Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 1, 2024

“So the king arose and sat in the gate.” – “a wise man is he who listens to counsel.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 19:1-15.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 19 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Then it was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.”  The victory that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.”  So the people went by stealth into the city that day, as people who are humiliated steal away when they flee in battle.  The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”  Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you.  For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you;  for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.  Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.”

So the king arose and sat in the gate.  When they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate,” then all the people came before the king.”  2 Samuel 19:1-8.  

—————-

Joab scolded David.  Joab warned David.  Joab advised David.

But, David did not say:  “Thanks.”  David did not tell Joab what he would do.  David merely arose and sat in the gate.

But, good things began to happen for David.  The people began to restore David to being king.

There are lessons for us today.

Like Joab, we may not receive thanks or even acknowledgement from others that they will heed our word.  But, the result may be good.

Like David, sometimes we may not feel like saying anything or doing anything.  But sometimes, it is a good enough start for us, so to speak to get the ball rolling, to arise and go somewhere public and sit.  Others may also come to us and help us.

As the following Scriptures exhort us and encourage us, we should listen to counsel, heed reproof, and humble ourselves.  

“The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.” Proverbs 10:8.

“Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.” Proverbs 10:14.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 12:15.

“He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20.

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days.” Proverbs 19:20.

“31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
Will dwell among the wise.
32 He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:31-33.

“8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:8-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 30, 2024

“the summing up of all things in Christ”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 18:19-33.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 18 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Ahimaaz called and said to the king, “All is well.”  And he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.  And he said, “Blessed is the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted their hands against my lord the king.”  The king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?”  And Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I did not know what it was.”  Then the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.”  So he turned aside and stood still.

Behold, the Cushite arrived, and the Cushite said, “Let my lord the king receive good news, for the LORD has freed you this day from the hand of all those who rose up against you.”  Then the king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?”  And the Cushite answered, “Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!”

The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept.  And thus he said as he walked, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!  Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!””  2 Samuel 18:28-33.

————————-  

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Matthew 17:5.

“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;  whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;  so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11.

The focus that David had on his son Absalom and for his well-being is remarkable and worthy of our meditation for this devotion.

Despite all the people who rose up and rebelled against David, which rebellion was led by his son Absalom, David was focused on his son Absalom and for his well-being.

Despite that this rebellion caused David to leave his throne and flee for his life, David was focused on his son Absalom and for his well-being.

Despite the news that David’s enemies were killed and that David was now safe and would regain his throne, David was focused on his son Absalom and for his well-being.

Remarkable!

If David so loved his son Absalom, then let us meditate on the love the LORD, God the Father, has for His Son, Jesus Christ.   

For example, in the magnificent chapter of Ephesians chapter 1, it is easy to focus only on the love the LORD has for His elect and the blessings that go to the elect. 

Let us use today’s Scripture to meditate on the love of the LORD for His Son, Jesus Christ, and the LORD’S purpose in doing all things to honor and glorify His Son.   

The purpose is “the summing up of all things in Christ”.  “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.”  Ephesians 1:9-10.

We, as humans, naturally want to focus about the blessings that go to us, our inheritance.  But, notice the following two points.

First, all the blessings that we receive are due to our position within Christ. “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.” Galatians 3:16. “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,”. Ephesians 1:3. “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”. 1 Corinthians 1:30. 

Second, notice the conclusion of Ephesians chapter 1, that magnificent chapter which richly describes so many of our blessings.  The focus is on Christ and “His inheritance”, that is, the saints are Christ’s inheritance.  The focus is also on Christ’s “rule and authority and power. God “put all things in subjection under His feet”. 

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.  These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”  Ephesians 1:18-23.

But, Psalm chapter 2 shows us that Christ’s “inheritance” and Christ’s “rule and authority and power and dominion” extend over more than only “the church”. Christ’s “inheritance” and Christ’s “rule and authority and power and dominion” extend over all nations. Christ’s “rule and authority and power and dominion” extends to punish and to bless.

“7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:7-12.

Regarding the Christ’s “rule and authority and power and dominion” over all nations, notice in addition the following Scriptures.

“The LORD says to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2 The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;
In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.

“4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head.” Psalm chapter 110.

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:31-33.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-16.

In conclusion, in both the punishing of God’s enemies and in the savings of God’s elect, this is all consistent with the purpose of the LORD for “the summing up of all things in Christ”. In Christ’s total dominion, “God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 29, 2024

“Pride goes before destruction, … It is better to be humble in spirit … blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 18:9-18.

“Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David.  For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak.  And his head caught fast in the oak, so he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going.  When a certain man saw it, he told Joab and said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.”  Then Joab said to the man who had told him, “Now behold, you saw him!  Why then did you not strike him there to the ground?  And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.”  The man said to Joab, “Even if I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not put out my hand against the king’s son;  for in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Protect for me the young man Absalom!’  Otherwise, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.”  Then Joab said, “I will not waste time here with you.”  So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.  And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him.

Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.  They took Absalom and cast him into a deep pit in the forest and erected over him a very great heap of stones.  And all Israel fled, each to his tent.  Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve my name.”  So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.”  2 Samuel 18:9-18.

—————-

A big head gets us into trouble.  We should not be infatuated with our beauty or our brains or our boldness.

We remember Absalom’s beauty.  “Now in all Israel was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised;  from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no defect in him.”  2 Samuel 14:25.

We remember Absalom’s brains.  He schemed and stole the hearts of the men of Israel away from his father, King David.  See 2 Samuel 15:1-6.

We remember Absalom’s boldness.  “Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house;  then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father.  The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.”  So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.”  2 Samuel 16:20-22.

Pride gets us in trouble.  But, there is hope for those who are humble and who attend to God’s word and who trust in the LORD. 

“18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.” Proverbs 16:18-20.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 28, 2024

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 18:1-8.

“Then David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.  David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite.  And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.”  But the people said, “You should not go out;  for if we indeed flee, they will not care about us;  even if half of us die, they will not care about us.  But you are worth ten thousand of us;  therefore now it is better that you be ready to help us from the city.”  Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.”  So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.  The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.”  And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.

Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.  The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men.  For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.”  2 Samuel 18:1-8.

—————–

Sometimes, Scripture will directly state the LORD’S names and His qualities, and other times, like in today’s Scripture, the Scripture will only present historical facts which lead us to meditate on what the LORD is doing in those historical facts and what qualities of the LORD are shown through such historical facts. 

Sometimes, like in today’s Scripture, the facts are so unusual to produce such an outcome that we can reasonably infer that the LORD wanted us to conclude that He was at work in such a way that the events, were not by chance but rather by His providence, and to show that He, the LORD deserves credit and glory for the outcome (and not man).  

But, we can use other Scripture that states the LORD’S name and His intention to use unusual facts to produce an outcome so that He, the LORD, would get credit and glory for the outcome (and not man).  

One example is the LORD’s use of Gideon and so few people to achieve victory.  “The LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’  …  The LORD said to Gideon, “I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands;  so let all the other people go, each man to his home.”  Judges 7:2 and 7.  

In today’s Scripture, consider the following facts that normally do not produce a victory.

First, normally, the king’s (or leader’s) advice is followed.  But, in today’s Scripture, we see that David’s advice was announced.  “And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.”  But the people said, “You should not go out …  Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” 

Secondly, normally, the king does not advise his armies to deal gently with the leader of the rebellion for two reasons.  The primary  purpose is to kill or imprison the leader of the rebellion, and such advice also deflates and takes the motivation (wind out of the sails) of the army.  But, in today’s Scripture, we see David charge the people:  “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” 

Third, normally, weapons kill more people than apparent natural causes.  But, in today’s Scripture, we see “the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.”

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31.

“16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:16-18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 27, 2024

“God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 17:15-29.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 17 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.  

“Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, “This is what Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have counseled.  Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means cross over, or else the king and all the people who are with him will be destroyed.’”  Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, and a maidservant would go and tell them, and they would go and tell King David, for they could not be seen entering the city.  But a lad did see them and told Absalom;  so the two of them departed quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his courtyard, and they went down into it.  And the woman took a covering and spread it over the well’s mouth and scattered grain on it, so that nothing was known.  Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”  And the woman said to them, “They have crossed the brook of water.”  And when they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

It came about after they had departed that they came up out of the well and went and told King David;  and they said to David, “Arise and cross over the water quickly for thus Ahithophel has counseled against you.”  Then David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed the Jordan;  and by dawn not even one remained who had not crossed the Jordan.

Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father.

Then David came to Mahanaim.  And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.  …  And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat;  for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”  2 Samuel 17:15-24 and 26-29. 

—————–

What if Hushai was not successful in thwarting the counsel of Ahithophel?

What if Ahimaaz and Jonathan were not hidden in the well or otherwise did not escape to tell King David of Absalom’s plans?

What if Ahithophel did not die?  Would Absalom seek him and his advice after understanding that Hushai misled him?

What if people did not bring food to David and for the people in the wilderness?

There was hope for David and there is hope for us today in a world of “What if?s”!

The LORD is Sovereign and Almighty and is able to cause all things to work together for the good of His elect.  The LORD is our Heavenly Father and wants to to cause all things to work together for the good of His elect a/k/a His children. 

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body;  and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;  for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

Q. 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?

A.  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. 

Q. 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

A.  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.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  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 8:28-32.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 26, 2024

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 17:1-14.

“Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.  I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and terrify him, so that all the people who are with him will flee.  Then I will strike down the king alone, and I will bring back all the people to you.  The return of everyone depends on the man you seek;  then all the people will be at peace.”  So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has spoken thus.  Shall we carry out his plan?  If not, you speak.”  So Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good.”  Moreover, Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are fierce, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field.  And your father is an expert in warfare, and will not spend the night with the people.  Behold, he has now hidden himself in one of the caves or in another place;  and it will be when he falls on them at the first attack, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’  And even the one who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will completely lose heart;  for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man and those who are with him are valiant men.  But I counsel that all Israel be surely gathered to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea in abundance, and that you personally go into battle.  So we shall come to him in one of the places where he can be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground;  and of him and of all the men who are with him, not even one will be left.  If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.”  Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.”  For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom.”  2 Samuel 17:1-14.

—————–

The context about Hushai the Archite and Ahithophel provided in the prior chapter made the LORD’S action of thwarting the counsel of Ahithophel even more impressive.  Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel, and Absalom was very suspicious of Hushai.   

First, regarding Ahithophel, we remember how highly Absalom regarded the advice of Ahithophel.  “The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God;  so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.”  2 Samuel 16:23.

Second, regarding Hushai the Archite, we remember how suspicious Absalom was regarding Hushai.  Absalom knew that Hushai was a good friend of David.  “Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend (David)?  Why did you not go with your friend?”  Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No!  For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.”  2 Samuel 16:17-18.   

The LORD’S sovereignty over all is total and perfect.  Despite what man wants, thinks, and proclaims about man’s alleged free-will, the LORD’s sovereignty even rules over man’s heart.  

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1.

“2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The LORD scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” Psalm 2:2-6.

God controls the smallest details of life on earth so that not even a sparrow nor even one of our hairs falls to the ground apart from the will of God (See Matthew 10:28-30), and God certainly not giving up any control over what is most important, namely salvation.  God saves according to His purpose, according to His choice, not because of works nor even the will of man.  “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.

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

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 25, 2024

“long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 16:15-23.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 16 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?”  Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house;  then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father.  The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.”  So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.  The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God;  so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.”  2 Samuel 16:20-23. 

————–

“The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God;  …”  Verse 23.

If so, then why not directly get advice from the word of God?!

“… long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”  1 Peter 2:2. 

“… you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:15-17.

“Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:8-10.

“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3.

“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.

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 23, 2024

“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 16:1-14.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 16 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera;  he came out cursing continually as he came.  He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David;  and all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left.  Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow!  The LORD has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned;  and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom.  And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!”

Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?  Let me go over now and cut off his head.”  But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah?  If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”  Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life;  how much more now this Benjamite?  Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him.  Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”  So David and his men went on the way;  and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him.  The king and all the people who were with him arrived weary and he refreshed himself there.”  2 Samuel 16:5-14. 

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David showed great humility even in the face of curses and stones and dust that were continually hurled at him by Shimei.  David could easily have killed Shimei;  “all the people and all the mighty men (of David) were at his right hand and at his left.” 

But, we see David’s humility in response:  “Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him.  Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”

Today’s devotion leads us to meditate on the quality of humility.

“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2.

“But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  James 4:6.  

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;  and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  1 Peter 5:5.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7.

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:33.

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2.

“But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:11.

“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:13-14. 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;  do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”  Philippians 2:3-7. 

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”  Colossians 3:12-14. 

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 1:1-6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 22, 2024

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

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 15:30-37.

“And David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went, and his head was covered and he walked barefoot.  Then all the people who were with him each covered his head and went up weeping as they went.  Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.”  And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.”

It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn and dust on his head.  David said to him, “If you pass over with me, then you will be a burden to me.  But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king;  as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me.  Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there?  So it shall be that whatever you hear from the king’s house, you shall report to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.  Behold their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son;  and by them you shall send me everything that you hear.”  So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.”  2 Samuel 15:30-37.

—————-

Hushai, David’s friend, left David to come to Jerusalem to be a spy for David.  I am not sure why David said to Hushai:  “If you pass over with me, then you will be a burden to me.”  Maybe, David was obviously kidding and wanted to be strong and let Hushai know that he (David) would be OK if he (Hushai) left.  We say such things ourselves.

More generally, we naturally want our friends to remain with us to give us the comfort and joy of their presence.  But, sometimes, it is better that they leave us and go elsewhere, sometimes to directly do good for us and sometimes to do good for others, all according to God’s will, plan, and providence. 

People should be very hesitant to leave their family and friends.  Most time, it is better to stay with their family and friends.  They should not leave without much prayer, much reading of Scripture, much counseling, and hopefully with the blessing of their family and friends.  We notice in today’s Scripture that David requested Hushai to leave or at least David presented the good that could occur if Hushai left.  

And even after people leave, they should think of going back home.  They should consider if they can complete their mission and go home.    

The purpose of this devotion is to not cover everything nor lead people whether to go or stay.  Rather, the format of this short devotion is to cover today’s Scripture and present a few Scriptures and a few points to consider. 

We know there is Scripture like the following. 

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.”  Matthew 19:29.

“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 9:61-62.

But, people can be deceived and too easily justify their decision to leave by saying, “It is God’s will.”  People can leave for the wrong reasons.  People can leave for selfish reasons.  People can leave for poor, superficial reasons.  So to speak, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.  

There is warning!  

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  1 Timothy 5:8.

But, there is also hope!

“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.

And, there is more hope!  

God does not only lead the person who is considering whether to go or stay.  God is so kind and gracious that He also leads and comforts those family members and friends, so they can be part of the process.  

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4:4-6.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

“… for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” Hebrews 13:5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 21, 2024

“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU” – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 15:24-29.

“Now behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God.  And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar came up until all the people had finished passing from the city.  The king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city.  If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation.  But if He should say thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.”  The king said also to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer?  Return to the city in peace and your two sons with you, your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.  See, I am going to wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”  Therefore Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and remained there.”  2 Samuel 15:24-29.

————-

“… for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”  Hebrews 13:5.

Other doctrine preaches and teaches that God’s favor depends on our own works or at least our will, and we have reason to fear what God may do to us.  

But, Reformed Doctrine preaches and teaches that God’s favor depends on His choice (His election a/k/a predestination of us).  God even gives us faith to believe that we are in Christ, and we have no reason to fear what God may do to us.  

Even God’s discipline of us is because God loves us.  God does it for our good.  See Hebrews 12:4-11.

“… “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1.

“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.

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—”  Colossians 1:27.

“just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”  Ephesians 1:4-7.

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

“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 1:22-31.

“So then let no one boast in men.  For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come;  all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.”  1 Corinthians 3:21-23.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:32.

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