Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 1, 2011

“trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:1-5.
 
“1  For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;
 
2  and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
 
3  and all ate the same spiritual food;
 
4  and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them;  and the rock was Christ.
 
5  Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased;  for they were laid low in the wilderness.”  1 Corinthians 10:1-5.
 
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We may belong to the right denomination.  We may belong to a good church.  We may be raised in a  Christian community and in a Christian family.  We may hear good preaching and may read the Bible.  But, there may be some in our group who do not please God.
 
Who pleases God?
 
Scripture teaches us that God is only pleased with true believers, those whom He has elected and made alive and filled with His Spirit.   
 
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;  for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  …”  Romans 8:6-8.
 
But, the discussion does not end there.  We are commanded to walk as children of the Light “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:10
 
“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:9
 
Here are some things that Scripture teaches us that please God.  This list is certainly does not contain all of the things that please God.  We should be diligent and search Scriptures “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:10. 
 
“Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;  As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.”  Psalm 104:34
 
Faith pleases God.  “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. 
 
Obedience pleases God.  “Samuel said, “ Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”  1 Samuel 15:22  “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20
 
Humility pleases God.  “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be miserable and mourn and weep;  let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”  James 4:6-10.  “He has told you, O man, what is good;  And what does the LORD require of you  But to do justice, to love kindness,  And to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8
 
Increasing in the knowledge of God pleases God.  “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;  joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”  Colossians 1:9-12.  
 
Believing in Jesus and loving one another please God.  “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;  and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.   This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.”  1 John 3:21-23.
 
Doing good and sharing please God.  “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16. 
 
Praising God pleases God.  “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15.  
 
Prayers please God.  “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer;  and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”  Revelation 8:3-4. 
 
Offerings please God.  “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.”  Malachi 3:4  “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:18
 
 
Who can know all the things that please God?!  Who can do all the things that please God?!
 
But, there is hope!
 
God works within us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ in us.   
 
“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 31, 2011

The Prize of Eternal Life in Heaven with God and all the Righteous

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
 
“24  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.
 
25  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
 
26  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
 
27  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
 
———————
 
What would we do to receive one million dollars?  We would exert incredible effort, endure great pain and suffering, and be willing to wait decades before we receive such a prize. 
 
And that million dollars does not guarantee us any length of life.  That million dollars does not guarantee us any love, joy, or peace.  That million dollars does not guarantee us any life with our loved ones.
 
What would you be willing to do to receive eternal life?  What would you be willing to do to receive life in heaven with all of its love, joy, peace, and pleasures?  What would you be willing to do to live with God and all of the righteous forever?
 
And so, we are exhorted to live our lives as if we are in a race with only one person receiving such a prize.  
 
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  Matthew 13:44.
 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”   Matthew 13:45-46.
 
Such a prize of eternal life in heaven with God and all the righteous deserves our greatest effort, our greatest wisdom and skill, our greatest focus, our greatest investment, our greatest sacrifice, our greatest performance, and our greatest endurance.  Such a prize of eternal life deserves all that we have.  “Run in such a way that you may win.”  Verse 24.  Exercise self-control in all things.  Verse 25.  Be wise and skillful.  Verse 26.  Be disciplined.  Verse 27.
 
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.
 
But, winning such a prize requires even more than our greatest efforts and other actions.  Winning such a prize requires the actions of our Sovereign and Almighty God.  In fact, even though we are commanded to so strive for this prize, winning the prize ultimately “does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  “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. 
 
Election may be distasteful to many.  It may seem injust.  But, it is our sole “shot” at this prize.  We must have faith in the grace of God that He has elected us and that He has provided all that we need for salvation, this prize.  It is the narrow way and few find it. 
 
Matthew 7:14
“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
 
Does election mean that we do not need to so run the race with our best effort or that we can quit striving for the prize?  No!
 
The Canons of Dordt states:

Article 12.  This certainty of perseverance, however, is so far from exciting in believers a spirit of pride, or of rendering them carnally secure, that on the contrary, it is the real source of humility, filial reverence, true piety, patience in every tribulation, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering, and in confessing the truth, and of solid rejoicing in God:  so that the consideration of this benefit should serve as an incentive to the serious and constant practice of gratitude and good works, as appears from the testimonies of Scripture, and the examples of the saints.

We are reminded of what was quoted in the devotion on October 28, 2011 from Question and Answer 1 of The Heidelberg Catchism that God:  “… makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.” 

In conclusion, and so we join the Apostle Paul, who, although he wrote more about election than anyone else, and although he labored more than anyone else, and although he suffered so much for the sake of the gospel (See Philippians 3:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 15:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-27), he states regarding his pursuit of this prize:  “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:12-14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 30, 2011

Perseverance, Encouragement, and Hope: Gifts of God through Scriptures

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
 
“19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.  20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews;  to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;  21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.  22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak;  I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.  23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”  1 Corinthians 9:19-23. 
 
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“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.  Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.  For even Christ did not please Himself;  but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.”  Romans 15:1-3.
 
Yes, we should “become all things to all men”.  Yes, we should “bear the weaknesses” of others.  Yes, each of should “please his neighbor for his good”.  Who can do all of this?!
 
But, there is hope!
 
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6. 
 
Therefore, we read so many Scriptures, in part, because there is so much hope, perseverance, and encouragement in Scriptures.  I hope my Daily Devotions contain so many Scriptures.  I pray the Scriptures that I quote bring you this hope, perseverance, and encouragement.
 
God is the One Who “gives perseverance and encouragement”.  Romans 15:5.  I pray my Daily Devotions focus on that One God Who gives these gifts and help you trust God more.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 28, 2011

The Grace of “Compulsion”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:15-18.
 
“15  But I have used none of these things.  And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case;  for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
 
16  For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion;  for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
 
17  For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward;  but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
 
18  What then is my reward?  That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:15-18.
 
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Today’s Scripture follows Scripture where Paul taught about the right of Preachers “to get their living from the gospel”.  Now, Paul explains that he has “used none of these things”.  Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself through that work.  Acts 18:3.  “That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”  Verse 18.
 
But, Paul did not want to boast, so he quickly adds:  “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion;  for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”  Verse 16.
 
Paul would not go to such length of teaching about the right of Preachers “to get their living from the gospel” if he was urging all Preachers to be like himself and support themselves through such “outside” work.  So, for this devotion, I think that we can gain more by focusing on the more general “compulsion” of Christian service that believers share with Paul. 
 
There is hope and comfort in such meditation of this “compulsion”.  Question and Answer 1 of The Heidelberg Catechism ends with this comfort and assurance that God:  “… makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.”    
 
We may not support ourselves like Paul.  We may not suffer like Paul.  But, Christ commands us and compels us:  “You follow Me!” 
 
We may be like Peter and wonder about the other disciples.  “So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”  Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”  John 21:21.
 
And so, we follow Christ. 
 
We take comfort in “compulsion” in the memory of Scripture that each of us have been given gifts and do different good works.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we wouldwalk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10. 
 
We take comfort in “compulsion” in the memory of Scripture that God works 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 take comfort in “compulsion” in that “Irresistible Grace”, the “I” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. 
 
1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
 
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
 
Ephesians 3:7
“of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.”
 
Ephesians 4:7
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
 
1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
 
In conclusion, we are under the grace of compulsion.  “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.  For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”  Colossians 1:28-29. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 27, 2011

“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:8-14.
 
“8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?  Or does not the Law also say these things?  9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?  Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.  11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?  12 If others share the right over you, do we not more?  Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.  13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?  14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:8-14. 
 
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The simple and clear primary message of today’s Scripture is that Pastors are entitled to get paid through receiving a share of the offerings made to the church.  The purpose of this devotion is to focus on this concern of God and this provision by God as giving us insight into the justice of God and the generosity of God.  
 
First of all, we see the commandment of God.  “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  This commandment demonstrates the concern of God.  “God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  Or is He speaking altogether for our sake?  Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.”  Verses 9 and 10.   
 
We then read the conclusion which demonstrates the direct provision of God.  “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  Verse 14. 
 
We think about the justice of God and remember other Scripture from the Old Testament.  As one example, I think of the blessing of Boaz (a type or representative of Christ) upon Ruth.  “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12. 
 
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”
 
And God is not stingy as some employers may be, tightly hanging on to the coins and reluctantly and begrudgingly giving them to their employees one by one because they must justly do so.  God is generous!
 
2 Corinthians 9:8
“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;”
 
James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
                                         
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard also teaches us that God is generous, particularly with His laborers.  “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?  Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’”  Matthew 20:15. 
 
In conclusion, you can see Scripture leading us to the conclusion that God is not only concerned about His Pastors and provides for them;  God is also concerned about His other servants as well and also provides for them. 
 
“… Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  You of little faith!  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.”  Matthew 6:33. 
 
And, it is important to have this faith that God will provide for all of you His servants, because faith is not just an abstract belief in the existence of God, it must include a belief that God will reward those who diligently seek Him. 
 
Hebrews 11:6
“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.”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 26, 2011

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:1-4.
 
“1 Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not my work in the Lord?  2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you;  for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 
                                     
3 My defense to those who examine me is this:  4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink?  5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?   6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?  7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense?  Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it?  Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?”  1 Corinthians 9:1-4. 
 
————————
                             

Let us pause and consider this point that we are free (at least in a certain sense and to a certain extent).  We do have liberty.  Paul will later address his use of this liberty, but for now, let us pause and consider this point that we are free.

As Christians, we “live” in a local church.  I am not speaking of the true universal church of only elect believers.  This local church is a community of both believers and non-believers.  Jealousies and selfishness can arise which lead to legalism as a way of self-promotion.  “I am better than you, because I don’t do the things that you do.”  We may be free and have liberty to do these things, but our attackers don’t care.  They just want to set up artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves.  Paul faced it then, and we face it today.  

Paul recognized that there were those who wanted to make it seem as if Paul could not eat or drink certain things, as if Paul could not marry, and/or as if Paul could not receive income from contributions received by the church.  If Paul did these things, then his attackers could sling mud and contrast him as imperfect and inferior to themselves or others who did not do these things. 

So, Paul emphasizes his freedom and liberty here in today’s Scripture.  And, Paul also emphasizes his freedom and liberty elsewhere.  And, we see the reason for that emphasis.  There are those who are jealous and try to impose their artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves.     

We are reminded of the whole book of Galatians.  “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.  But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Galatians 2:4-5.  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.  Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.  And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.  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.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”  Galatians 5:1-5. 

So, be aware and warned of this jealousy and selfish ambition!  

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  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 3:14-18. 

Be reminded of the freedom and liberty that we have in Christ!   

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;  for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”  1 Timothy 4:4-5. 

1 Timothy 6:17
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

“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.”  Psalm 84:11.

“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?”  Romans 8:32.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 25, 2011

“I will instruct you and teach you” “I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 8:7-13.
 
“7  However not all men have this knowledge;  but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol;  and their conscience being weak is defiled.
 
8  But food will not commend us to God;  we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.
 
9  But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
 
10  For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
 
11  For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
 
12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
 
13  Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.”  1 Corinthians 8:7-13.
 
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We are reminded of yesterday’s Scripture.  “… Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”  1 Corinthians 8:1.  We may know that we have the liberty to do certain things, but that knowledge alone should not dictate that we do that certain thing.  Rather, we should be led by love. 
 
“But food will not commend us to God;  we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.”  See verse 8 above.  Likewise, there are many other things for which we have liberty that “will not commend us to God;  we are neither the worse if we do” those things.
 
We should be led by love.  “Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.”  See verse 13 above. 
 
How do we know whether our considered liberty will cause our brother to stumble?  Moreover, even though we do have liberty, how do we know whether our considered liberty is best for us?
 
But, there is hope! 
 
God will guide us!  
 
Psalm 23:3
“He restores my soul;  He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”
 
Psalm 31:3
“For You are my rock and my fortress;  For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.”
 
Psalm 48:14
“For such is God, Our God forever and ever;  He will guide us until death.”
                                 
Psalm 73:24
“With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.”
 
Psalm 78:52
“But He led forth His own people like sheep And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;”
                           
Isaiah 58:11
“And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones;  And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.”
                         
John 16:13
“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.”
 
Psalm 32:8-11 provides a fitting conclusion and encouragement.
 
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.”  Psalm 32:8-11 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 24, 2011

Motivations for Actions: Love for God and Love for Others

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 8:1-6.
 
“1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge.  Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.  2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know;  3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. 
                                 
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.  5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him;  and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”  1 Corinthians 8:1-6. 
                         
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1 Corinthians Chapter 8 concerns how we should use the liberty that we have as Christians.  In this first part of this chapter (today’s Scripture), it introduces the subject example of eating things sacrificed to idols, but this first part does not specifically answer the question of whether or not we can eat things sacrificed to idols.  Today’s Scripture is more general.

Today’s Scripture provides the general motivations that we should have. 

First, the answer (as to how we should use the liberty that we have as Christians) is not just provided by knowledge.  “Knowledge makes arrogant“.  See verse 1.  In other words, just because we know that we can do something does not necessarily mean that we should do it.  “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge;  and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”  1 Corinthians 13:2.

Second, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:4  Simply but powerfully, “love edifies“.  See verse 1.  We should be motivated by our love for others rather than just by selfish love for ourselves.  “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”  Romans 14:19.      

Third, above all, we “exist for God”.  Our foremost motivation for how we should use our liberty is “God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him;  and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”  See verse 6. 

In summary, “And He (Jesus) said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”  Matthew 22:37-38.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 23, 2011

Undistracted Devotion to the Lord

Today’s devotions comes from 1 Corinthians 7:32-40.
 
“32 But I want you to be free from concern.  One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;  33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided.  The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit;  but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.  35 This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.
                                        

36 But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin;  let her marry.  37 But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no constraint, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well.  38 So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better.

39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.  40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is;  and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.”  1 Corinthians 7:32-40.

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Undistracted devotion to the Lord keeps us in the paths of righteousness.  Like a wise captain of a ship keeps his eyes fixed to the lighthouse to steer his ship to safe harbor, so we should keep our eyes fixed on Christ. 

Distractions can cause us to take our eyes off Christ and wander.  If we veer off course by only one percent, and do not make corrections, over time, we could get lost, miles away from our goal.  

“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.”  2 Corinthians 11:3.

There are many things in life which are good and which we as Christians have liberty to do.  The problem arises when our pursuit of these things causes us to be distracted and lose our focus and devotion to Christ. 

As one example, the Galatians turned their focus from Christ to the Law, and they tried to perfect themselves by the flesh through the Law.  That pursuit may sound good, but Paul admonished them.  “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  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 3:1-5. 

In our path through life, there may be many things which tempt us to get off the path.  But, we look directly ahead and do not turn to the right nor to the left.

“25 Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26 Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.”  Proverbs 4:25-26. 

We may want to tend to emergencies or even just look back and dwell in past memories.  But, the cost of discipleship will not let us.

“As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.”  And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”  And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”  But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead;  but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.”  Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord;  but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.”  But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:57-62. 

We focus on the prize.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.”  1 Corinthians 9:24
                                   
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14
                                    
We fix our eyes on Jesus.
                                   

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 21, 2011

“Do not love the world.”: Lessons from Bird on Branch and Lot’s Wife

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 7:25-31.
 
“25  Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. 
 
26  I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 
 
27  Are you bound to a wife?  Do not seek to be released.  Are you released from a wife?  Do not seek a wife. 
 
28  But if you marry, you have not sinned;  and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.  Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. 
 
29  But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; 
 
30  and those who weep, as though they did not weep;  and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice;  and those who buy, as though they did not possess; 
 
31  and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it;  for the form of this world is passing away.”  1 Corinthians 7:25-31.
 
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“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.   For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.   The world is passing away, and also its lusts;  but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John 2:15-17.
 
Considering how to treat the things of the world, someone said (I think it was Calvin, maybe one of you will know) that a Christian should act like a bird which lightly rests on a branch, ready to take off at any moment to leave behind the branch. 
 
Instead of acting like the bird on the branch, we act too much like Lot’s wife.  We are hesitant to leave the things of this world.  “Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven, and He overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.  But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”  Genesis 19:24-26.  Jesus warns:  “Remember Lot’s wife.  Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”  Luke 17-32-33.
 
In contrast to clinging to the things of this world, we should cling to Christ and salvation through His grace.   “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:13-14.

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