Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 1, 2024

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 21:17-24.

“Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria;  behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth where he has gone down to take possession of it.  You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you murdered and also taken possession?”’  And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, “In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth the dogs will lick up your blood, even yours.”’”

Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?”  And he answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.  Behold, I will bring evil upon you, and will utterly sweep you away, and will cut off from Ahab every male, both bond and free in Israel;  and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and because you have made Israel sin.  Of Jezebel also has the LORD spoken, saying, ‘The dogs will eat Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.’  The one belonging to Ahab, who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and the one who dies in the field the birds of heaven will eat.”  1 Kings 21:17-24.

————   

It may be difficult and unpleasant for us to read such Scripture about the LORD’S punishment of the wicked, but we read much more of it in the rest of the Old Testament and even in the New Testament.  Many reduce and minimize preaching and teaching the justice and righteousness of the LORD, preferring to only select certain Scriptures to preach and teach only the lovingkindness of the LORD.  

But, we need to understand that the the LORD declares “I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things”.  See Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:1-2.

“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.

God accomplished His good pleasure and demonstrated His justice by shattering His enemies and sending them to hell.

God does not love everyone.  Christ did not die for every one.

“2 … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:2-3.

“3 “The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.
4 “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 “The deeps cover them;
They went down into the depths like a stone.
6 “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.” Exodus 15:3-6.

“And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.” Exodus 15:7.

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”  Luke 19:27.

Jesus Himself said:  “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.

“10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:10-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 29, 2024

“YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” – “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 21:1-16.

“Now it came about after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in Jezreel beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.  Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden because it is close beside my house, and I will give you a better vineyard than it in its place;  if you like, I will give you the price of it in money.”  But Naboth said to Ahab, “The LORD forbid me that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”  So Ahab came into his house sullen and vexed because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him;  for he said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.”  And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and ate no food.

But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating food?”  So he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money;  or else, if it pleases you, I will give you a vineyard in its place.’  But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”  Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now reign over Israel?  Arise, eat bread, and let your heart be joyful;  I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and sent letters to the elders and to the nobles who were living with Naboth in his city.  Now she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people;  and seat two worthless men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’  Then take him out and stone him to death.”  1 Kings 21:1-16.

So the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them, just as it was written in the letters which she had sent them.  They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth at the head of the people.  Then the two worthless men came in and sat before him; and the worthless men testified against him, even against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.”  So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.  Then they sent word to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned and is dead.”

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth, the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money;  for Naboth is not alive, but dead.”  When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.”  1 Kings 21:1-16.

——————

“‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field or his male servant or his female servant, his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.’”  Deuteronomy 5:21.

Ahab, the king of Israel, coveted Naboth’s vineyard, and his sin of coveting led to the death of Naboth and later his own death as prophesied in the following Scripture (1 Kings 21:17-19).

Sin, even as “little” as coveting, can lead to spiritual death and sometimes physical death.  

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”;  for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin;  and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”  James 1:13-15. 

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived;  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

But, there is hope!

“Such were some of you;  but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:11.

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.  But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

What shall we say then?  Is the Law sin?  May it never be!  On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law;  for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”  But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind;  for apart from the Law sin is dead.  I was once alive apart from the Law;  but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died;  and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me;  for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.”  Romans 7:4-11.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did:  sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1-4.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  …  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  1 Corinthians 5:16 and 22-24. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 28, 2024

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.”

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 27, 2024

“For the LORD gives wisdom; … Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 20:30-43.

“His servants said to him, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings, please let us put sackcloth on our loins and ropes on our heads, and go out to the king of Israel;  perhaps he will save your life.”  So they girded sackcloth on their loins and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’”  And he said, “Is he still alive?  He is my brother.”  Now the men took this as an omen, and quickly catching his word said, “Your brother Ben-hadad.”  Then he said, “Go, bring him.”  Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he took him up into the chariot.  Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore, and you shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.”  Ahab said, “And I will let you go with this covenant.”  So he made a covenant with him and let him go.

…  He (the prophet) said to him (Ahab, the king of Israel), “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’”  So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and vexed, and came to Samaria.”  1 Kings 20:30-34 and 42-43.  

—————-

“Now Ben-hadad king of Aram gathered all his army, and there were thirty-two kings with him, and horses and chariots.  And he went up and besieged Samaria and fought against it.”  1 Kings 20:1.

Today’s Scripture teaches us that it is important to know that even though both mercy a/k/a lovingkindness and justice are generally good, “there is a time and place for each”, so to speak.  

We are not always allowed to show mercy a/k/a lovingkindness in every situation that we want, nor are we always allowed to show justice in every situation that we want.  We are responsible to know according to God’s Word, the Bible, what the particular situation requires us to show, whether it be mercy a/k/a lovingkindness OR justice OR possibly both, sometimes known as equity.  

In today’s Scripture, the particular situation of how to deal with Ben-hadad, king of Aram, who had waged war against Israel, required Ahab to NOT show mercy a/k/a lovingkindness to him.  We read:  “… Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.”  Verse 42.   

We can understand the important of justice if we consider how we as citizens would feel if a judge opened the doors of every jail and prison in his jurisdiction and allowed the imprisoned criminals to go free.  Yes, one could vainly argue that the judge was being good by showing mercy a/k/a lovingkindness, but no citizen would approve.  

Or, what would we think of our own military, if our country was attacked and our military just stepped aside to let the enemy do what they wanted?

“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.”  Romans 13:1-4. 

But, there is hope!

“6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.” Proverbs 2:6-9.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 26, 2024

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 20:22-30.

“Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do;  for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will come up against you.”

Now the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the mountains, therefore they were stronger than we;  but rather let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.  Do this thing:  remove the kings, each from his place, and put captains in their place, and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot.  Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.”  And he listened to their voice and did so.

At the turn of the year, Ben-hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.  The sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them;  and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country.  Then a man of God came near and spoke to the king of Israel and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because the Arameans have said, “The LORD is a god of the mountains, but He is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’”  So they camped one over against the other seven days.  And on the seventh day the battle was joined, and the sons of Israel killed of the Arameans 100,000 foot soldiers in one day.  But the rest fled to Aphek into the city, and the wall fell on 27,000 men who were left.  And Ben-hadad fled and came into the city into an inner chamber.”  1 Kings 20:22-30.

——————

Notice from the following verse in today’s Scripture that there can be severe consequences of not having a correct understanding of the LORD.  “… Thus says the LORD, ‘Because the Arameans have said, “The LORD is a god of the mountains, but He is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’”  Verse 28.

Likewise, notice from the following Scriptures that if we treat our understanding of the LORD as unimportant, preferring to understand ourself and be wise for ourself, then we “alone will bear it.”

Jesus Himself said:  “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.

“10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:10-12.

“The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.” Proverbs 10:21.

“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.

Reformed Doctrine teaches us that man’s condition corrupted by the fall of Adam (through Adam’s sin) is a condition of “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism.

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

“10 as it is written,

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

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

But, there is hope!

“… I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:24. 

The LORD exercised lovingkindness.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:4-8.

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

The LORD exercised justice.  

“2 … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:2-3.

“And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.” Exodus 15:7.

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”  Luke 19:27.

God perfectly demonstrated His justice by even sending Christ, His beloved Son, to the cross, because justice required punishment for the sins of His elect. 

The LORD exercised righteousness.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

In summary, fear the LORD, seek to understand Him, and worship Him.

“The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4.

“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.

“11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:11-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 25, 2024

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

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 20:13-21.

“Now behold, a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Have you seen all this great multitude?  Behold, I will deliver them into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’”  Ahab said, “By whom?”  So he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘By the young men of the rulers of the provinces.’”  Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?”  And he answered, “You.”  Then he mustered the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and there were 232;  and after them he mustered all the people, even all the sons of Israel, 7,000.

They went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the temporary shelters with the thirty-two kings who helped him.  The young men of the rulers of the provinces went out first;  and Ben-hadad sent out and they told him, saying, “Men have come out from Samaria.”  Then he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive;  or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”

So these went out from the city, the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and the army which followed them.  They killed each his man;  and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen.  The king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots, and killed the Arameans with a great slaughter.”  1 Kings 20:13-21.

———— 

Man wants to look at what he himself has done.

But, the LORD says throughout Scripture:  “Look at what I have done!”

“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.

“The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4.

“Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonders to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will remember His covenant forever.
6 He has made known to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are truth and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They are upheld forever and ever;
They are performed in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm chapter 111.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.

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

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

We don’t rejoice in our works nor in our will.  We boast in the LORD.  As the following Scripture exhorts us, we rejoice that our names are recorded in heaven.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”  And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.  Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.  Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.  All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”  Luke 10:17-24.

God accomplished His good pleasure and demonstrated His lovingkindness by choosing whom He will save (“Unconditional Election”) and by providing all that the His elect need for salvation:  from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.  In other words, salvation does not depend on our works, nor even as little as our will.  God saves whom He wants.

“Then Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 “There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2.

“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.

“With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91:16.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 24, 2024

“let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful” – “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 20:1-12.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Kings 20 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Now Ben-hadad king of Aram gathered all his army, and there were thirty-two kings with him, and horses and chariots.  And he went up and besieged Samaria and fought against it.  Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad, ‘Your silver and your gold are mine;  your most beautiful wives and children are also mine.’”  …  

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Please observe and see how this man is looking for trouble;  for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.”  All the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.”  So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’”  And the messengers departed and brought him word again.  Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “May the gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria will suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.”  Then the king of Israel replied, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who girds on his armor boast like him who takes it off.’”  When Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking with the kings in the temporary shelters, he said to his servants, “Station yourselves.”  So they stationed themselves against the city.”  1 Kings 20:1-3 and 7-12.

——————  

“Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:1-2.

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”  Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.  You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”  But as it is, you boast in your arrogance;  all such boasting is evil.    James 4:13-16.

“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.

But, there is hope!

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;  for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16-26.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  James 3:17-18.

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

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 22, 2024

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

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 19:19:21.

“So he (Elijah) departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth.  And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him.  He (Elisha) left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you.”  And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”  So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate.  Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him.”  1 Kings 19:19:21.

———–

“Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”  But Jesus *said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”  Matthew 8:21-22.

With all the temptations and other distractions of the world and with all our weaknesses and fleeting faith, how can we follow Jesus as He deserves and as we should?!

But, there is hope!

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.  

Q. 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?

A.  That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ;  who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil;  and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;  yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled from FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings; which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

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

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 21, 2024

“I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth” – “I will accomplish all My good pleasure”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 19:9-18.

“Then he came there to a cave and lodged there;  and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts;  for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword.  And I alone am left;  and they seek my life, to take it away.”

So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.”  And behold, the LORD was passing by!  And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD;  but the LORD was not in the wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire;  and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.  And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts;  for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword.  And I alone am left;  and they seek my life, to take it away.”

The LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram;  and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel;  and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.  It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death.  Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”  1 Kings 19:9-18.

————–   

The primary and most clear points from today’s Scripture is that the LORD exercises both lovingkindness and justice.  

We see the lovingkindness of the LORD in verse 18.  “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”  Verse 18.  

The LORD could have put to death all the sons of Israel.  Elijah himself bore witness against them twice in verses 10 and 14.  “…  for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword.  And I alone am left;  and they seek my life, to take it away.”  Verses 10 and 14.  

But, the LORD saved a remnant according to His gracious choice.

“… Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?  “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.”  But what is the divine response to him?  “I HAVE KEPT FOR MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.”  In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.”  Romans 11:2-5.

We see the justice of the LORD in verse 17, and we better understand the reason for the justice of the LORD when we consider the actions of the son of Israel stated above.  “It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death.”  Verse 17.   

We often hear about the lovingkindness of the LORD in church.  But, how often do we hear about the justice of the LORD in church?  How often do we meditate on the justice of the LORD?  Jesus Himself said:  “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.

“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.

“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.

The secondary and more obscure points from today’s Scripture teach us how to respond to the sovereignty of the LORD in establishing and accomplishing all of His purpose and His good pleasure, including but not limited to exercising lovingkindness and justice on earth.

We may not understand why the LORD sent Elijah to go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD, particularly considering that the LORD was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire.  The LORD did not talk to Elijah in the wind or in the earthquake or in the fire.  But, the power of the wind, the earthquake, and the fire could remind Elijah of the power and sovereignty of the LORD.

Likewise, for us today, we may not understand how the LORD “exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth”, but we see the power and sovereignty of the LORD throughout Scripture and His creation.  We can trust the LORD and His word that He will establish and accomplish all of His purpose and His good pleasure, including but not limited to exercising lovingkindness and justice on earth. 

“… I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:24.

“… ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;” Isaiah 46:10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 20, 2024

“Arise, eat.” – “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Kings 19:1-8.

“Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.  Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”  And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.  But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree;  and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough;  now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”  He lay down and slept under a juniper tree;  and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat.”  Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water.  So he ate and drank and lay down again.  The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.”  So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.”  1 Kings 19:1-8.

———–

Elijah was afraid and discouraged, maybe even depressed.  He “ran for his life” and went into the wilderness, and “he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough;  now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”  Verses 1-4.

When we consider the spiritual stature of Elijah being a major prophet of God and having just experienced the tremendous spiritual victory and miracle upon Mount Carmel, and yet Elijah still became afraid and discouraged, it can help us admit that we too can become afraid and discouraged.  No one is immune.  We all need help from the LORD.

But, there is hope!

There was hope for Elijah in today’s text, and we have the hope of all the wonderful and magnificent promises of God and provisions of God stated in Scripture in addition. 

We can be encouraged that like it was for Elijah, sometimes all that it takes for us to get started in our recovery is a first baby step of “Arise, eat.”  Certainly, we should do more, and the LORD does provide more.  But, we can be encouraged that when we can do no more or are not willing to do more, “Arise, eat.” can be a good first step.

There is more to “Arise, eat.” than may first appear.  When we do arise and eat, we have faith that the LORD will do more, and we obey Scripture which commands us to not worry, but rather, to take one day at a time.

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;  for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“So do not worry about tomorrow;  for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:31-34.

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

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

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:6-7.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  John 14:26-27.

“22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

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