by faith conquered kingdoms” – “God … girds me with strength And makes my way blameless”

Dear Family and Friends:

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 7:1-19.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%207&version=NASB1995

I only quote the following verses.

“Now the sons of Issachar were four:  Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron.  The sons of Tola were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam and Samuel, heads of their fathers’ households.  The sons of Tola were mighty men of valor in their generations;  their number in the days of David was 22,600.  The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah.  And the sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, Isshiah;  all five of them were chief men.  With them by their generations according to their fathers’ households were 36,000 troops of the army for war, for they had many wives and sons.  Their relatives among all the families of Issachar were mighty men of valor, enrolled by genealogy, in all 87,000.

The sons of Benjamin were three:  Bela and Becher and Jediael.  The sons of Bela were five:  Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth and Iri.  They were heads of fathers’ households, mighty men of valor, and were 22,034 enrolled by genealogy.  The sons of Becher were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth and Alemeth.  All these were the sons of Becher.  They were enrolled by genealogy, according to their generations, heads of their fathers’ households, 20,200 mighty men of valor.  The son of Jediael was Bilhan.  And the sons of Bilhan were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish and Ahishahar.  All these were sons of Jediael, according to the heads of their fathers’ households, 17,200 mighty men of valor, who were ready to go out with the army to war.”  1 Chronicles 7:1-11. 

————-

Today’s Scripture speaks of the sons of Issachar and the sons of Benjamin as being “mighty men of valor”.  We may only think of virtues such as courage, strength, and skill.  But, as consider other Scriptures, we may be surprised to learn of other virtues associated with “mighty men of valor”.

Here are just three Scriptures.

“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.  Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you;  I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you;  do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it;  for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:5-9.

“30 As for God, His way is blameless;
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God, but the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God,
32 The God who girds me with strength
And makes my way blameless?
33 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet,
And sets me upon my high places.
34 He trains my hands for battle,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation,
And Your right hand upholds me;
And Your gentleness makes me great.” Psalm 18:30-35.

“And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.”  Hebrews 11:32-24. 

Comments Off on “mighty men of valor” – “who by faith conquered kingdoms” – “God … girds me with strength And makes my way blameless”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags:

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 19, 2025

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 6:54-81.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%206&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“To the sons of Gershom were given, from the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh:  Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands and Ashtaroth with its pasture lands;  and from the tribe of Issachar:  Kedesh with its pasture lands, Daberath with its pasture lands and Ramoth with its pasture lands, Anem with its pasture lands;  and from the tribe of Asher:  Mashal with its pasture lands, Abdon with its pasture lands, Hukok with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands;  and from the tribe of Naphtali:  Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, Hammon with its pasture lands and Kiriathaim with its pasture lands.”  1 Chronicles 6:71-76. 

————–   

“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:1-2.

“9 You visit the earth and cause it to overflow;
You greatly enrich it;
The stream of God is full of water;
You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth.
10 You water its furrows abundantly,
You settle its ridges,
You soften it with showers,
You bless its growth.
11 You have crowned the year with Your bounty,
And Your paths drip with fatness.
12 The pastures of the wilderness drip,
And the hills gird themselves with rejoicing.
13 The meadows are clothed with flocks
And the valleys are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, yes, they sing.” Psalm 65:9-13.

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

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

Comments Off on “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 18, 2025

“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 6:44-53.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%206&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.  These are the sons of Aaron:  Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.”  1 Chronicles 6:49-53.   

————-

The theme of this devotion is fears of not being forgiven. First, we will present Scriptures and the fears. And, then, we will look at the hope that we have as we will study Scriptures and creeds.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Hebrews 10:1-4.

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”  1 John 1:8-10.

Thus, we have these fears.  First, as good and earnest and faithful as Aaron and his successors were in offering atonement, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Second, there is One, namely Christ, Whose blood takes away sins.  But, Christ’s blood only took away the sins of God’s elect.  What if we are not among the elect?  Third, we do not think that we have sinned or have not otherwise sufficiently repented for whatever reason.  

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

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

Article 1.  Man was originally formed after the image of God. His understanding was adorned with a true and saving knowledge of his Creator, and of spiritual things; his heart and will were upright; all his affections pure; and the whole man was holy;  but revolting from God by the instigation of the devil, and abusing the freedom of his own will, he forfeited these excellent gifts; and on the contrary entailed on himself blindness of mind, horrible darkness, vanity and perverseness of judgment, became wicked, rebellious, and obdurate in heart and will, and impure in his affections.

Article 3.  Therefore all men are conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, incapable of saving good, prone to evil, dead in sin, and in bondage thereto, and without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, they are neither able nor willing to return to God, to reform the depravity of their nature, nor to dispose themselves to reformation.

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

“10 as it is written,

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

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

But, there is hope!

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  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;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

God also “grants” repentance as His gift to His elect.

“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 5:31.

“When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”  Acts 11:18.

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”  2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints in which it is stated:  “by his Word and Spirit, certainly and effectually renews them to repentance”.

Article 6.  But God, who is rich in mercy, according to his unchangeable purpose of election, does not wholly withdraw the Holy Spirit from his own people, even in their melancholy falls;  nor suffers them to proceed so far as to lose the grace of adoption, and forfeit the state of justification, or to commit sins unto death;  nor does he permit them to be totally deserted, and to plunge themselves into everlasting destruction.

Article 7.  For in the first place, in these falls he preserves them in the incorruptible seed of regeneration from perishing, or being totally lost;  and again, by his Word and Spirit, certainly and effectually renews them to repentance, to a sincere and godly sorrow for their sins, that they may seek and obtain remission in the blood of the Mediator, may again experience the favor of a reconciled God, through faith adore his mercies, and henceforward more diligently work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

But, what if we are not among the elect?  

Although it is true that only the elect will be forgiven and saved, there is still hope provided in the Canons of Dordt and Scripture that we may be among the elect even if we worry and fear that we are not so worthy or otherwise included within the elect.

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

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

“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:31-32.

“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;  and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins;  and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”  1 John 2:1-2.

Comments Off on “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 17, 2025

“the service of song” – “Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 6:16-43.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%206&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now these are those whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after the ark rested there.  They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem;  and they served in their office according to their order.  These are those who served with their sons:  From the sons of the Kohathites were Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.  Heman’s brother Asaph stood at his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.”  1 Chronicles 6:31-43. 

————–

It is interesting that the first service mentioned being done by the priests, the sons of Levi, was “the service of the song”.  They “ministered with song”.  The topic of today’s devotion is “the service of the song”.  It is not that the music ministry has been neglected in many worship services today.  It is because the music ministry has been abused in many worship services today.  

We often see that the song has been hijacked by a Praise Band or Polished Professional Singer who drowns out the congregational singing with loud music and their own voices and makes the lyrics of the song that they sing to be so unknown or twisted in musical rhythm that only the Praise Band or Polished Professional knows how to sing the song.  Few in the congregation, other than maybe the first two rows, want to sing it or sing it loudly, but the poor souls are made to stand up for 20 straight minutes to listen to the Praise Band or Polished Professional sing a string of such songs.    

Instead of worship songs using the lyrics of well-known Psalms which the congregation love, the Praise Band or Polished Professional Singer want to show off their own created or selected song and sing it in a way that shows their own passion and devotion to the LORD, rather than to use the Scripture in a Psalm song to give thanks and give praise and glory to the LORD for what He has done.  

But, there is hope!

The Protestant Reformed Churches denomination has acted like “A royal PRIESTHOOD” (using the language of 1 Peter 2:9-10) in providing “the service of the song” (using the language of today’s Scripture) through its use of “The Psalter” hymnal in its worship services and its otherwise general promotion of using Psalms for its worship songs.  Here is a link to one of its resources pages – https://www.prca.org/resources/worship-devotional/psalter

Here below is a “copy and paste” quote from it which also contains two links that you can access from this quote below.  

“Psalm singing has been an essential part of Reformed Worship since the time of the great Reformation of the 16th century, and every true reformation of the church since then has seen a return to the singing of the Old Testament Psalter (book of Psalms). With thanks to God we are also seeing a renewed interest in Psalm-singing in our day even while many churches have long-departed from this God-honoring and Christ-centered practice.

The following is an ongoing project to place the entire Psalter on the internet with hopes that it will increase the interest in Psalm Singing in worship, which can serve as a means to unify the Church of Jesus Christ. This version of the Psalter  was published in 1927 and is currently being used in the worship services of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRCA). The piano accompaniment is from “The Psalter-Accompaniment for Singing“, produced by Deborah A. Benson, with pianist: Mary A. Haak. Many of these Psalter numbers have  been recorded by the Protestant Reformed Psalm Singing Choir under  “Fitting Praises” which are also on this website. You can hear these renditions by going to the appropriate “Fitting Praises” link.”

Browse Psalter

“O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God
And a great King above all gods,” Psalm 95:1-3.

