Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 28, 2024

“He keeps the feet of His godly ones” – “For not by might shall a man prevail.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 2:9.

“He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.” 1 Samuel 2:9.

——————

The two phrases, “He keeps the feet of His godly ones” and “For not by might shall a man prevail.”, lead us to meditate on God’s “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.  

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings;  which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

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

“For the LORD loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.” Psalm 37:28.

“You, O LORD, will keep them;
You will preserve him from this generation forever.” Psalm 12:7.

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

“The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

“23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7.

“Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10.

“23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!
The LORD preserves the faithful
And fully recompenses the proud doer.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:23-24.

“Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.” Proverbs 2:8.

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

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

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;  and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:27-29.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 26, 2024

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

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 2:6-8.

“6 “The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 “The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
8 “He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S,
And He set the world on them.” 1 Samuel 2:6-8.

—————–

Today’s Scripture gives some specific examples of the LORD’S sovereignty.

Here are some general summaries of the LORD’S sovereignty.

“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.

“‘Ah Lord GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm!  Nothing is too difficult for You,”  Jeremiah 32:17.

“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 Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4.

Man thinks that the world revolves around him. But, the world revolves around God. God does “what seems good to Him.”

“He does whatever He pleases.”

God continues to declare and say throughout all time, even before things were done: “My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure”.

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

Reformed Doctrine rejoices that everything, even salvation, is within the range and total control of the LORD’S sovereignty.  “His sovereignty rules over all.”  

God controls the smallest details of life on earth so that not even a sparrow nor even one of our hairs falls to the ground apart from the will of God (See Matthew 10:28-30), and God certainly not giving up any control over what is most important, namely salvation.  God saves according to His purpose, according to His choice, not because of works nor even the will of man.  “For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

But, other doctrine protests the LORD’S sovereignty when it comes to the point of man’s alleged free-will.  

They exclaim:  “Stop!  Hands off man’s free-will!”  

“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!” Psalm 2:3.

But, what is the LORD’s response?

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

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:4-9.

“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.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 25, 2024

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, … “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

Tday’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 2:3-5.

“3 “Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the LORD is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.
4 “The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.
5 “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.” 1 Samuel 2:3-5.

——————-

Today’s Scripture leads us to generally meditate on some Scriptures on pride and humility.

Today’s Scripture also leads us to specifically compare the pride of other doctrine with the humility of Reformed Doctrine.  Other doctrine is proud, giving credit to its disciples for their works or at least their alleged free-will, to be the determining factor(s) as to why they are saved.  Reformed Doctrine is humble, attributing all glory to the LORD for His work and His gifts, all that its disciples need for salvation.  

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.” Proverbs 8:13.

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

Reformed Doctrine accurately summarizes Scripture teaching that the LORD provides to His elect all that they need for salvation from beginning to end: from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. (The “T” of “TULIP” represents “Total Depravity” of man). This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“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.

“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.

“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.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:4-9.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:2-3. 

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

“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.”  Ephesians 2:3-4. 

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 24, 2024

“I rejoice in Your salvation.”

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

“Then Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 “There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2.

—————-

Do we “rejoice in Your salvation”? That is, do we rejoice in the salvation provided by the LORD?

Or, do we rejoice in our salvation which we earned by our works or by as little as our alleged free-will to be saved?

Reformed Doctrine accurately summarizes Scripture and teaches that salvation is a work of God alone, by grace alone, and that God handles all the points of salvation from beginning to end: from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. (The “T” of “TULIP” represents “Total Depravity” of man). This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

But, in sharp contrast, other doctrine glorifies man for man’s works, or at least, other doctrine glorifies man for man’s wisdom and man’s alleged free-will to choose Christ.  Other doctrine teaches that God loves everybody, Christ died for everybody, and man is ultimately saved by producing enough works or enough will to distinguish himself worthy for salvation.

Rather than cling to God’s will, other doctrine clings to their own alleged free-will.

“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!” Psalm 2:3.

But, what does Scripture state?

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

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:28-29.

“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.”  John 6:65.

“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 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.

Because Scripture pounds the table that only the chosen a/k/a the elect a/k/a the predestined receive salvation and eternal life and heaven, then why do so many preachers and teachers shun it or hide it or minimize it?

Some may pay some “lip service” to Reformed “doctrines of grace”. But, when you listen to their sermons and teachings, they focus on man and what man should do (often using words like “submit” and “allow God”), rather than focus on God, God’s sovereignty, and what God has done for man’s salvation.  The sermons and teachings try to build up faith in man and man’s alleged free-will and man’s works, rather than build up faith in God, God’s will, and God’s works.  They shun, hide, or minimize God’s predestination a/k/a election as if they were embarrassed by it or as if view it as an obstacle to growing a church.

Rather than shun God’s predestination also known as “Unconditional Election”, we should cling to it, joyfully preaching it and teaching it, recognizing that due to our natural condition of “Total Depravity”, “Unconditional Election” is our only chance for salvation.

The Canons of Dordt in the FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination states “election is the fountain of every saving good”.

Article 9.  This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended;  but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle:  “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,”  Ephesians 1:4.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 23, 2024

“May He grant you your heart’s desire … May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.” – “petition for all the saints”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 1:19-28.

“Then they arose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned again to their house in Ramah.  And Elkanah had relations with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.  It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son;  and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of the LORD.”

Then the man Elkanah went up with all his household to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and pay his vow.  But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “I will not go up until the child is weaned;  then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD and stay there forever.”  Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you.  Remain until you have weaned him;  only may the LORD confirm His word.”  So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.  Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with a three-year-old bull and one ephah of flour and a jug of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh, although the child was young.  Then they slaughtered the bull, and brought the boy to Eli.  She said, “Oh, my lord!  As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD.  For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of Him.  So I have also dedicated him to the LORD;  as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD.”  And he worshiped the LORD there.”  1 Samuel 1:19-28.

——————–

“4 May He grant you your heart’s desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
5 We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 Some boast in chariots and some in horses,
But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” Psalm 20:4-7.

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”  Ephesians 6:18.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 22, 2024

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

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

“Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.  He had two wives:  the name of one was Hannah and the name of the other Peninnah;  and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

Now this man would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh.  And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD there.  When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters;  but to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had closed her womb.  Her rival, however, would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.  It happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she would provoke her;  so she wept and would not eat.  Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad?  Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Then Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh.  Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.  She, greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.  She made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”

Now it came about, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli was watching her mouth.  As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard.  So Eli thought she was drunk.  Then Eli said to her, “How long will you make yourself drunk?  Put away your wine from you.”  But Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit;  I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD.  Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and  provocation.”  Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace;  and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him.”  She said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.”  So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”  1 Samuel 1:1-18.

—————–    

We may identify with Hannah.

We may feel that we are provoked and irritated.  We may feel that we are oppressed in spirit.  We may have poured out our soul before the LORD.  We may have even been wrongly viewed as being drunk or otherwise causing our own problem.  

But, there is hope!

The LORD may cause someone else to encourage us and give us peace as Eli answered Hannah and said, “Go in peace;  and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him.”  We read later in the chapter that the LORD did grant Hannah’s petition and did give Hannah a son.  But, Eli’s words were enough for that day.  “So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 

Thus, the lesson for today’s Scripture is to not minimize the importance of saying peaceful, kind, and encouraging words to others.  The LORD may stir us to say such words, but we may initially think:  “I don’t know what to say!  I may be misinterpreted!  I have more important things to do!  I will say something later!”  

Stop!  Speak!  Stutter if necessary!  The success will not depend on the eloquence of your words, but on the power of the LORD to calm hearts.  

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  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 2:1-5.

The LORD has prepared the other person as much to receive and understand your words gracefully as much as the LORD has given you position and the best opportunity to say the words exactly at that time.  “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.”  Luke 21:13. 

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  Galatians 6:10.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 21, 2024

“a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age”

Today’s devotion comes from Ruth 4:13-22.  Here is a link to this Scripture – Ruth 4 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her.  And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.  Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.  May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age;  for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse.  The neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi!”  So they named him Obed.  He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”  Ruth 4:13-17.

—————–

Ruth gave birth to Obed whom the women prophesied would be “a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age” to Naomi.  

This prophecy points us to our LORD Who is “a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age” to us.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;  I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  Romans 8:11.

“Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.” Psalm 119:116.

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

“The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed;
In his illness, You restore him to health.” Psalm 41:3.

“16 Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the LORD sustains the righteous.” Psalm 37:16-17.

“3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
You who have been borne by Me from birth
And have been carried from the womb;
4 Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:3-4.

“17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,
Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18 Then we shall not turn back from You;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
19 O LORD God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” Psalm 80:17-19.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 19, 2024

“So then it (redemption) does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Today’s devotion comes from Ruth 4:1-12.

“Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, “Turn aside, friend, sit down here.”  And he turned aside and sat down.  He took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.”  So they sat down.  Then he said to the closest relative, “Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech.  So I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people.  If you will redeem it, redeem it;  but if not, tell me that I may know;  for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.’”  And he said, “I will redeem it.”  Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”  The closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance.  Redeem it for yourself;  you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.”

Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter:  a man removed his sandal and gave it to another;  and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.  So the closest relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”  And he removed his sandal.  Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon.  Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place;  you are witnesses today.”  All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses.  May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel;  and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem.  Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the LORD will give you by this young woman.”  Ruth 4:1-12.

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Today’s Scripture teaches us about redemption.  

The closest relative only wanted to redeem the land.  But, Boaz pointed out that redemption required the redemption of a person, namely Ruth.  Boaz was willing, even eager, to redeem Ruth.  Verses 5-6.

