Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 23.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+23&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“For David said, “The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.”  1 Chronicles 23:25.

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This rest is reserved for “His people”.  There was no such rest for the other inhabitants of the land.  More generally, there is no such rest for the wicked.

“There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord.”  Isaiah 48:22.

“20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
For it cannot be quiet,
And its waters toss up refuse and mud.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”  Isaiah 57:20-21.

In Scripture that speaks about the rest that God promised to give to Moses and His people, we see that such grace is not common, but it is special, distinctive, and peculiar to God’s people.

“12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people!’  But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me.  Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’  13 Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight.  Consider too, that this nation is Your people.”  14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”  15 Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.  16 For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people?  Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”

17 The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken;  for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”  18 Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”  19 And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you;  and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”  Exodus 33:12-19.

“Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised;  not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.”  1 Kings 8:56.

Jesus said:  “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.  …  I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”  John 10:11, 14, and 15.  We understand that a good shepherd does not lay his life down for all the sheep of the world but only for his own sheep and that a good shepherd does not give rest to all the sheep of the world but only his own sheep.

“1 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.

Which doctrine is more consistent with such rest?

Other doctrine which focuses on man, man’s alleged free-will, and man’s works, whose motto is “Just do it!”?

Or, Reformed Doctrine which rests on the work of God in “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace” and “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation?!

“Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.  …”  Jeremiah 6:16.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 22.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+22&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“11 Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you.  12 Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.  13 Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.  14 Now behold, with great pains I have prepared for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weight, for they are in great quantity; also timber and stone I have prepared, and you may add to them.  15 Moreover, there are many workmen with you, stonecutters and masons of stone and carpenters, and all men who are skillful in every kind of work.  16 Of the gold, the silver and the bronze and the iron there is no limit.  Arise and work, and may the Lord be with you.”

17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon, saying, 18 “Is not the Lord your God with you?  And has He not given you rest on every side?  For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and before His people.  19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God;  arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”  1 Chronicles 22:11-19.

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We too have work to do for the LORD.  “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.

We too have abundant resources to do our work.  Like David provided all the resources of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, stone, and helpers in great abundance for Solomon to do his work (verses 14-16), the LORD has provided all the resources in great abundance for us to do our work.

These words in today’s Scripture, by which David encouraged and exhorted Solomon and all the leaders of Israel, also provide an example for us and can help us too.  First, we seek the LORD by meditating on His Word.  Verses 19 and 13.  Second, we count our blessings.  Verse 18.  Third, we arise and do the work, being strong and courageous through our faith in the LORD.  Verses 19 and 13.  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

Today’s Scripture comes from 1 Chronicles 21:18-30.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+21&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“18 Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.  19 So David went up at the word of Gad, which he spoke in the name of the Lord.  20 Now Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.  And Ornan was threshing wheat.  21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out from the threshing floor and prostrated himself before David with his face to the ground. 22 Then David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build on it an altar to the Lord;  for the full price you shall give it to me, that the plague may be restrained from the people.”  23 Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself; and let my lord the king do what is good in his sight.  See, I will give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for wood and the wheat for the grain offering;  I will give it all.”  24 But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price;  for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.”  25 So David gave Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site.  26 Then David built an altar to the Lord there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.  And he called to the Lord and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.  27 The Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.”  1 Chronicles 21:18-27.

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David paid the full price for his offering, and it points us to Christ Who also paid the full price of His offering.

The full price for David’s offering was 600 shekels of gold.  But, the full price for Christ’s offering was infinitely more valuable, His precious blood:  “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 1:18-19.

The result of the David’s offering was:  “The Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.”  Verse 27.

The result of Christ’s offering was:  “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”  Romans 5:9.  “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14.

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.  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby of the Canons of Dordt.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 21:9-17.

“9 The Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, 10 “Go and speak to David, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, “I offer you three things;  choose for yourself one of them, which I will do to you.”’”  11 So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Take for yourself 12 either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the Lord, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’  Now, therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.”  13 David said to Gad, “I am in great distress;  please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great.  But do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

14 So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel; 70,000 men of Israel fell.  15 And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough; now relax your hand.”  And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.  16 Then David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.  Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces.  17 David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded to count the people?  Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done?  O Lord my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father’s household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.”  1 Chronicles 21:9-17.

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We remember from the prior Scripture that David sinned by numbering Israel, showing trust in man and the number of his soldiers rather than showing trust in God.  Here, we read the choice of punishments that the LORD offered David.

Today’s Scripture sharply contrasts the mercies of God compared to “the hand of man”:  “please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great.  But do not let me fall into the hand of man.”  Verse 13.

Generally, Psalm 145:8-21 speaks about the great mercies of God.

“8 The Lord is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord,
And Your godly ones shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power;
12 To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts
And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
And kind in all His deeds.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.”  Psalm 145:8-21.

Specifically, Romans 5:6-15 speaks of God’s supreme act of mercy in sending His only beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for us and thus assume the punishment for us. 

“6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man;  though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the transgression.  For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”  Romans 5:6-15.

Other doctrine wants us to fall into the hands of man.  “Just give us free-will”:  it pleads. 

But, Reformed Doctrine pleads for “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  It pleads:  “please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great.  But do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

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.