Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 26, 2024

“you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 22:10-34.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2022&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“When they came to the region of the Jordan which is in the land of Canaan, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan, a large altar in appearance.  And the sons of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side belonging to the sons of Israel.”  When the sons of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the sons of Israel gathered themselves at Shiloh to go up against them in war.

…  They came to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them saying, “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day?  …

Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel.  “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD!  He knows, and may Israel itself know.  If it was in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the LORD do not save us this day!  …  But truly we have done this out of concern, for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your sons may say to our sons, “What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?  For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you sons of Reuben and sons of Gad;  you have no portion in the LORD.”  So your sons may make our sons stop fearing the LORD.’

…  Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the Lord this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.”

So when Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the congregation, even the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words which the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the sons of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them.  …

… The word pleased the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel blessed God;  and they did not speak of going up against them in war to destroy the land in which the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad were living.  The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness;  “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”  Joshua 22:10-12 and 15-16 and 21-22 and 24-25 and 29-30 and 33-34.

—————–

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on what we can do to show our “Witness”, so to speak, our unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ even though we may be absent from each other most of the time.  

Our “Witness”, so to speak, our unity can be our common creed, our common statement of faith in God.  

Rev. Ronald Hanko, in his article “A Plea for Creeds”, states the importance of doctrine and creeds.  His article in full can be read at the following link – https://www.prca.org/articles/plea_for_creeds.html

Here is a brief quote from the article explaining what happens when a denomination or church dismisses or minimizes the importance of doctrine:  ” …  by cutting herself off from the church of past, the church today says in effect that every generation must start all over in its searching of the Scriptures and pursuit of the truth.  Thus she sets herself an impossible task – a task that is either set aside as too great so that there is little knowledge of the truth in the church, or which leaves her no time for other things.”

‘This is well-stated by the Presbyterian author, G.I. Williamson:

“The Bible contains a great wealth of information.  It isn’t easy to master it all – in fact, no one has ever mastered it completely.  It would therefore be foolish for us to try to do it on our own, starting from scratch.  We would be ignoring all the study of the Word of God that other people have done down through the centuries.  That is exactly why we have creeds.  They are the product of many centuries of Bible study by a great company of believers.  They are a kind of spiritual “road map” of the teaching of the Bible, already worked out and proved by others before us.  

He adds:

And right here we see one of the most important things about a creed that is true to the Bible – it remains true down through the ages.  It does not need to be changed again and again, with each generation, because it deals with things that are unchanging.  Thus, an accurate creed binds the generations together.  It reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is not confined to one age, just as it is not confined to any one place.  In other words, there is a unity in what Christians have believed, right down through the ages.  Just think of it:  when we confess our faith together . . . we join with all those believers who have gone before us.  Does not this demonstrate that there is indeed just one Lord and one true faith?” 

——————-

The Reformed creeds used by Reformed churches are Belgic Confession, Canons of Dordt, and Heidelberg Catechism which the Protestant Reformed Churches denomination labels collectively as the “Three Forms of Unity”, which is a good name consistent with the purpose of unity of creeds.

The creed used by Presbyterian churches is the Westminster Larger Confession. Although it is not one of the three creeds of the Reformed churches, it has good points and can be read for profit so long as the reader understands that Reformed churches do not necessarily agree with everything in them. As I stated at the conclusion of the “About Me” page: “The reader is advised to follow the example set forth in Acts 17:11: “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

These creeds are all organized and easily readable. You can find them in the right margin under “Links”.

In conclusion, our unity should include the Canons of Dordt, because it focuses on the specific and most important subject of salvation which is the distinctive heart of Reformed Doctrine. The Canons of Dordt is the best expression and confession of the Gospel and unites us “just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith”.

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

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 25, 2024

“the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – “He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 22:1-9.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2022&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you.  You have not forsaken your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.  And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them;  therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan.  Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.”  Joshua 22:1-6.

———————

Like the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh who moved away from the other sons of Israel by going northeast across the Jordan, in 1977 I moved away from family and friends and many Reformed churches in Michigan to live in Florida with no family, no friends, and few Reformed churches.  

My web site has more of my story in the “About Me” headnote on the top of most pages of my web site.  Here is a direct link –   https://reformeddoctrine.com/about/

Like the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, I needed to be extra careful to hold fast to the LORD,  because I was not surrounded by as much spiritual support as I was when I was in Michigan.  Moses was wise in understanding the need of the the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh to be extra careful and gave the following exhortation which I needed (and continue to need) as well.