There are also others who commendably use Psalms for the lyrics of their scriptural songs.  One person whom I discovered through YouTube is Esther Mui.  Here is a link to her songs – https://www.youtube.com/@emui

“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;  always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;”  Ephesians 5:19-20.

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ”  Colossians 3:16.

Comments Off on “the service of song” – “Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 16, 2025

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, … , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him”

Today’s devotion continues to cover the same Scripture of 1 Chronicles 6:1-15.  This is the first section of the genealogy of the priesthood.  As the topic for today’s devotion, we will consider a few Scriptures on the limitation of these and other priests, the supremacy of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ as the high priest, and the role of the elect in the priesthood.   

“The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath and Merari.   The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.  The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses and Miriam.  And the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.  Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, and Phinehas became the father of Abishua, and Abishua became the father of Bukki, and Bukki became the father of Uzzi, and Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth, Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz, and Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Johanan, and Johanan became the father of Azariah (it was he who served as the priest in the house which Solomon built in Jerusalem), and Azariah became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Shallum, and Shallum became the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak;  and Jehozadak went along when the LORD carried Judah and Jerusalem away into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.”  1 Chronicles 6:1-15. 

————-  

“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;  but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.  For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.  And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us;  for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.”  Hebrews 10:11-18.

“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 1:6.

“And they *sang a new song, saying,

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

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

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

Comments Off on “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, … , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 14, 2025

“And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” – “So do not fear”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 6:1-15.

“The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath and Merari.   The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.  The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses and Miriam.  And the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.  Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, and Phinehas became the father of Abishua, and Abishua became the father of Bukki, and Bukki became the father of Uzzi, and Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth, Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz, and Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Johanan, and Johanan became the father of Azariah (it was he who served as the priest in the house which Solomon built in Jerusalem), and Azariah became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Shallum, and Shallum became the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak;  and Jehozadak went along when the LORD carried Judah and Jerusalem away into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.”  1 Chronicles 6:1-15. 

————-      

This is the first section of the genealogy of the priesthood.  On Sunday, March 16, 2025, God willing, as the next topic for today’s Scripture, we will consider our role, as the elect, as believers, in the priesthood.   

But, for the first thing that we will consider from today’s Scripture is the summary statement highlighted in bold italic font:  “the LORD carried Judah and Jerusalem away into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.”  The LORD used King Nebuchadnezzar and his armies as His agent to punish Judah.  Generally, we will consider the sovereignty and the providence of the LORD, particularly the comfort that it provides to God’s elect a/k/a the children of God.

Consider the following from the Belgic Confession.

Article 13:  Of Divine Providence.

We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment:  nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed.  For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly.  And, as to what he doth surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into, farther than our capacity will admit of;  but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are disciples of Christ, to learn only those things which he has revealed to us in his Word, without transgressing these limits.  This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father;  who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust;  being persuaded, that he so restrains the devil and all our enemies, that without his will and permission, they cannot hurt us.  And therefore we reject that damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God regards nothing, but leaves all things to chance.

But, there is hope in today’s Scripture!

We notice the tender word “carried”.  Although there were people in Judah who died, and there were others who were forced to walk on a long and difficult trip into exile in Babylon, there is the hope for God’s elect that in the midst of such distress, God remains their Faithful Heavenly Father Who will care for His elect, and so to speak, carry His elect.

Consider the following 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul;  but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So do not fear;  you are more valuable than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:28-31.

“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.

“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

Comments Off on “And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” – “So do not fear”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 13, 2025

“Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 5.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%205&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel;  so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright.  Though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph), the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.  The sons of Joel were Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria carried away into exile;  he was leader of the Reubenites.  …

The sons of Reuben and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, consisting of valiant men, men who bore shield and sword and shot with bow and were skillful in battle, were 44,760, who went to war.  They made war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab.  They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand;  for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him.  They took away their cattle: their 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys; and 100,000 men.  For many fell slain, because the war was of God.  And they settled in their place until the exile.

Now the sons of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land;  from Bashan to Baal-hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon they were numerous.  These were the heads of their fathers’ households, even Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ households.

But they acted treacherously against the God of their fathers and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.  So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul, king of Assyria, even the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away into exile, namely the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara and to the river of Gozan, to this day.”  1 Chronicles 5:1-6 and 18-26.

—————

So to speak, Scripture has a ring of truth and leads us away from our preconceived ideas.  If this was fiction, would the eldest son of Israel be so introduced?  Would the sons of Reuben and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh who were so valiant and skillful in battle and who also trusted in God Who gave them victory, turn so quickly against God and act so treacherously against God?  Would part of God’s chosen people be carried away into exile by their enemy?  This is not a happy ending.  

Scripture humbles us, so no one will boast in man.  Scripture leads us to Christ that we may be justified by faith.  Here are four examples.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”  Galatians 3:24-26. 

“13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men;
14 From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.
16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

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 33:13-22.

“But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  James 4:6.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Comments Off on “Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 12, 2025

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 4:24-43.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%204&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“The sons of Simeon were Nemuel and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul;  Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.  The sons of Mishma were Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son.  Now Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters;  but his brothers did not have many sons, nor did all their family multiply like the sons of Judah.  … 

“Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah the son of Amaziah, and Joel and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, and Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;  these mentioned by name were leaders in their families;  and their fathers’ houses increased greatly.  They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.  They found rich and good pasture, and the land was broad and quiet and peaceful;  for those who lived there formerly were Hamites.  These, recorded by name, came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and attacked their tents and the Meunites who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks.  From them, from the sons of Simeon, five hundred men went to Mount Seir, with Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, as their leaders.  They destroyed the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.”  1 Chronicles 4:24-27 and 34-43.  

———–

Generally, we learn from the 1 Samuel 15:17-29 Scripture below (and other Scriptures) that obedience to the LORD is better than sacrifice to the LORD.  We can not excuse nor remedy our disobedience by sacrifice to the LORD such as by our worship at church, by singing praise songs, by offerings, or by other Christian service.  

(And as a minor note, we do not know, because not enough information is provided in today’s Scripture, whether or not the LORD specifically blessed the sons of Simeon for their destroying the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, even though the sons of Simeon were fewer than the sons of Judah as stated in verse 27, with rich and good pasture, and land that was broad and quiet and peaceful.  More generally, we can meditate on the curses of disobedience and blessings of obedience in other Scriptures, including but not limited to: in Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28.)

We do remember what happened to Israel’s first king, Saul, when he disobeyed the LORD’S command to destroy all the Amalekites. 

“Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel?  And the LORD anointed you king over Israel, and the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’  Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?”

Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.  But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”  Samuel said,

“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He has also rejected you from being king.”

Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned;  I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.  Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.”  But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you;  for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.”  As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore.  So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you.  Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind;  for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”  1 Samuel 14:17-29.

But, there is hope!

“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. 

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

“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 as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One (Christ) the many will be made righteous.”  Romans 5:19.

“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Romans 4:1-3.

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

Comments Off on “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 11, 2025

“The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 4:1-23.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%204&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal.  Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath, and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad.  These were the families of the Zorathites.  These were the sons of Etam:  Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash;  and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi.  Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.  These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem.  Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah.  Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari.  These were the sons of Naarah.  The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar and Ethnan.  Koz became the father of Anub and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.  Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.”  Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!”  And God granted him what he requested.”  1 Chronicles 4:1-10.

—————    

Originally, I planned on only quoting Matthew 7:7-11 to simply encourage us to make requests to God, to simply “Ask, and it will be given to you”.  But, I hesitated.  I decided to look a little closely at Jabez’ request in today’s Scripture and to include some other Scriptures.  We need to be careful that we do not tell everyone that all they need to do is “Name it and claim it.”

In today’s Scripture, we first notice that “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers”, and we can understand that God does not grant everyone’s request. As clearly shown in the concluding Scriptures, there is a sharp contrast between how God treats the righteous compared to how God treats the wicked.

Nor does God even grant every request of His children, His chosen ones, because God knows that some things that His children request are not good for them.  Notice the limitation in the following Matthew 7:6-11 Scripture that God gives “good” gifts to His children.  Notice the confirmation:  “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

“Ask, and it will be given to you;  seek, and you will find;  knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  Matthew 7:6-11.

Generally, prosperity and peace are good things, and we may request them, and God may often grant them to us. As one of the concluding verse states, “The desire of the righteous is only good”.

But, there may be times when God’s providence for us, the righteous, includes some distress for our good. God may not grant exactly what and when we request prosperity and peace.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:6-7.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.

And, let us also consider the following verses.  

“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”  John 15:16.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33. 

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

“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:6-8.

Notice the sharp contrast between how God treats the righteous compared to how God treats the wicked.

“16 Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the LORD sustains the righteous.” Psalm 37:16-17.

“The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.” Proverbs 3:33.

“The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger,
But He will reject the craving of the wicked.” Proverbs 10:3.

“The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment.” Proverbs 10:16.

“What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous will be granted.” Proverbs 10:24.

“The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” Proverbs 11:23.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

Comments Off on “The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories