Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 8, 2024

“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 10.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 10 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans.  But the remainder of the people he placed in the hand of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the sons of Ammon.  He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come to help you.  Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God;  and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”  So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Arameans, and they fled before him.  When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abishai and entered the city.  Then Joab returned from fighting against the sons of Ammon and came to Jerusalem.”  2 Samuel 10:9-14.

—————–

Many times, we read that Israel, particularly through their King David, inquired of the LORD if and specifically how they should attack and proceed in battle against their enemies.  As one example, see 2 Samuel 5:17-25.  

And, more generally, we today should ask the LORD if and specifically how we should act.   

“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.

But, today’s Scripture, particularly the following words, teach us to also more broadly rely on (trust) the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.

Notice the following words of Joab. “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God;  and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”  Verse 12.

We want to avoid relying on (trusting) our will to specifically ask the LORD if and how to do everything.  And, we want to avoid relying on (trusting) our will to do exactly what the LORD tells us to do.

Notice in today’s Scripture that Joab only commanded his army to be strong and courageous.  Joab did not ask the LORD if and specifically how to proceed in battle.  Jacob did not even ask for victory over their enemies.  Jacob only asked “may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” 

Now, again, it is certainly OK and even advisable to ask the LORD if and specifically how we should act.  But, today’s Scripture helps us avoid the trap and temptation to trust in our own will to ask the LORD and to specifically do what the LORD tells us.    Today’s Scripture encourages us to more broadly trust the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.  

Notice how the following Scriptures build our faith to more broadly trust the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.  

“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

“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.

“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 1:26-31.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 7, 2024

“the kindness of God” – “I will surely show kindness to you (Mephibosheth) for the sake of your father Jonathan”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 9.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 9 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only verses 1-7.

“Then David said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David;  and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”  And he said, “I am your servant.”  The king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?”  And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.”  So the king said to him, “Where is he?”  And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.”  Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.  Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself.  And David said, “Mephibosheth.”  And he said, “Here is your servant!”  David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul;  and you shall eat at my table regularly.”  2 Samuel 9:1-7. 

———-

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on “the kindness of God” and that it is shown to those in Christ. 

First, “the kindness of God” is shown to those who do not deserve it.  

In sharp contrast to the custom of man who would put to death all the descendants of his enemies, David showed “the kindness of God” by not only sparing Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul (whom almost everyone else but David considered Saul to be the enemy of David), but also lavishly restoring all the land of his grandfather Saul to Mephibosheth and providing that Mephibosheth eat at David’s table regularly (always a feast at the king’s table).  

Moreover, Mephibosheth was “crippled in both feet”.  In a best case scenario, there may be people willing to provide occasional dinner parties for their relatives, their best friends, and celebrities, but who invites cripples (who are not family nor friends) to their dinner parties, much less provide that they can eat at their home for the rest of their lives?!

Consider “the kindness of God”.

“And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (God’s elect).  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”  Romans 5:8-10.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:4-7.

Second, “the kindness of God is shown to those in Christ.  Notice that David did not show kindness to everyone.  David showed kindness to Mephibosheth “for Jonathan’s sake” (his best friend).

Consider the sharp contrast between how David treated his enemies in the prior chapter to how David treated Mephibosheth in today’s Scripture.  As just one example, “He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground;  and he measured two lines to put to death and one full line to keep alive.  And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.”  2 Samuel 8:2.

Nor does God show kindness to everyone.  

“2 … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:2-3.

“3 “The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.
4 “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 “The deeps cover them;
They went down into the depths like a stone.
6 “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.” Exodus 15:3-6.

“And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.” Exodus 15:7.

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”  Luke 19:27.

But, God shows kindness to those in Christ.

“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, 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 (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-8. 

“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 1:30-31.

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has the life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”  1 John 5:11-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 6, 2024

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” – “His sovereignty rules over all.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 8:15-18.

“So David reigned over all Israel;  and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.  Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.  Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary.  Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites;  and David’s sons were chief ministers.”  2 Samuel 8:15-18.

—————-

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:1-2.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:1-4. 

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Dear Heavenly Father:

You are Sovereign, Almighty, All-Wise, and LORD over all, and You are also our Heavenly Father.  You exercise lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for You delight in these things. Please lead us in lovingkindness, justice and righteousness.

Please cause everything to work together for the good of Your elect, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and in all dignity and in all contentment and in all prosperity and in all peace and in all security.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

“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 5, 2024

“Behold, God is my helper” – “And the LORD helped David wherever he went.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 8:1-14.

“Now after this it came about that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them;  and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines.

He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death and one full line to keep alive.  And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.

Then David defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to restore his rule at the River.  David captured from him 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers;  and David hamstrung the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.  When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 Arameans.  Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus, and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute.  And the LORD helped David wherever he went.  David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.  From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a very large amount of bronze.

Now when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer, Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him;  for Hadadezer had been at war with Toi.  And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold and of bronze.  King David also dedicated these to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all the nations which he had subdued:  from Aram and Moab and the sons of Ammon and the Philistines and Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

So David made a name for himself when he returned from killing 18,000 Arameans in the Valley of Salt.  He put garrisons in Edom.  In all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David.  And the LORD helped David wherever he went.”  2 Samuel 8:1-14.

—————–

Twice, we read the identical sentence:  “And the LORD helped David wherever he went.”

And, there is hope that the LORD will help us too!

Our hope is based on God’s election of us to be His people. Our hope is based on God’s choice, not our choice. Our hope is based on God’s faithfulness, not our faithfulness. Our hope is based on God’s goodness, not our goodness.

The LORD did not help everyone, but the LORD helped His chosen one, David.

Today’s devotion can not be separated from yesterday’s devotion titled “the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples”. As stated in the Canons of Dordt, “election is the fountain of every saving good”. Article 9 in FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination of the Canons of Dordt.

In other words, the wicked a/k/a the non-elect do not receive help. Only the righteous a/k/a the elect receive help. As Psalm chapter 73 shows, it may appear as if the wicked prosper (receive help from God), but they do not receive help from God.

“16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.” Psalm 73:16-18.

So, all of the following help from God only applies to the righteous a/k/a the elect a/k/a His people.

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

“20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:20-22.

“39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they take refuge in Him.” Psalm 37:39-40.

“Behold, God is my helper;
The LORD is the sustainer of my soul.” Psalm 54:4.

“6 Blessed be the LORD,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.
8 The LORD is their strength,
And He is a saving defense to His anointed.
9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.” Psalm 26:6-9.

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

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

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:6.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  John 14:26-27.

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness;  for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27.

“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.”  1 Corinthians 12:28. 

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 4, 2024

“the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 7:18-29.

“Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?  And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future.  And this is the custom of man, O Lord GOD.  Again what more can David say to You?  For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD!  For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know.  For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD;  for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.  And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods?  For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God.  Now therefore, O Lord GOD, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as You have spoken, that Your name may be magnified forever, by saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel’;  and may the house of Your servant David be established before You.  For You, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’;  therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You.  Now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.  Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You.  For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken;  and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”  2 Samuel 7:18-29.

———————   

The LORD chooses.  We see the LORD’S choice throughout Scripture.

The LORD chose David.

The LORD chose Israel to be His people. 

The LORD chose those people whom He would save through Christ.

We claim the right to choose in our daily lives. Then, why do we vainly try to stop the Sovereign, Almighty, All-Wise, and All-Good LORD from His choice?! 

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

Other doctrine proudly clings to their works or at least their will to claim credit for their salvation. Other doctrine preaches and teaches that God loves everybody, Christ died for everybody, and it is up to man to distinguish himself or herself worthy for salvation whether it be by works or by will.

But, Reformed Doctrine humbly and solely clings to the LORD’S choice of them (a/k/a election) as being the sole cause of their salvation.  Reformed Doctrine preaches and teaches that the LORD provides all that is needed for salvation, and the LORD deserves all credit and all glory for the salvation of His elect.

“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.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled “Unconditional Election” from FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“Article 7. Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, and effectually to call and draw them to his communion by his Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification; and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of his Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of his mercy, and for the praise of his glorious grace; …”

Here are some Scriptures in the Old Testament on the LORD’s choice of Israel to be His people, and here are some Scriptures in the New Testament of the LORD’s choice of people (certain individuals of His choice from both groups, Jews and Gentiles) whom He would save through Christ.

“Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them.  And He personally brought you from Egypt by His great power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today.  Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below;  there is no other.”  Deuteronomy 4:37-39.

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God;  the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”  Deuteronomy 7:6-8.

“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
And there will be none after Me.” Isaiah 43:10.

“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, 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.”  Ephesians 1:3-6. 

“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 1:26-31.

“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.”  Romans 8:29-30.

“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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44.

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:8-13.

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Matthew 11:25-27.

“And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20.

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD;  you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 2, 2024

“I will” – “the LORD will” – “I will accomplish all My good pleasure” – “His sovereignty rules over all.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 7:8-17.

“Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you;  and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth.  I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly, even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel;  and I will give you rest from all your enemies.  The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you.  When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me;  when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.  Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever;  your throne shall be established forever.”’”  In accordance with all these words and all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.”  2 Samuel 7:8-17.

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Other doctrine meditates on what man will do.

But, Reformed Doctrine meditates on what God will do.  How often do we see the words “I will” or the equivalent in today’s Scripture!

Regarding what man will do, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”  Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.  You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”  James 4:13-15.

Regarding what the LORD will do, “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.

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

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 1, 2024

“God is love.”

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

“Now it came about when the king lived in his house, and the LORD had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.”  Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the LORD is with you.”

But in the same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, “Go and say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in?  For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day;  but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle.  Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’    2 Samuel 7:1-7.

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The LORD’S words to Nathan show the most excellent quality of love in the LORD.  

“God is love.”  1 John 4:8. 

Today’s Scripture also leads to meditate on the qualities of love, primarily God’s love. 

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;  love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;  it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Specifically concerning the LORD’S lack of demand for a house to dwell in, and His contentment to move about in a tent, the LORD showed that He was and still is patient, kind, and not jealous.  The LORD does not act unbecomingly and does not seek His own.  The LORD bears all things and endures all things.

God has also shown His love for His elect.  God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that they might live through Him.  1 John 4:9.  God dwells within them.  1 Corinthians 3:16-17.  God also has shown His love by dwelling among them in heaven.  Revelation 21:3.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God;  and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has seen God at any time;  if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.”  1 John 4:7-11.

But, there is hope!

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  …  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:16-22-23.

“We love, because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:19. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 31, 2024

“Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 6:16-23.

“Then it happened as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD;  and she despised him in her heart.

So they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it;  and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.  When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offering, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.  Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread and one of dates and one of raisins to each one.  Then all the people departed each to his house.

But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today!  He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!”  So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel;  therefore I will celebrate before the LORD.  I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished.”  Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.”  2 Samuel 6:16-23.

—————–

David rightly was more concerned about what the LORD thought about his “leaping and dancing before the LORD” than what his wife Michal thought about it.  

David wanted to fully show his joy and fully give thanks and praise to the LORD for what the LORD had done and was continuing to do for him, even if it would seem to others that he was humbling himself.

It appears as if Michal had no such concern for thanks and praise to either the LORD or for David.  It appears as if Michal was only concerned how the royal family would appear to others to better lord over others.  It appears as if the LORD punished Michal.  “Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.”  Verse 23.  

Consider what Jesus’ disciples did in their expression of joy.

“As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting:

“BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”  But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”  Luke 19:37-40.  

“Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.” Psalm 149:1-3.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 30, 2024

“God was helping the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 6:12-15.

“Now it was told King David, saying, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.”  David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.  And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.  And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod.  So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet.”   2 Samuel 6:12-15.

——————

In the previous Scripture, we read:  “David was afraid of the LORD that day;  and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”  2 Samuel 6:9.

In today’s Scripture, we see that the LORD helped David.  

There is more detail concerning the LORD’S help in the account of this event as reported in 1 Chronicles 15:25-28.  “So it was David, with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, who went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with joy.  Because God was helping the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.  Now David was clothed with a robe of fine linen with all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the singing with the singers.  David also wore an ephod of linen.  Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres.”  1 Chronicles 15:25-28. 

In today’s Scripture, we also see that David was wearing a linen ephod.  A linen ephod was normally reserved for the priests.  Would the LORD strike down David?  

No, there was hope for David.

“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;  and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”  Exodus 19:5-6.

And, there is hope for us today!

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD;  you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 29, 2024

“So David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 6:1-11.

“Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.  And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim.  They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill;  and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart.  So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill;  and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark.  Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals.

But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it.  And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence;  and he died there by the ark of God.  David became angry because of the LORD’S outburst against Uzzah, and that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.  So David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”  And David was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD into the city of David with him;  but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.  Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.”  2 Samuel 6:1-11.

——————-

“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 9:10-12.

Regarding how the ark of the LORD and all the other holy objects were to be moved, the LORD commanded through His Law that they be carried by the Kohathites through the use of “carrying poles”, (not by other means such as by a cart), “so that they will not touch the holy objects and die.”

“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they will not touch the holy objects and die.  These are the things in the tent of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.”  Numbers 4:15.  Regarding the use of “carrying poles”, see Numbers 4:5-14.

More generally, for us today, we can use today’s Scripture to meditate on the following three points: the holiness of the LORD, our need for the LORD to draw us to Himself, and we cannot worship the LORD as we please (but rather we must worship the LORD as He pleases according to His word). 

First, the LORD is thrice holy, and no one can approach the LORD unless He allows it and causes it to occur. 

“And one called out to another and said,

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3.

“… For who would dare to risk his life to approach Me?’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 30:21.

“How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts.
We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple.” Psalm 65:4.

Second, we can not worship the LORD as we please.  Although “David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals”, such worship did not eliminate the requirement that the LORD be worshipped in reverence according to His Law.

“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 2:10-12.

Third, we cannot even approach the LORD through our own will and our own works.  Like David, we should fear the LORD and, so to speak, ask:  “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 

The LORD comes to us through His will, not our will.

“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.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;  and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:44. 

Consider that if those who heard Jesus’ pure words of preaching and teaching and saw His miracles in person could not come to Him unless it was granted to them by God the Father, how much more is it true for us today!

“And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”

As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.”  John 6:65-66.

In summary, we can only come to the LORD if the LORD draws us and gives us His Spirit.  We can only worship the LORD in the truth of what He provides through His Word.  “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;  for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:23-24. 


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