“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Verse 5.

Many could rightly conclude that it is more important to stay with family, friends, and more spiritual support than it is to have better weather, more beautiful scenery, and more money from another job.  Many could believe that God is leading them to stay.    

But, there is hope for those who believe that God is leading them to move!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9.

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you;  He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 24, 2024

“Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 28.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2021&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the heads of households of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of households of the tribes of the sons of Israel.  They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”  So the sons of Israel gave the Levites from their inheritance these cities with their pasture lands, according to the command of the LORD.  …

…

All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the sons of Israel were forty-eight cities with their pasture lands.  These cities each had its surrounding pasture lands;  thus it was with all these cities.

So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it.  And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them;  the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.  Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed;  all came to pass.”  Joshua 21:1-3 and 41-45.

—————–

“Now it came about after many days, when the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their enemies on every side, and Joshua was old, advanced in years, that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and their heads and their judges and their officers, and said to them, “I am old, advanced in years.  And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the LORD your God is He who has been fighting for you.  See, I have apportioned to you these nations which remain as an inheritance for your tribes, with all the nations which I have cut off, from the Jordan even to the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun.  The LORD your God, He will thrust them out from before you and drive them from before you;  and you will possess their land, just as the LORD your God promised you.  Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you will not associate with these nations, these which remain among you, or mention the name of their gods, or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them.  But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.  For the LORD has driven out great and strong nations from before you;  and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day.  One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you.  So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God.  For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you;  but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you.

“Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed;  all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.”  Joshua 23:1-14.

Sadly, we know the history of Israel which did go back and cling to the rest of these nations.  And, the LORD did also fulfill His word and punished Israel according to His word.

But, there is hope! 

The hope is not in man nor in man’s wisdom and will as taught by other doctrine.

The hope is in God and in His will and in His sovereignty and His miraculous work as taught by Reformed Doctrine. 

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.  I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst.  Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.  For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.  Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:22-27.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 23, 2024

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

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 20.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2020&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.  He shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city;  and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them.  Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.  He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the one who is high priest in those days.  Then the manslayer shall return to his own city and to his own house, to the city from which he fled.’”  Joshua 20:1-6.

————

The cities of refuge in today’s Scripture lead us to meditate on how God is our refuge. 

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

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:1-10.

“And David spoke the words of this song to the LORD in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence.
4 “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:1-4.

“8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 22, 2024

“The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 19.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2019&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the second lot fell to Simeon, to the tribe of the sons of Simeon according to their families, and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah.  …

10 Now the third lot came up for the sons of Zebulun according to their families.  And the territory of their inheritance was as far as Sarid. …

17 The fourth lot fell to Issachar, to the sons of Issachar according to their families.  …

24 Now the fifth lot fell to the tribe of the sons of Asher according to their families.  …

32 The sixth lot fell to the sons of Naphtali;  to the sons of Naphtali according to their families.  …

40 The seventh lot fell to the tribe of the sons of Dan according to their families.  …

49 When they finished apportioning the land for inheritance by its borders, the sons of Israel gave an inheritance in their midst to Joshua the son of Nun.  50 In accordance with the command of the LORD they gave him the city for which he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim.  So he built the city and settled in it.

51 These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of Israel distributed by lot in Shiloh before the LORD at the doorway of the tent of meeting.  So they finished dividing the land.”  Joshua 19:1 and 10 and 17 and 24 and 32 and 40 and 49-51.

——————

Today’s Scripture presents the distribution of the land by lot to the tribes of Israel.  Each had their own lot.  

We too have our own lot where we use the term of “lot” to specifically apply to a piece of land or whether we use the term of “lot” to more generally describe what has been given to us in life as “our lot in life”.

Today’s Scripture leads us to examine ourselves.  Are we content with our own lot in life or are we jealous and covet the lots of others? 

We know Scripture encourages us to be content.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.  If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.  But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  1 Timothy 6:6-10.

But, there is hope!

“5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” Psalm 16:5-6.

This is particularly important when we consider that we may have a Reformed Faith heritage.  We may have been raised in a Reformed family and attended Reformed churches and schools.  At least, we may have some time been taught the truth of the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

Do we treasure that Reformed Faith and cling to it, or do we neglect it and lose it by trying to be like everybody else?

But, there is more hope! 

“You support my lot.” as stated above in Psalm 16:5.

Part of the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation is “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

At the top of most pages of my web site, there is a headnote titled “TULIP” which covers the point of “Preservation of the Saints”.  Here is a direct link – https://reformeddoctrine.com/tulip/

“7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:7-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 21, 2024

“persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 18:11-28.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2018&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now the lot of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin came up according to their families, and the territory of their lot lay between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph.  Their border on the north side was from the Jordan, then the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward, and it ended at the wilderness of Beth-aven.  From there the border continued to Luz, to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward;  and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, near the hill which lies on the south of lower Beth-horon.  The border extended from there and turned round on the west side southward, from the hill which lies before Beth-horon southward;  and it ended at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah.  This was the west side.  Then the south side was from the edge of Kiriath-jearim, and the border went westward and went to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah.  The border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward;  and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.  It extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.  It continued to the side in front of the Arabah northward and went down to the Arabah.  The border continued to the side of Beth-hoglah northward;  and the border ended at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan.  This was the south border.  Moreover, the Jordan was its border on the east side.  This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, according to their families and according to its borders all around.”  Joshua 18:11-20.

—————-

At first, this Scripture may seem to us to be so boring.  Why should we care about the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, including all these details of its borders? 

We care, because we trust Scripture.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17.  

“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3. 

So, for example, we can meditate on today’s Scripture and conclude that if God cares so much for the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, including all the details, then God also cares for the inheritance of us, His other children, including all the details.

“also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,” Ephesians 1:11.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:10-21.

Today is Sunday.  At first, the sermon may also seem to us to be so boring.  Why should we listen carefully and meditate on it?

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

Article 16.  Those who do not yet experience a lively faith in Christ, an assured confidence of soul, peace of conscience, an earnest endeavor after filial obedience, and glorying in God through Christ, efficaciously wrought in them, and do nevertheless persist in the use of the means which God hath appointed for working these graces in us, ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to rank themselves among the reprobate, but diligently to persevere in the use of means, and with ardent desires, devoutly and humbly to wait for a season of richer grace.  …   

“In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.  But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women.  On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;  for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. … 

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.  …  Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;  persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”  1 Timothy 4:6-8 and 13 and 16.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 19, 2024

“keep seeking the things above” – “For our citizenship is in heaven” – “be rich in good works” – “take possession”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 18:1-10.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2018&version=NASB1995

“Then the whole congregation of the sons of Israel assembled themselves at Shiloh, and set up the tent of meeting there; and the land was subdued before them.

There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.  So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?  Provide for yourselves three men from each tribe that I may send them, and that they may arise and walk through the land and write a description of it according to their inheritance;  then they shall return to me.”   Joshua 18:1-4.  

——————–

Verses 3-4, highlighted above in bold italic font, lead us to consider, so to speak, how we take possession of heaven which is our inheritance.  Consider the following Scriptures.

Scripture commands us to learn what Heaven is like. 

“Walk about Zion and go around her;
Count her towers;
Consider her ramparts;
Go through her palaces,
That you may tell it to the next generation.” Psalm 48:12-13.

Are we content to stay put and accept the world’s image of heaven (such as descriptions of vague, weak, fleeting, and worthless clouds), or, so to speak, do we eagerly walk through Scriptures and go around Scriptures, relying on Scriptures to form our understanding of Heaven (such as this description of strong and permanent “towers”, “ramparts” and “palaces”)?

Let us follow the example of Abraham “for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:10.

In today’s Scripture, Joshua commanded:  “Provide for yourselves three men from each tribe that I may send them, and that they may arise and walk through the land and write a description of it according to their inheritance;  then they shall return to me.”  Verse 4. 

Showing that we believe in what we read in Scripture about Heaven, we want to learn more.  

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”  Colossians 3:1-3.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”  Philippians 3:20-21.

At the top of most pages in my website, there is a headnote titled “Heaven” which provides some Scriptures about Heaven.  Here is a direct link to it – https://reformeddoctrine.com/heaven/

By faith, through God’s grace working in us, we take action and press on toward the goal of Heaven.  We invest all that we have to gain Heaven, even our life. 

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:12-14. 

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”  1 Timothy 6:18-19.

“Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things (see prior verses of 2 Peter 1:5-9), you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”  2 Peter 1:10-11.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again;  and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”  Matthew 13:44-46.

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?  For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:34-38.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 18, 2024

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” – “how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 17.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2017&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now this was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph.  To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war.  So the lot was made for the rest of the sons of Manasseh according to their families:  for the sons of Abiezer and for the sons of Helek and for the sons of Asriel and for the sons of Shechem and for the sons of Hepher and for the sons of Shemida;  these were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

…

Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance, since I am a numerous people whom the LORD has thus far blessed?”  Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”  The sons of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the valley land have chariots of iron, both those who are in Beth-shean and its towns and those who are in the valley of Jezreel.”  Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people and have great power;  you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours.  though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours;  for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.”  Joshua 17:1-2 and 14-18.

——————-

The sons of Joseph had faith. They recognized: “I am a numerous people whom the LORD has thus far blessed”. 

Therefore, they had the courage to ask: ”Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance, since I am a numerous people whom the LORD has thus far blessed?“. 

Joshua confirmed the blessing that the sons of Joseph had, and he granted their request. Moreover, Joshua allayed their fear, built up their faith, and prophesied what they would do. Joshua said: ”You are a numerous people and have great power;  you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours.  though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours;  for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.”  Verses 17-18.

Today’s devotion leads us to meditate on how it is important for us to recognize that we are blessed by the LORD, because it helps us to believe that the LORD will continue to do great things for us.

But, other doctrine leads us to focus on man and man’s will and man’s works.

In sharp contrast, Reformed Doctrine leads us to focus on God and God’s will and God’s works. 

“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:1-4. 

“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?  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?  God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:31-34.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 17, 2024

“REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 16.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2016&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the lot for the sons of Joseph went from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east into the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel.  It went from Bethel to Luz, and continued to the border of the Archites at Ataroth.  It went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon even to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.

The sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance.  Now this was the territory of the sons of Ephraim according to their families: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth-addar, as far as upper Beth-horon.  … But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers.”  Joshua 16:1-5 and 10.

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The last verse of the preceding chapter (Joshua 15:63) is like the last verse (verse 10) of this chapter. 

“Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out;  so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day.”  Joshua 15:63.

We remember the warning of the LORD.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places;  and you shall take possession of the land and live in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it.  …  But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live.  And as I plan to do to them, so I will do to you.’”  Numbers 33:50-53 and 55-56.

How can we apply this warning to us today?

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate generally on the importance of church discipline including the specific extreme measure, if necessary, of removing a member who is hurting other members.

“You were running well;  who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.”  Galatians 5:7-9. 

Consider the following from Belgic Confession.

Article 29:  Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church.

We believe, that we ought diligently and circumspectly to discern from the Word of God which is the true Church, since all sects which are in the world assume to themselves the name of the Church.  But we speak not here of hypocrites, who are mixed in the Church with the good, yet are not of the Church, though externally in it;  but we say that the body and communion of the true Church must be distinguished from all sects, who call themselves the Church. The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these:  if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein;  if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ;  if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin:  in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the Church.  …

“You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst.” 1 Corinthians 5:2. 

“Your boasting is not good.  Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?  Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.  Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;  I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.  But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.  For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  Do you not judge those who are within the church?  But those who are outside, God judges.  REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.”  1 Corinthians 5:6-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 16, 2024

“Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless, For their Redeemer is strong”

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua chapter 15.  Here is the link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2015&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at the extreme south.  Their south border was from the lower end of the Salt Sea, from the bay that turns to the south.  Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka.  It continued to Azmon and proceeded to the brook of Egypt, and the border ended at the sea.  This shall be your south border.  The east border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan.  And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.  …”  Joshua 15:1-5.

—————–

Great detail at length in defining the borders of Judah and the cities of Judah was given in Joshua chapter 15.  Why?

Borders are important to the LORD.  Another pillar of justice is enforceable borders.  Borders protect against coveting and stealing.  Borders also define whose responsibility it is to take care of the land within borders.  Consider that it is commonly said:  “Good fences make good neighbors.” 

“You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess.”  Deuteronomy 19:14. 

“Do not move the ancient boundary
Which your fathers have set.” Proverbs 22:28.

“10 Do not move the ancient boundary
Or go into the fields of the fatherless,
11 For their Redeemer is strong;
He will plead their case against you.” Proverbs 23:10-11.

“The LORD will tear down the house of the proud,
But He will establish the boundary of the widow.” Proverbs 15:25.

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