Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.

“1 Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.  2 So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number.”  3 Joab said, “May the Lord add to His people a hundred times as many as they are!  But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants?  Why does my lord seek this thing?  Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?”  4 Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab.  Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.  5 Joab gave the number of the census of all the people to David.  And all Israel were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword;  and Judah was 470,000 men who drew the sword.  6 But he did not number Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

7 God was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.  8 David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing.  But now, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”    1 Chronicles 21:1-8.

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Satan moved David to number Israel, enticing David to the sin of trusting man rather than trusting God.

We too may do things that on its face may seem innocent or that we try to justify.  But, those things show the sin of trusting man rather than trusting God.

One specific thing that Israel did was trust Egypt to deliver them.  It may seem innocent to get help.  Leaders of Israel may have even tried to justify it as self-preservation.  But, here is what the LORD said.

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
And rely on horses,
And trust in chariots because they are many
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!”  Isaiah 31:1.

More generally, Scripture sharply contrasts and sets apart those who trust in mankind from those who trust in the LORD.

“5 Thus says the Lord,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the Lord.
6 “For he will be like a bush in the desert
And will not see when prosperity comes,
But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
A land of salt without inhabitant.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:5-8.

“7 “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches
And was strong in his evil desire.”

8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
9 I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.”  Psalm 52:7-9.

How will we trust the LORD more?

The tree language of Jeremiah 17:8 is similar to tree language in Psalm 1:3, and the preceding verse provides a clue as to how we will trust the Lord more.

“2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:2-3.

Thus, we will trust the Lord more through meditating on Scripture.

“4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.”  Psalm 40:4-5.

When we meditate on God’s works in Scripture, we trust the Lord more and are not afraid.

“3 When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?”  Psalm 56:3-4.

” 5 My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold;  I shall not be shaken.
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.  Selah.”  Psalm 62:5-8.

“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.

“2 “Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For the Lord God is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.”
3 Therefore you will joyously draw water
From the springs of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say,
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name.
Make known His deeds among the peoples;
Make them remember that His name is exalted.”
5 Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things;
Let this be known throughout the earth.
6 Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 12:2-6.

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

Which doctrine helps you trust in God?

Other doctrine which focuses on man, man’s works, and man’s will?

Or, Reformed Doctrine which focuses on God, God’s works, and God’s will from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation?

The following Psalm chapter 91 was my mother’s favorite Scripture, and one of my favorite Scriptures as well.  It speaks of the blessing upon those who trust in God.  It is a good Scripture to close this devotion.

“1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”  Psalm chapter 91.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 20.

“1 Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah.  But David stayed at Jerusalem.  And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.  2 David took the crown of their king from his head, and he found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there was a precious stone in it;  and it was placed on David’s head.  And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount.  3 He brought out the people who were in it, and cut them with saws and with sharp instruments and with axes.  And thus David did to all the cities of the sons of Ammon.  Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4 Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines;  then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.  5 And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.  6 Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot; and he also was descended from the giants.  7 When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.  8 These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.”   1 Chronicles chapter 20.

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Today’s Scripture shows giants killed by David and his servants.

We face figurative giants too.  We can either look within our self and fear out of our shortcomings, or, we can look up to God and take refuge in Him.

” 6 The Lord is for me;  I will not fear;
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
Than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
Than to trust in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me;
In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off.
11 They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me;
In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off.
12 They surrounded me like bees;
They were extinguished as a fire of thorns;
In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off.
13 You pushed me violently so that I was falling,
But the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.”  Psalm 118:6-14.

“6 “Lift up your eyes to the sky,
Then look to the earth beneath;
For the sky will vanish like smoke,
And the earth will wear out like a garment
And its inhabitants will die in like manner;
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness will not wane.
7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness,
A people in whose heart is My law;
Do not fear the reproach of man,
Nor be dismayed at their revilings.
8 “For the moth will eat them like a garment,
And the grub will eat them like wool.
But My righteousness will be forever,
And My salvation to all generations.”  Isaiah 51:6-8.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 19.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+19&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel and they arrayed themselves against the Arameans. 11 But the remainder of the people he placed in the hand of Abshai his brother; and they arrayed themselves against the sons of Ammon.  12 He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me;  but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you.  13 Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God;  and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”  14 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Arameans, and they fled before him.  15 When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abshai his brother and entered the city.  Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

16 When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the River, with Shophach the commander of the army of Hadadezer leading them.  17 When it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan, and came upon them and drew up in formation against them. And when David drew up in battle array against the Arameans, they fought against him.  18 The Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.  19 So when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and served him.  Thus the Arameans were not willing to help the sons of Ammon anymore.”  1 Chronicles 19:10-19.

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Some try to be strong and courageous out of faith in themselves:  in their own might, in their own wisdom, in their own will, and in their own abilities.

But, we are strong and courageous out of faith in God:  in His presence with us, in His promises for us, and in His might, His wisdom, His will, and His abilities.

In today’s Scripture, Joab was strong and courageous out of faith in God.  He said:  “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God;  and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”  Verse 32.

As shown by the following Scriptures, we are strong and courageous, because our God goes with us and will not fail us or forsake us. 

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6.

“Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”  Deuteronomy 31:23.

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.”  Joshua 1:6.

“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 1:9.

“Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed!  Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.”  Joshua 10:25.

“Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act;  do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.”  1 Chronicles 28:20.

“Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him.”  2 Chronicles 32:7.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 18.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+18&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“5 When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 men of the Arameans.  6 Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus;  and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute.  And the Lord helped David wherever he went.  7 David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.  8 Also from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a very large amount of bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the bronze utensils.

9 Now when Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer king of Zobah,  10 he sent Hadoram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and had defeated him; for Hadadezer had been at war with Tou.  And Hadoram brought all kinds of articles of gold and silver and bronze. 11 King David also dedicated these to the Lord with the silver and the gold which he had carried away from all the nations:  from Edom, Moab, the sons of Ammon, the Philistines, and from Amalek.

12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah defeated 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.  13 Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became servants to David.  And the Lord helped David wherever he went.

14 So David reigned over all Israel;  and he administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”  1 Chronicles 18:5-14.

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God fulfilled His promise to David:  “And I will subdue all your enemies.”  1 Chronicles 17:10.

We also read in today’s Scripture:  “And the Lord helped David wherever he went.”  Verses 6 and 13.

But, God’s fulfillment of this promise and also His other help were not done solely for David’s sake.  We read about one of the other purposes in the following verse 14:  “So David reigned over all Israel;  and he administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Likewise, when God’s fulfills His promise to us, helps us, and otherwise guides, protects, and blesses us, we should expect that God will use those blessings to produce justice and righteousness for the benefit of others.

We may be tempted to boast in our own wisdom, might, and riches and to use those things solely for our self.

But, God is at work.

“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.

Like God was at work in David, God is at work in us to produce lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth.”:  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“Drip down, O heavens, from above,
And let the clouds pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit,
And righteousness spring up with it.
I, the Lord, have created it.”  Isaiah 45:8.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicle chapter 17.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+17&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“3 It came about the same night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 4 “Go and tell David My servant, ‘Thus says the Lord, “You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in;  5 for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another.  6 In all places where I have walked with all Israel, have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?’”’ 7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader over My people Israel.  8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you;  and I will make you a name like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.  9 I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and not be moved again;  and the wicked will not waste them anymore as formerly, 10 even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel.  And I will subdue all your enemies.

Moreover, I tell you that the Lord will build a house for you.  11 When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be of your sons;  and I will establish his kingdom.  12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever.  13 I will be his father and he shall be My son;  and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.  14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.”’”  1 Chronicles 17:3-14.

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David wanted to build a house for the LORD.  But, the LORD promised to build a house for David and to do other things for David and his descendants.

There are approximately ten “I will” promises by the LORD in today’s Scripture.

The LORD dramatically changed the focus from what David wanted to do to a focus on what the LORD would do.  These “I will” promises by the LORD dominate today’s Scripture.

There is a lesson beyond just what these promises provide.

Our focus should be on the promises of the LORD.

Our faith should be in the promises of the LORD.

We will do good works for the LORD.  But, we will do these good works out of faith in the promises of God.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.  “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

Rather than focus and be glad about what we have done and what we intend to do, let us focus and be glad about what God has done and what He has promised to do.

“For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.”  Psalm 92:4.

“The Lord has done great things for us;
We are glad.”  Psalm 126:3.

“8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
9 I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.”  Psalm 52:8-9.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 16:31-43 (which also repeats verse 31 from yesterday’s Scripture).  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+16&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord;
For He is coming to judge the earth.
34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
And glory in Your praise.”
36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.

Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the Lord.”    1 Chronicles 16:31-36.

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“The Lord reigns.”  Verse 31.

Man’s thanks and praise is not enough to respond to the LORD’s righteous and glorious reign.

“Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.”  Verse 32.

“Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD.”  Verse 33.

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice”  Verse 31.

Other doctrine focuses on man, trying to correct man.  It seems righteous.  But, it does not correct man and only leads to superficial changes, smugness, self-sufficiency, and boasting in man.

Reformed Doctrine focuses on God, ascribing to God full credit for salvation and for all the other glory due His name.  It is righteous.  “The Lord has made known His salvation”.  It is His salvation from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  “For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.”  See Psalm 98:1-2.

The following Psalm chapter 98 is similar to today’s Scripture and expands this theme of God’s reign, His salvation, His righteous judgment, and this vivid imagery of all creation praising God.

“1 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.

4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
With the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
Shout joyfully before the King, the Lord.

7 Let the sea roar and all it contains,
The world and those who dwell in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy
9 Before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth;
He will judge the world with righteousness
And the peoples with equity.”  Psalm chapter 98.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 16:23-31.

“23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
24 Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
He also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the Lord in holy array.

30 Tremble before Him, all the earth;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”  1 Chronicles 16:23-31.

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Dictionary.com defines “ascribe” as:

“1.  to credit or assign, as to a cause or source;  attribute;  impute:

The alphabet is usually ascribed to the Phoenicians.”

Other doctrine ascribes salvation in whole or in part to man.  Other doctrine teaches that man earns his salvation by his works or by his will (his faith or his free-will choice of Christ).

