Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 7, 2012

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves …”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:7-15.
 
“Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?   I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you;  and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone;  for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.  As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.  Why?  Because I do not love you?  God knows I do!
                                  

But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”  2 Corinthians 11:7-15.

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There are those false teachers who clearly and sufficiently describe their teaching, the basis for their belief, and their agenda.  The listener can more easily and better guard himself or herself against such teachers by not listening at all to that false teacher or by bringing in more knowledgeable Christian teachers to debate them.  They are less dangerous and not the subject of today’s devotion. 

But, there are those false teachers who claim to be Christian, who disguise themselves, pretending to be Christian and righteous based on the Bible and filled with all light and goodness, but who are not.  They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  These are white-washed tombs.  They are more capable of deceiving and misleading, and thus are more dangerous and the subject of today’s devotion.   

Jesus said:  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  Matthew 7:15

Jesus said:  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”  Matthew 23:27

Scripture is filled with warnings about such false teachers.  Here are just some of the Scriptures from the New Testament.

Matthew 24:11
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”
 
Matthew 24:24
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
                                                         

Mark 13:22
“for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.”

Galatians 2:4
“But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.”

Philippians 3:2
“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;”

2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

Revelation 2:2
“‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;”

In conclusion, we are reminded of yesterday’s devotion and the importance of doctrinal standards a/k/a creeds a/k/a confessions to help us discern false teachers.  “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  1 John 4:1 

But, most importantly, we have a Good Shepherd who protects us from those wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Jesus said:  “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 10:14-15.  And, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, does not lose any sheep.  He said:  “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:27-29.  This is the “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 6, 2012

“But examine everything carefully” – “A Plea for Creeds”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:1-6.
 
“I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness;  but indeed you are bearing with me.  For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy;  for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.  But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.  For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.  But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge;  in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.”  2 Corinthians 11:1-6.
 
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“Do not quench the Spirit;  do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully;  hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.  Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:19-24. 
 
Doctrinal standards, like creeds a/k/a confessions, are often viewed with suspicion and distaste.  They are viewed as dry and divisive.  But, creeds are important and necessary to help us determine what is good and what is bad.  Some teachings may seem good in isolation (alone, without comparison), but when we compare them to our well-established creeds, we can determine that such teachings are false and misleading.
 
Our Reformed Confessions are:  Belgic Confession, Canons of Dordt, Heidelberg Catechism, and Westminister Larger Confession.  They are all organized and easily readable.  I particularly recommend that you start by reading the Canons of Dordt, because it focuses on the specific subject of salvation and is the distinctive heart of Reformed Doctrine.  There are links to these Reformed Confessions under “Links” in the right column, and there is a tab on the top of the page titled:  “A Plea for Creeds” which further explains the importance of creeds.  
 
In addition to our creeds, we can trust God Who sanctifies us entirely and Who preserves us completely.  “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”  John 16:13  “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:24.  
 
So, let us be diligent to use what God has provided.  Let us use Scripture and our creeds to “examine everything carefully”.  Let us pray and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us in all truth.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 5, 2012

“whom the Lord commends”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:12-18.
 
“12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves;  but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 
 
13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 
 
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 
 
15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 
 
16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 
 
17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 
 
18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”  2 Corinthians 10:12-18.
 
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Our goal is not to better understand ourselves, so that we can better commend ourselves.  Our goal is to better understand God, so we can better praise God.  “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. 
 
And, if we do seek to better understand man, rather than God, and become attracted to the rich, we ultimately come to this conclusion:
“16 Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
His glory will not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he congratulates himself—
And though men praise you when you do well for yourself—
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers;
They will never see the light.
20 Man in his pomp, yet without understanding,
Is like the beasts that perish.”  Psalm 49:16-20.
 
We should seek the praise of God, rather than the praise of man. 
 
“For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted;  but the one who examines me is the Lord.  Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts;  and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:4-5.
 
“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter (of the Law); and his praise is not from men, but from God.”  Romans 2:29. 
 
And, the basis of our thanks and praise is not our good works or good words, the basis of our thanks and praise is that God has chosen us for salvation.
 
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.  It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. 
                                               
But, we diligently use the grace, comfort, and strength that God does give us “for every good work and word”.  When we teach God’s Words, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15  When we change diapers or do other good works, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,”  Colossians 3:23  “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”  Colossians 3:17. 
                                       

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.  Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.  Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.  Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 3:18-24.

In conclusion, “… To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you;  for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”  2 Peter 1:1-11. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 3, 2012

Sincere Faith and Love

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:7-11.
 
“You are looking at things as they are outwardly.  If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.   For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.  For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”  Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.”  2 Corinthians 10:7-11.  
 
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Our confidence and ability that we are sincere, men and women of integrity, comes not from our willpower to act as we preach or teach, talk or write. 
 
Our confidence and ability that we are sincere, men and women of integrity, comes from being born again through the living and enduring word of God through Jesus Christ.
 
In the following three Scriptures, we read about this sincere faith and love that comes through the living and enduring word of God through Jesus Christ.         
 
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.  For,
                                        

“ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.”

And this is the word which was preached to you.”  1 Peter 1:22-25.

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:19-25.
 
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;  having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 2, 2012

“speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:1-6.
 
“1 Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!  2 I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,  6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”  2 Corinthians 10:1-6.
 
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What are the speculations and lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God?  Man speculates that he can know God through his own wisdom or through his own free-will.  But, God destroys those speculations.
 
“For it is written,
 
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
                       

Where is the wise man?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the debater of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;  but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.                                           

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 1:19-31.  
                                          
We preach and teach Reformed Doctrine a/k/a Calvinism summarized by “TULIP”, the acronym for the Five Points of Calvinism.  The starting point of “TULIP” is “T” standing for “Total Depravity”, namely that man is dead in sin, hostile to God, enslaved to sin and Satan, and totally unable by himself to come to God and know God.  Man’s only chance to know God and to be saved is to be chosen by God, which is the second point of “TULIP”, the “U” standing for “Unconditional Election”. 
                                        

Christ died only for those whom God chose or elected to know God and to be saved, which is the third point of “TULIP”, the “L” standing for “Limited Atonement”.  The death of Christ on the cross provided all the saving benefits including saving knowledge of God which is also described as faith.  “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.”  Article 8. of The Canons of Dordt.

“Irresistible Grace”, the “I” and fourth point of “TULIP”, is capable of destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ:  “even when we were dead in our transgressions, (God) 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,”  Ephesians 2:5-6.

Because God is sovereign and totally in control, we can be assured that our obedience will be made complete.  “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.  This is “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints” which is the “P” and fifth and final point of “TULIP”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 1, 2012

Many Thanksgivings to God

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 9:10-15.
 
“10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;  11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.  12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.  13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.  15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:10-15.
 
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Today’s Scripture emphasizes that the Reformed Doctrine of grace produces in us many thanksgivings to God.  We are thankful for God for providing the “seed for sowing” which was described in 2 Corinthians 9:8 as “an abundance for every good deed”.  We are thankful that God increases the harvest of our righteousness.  We are thankful that God enriches us “in everything for all liberality”.  We are thankful for God “fully supplying the needs of the saints”.  We are thankful to God “for His indescribable gift!” 
 
God gives us the Holy Spirit.  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  Luke 11:13
                             
God gives us justification.  “The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”  Romans 5:16
                             
God gives us righteousness.  “For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:17
                                
God gives us eternal life.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23
 
God even gives life to our mortal bodies that attracts other Christians to us.  “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  Romans 8:11  Other Christians “yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”  Verse 14. 
                        
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;  to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.  And who is adequate for these things?”  2 Corinthians 2:14-16.
 
Question 64.  But doth not this doctrine (of grace) make men careless and profane?
Answer.  By no means:  for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.  The Heidelberg Catechism. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 31, 2012

Beholding God and Being Transformed into His Image

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

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-9. 

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We can just look at God’s provision and promise and miss the more important insight into the character of God.  The purpose of this devotion is to meditate on what this Scripture teaches us about the character of God in the hope that as we see Him, we will be transformed into His image. 

First, today’s Scripture teaches us that God is generous and freely gives to the poor.  “They all wait for You To give them their food in due season.  You give to them, they gather it up;  You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.”  Psalm 104:27-28.  God sows bountifully:  “HE SCATTERED ABROAD”. 

Second, today’s Scripture proclaims the righteousness of God.  “HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”  God not only is righteous in Himself;  He clothes us with the righteousness of Christ and causes us to act righteously by giving us “an abundance for every good deed” so that we also can give.  

Third, today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the fact that God not only loves a cheerful giver, God is a cheerful giver.  God delights in exercising lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth.  “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.  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”Luke 12:32

In conclusion, as we meditate on the character of God and “see Him”, we are being transformed into His image to give more freely, to be more righteous, and to give more cheerfully.  “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 30, 2012

God has prepared us.

 Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 9:1-5. 

“1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;  2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.  3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared;  4 otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to speak of you—will be put to shame by this confidence.  5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:1-5.
 
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When we read the Scripture for today, we can be tempted to take our eyes off God and try to focus on ourselves and try to perfect ourselves.  The Scripture (immediately following today’s Scripture) combats that temptation by describing what God has prepared and done for us, and so, as always, it is important to consider the context of any Scripture.  God willing, we will get to that Scripture tomorrow or the next day.  But, for today, I want to be more general and consider other Scripture. 
 
First, let us remember Who God is.  We have a God Who delights in “lovingkindness, justice and righteousness” and Who sovereignly and actively exercises them on earth.  God does not just wait with arms folded waiting to see what we will do.  “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.
 
We have a God Who prepared us like a potter prepares his pottery.  “And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,”  Romans 9:23  “Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.”  2 Corinthians 5:5
                                 
We have a God Who even prepared our works.  “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 cannot even fathom all that God has prepared for us.  “but just as it is written, “ THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”  1 Corinthians 2:9
 
And, so we can read today’s Scripture with faith and comfort that God makes us willing and ready for whatever He wants us to do.  Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 states:
 
Question 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer.  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.
 
In conclusion, these Scriptures and Reformed Confession are a very immediate help to me as I face today (Monday) going back to work after my vacation and to others as they also go back to work after a weekend.  God has prepared us for whatever we may face today.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 29, 2012

“Then my God put it into my heart to …”

Thank you for your prayers.  I am back home safe and sound.  I had a spectacular time with my 7 other high school classmates – adventurous and very physically challenging hikes, unbelievably beautiful scenery, and wonderful fellowship.  But, it is also great to be back refreshed, meditating and writing about God’s Word!
 
Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.
 
“16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.  17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord.  18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; 19 and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, 20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;  21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.  22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.  23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you;  as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.  24 Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16-24.
 
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We have a God Who puts earnestness, love for others, wisdom, skill, gladness, diligence, readiness, and other blessed qualities into our hearts.  We know this from God’s Word, and we can see proof of it in the lives of other saints, and we can boast about what God has done in others. 
 
Exodus 31:6
“And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan;  and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:”
 
Exodus 35:34
“He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.”
 
1 Kings 10:24
“All the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart.”
 
Ezra 7:27
“Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to adorn the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem,”
 
Nehemiah 7:5
“Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogies.  Then I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up first in which I found the following record:”
 
Psalm 4:7
“You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound.”
 
Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it;  and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
 
Jeremiah 32:40
“I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me.”
 
Ezekiel 36:26
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
 
Hebrews 8:10
“FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:  I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS.  AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.”
 
This past week, I had glimpses of wonderful qualities that God put in the hearts of my high school classmates.  God put gladness into the heart of Dale, and he was constantly cheerful and chatty, encouraging us to continue and finish the long, difficult, and sometimes dangerous hikes.  God put an ability to teach into the hearts of Lon and Roy, and they loved to tell stories and teach us so many things of what we saw and considered along the way.  God put leadership and diligence into the heart of Harry, and he assembled us and carefully handled each detail of organization of the trip.  God put fear of the Lord into Dave, and he was steadfast, keeping us on the trail, “not turning to the right or the left”.  God put skill into Chuck, a builder by trade, and he gladly cooked every meal for us as well as take mission trips to build for others.  God also put skill into Doug, a UPS driver by trade, and although he was not able to participate as much this trip, he was our skilled and careful driver on prior trips who made us feel safe. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 19, 2012

God’s Providence

Today, I fly to Phoenix to meet up with seven other high school classmates to hike at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and other areas in Arizona.  This will be the last devotion until, God willing, Sunday, January 29, 2012 when the daily devotions will resume.  Please pray for God’s guidance, protection, and other blessings for our group and families.  Thank you.   
 
Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 8:10-15.
 
“10 I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.  11 But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability.  12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.  13 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality;  15 as it is written, “HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK.”  2 Corinthians 8:10-15.
 
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Although today’s Scripture continues teaching us about the importance of giving to help support other saints (here, teaching us to complete or finish what we desire or are ready to give), the framework within which to peg this teaching is God’s overall providence.
 
Yes, we should be inspired, for example, by the giving described in Acts 4:32-35.  “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul;  and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.  And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.  For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”  But, we must remember that this sharing and other giving occurs, because God gave grace as part of His overall providence to cause this giving and accomplish all of His gracious work.  See, for example, 2 Corinthians 8:1.
 
Verse 15 in today’s Scripture (“HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK.”) comes from the story of God’s providence and provision of manna in Exodus Chapter 16.  How appropriate it is to consider the giving not based on man’s free-will – maybe he will do it, but may he won’t do it – but rather, within the framework of understanding God’s providence and provision of manna!  And, not only did God provided the manna, but God’s providence extended to the distribution, despite man.  “When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack;  every man gathered as much as he should eat.”  Exodus 16:18. 
 
Here is what The Heidelberg Catechism states about God’s providence.
 
Question 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
Answer.  The almighty and everywhere present power of God;  whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
 
Question 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer.  That we may be patient in adversity;  thankful in prosperity;  and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love;  since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.   
 
Here is what The Belgic Confession states about God’s providence.
 
Article 13:  Of Divine Providence.

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

“1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”  Psalm 103:1-5.

In conclusion, I will close with Psalm 121 which further describes God’s providence and which also is the Scripture that I read before I depart on a major trip to remind me of God’s protection within that providence.  As we hike down the Grand Canyon, these words are so true and comforting. 

“1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.”  Psalm Chapter 121.

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