Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 28, 2011

The Manifestation of Truth

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.
 
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
 
—————————-
 
Today’s Scripture focuses on “the manifestation of truth” and presents a few elements. 
 
First, we “renounce” the things hidden because of shame.  “Renounce” is defined as “to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration”.  Click here: Renounce – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary  “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.”  Galatians 5:19-21.  “Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the outcome of those things is death.  But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”  Romans 6:21-22.  
 
Second, we do not walk in craftiness.  “Do not be wise in your own eyes;  Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”  Proverbs 3:7
 
Third, we do not adulterate the word of God.  “Adulterate” is defined as “to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element”.  Click here: Adulterate – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary  We can adulterate the word of God in different ways, but an example is when we quote Scripture but also add a frequently home-spun statement to make it appear that it also comes from the word of God like:  “God helps those who help themselves.” or “God gave man free-will.”  Remember that Satan only slightly twisted the word of God in trying to tempt Jesus in the wilderness.  See Matthew 4:1-11.  
 
Fourth, we accurately handle the word of truth.  “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   We consider the context of the Scripture when we quote it to make sure that we preach and teach in truth.  We consider other Scriptures as a cross-reference and quote them too.  We don’t only “let our good deeds speak for themselves”, but rather we try to explain our good deeds and our experiences in terms of Scripture to better manifest the truth.
 
Fifth, we present Christ who is “the Truth”.  John 14:6.  “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.”  2 Corinthians 4:5.  “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2.

Comments Off on The Manifestation of Truth

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 27, 2011

The Ministry of the Spirit Transforms us from Glory to Glory

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.
 
“12 Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, 13 and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.  14 But their minds were hardened;  for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.  15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;  16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  18 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 3:12-18. 
 
———————–
 
How truly glorious and amazing is the description of the ministry of the Spirit that the Spirit transforms us into His “same image from glory to glory” as we behold our Lord!  And then improved, we again behold our Lord and are transformed and improved some more, time and time again!
 
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.  And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”  1 John 3:2-3.
 
In contrast to the ministry of the Spirit which produces ever-increasing glory, the ministry of the Law only produces a fading glory.  We may read the Law and try to be better, but at best, it provides only a temporary fading improvement.  At worst, the Law arouses our sinful passions to bear fruit for death.  See Romans 7:5-11.
 
The Pharisees lay law upon law on the people:  “And they tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men’s shoulders;  but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.”  Matthew 23:4.
                                    

In contrast, Christ tied up the heavy loads of the law and laid them on His own shoulders and gave us His Spirit as a yoke:  “in order 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 8:4.

We can either fix our eyes on the Law or fix our eyes on Jesus.  The Galatians fixed their eyes on the Law, and Paul admonished them:  “Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”  Galatians 3:3.  Or, we can fix our eyes on Jesus:  “the author and perfecter of faith”.  Hebrews 12:2.   

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  Verse 17.  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1.  “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”  Galatians 5:4-5.

Comments Off on The Ministry of the Spirit Transforms us from Glory to Glory

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 26, 2011

The Glory of the Ministry of the Spirit

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.
 
“7 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?  9 For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.  10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it.  11 For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.”  2 Corinthians 3:7-11.
 
—————————————-
 
“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 8:3-4.
 
“… For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”  Galatians 3:21-22. 
 
“For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”  Hebrews 7:18-19.
 
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.”  Hebrews 8:6-7.
 
“For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  Hebrews 9:13-14. 
 
“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.”  Hebrews 10:1. 
 
“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.  And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us;  for after saying,
 
“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”
 
He then says,
                               

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.”  Hebrews 10:14-18.

“This is the only thing I want to find out from you:  did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?  So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”  Galatians 3:2-5. 
 
“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.”  Galatians 5:16-18. 
 
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23.

Comments Off on The Glory of the Ministry of the Spirit

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 25, 2011

Christmas: Christ bringing us to God!

Merry Christmas!

In a pitch black world governed by the letter of the law which only condemned us,  a light of Spirit and hope and life appeared.  When I meditated on today’s Scripture, I was reminded of a Christmas message that I wrote in 1995 (Gold Mine 33), and I decided to give it as today’s devotion with today’s Scripture added to the third point.

 
How wonderful a Christmas message:  Christ bringing us to God!!!

I thought of some ways Christ brought us to God and there are other ways:

First, Christ brought us to God by coming to earth to be our Immanuel, “GOD WITH US”. Matthew 1:23.

Second, Christ brought us to God by His sacrificial death. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit”. 1 Peter 3:18. 

Third, Christ brought us to God by sending us the Holy Spirit to indwell us to give us new life. See for example John 14:16 & 26, John 16:7 & 13-15, Acts 1:8, and today’s Scripture from 2 Corinthians 3:4-6.  “Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  2 Corinthians 3:4-6.

Fourth, Christ brought us to God by eternal life. “…the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
                                    

Fifth, Christ brought us to God by making us His children. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” John 1:12.

Sixth, Christ brought us to God by being the Word and teaching us grace and truth: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.　

Seventh, Christ brought us to God by giving us the glory which God gave Christ so that we may be one, Christ in us, God in Christ, that we may be perfected in unity and know that God loves us as God loved Christ.  “And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one;  I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me.” John 17: 22-23.

In conclusion, as you begin to focus on yourself this Christmas and how you can draw near to God, it is the hope of this Christmas message that you will turn your attention to Christ and how He brought us to God.

Comments Off on Christmas: Christ bringing us to God!

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 24, 2011

Letters of Commendation

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 3:1-3.
 
“1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?  Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you?  2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men;  3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”  2 Corinthians 3:1-3. 
 
—————————————
 
We can write our own letters of commendation, or others can be our letters of commendation.  It is generally better for others to commend us than for us to commend ourselves.  We can subjectively brag about ourselves, but it is generally better for others to objectively recommend us.
 
Ultimately, “our adequacy is from God” as is taught in the next section of Scripture, but there is more to today’s Scripture than just this one point that it is generally better for others to commend us than for us to commend ourselves.  It is better for others to show our good influence on them by their actions than just by what they say about us.  “Imitation is the best form of flattery”  Charles Caleb Colton.
 
Accordingly, do people just think of us based on what we say about ourselves, our resume, our statistics?  Or, do people think about us based on our family and friends and their resume and statistics (imitations of us)?
 
It is a humbling experience being a parent.  For better or worse, we hear our children use the same phrases as we do.  We see our children react and take action similar to how we do.
 
We all have heard preachers and teachers who draw all the attention to themselves and present themselves well.  We just think:  “That is a good man.” 
 
But, we also know of coaches who draw the attention to their players, and we think:  “That is a good team.”  That coach teaches the players so well that the team is disciplined, unified, and makes fewer mistakes.  The team has the coach’s fingerprints all over it and is successful. 
 
We influence family and friends far more than we realize.  In a way, our family and friends are like recording machines that record and copy what we do.  This fact carries a lot of responsibility as well as honor in their being our letters of commendation. 
 
In conclusion, beyond the natural influence that we as parents, preachers, teachers, and coaches have, Scripture supports us.  Scripture exhorts our children, our congregation, our class, and our players:  “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you;  and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7.   

Comments Off on Letters of Commendation

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 22, 2011

Triumph in Christ

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 2:12-17.
 
“12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother;  but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia. 
 
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.  15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;  16 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?  17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”  2 Corinthians 2:12-17.
 
—————————–
 

If there are a top two things that should concern us the most, it would not be money for retirement or other financial concerns.  It would not be our health.  It would not be what job that we had to support our livelihood or our performance on that job.    It would not be our weight or physical appearance.  It would not generally be ourselves or the rest of our family. 

Yes, these things do concern us, but if we could name the top two things that should concern us the most, it would be that God’s name be hallowed and that God’s kingdom would come and His will be done.

Here is our Lord’s Prayer starts – “… Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10. 

Here is what The Heidelberg Catechism states about these first two petitions –

Question 122.  Which is the first petition?

Answer.  “Hallowed be thy name”;  that is, grant us, first, rightly to know thee, and to sanctify, glorify and praise thee, in all thy works, in which thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth, are clearly displayed;  and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole lives, our thoughts, words and actions, that thy name may never be blasphemed, but rather honored and praised on our account.

Question 123.  Which is the second petition?

Answer.  “Thy kingdom come”;  that is, rule us so by thy word and Spirit, that we may submit ourselves more and more to thee;  preserve and increase thy church;  destroy the works of the devil, and all violence which would exalt itself against thee;  and also, all wicked counsels devised against thy holy word;  till the full perfection of thy kingdom take place, wherein thou shalt be all in all.

And so, thanks to God, here comes the triumph!  God “always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”  Praise God! 

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

For Arminians who believe in man’s free will, and how it is solely up to them to peddle and hawk God’s word to evangelize and to also otherwise prevent those whom God desires to save from going to hell, how they wring their hands throughout their lives in worry and fear that they are not doing enough and not doing it well enough! 

But, for Calvinists a/k/a the Reformed who believe in “Irresistible Grace” and “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U” and “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed doctrine of salvation, how they live their lives in triumph trusting God to work in them to manifest through them the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place and to irresistably draw to salvation and preserve the elect which are those “being saved”!  Verses 14 and 15.

The Arminians wring their hands throughout their lives in worry and fear that they will not speak enough or speak convincingly, and so they frantically peddle (corrupt – King James Version) the word of God.  But, the Calvinists “speak in Christ”.  Verse 17.  Through Christ, and in Christ, the Calvinists a/k/a Reformed believers sincerely speak the truth.

In conclusion, for these two most important things (God’s name be hallowed and that God’s kingdom would come and His will be done), let us exalt God, praise God, and thank God that He “always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place”.

Comments Off on Triumph in Christ

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 21, 2011

Discipline: Punishment, Forgiveness, and Restoration

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 2:5-11.
 
“5 But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—in order not to say too much—to all of you. 
 
6 Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority,
 
7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 
 
8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 
 
9 For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 
 
10 But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also;  for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
 
11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”  2 Corinthians 2:5-11.
 
——————————
 
Today’s Scripture covers in more detail the steps of discipline:  punishment, forgiveness, and restoration.
 
Regarding punishment, it is interesting to notice the description of punishment as that “which was inflicted by the majority”.  This punishment was not given by one individual in a burst of anger.  It was given “by the majority” which infers that the punishment was done with sufficient deliberation and order and support of the church as a whole.  
 
Regarding forgiveness, the word forgive or forgiven is mentioned five times.  “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”  –Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”  Matthew 18:21-22.  As a practical matter, it has been my personal reflection that even though we may sincerely and intentionally forgive someone, forgiveness is not a one-time experience, but rather we later experience from time to time a resumption of feelings within us that require us to forgive that person again in our hearts.
 
Regarding restoration, we read components of “comfort” and “reaffirm your love for him”.  Restoration should not be just a cold restoration to privileges, but it should be done with warm comfort and love for that individual. 
 
Bitterness can creep into all three steps of discipline, and we need to beware of it.  Punishment can be caused by bitterness, and the extent of punishment can be affected by bitterness.  Forgiveness can be pretended or even given sincerely, but bitterness can prevent forgiveness, and bitterness can pop up later to rescind or roll back forgiveness.  Restoration can be delayed through bitterness, and bitterness can cause restoration to be done coldly and ineffectively.
 
“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God;  that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;”  Hebrews 12:15.  Bitterness is one of the schemes of Satan mentioned in verse 11.
 
But rather, let love motivate and complete punishment, forgiveness, and restoration, so that we are “obedient in all things”.  Verse 9.

Comments Off on Discipline: Punishment, Forgiveness, and Restoration

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 20, 2011

The Emotions of Discipline: Sorrow, Love, and Joy

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 2:1-4.
 
“1 But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again.
 
2 For if I cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful?
 
3 This is the very thing I wrote you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice;  having confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all.
 
4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears;  not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.”  2 Corinthians 2:1-4. 
 
—————————————
 
Today’s Scripture covers the emotions of discipline.  Today’s Scripture is not like a clear photograph of all the details of discipline;  it is more like an abstract painting that is designed to present and evoke emotions.
 
First, we see the emotion of sorrow.  “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful;  yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”  Hebrews 12:11.  Discipline is at first sorrowful for both the one who receives the lashings of punishment (the Corinthians) and for the one giving it (Paul). 
 
Second, we see the emotion of love.  Discipline is a proof of love.  “FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”  Hebrews 12:6.  “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline;  therefore be zealous and repent.”  Revelation 3:19  “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”  Proverbs 13:24 
 
Third, we see the emotion of joy.  The final product of discipline is joy,  “This is the very thing I wrote you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice;  having confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all.”  Verse 3.  ““Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17  “My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad;  And my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right.”  Proverbs 23:15-16.  “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4.
 
In conclusion, despite all of this, we see little discipline in our churches and homes.  We need to be reminded that our Reformed Confession teaches us that discipline is one of the three marks of the true church.  “…  The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these:  if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein;  if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ;  if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin:  in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the Church.  …”  Article 29 of The Belgic Confession  Click here: The Belgic Confession of Faith  

Comments Off on The Emotions of Discipline: Sorrow, Love, and Joy

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 19, 2011

Working in Faith (that God is at work in us and will bear fruit out of our work)

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 1:23-24.
 
“But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.  Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy;  for in your faith you are standing firm.”  
 
——————————
 
It was a great cruise, but I am glad to be back home to resume writing these daily devotions.  Today’s devotion is appropriate reminder to me, as I get back, that whatever work we do for God that we should do it in faith and not only out of as sense of duty.
 
There is a difference between those who work just out of a sense of a duty and those who work out of faith (in addition to that sense of duty).  In today’s Scripture, Paul showed his faith in God’s work through him for the Corinthians.  First, he mentions their faith (“your faith”).  Second, he identifies his group as “workers with you for your joy”.  Third, he concludes:  “in your faith you are standing firm”.  
 
“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (to whom Paul also ministered), Paul states:  “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.     
 
Hebrews Chapter 11 contains the Hall of Fame of Triumphs of Faith.  “For by it (faith) the men of old gained approval.”  Hebrews 11:2.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.  
 
And so, whether we are returning from vacation or just returning to work after an ordinary weekend, we work in faith that God is at work in us (“… for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13).  We work in faith that God will bear fruit out of our work (“So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.”  Matthew 7:17)  “I am the vine, you are the branches;  he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5  “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”  John 15:8  “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.”

Comments Off on Working in Faith (that God is at work in us and will bear fruit out of our work)

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | December 11, 2011

Yes!

Today, after church, I start a one week cruise vacation.   
 
Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 1:15-22.  Here is the link to that Scripture – Click here: 2 Corinthians 1 NASB – Introduction – Paul an apostle of – Bible Gateway
 
We will focus on the following verses.
 
“18 But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no.  19 For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him.  20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.  21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.  2 Corinthians 1:18-22.
 
——————————
 
Yes!  God establishes us in Christ!
 
Yes!  God anoints us like a Good Shepherd anoints His sheep to heal us and soothe us and protect us from all the irritations that beset us!
 
Yes!  God sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts to help us in so many different ways and as a pledge that “He will pick us up at the end of the day”. 
 
Yes!  God fulfills all of His promises to us in Christ!   
 
“For in Him (Christ) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”  Colossians 2:9-10. 
 
In conclusion, as today’s Scripture teaches, the Gospel (the “Good News”) is not “yes and no, but is yes in Him (Christ)”.  Verse 19.  Likewise, James 1:17 states:  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  James 1:17.
 
Proverbs 10:22
“It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.”
 
Psalm 84:11
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;  The LORD gives grace and glory;  No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
 
Romans 8:32
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”
 
Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”
 
Yes!

Comments Off on Yes!

Posted in Uncategorized

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories