Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 19, 2024

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 2:8-17.

“But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.  He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.  Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years.  The house of Judah, however, followed David.  The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul.  And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon;  and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool.  Then Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.”  And Joab said, “Let them arise.”  So they arose and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.  Each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side;  so they fell down together.  Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.  That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.”  2 Samuel 2:8-17.

—————-

“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David;  and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.”  2 Samuel 3:1.

We may wonder why the LORD did not cause David immediately to be king over all of Israel after the death of Saul, rather than just Judah, particularly considering David’s trial and tribulation fleeing from Saul.

We may also wonder why we have trials and tribulations.

But, there is hope!

“18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.” Proverbs 4:18-19.

“7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:7-11.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:6-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 18, 2024

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 2:1-7.

“Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?”  And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?”  And He said, “To Hebron.”  So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.  And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron.  Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah.

And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”  David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him.  Now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you;  and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.  Now therefore, let your hands be strong and be valiant;  for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”  2 Samuel 2:1-7.

————-

The blessing of David upon the men of Jabesh-gilead, “Now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you”, leads us to meditate upon this “lovingkindness and truth” quality of the LORD.

“Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;”.  Exodus 34:6. 

“8 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.
11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” Psalm 25:8-11.

“10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.

11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:10-11.

“2 I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.” Psalm 57:2-3.

“Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10.

“14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.
16 In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And by Your righteousness they are exalted.” Psalm 89:14-16.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.” Psalm 115:1.

“3 I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
4 For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.” Psalm 108:3-4.

“Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD is everlasting.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm chapter 117.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 16, 2024

“A time to mourn and a time to dance.” – “O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 1.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%201&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“17 Then David chanted with this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar.

19 “Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places!
How have the mighty fallen!
20 “Tell it not in Gath,
Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
Or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
The daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
21 “O mountains of Gilboa,
Let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings;
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
22 “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty,
The bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
And the sword of Saul did not return empty.
23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life,
And in their death they were not parted;
They were swifter than eagles,
They were stronger than lions.
24 “O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
Who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 “How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan is slain on your high places.
26 “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
You have been very pleasant to me.
Your love to me was more wonderful
Than the love of women.
27 “How have the mighty fallen,
And the weapons of war perished!” 2 Samuel 1:17-27.

—————–

Even though Saul repeatedly tried to kill David and so pursued David causing David such suffering of fear, fleeing, and hiding in the wilderness and caves for so long, and even though the death of Saul resulted in the end of that suffering and would also lead to the joy of David being king over Israel, David did not rejoice in the death of Saul.  Instead, David lamented over the death of Saul and Jonathan, and David praised them.

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the providence of the LORD.

Consider the following from the Belgic Confession.

Article 13: Of Divine Providence.

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

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

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

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

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.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:28-31.

“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.” Romans 8:28.

“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4.

“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.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 15, 2024

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God” – “overcome evil with good.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel chapter 31.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 31 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.  The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons;  and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul.  The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him;  and he was badly wounded by the archers.  Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and pierce me through and make sport of me.”  But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid.  So Saul took his sword and fell on it.  When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.  Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.”  1 Samuel 31:1-6.

———————  

Some may have planned revenge for some time.  They may think it is justice to do it, and they may think they have the perfect plan to do it.  They may think today is the day to do it.  

David certainly faced such temptation when Saul repeatedly tried to kill him.  David had several opportunities to exact revenge and kill Saul.  Others urged him to do so.  But, David resisted that temptation.  Here is a link to one example in 1 Samuel 24:1-7.   1 Samuel 24 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

Today’s Scripture shows the day that Saul was killed without David doing it and leads us to meditate on the following Scriptures.

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.  Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.  “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK;  FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:17-21.

“8 The LORD judges the peoples;
Vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.
9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous;
For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.
10 My shield is with God,
Who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:8-10.

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”  1 Thessalonians 5:15. 

“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.”  Matthew 16:27.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 14, 2024

“Kings of armies flee, they flee, And she who remains at home will divide the spoil!”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 30:21-31.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 30 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“When David came to the two hundred men who were too exhausted to follow David, who had also been left at the brook Besor, and they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, then David approached the people and greeted them.  Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.”  Then David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the LORD has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us.  And who will listen to you in this matter?  For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.”  So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.

Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, “Behold, a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD:  …  and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to go.”  1 Samuel 30:21-26 and 31.

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Regarding the division of the spoil, David first properly credited and glorified the LORD Who “… has given us (the spoil), who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us.”  Verse 23.  

When credit is given to the LORD, it should be more understandable that all of the LORD’S people should share in the spoil, or at least those who were in support (those who stayed by the baggage).

David’s decision (“For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage;  they shall share alike.”) which David made into a statute and an ordinance for Israel was also consistent with the following Scripture.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “You and Eleazar the priest and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation take a count of the booty that was captured, both of man and of animal;  and divide the booty between the warriors who went out to battle and all the congregation.”  Numbers 31:25-27.

Today’s Scripture gives all of us, God’s people, hope today!

“11 The Lord gives the command;
The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host:
12 “Kings of armies flee, they flee,
And she who remains at home will divide the spoil!” Psalm 68:11-12.

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

“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?”  Romans 8:32.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 13, 2024

“I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 30:11-20.

“Now they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David, and gave him bread and he ate, and they provided him water to drink.  They gave him a piece of fig cake and two clusters of raisins, and he ate;  then his spirit revived.  For he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three nights.  David said to him, “To whom do you belong?  And where are you from?”  And he said, “I am a young man of Egypt, a servant of an Amalekite;  and my master left me behind when I fell sick three days ago.  We made a raid on the Negev of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the Negev of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire.”  Then David said to him, “Will you bring me down to this band?”  And he said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this band.”

When he had brought him down, behold, they were spread over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.  David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day;  and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled.  So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives.  But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves;  David brought it all back.  So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, “This is David’s spoil.”  1 Samuel 30:11-20.

—————–

We remember David’s previous inquiry to the LORD and the LORD’S answer to David.  “David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band?  Shall I overtake them?”  And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”  1 Samuel 30:8.

In today’s Scripture, we see the fulfillment of the LORD’S promise that David “will surely rescue all.”

There is hope for us too!

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

“4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

8 O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:4-8.

“17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19.

“2 I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.” Psalm 57:2-3.

“9 I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to You among the nations.
10 For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens
And Your truth to the clouds.
11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.” Psalm 57:9-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 11, 2024

“But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 30:1-10.

“Then it happened when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev and on Ziklag, and had overthrown Ziklag and burned it with fire;  and they took captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great, without killing anyone, and carried them off and went their way.  When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive.  Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep.  Now David’s two wives had been taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.  Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters.  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.”  So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.  David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band?  Shall I overtake them?”  And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”  So David went, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those left behind remained.  But David pursued, he and four hundred men, for two hundred who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor remained behind.”  1 Samuel 30:1-10.

—————-

“…  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”  Verse 6.  

First of all, although David was strong and a awesome warrior, let us not focus on David “himself”, but rather on “the LORD his God.”  We noticed David’s weakness in today’s Scripture:  “… Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep.”  Verse 4.  

“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.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Most of the time our strength is needed for just plain perseverance and endurance:  living our life after the death of a loved one, going to work every day, even though we are treated unfairly, in order to put food on the table for our family, doing good when we get no recognition, or worse, accused of selfish motives when it costs us dearly to do good, etc. 

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;  in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:12-13.

“For who regards you as superior?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  1 Corinthians 4:7.

But, there is hope!

The hope is not in ourselves. The hope is in God. Notice from the following Scriptures what God does and His power. As the last Scripture concludes, “So then let no one boast in men.”

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:2-5.

“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,”  Ephesians 1:18-20.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;  and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”  Ephesians 3:14-21.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 10, 2024

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel chapter 29.

“Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek, while the Israelites were camping by the spring which is in Jezreel.  And the lords of the Philistines were proceeding on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were proceeding on in the rear with Achish.  Then the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”  And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found no fault in him from the day he deserted to me to this day?”  But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man go back, that he may return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may become an adversary to us.  For with what could this man make himself acceptable to his lord?  Would it not be with the heads of these men?  Is this not David, of whom they sing in the dances, saying,

‘Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands’?”

Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the LORD lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army are pleasing in my sight;  for I have not found evil in you from the day of your coming to me to this day.  Nevertheless, you are not pleasing in the sight of the lords.  Now therefore return and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”  David said to Achish, “But what have I done?  And what have you found in your servant from the day when I came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”  But Achish replied to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God;  nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us to the battle.’  Now then arise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who have come with you, and as soon as you have arisen early in the morning and have light, depart.”  So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines.  And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.”  1 Samuel chapter 29.

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David did not understand why Achish did not allow him (David) to fight for him (Achish).  “David said to Achish, “But what have I done?  And what have you found in your servant from the day when I came before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”  Verse 8.

But nevertheless, David respect Achish’s right to make that decision.  “So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines.  …”  Verse 11.

Like David, we may not understand why certain things are happening to us, such as mistrust by others and the need for us to change directions.  

But, there is hope!

“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 9, 2024

“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 28:15-25.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 28 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”  And Saul answered, “I am greatly distressed;  for the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has departed from me and no longer answers me, either through prophets or by dreams;  therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do.”  Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?  The LORD has done accordingly as He spoke through me;  for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David.  As you did not obey the LORD and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the LORD has done this thing to you this day.  Moreover the LORD will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines, therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.  Indeed the LORD will give over the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!”  1 Samuel 28:15-19. 

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Generally, in a nutshell summary, a prophet represents God and is a messenger of God.  A priest represents the people and offers sacrifices to God from the people.  

The words of Samuel show that he was a true prophet.  He represented God and delivered a true message from God.  It was not easy for true prophets to deliver messages that the prophet knew the people would fear and hate to receive, but they still delivered true messages from God.  

False prophets represent themselves and delivers false messages tailored to further their own gain, position, or other of their own interests.  False prophets would often tell the people what they wanted to hear even though the false prophets knew or should have known that the message was not true and did not come from God.

Scriptures both warn us that many false prophets will arise, and Scriptures teach us how we can discern true prophets from false prophets.

“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”  Matthew 24:11. 

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.  The prophet has spoken it presumptuously;  you shall not be afraid of him.”  Deuteronomy 18:22. 

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.  Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?”  Matthew 7:15-16.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God:  every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;  and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God;  this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.  You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;  because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.  They are from the world;  therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.  We are from God;  he who knows God listens to us;  he who is not from God does not listen to us.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”  1 John 4:1-6.

But, there is hope!

We have a true prophet:  Jesus Christ.

Consider the following from the Westminster Larger Catechism.

Q. 43. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the Church in all ages, by his Spirit and Word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 8, 2024

“should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 28:1-14.

“Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel.  And Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.”  David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.”  So Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him and buried him in Ramah, his own city.  And Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists.  So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem;  and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa.  When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.  When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets.  Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”  And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at En-dor.”

Then Saul disguised himself by putting on other clothes, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night;  and he said, “Conjure up for me, please, and bring up for me whom I shall name to you.”  But the woman said to him, “Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land.  Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?”  Saul vowed to her by the LORD, saying, “As the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”  Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?”  And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”  When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice;  and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me?  For you are Saul.”  The king said to her, “Do not be afraid;  but what do you see?”  And the woman said to Saul, “I see a divine being coming up out of the earth.”  He said to her, “What is his form?”  And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped with a robe.”  And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and did homage.”  1 Samuel 28:1-14.

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“When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.  There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD;  and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you.  You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.  For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so.”  Deuteronomy 18:9-14.

“When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should not a people consult their God?  Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?”  Isaiah 8:19. 

But, there is hope!

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;  and He will disclose to you what is to come.”  John 16:13. 

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

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16-25. 

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