Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes chapter 12.

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;  before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain;  3 in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim;  4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly.  5 Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road;  the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective.  For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street.  6 Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed;  7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.  8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”

9 In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.  10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.

11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails;  they are given by one Shepherd.  12 But beyond this, my son, be warned:  the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”  Ecclesiastes chapter 12.

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We like to think we are in control.  We like to focus on our achievements, our wealth, and our longevity.

But, the vivid imagery of this concluding chapter of Ecclesiastes summarizes the Book of Ecclesiastes in reminding us of the brevity and futility of life.

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”  Verse 8.

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”  Verses 13 and 14.

This concluding chapter humbles us and prepares us for God’s salvation.

We get a hint and a hope of God’s salvation in Ecclesiastes 3:14.

“I know that everything God does will remain forever;  there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.”    Ecclesiastes 3:14.

In sharpest contrast to the brevity and futility of man’s work, there is God’s work.

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:28-29.

Reformed Doctrine teaches this work of God from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to “Preservation of the Saints” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He (Christ) Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”  Hebrews 2:14-15.

“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.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:22-26.

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

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes chapter 11.

“Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.  2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.  3 If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth;  and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies.  4 He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.  5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.

7 The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.  8 Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many.  Everything that is to come will be futility.

9 Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood.  And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.  10 So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.”    Ecclesiastes chapter 11.

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Do good!  Sow bountifully!

“Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” and “Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening” can be summarized by the following Scriptures.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  Galatians 6:9-10.

“Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”  Psalm 37:3.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.”  Proverbs 3:27.

“The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.”  Proverbs 11:25.

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”  2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”  2 Thessalonians 3:13.

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”  1 Timothy 6:18-19.

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16.

“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 9:10-18.

“10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;  for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability;  for time and chance overtake them all.  12 Moreover, man does not know his time:  like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

13 Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me.  14 There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siegeworks against it.  15 But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom.  Yet no one remembered that poor man.  16 So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.”  But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded.  17 The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.  18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”  Ecclesiastes 9:10-18.

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“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 3:23-24.

We may feel unappreciated like the wise man who although he delivered the city by his wisdom, yet no one remembered him.  Verse 15.

But nevertheless, verse 10 encourages us to do our work with all our might.  And, even though it may appear that our wisdom is not heard, the words of the wise “heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.”  Verse 17.  Finally, God will reward us as stated above in Colossians 3:23-24.

And, we have great hope of success!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10.

God is at work in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.  Philippians 2:13.

God who began a good work in us will perfect it.  Philippians 1:6.

This is a special edition of Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions to describe why we are giving TULIP:  The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture books by author Duane Edward Spencer for free to our congregation this Sunday.  

Here is a link to the publisher’s web site where you may purchase one online – http://www.bakerbookstore.com/product/639561/Tulip_The_Five_Points_of_Calvinism_in_the_Light_of_Scripture

There are three types of people with three different ideas of God:

1.  The first group of people are most focused on themselves.  They view the Bible as a Law to which they must exercise their wisdom and their alleged free-will to try to obey.  This group of people also view God as the Great Reactor Who has his arms folded and Who waits to see if man will obey and then Who only reacts to what man does.

2.  The second group of people is better than the first group but they are also still focused on themselves.  They view the Bible as full of God’s promises to do things for them.  This group of people view God as the Great Provider Who has his arms stretched out to help them but Who still waits to see if man will ask for His help.

3.  The third group of people is best and we try to be like them.  They are focused on God and God’s sovereignty.  They view the Bible and history as His story of how He perfectly accomplished all of His good pleasure.  This group of people view God as the Great Initiator Who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth, because He delights in these things.

“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.

God accomplishes all of His good pleasure.  Total Perfect Triumph.

“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.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 9:1-9.

“For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God.  Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.

2 It is the same for all.  There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean;  for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice.  As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear.  3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men.  Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives.  Afterwards they go to the dead.  4 For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope;  surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.  5 For the living know they will die;  but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten.  6 Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.

7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart;  for God has already approved your works.  8 Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.  9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun;  for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.”  Ecclesiastes 9:1-9.

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“It is the same for all.  There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked  …”  Verse 2.  That same “one fate” of all is death.  Whether good or bad, all will eventually die.

We do tend to worry excessively and waste our days in worry.  See Matthew 6:25-34.

Solomon then concludes that we should enjoy those days of life that God does give us. 

“Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart;  for God has already approved your works.  Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.  Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun;  for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.”  Verses 8-9.

But, after the one same fate of death, there are very different fates for the righteous (heaven) and the wicked (hell).  

“… If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.  Do not be deceived:  “Bad company corrupts good morals.”  Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning;  for some have no knowledge of God.  I speak this to your shame.”  1 Corinthians 15:32.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”  2 Corinthians 5:10.

“But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds:  to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;  but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.”  Romans 2:5-7.

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

“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 8:10-17.

“10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus.  This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.  12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.  13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

14 There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked.  On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility.  15 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

16 When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), 17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun.  Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover;  and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.”  Ecclesiastes 8:10-17.

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Although it may seem for a while that the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, Solomon concludes:  “… still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.  But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.”  Verses 12-13.

For the Psalmist, it also seemed to him for a while that the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, but he likewise came to his senses and the same conclusion.

“2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
7 Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot.
8 They mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high.
9 They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
11 They say, “How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands in innocence;
14 For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.

21 When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.”  Psalm 73:2-24.

So, let us trust the LORD and rest in the LORD.

“7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret;  it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”  Psalm 37:7-11.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.

“Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter?  A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

2 I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.  3 Do not be in a hurry to leave him.  Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”  4 Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.  6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him.  7 If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?  8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death;  and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it.  9 All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt.”  Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.

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“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them:  tax to whom tax is due;  custom to whom custom;  fear to whom fear;  honor to whom honor.”  Romans 13:1-7.

Pray “for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  1 Timothy 2:2.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 7:19-29.

“19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.  20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.  21 Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you.  22 For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.

23 I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.  24 What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious.  Who can discover it?  25 I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness.  26 And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains.  One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

27 “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28 which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these.  29 Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”  Ecclesiastes 7:19-29.

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We may seek wisdom, as Solomon intended and said:  “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.  What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious.  Who can discover it?”  Verses 23-24.

Likewise, Scripture states:  “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”  Romans 8:33.

But, there is hope!

“The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.”  Psalm 25:14.

“4 If you seek her (wisdom) as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:3-6.

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