Christ’s death redeemed all of God’s elect, but only them alone, not everyone in the world. Notice how precious that it is that God’s elect are specifically redeemed by name out of all the peoples!

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

“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.

Redemption is always for specific objects that we own, never for everything. For example, when we redeem something from the pawn shop, we do not redeem everything in the store, but we only redeem our own specific items that we own and left at the pawn shop as collateral for a loan.

Likewise, consider how redemption in the following Scriptures applies to only a specific group of people, not all nations nor all peoples.

“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?” 2 Samuel 7:23.

“They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.” Nehemiah 1:10.

“You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.” Psalm 77:15.

“Break forth, shout joyfully together,
You waste places of Jerusalem;
For the LORD has comforted His people,
He has redeemed Jerusalem.” Isaiah 52:9.

Moreover, redemption was not dependent on the willingness of the person being redeemed.  Ruth could not have said “No.” to the closest relative if he wanted to redeem her.  And, Boaz did not need to establish the consent of Ruth to be redeemed in order to accomplish redemption.  Verses 9-10.

Other doctrine teaches that Christ died for everyone, but this redemption depends on the works or the will of man to make the redemption effective to save him.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches that Christ died only for God’s elect, but this redemption was effective to save every one of God’s elect.  

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby in which it was God’s will and purpose that Christ’s redemption “should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation”.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

“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.

“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 | April 18, 2024

“He has filled the hungry with good things” – “Then His own arm brought salvation to Him”

Today’s devotion comes from Ruth 3:14-18.

“So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another;  and he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”  Again he said, “Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.”  So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her.  Then she went into the city.  When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?”  And she told her all that the man had done for her.  She said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”  Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out;  for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”  Ruth 3:14-18.

—————-

Boaz’ gift of the six measures of barley to Ruth to give to Naomi and his words to Ruth (“Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.”) remind us of what the LORD did for Israel when he delivered them from the Egyptians at the time of their exodus out of Egypt.

“I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians;  and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed.  But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing;  and you will put them on your sons and daughters.  Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.”  Exodus 3:21-22.

Boaz’ gift and words also remind us of the law of the LORD to care for the Hebrew kinsman slave after he or she was released in the seventh year.

“If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free.  When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed.  You shall furnish him liberally from your flock and from your threshing floor and from your wine vat;  you shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you.  You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you;  therefore I command you this today.”  Deuteronomy 15:12-15. 

Boaz’ gift and words remind us of Christ.

“53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.” Luke 1:53-55.

In conclusion, Boaz was a redeemer kinsman who reminds us of Christ.  Naomi’s statement about Boaz (“the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”) causes us to fix our eyes on Christ’s passion and focus to redeem us.  

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:12.

“16 And He saw that there was no man,
And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;
Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,
And His righteousness upheld Him.
17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.
18 According to their deeds, so He will repay,
Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies;
To the coastlands He will make recompense.
19 So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west
And His glory from the rising of the sun,
For He will come like a rushing stream
Which the wind of the LORD drives.” Isaiah 49:16-17.

“The LORD your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 17, 2024

“a woman of excellence”

Today’s devotion comes from Ruth 3:1-13.

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?  Now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were?  Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.  Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor;  but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.  It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down;  then he will tell you what you shall do.”  She said to her, “All that you say I will do.”

So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her.  When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain;  and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.  It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward;  and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.  He said, “Who are you?”  And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid.  So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.”  Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.  Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.  Now it is true I am a close relative;  however, there is a relative closer than I.  Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good;  let him redeem you.  But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives.  Lie down until morning.”  Ruth 3:1-13.

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The main purpose of today’s devotion is to consider some qualities of “a woman of excellence”.  Although the well-known Proverbs chapter 31 praises an “excellent wife”, there are qualities in this Scripture that can inspire and guide any woman, both married and single, to be “a woman of excellence”.  Most importantly, “a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”

But first, I want to present two quick side notes.

Of course, a single woman and a married woman can be “a woman of excellence”.  Single persons are certainly not second-class saints.  But, because there may be some need to address this point, consider the following Scripture. 

“Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.  I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.  Are you bound to a wife?  Do not seek to be released.  Are you released from a wife?  Do not seek a wife.  But if you marry, you have not sinned;  and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.  Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.  …

But I want you to be free from concern.  One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;  but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided.  The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit;  but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.  This I say for your own benefit;  not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 7:25-28 and 32-35.

Second, it is profitable to consider the following words of Boaz, who though willing and planned to get married, trusted God.  “Now it is true I am a close relative;  however, there is a relative closer than I.  Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good;  let him redeem you.  But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives.  …”  Verses 12-13.

In conclusion, here is the Scripture from Proverbs chapter 31. And, there are also many other Scriptures that present qualities of “a woman of excellence” that are worthy to seek and study. 

“10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:10-31.

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