But, Reformed Doctrine systematically, logically, and comprehensively ascribes salvation to God alone.  Reformed Doctrine starts by humbling man with its teaching of “Total Depravity” that man is dead in sin, hostile to God, and enslaved to sin and Satan.  By so doing, Reformed Doctrine prepares our hearts for “Unconditional Election”, because it makes logical sense that if “Total Depravity” is the natural condition of man, then there is no condition that man has or can produce that would motivate God to elect him for salvation.  Salvation logically must proceed from God’s “Unconditional Election”.  Reformed Doctrine then comprehensively teaches us how God accomplishes His salvation from “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Preservation of the Saints”.

All points of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation combine to “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name”.  Verse 28.
 
And, Reformed Doctrine is pleased to “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.”  Verse 23.

Other doctrine trembles before man, wringing their hands and worrying others:  “What will man do?”

But, Reformed Doctrine proclaims:
“The Lord reigns.”
“Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.”  Verses 30-31.

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

But, Reformed Doctrine points out:
“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.”  Psalm 2:4-6.

Other doctrine looks down to man.

But, Reformed Doctrine looks up to God.

Other doctrine tells the glory of man.

But, Reformed Doctrine tells of the glory of God and His wonderful deeds among all the people.  Verse 24.

Other doctrine sighs at what man does.

But, Reformed Doctrine sings about what God has done:
“Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.”  Verse 27.

In summary, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name”.  “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 16:15-22.

“15 Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
16 The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.
17 He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
As the portion of your inheritance.”
19 When they were only a few in number,
Very few, and strangers in it,
20 And they wandered about from nation to nation,
And from one kingdom to another people,
21 He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
22 “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”  1 Chronicles 16:15-22.

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When we meditate here on God’s covenant to give the land of Israel to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, we notice that God’s covenant was not given to everyone, but only to a specific group of people when they were very few.  They were chosen to receive the land of Canaan.

“The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”  Deuteronomy 7:7-8.

The short rhyme “To you … Very few” reminds us of this precious truth.  And it is consistent with the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:14:  “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

“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.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

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

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,  just as He chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-4.

“And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”  And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door;  for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”  Luke 13:23-24.

“Enter through the narrow gate;  for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14.

The narrow door of salvation, that narrow gate, is “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. 

We humble ourselves first by acknowledging that our natural condition is “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, and then we gladly seek and embrace the precious truth of “Unconditional Election”, realizing that because of our “Total Depravity”, “Unconditional Election” is our only chance for salvation.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 16.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+16&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“8 Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
11 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,”  1 Chronicles 16:8-12.

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Sadly, how often we hear preaching and teaching that focuses on us and what we are doing wrong and what we need to correct!

Gladly, Reformed Doctrine focuses on God and His deeds, His wonders, His wonderful deeds.

Our natural condition is “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  It should be no wonder that we sin.  “Total Depravity” teaches us not only that we are dead in sin, hostile to God, and enslaved to sin and Satan.  No amount of alleged free-will or increased wisdom or increased effort or eloquent preaching or teaching is going to change that “Total Depravity”.

Our only hope is God and His deeds, His wonders, His wonderful deeds.

Gladly, Reformed Doctrine make them known from “Unconditional Election” to “Limited Atonement” to “Irresistible Grace” to “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 15.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+15&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“2 Then David said, “No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites;  for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever.”  3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place which he had prepared for it.

…

11 Then David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites;  consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.”  14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel.  15 The sons of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.

…

25 So it was David, with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, who went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with joy. 26 Because God was helping the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 27 Now David was clothed with a robe of fine linen with all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the singing with the singers.  David also wore an ephod of linen. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres.”  1 Chronicles Chapter 15:  Verses 2-3 and 11-15 and 25-28.

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We remember what happened last time David transported the ark of the covenant.  “When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it.  The anger of the Lord burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.  Then David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzza;  and he called that place Perez-uzza to this day.  David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”  1 Chronicles 13:9-12.

In today’s Scripture, we see the determination of David to be more careful in transporting the ark.  Everything was to be done “by the book”, so to speak, “as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.”  Verse 15.

But, there was still one thing missing. 

God supplied that very important missing thing.  God helped.  God gave grace.

But, this help, this grace, was not without the shedding of blood. 

“Because God was helping the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.”  Verse 26.

God supplied the grace through the shedding of blood by causing the Levites to sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams.

The lesson for us is that we cannot worship God as we should, or more generally we cannot live lives of obedience, without God’s grace given through the shedding of the precious blood of Christ.  1 Peter chapter 1 gives us a good summary.

First, like the Levites were “chosen”, we are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”.  1 Peter 1:1-2.

Second, like David was “afraid of God”, “conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;  knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”  1 Peter 1:17-19.

Third, like David was not paralyzed by fear, but prepared his mind for more careful action in transporting the ark, trusting God’s grace for success:  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:13.

Fourth, like David dressed in a robe of fine linen and also wore an ephod of linen, symbolizing holiness, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:16.  And, God clothes us with the holy righteousness of Christ.  Isaiah 61:10.