Heidelberg Catechism
Question 100. Is the profaning of God’s name, by swearing and cursing, so grievous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those also who do not help as much as they can to hinder and forbid it?
Answer. Yes, truly,[1] for no sin is greater and more provoking to God than the profaning of His name; wherefore He even commanded it to be punished with death.[2]
[1] Lev 5:1; [2] Lev 19:12, 24:15-16; Prov 29:24-25
Saturday, April 30, 2011
He that is slow to wrath ...
Daily Light Devotions - April 30 - Evening
He that is slow to wrath ...
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. 1
The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 2
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 3
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 4
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 5
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 6
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 7
______________
1 Prov 14:29;
2 Exo 34:6;
3 2 Pet 3:9;
4 Eph 5:1,2;
5 Gal 5:22,23;
6 1 Pet 2:19-21,23;
7 Eph 4:26
He that is slow to wrath ...
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. 1
The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 2
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 3
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 4
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 5
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 6
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 7
______________
1 Prov 14:29;
2 Exo 34:6;
3 2 Pet 3:9;
4 Eph 5:1,2;
5 Gal 5:22,23;
6 1 Pet 2:19-21,23;
7 Eph 4:26
... in him truly the love of God is perfected
Daily Light Devotions - April 30 - Morning
... in him verily is the love of God perfected.
but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 1
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 3
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 4
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 5
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 6
______________
1 1 John 2:5;
2 Heb 13:20,21;
3 1 John 2:3;
4 John 14:23;
5 1 John 3:6,7;
6 1 John 4:17
... in him verily is the love of God perfected.
but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 1
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 3
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 4
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 5
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 6
______________
1 1 John 2:5;
2 Heb 13:20,21;
3 1 John 2:3;
4 John 14:23;
5 1 John 3:6,7;
6 1 John 4:17
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Al Mohler: The one great lesson he has learned
From an interview with TableTalk:
Although there are many, is there one lesson the Lord has taught you that you would care to share with us?
I think the one great lesson the Lord has taught me over these years is that the importance of the family and the local congregation supersedes every other relationship to which the Christian is called. Christians demonstrate the glory of God and the power of the gospel by the way we marry and stay married, by the way we raise our children, by the way we love each other, and by the way we live faithfully in the congregation of believers. In the end, I fear that far too much energy is devoted to and far too many hopes are invested in institutions, programs, and projects that will not last. The centrality of Christ’s purpose to glorify himself in His church and the blessings of God that are directed to the precious gift of the family — these far exceed our other allegiances.
(HT: Justin Taylor)
Although there are many, is there one lesson the Lord has taught you that you would care to share with us?
I think the one great lesson the Lord has taught me over these years is that the importance of the family and the local congregation supersedes every other relationship to which the Christian is called. Christians demonstrate the glory of God and the power of the gospel by the way we marry and stay married, by the way we raise our children, by the way we love each other, and by the way we live faithfully in the congregation of believers. In the end, I fear that far too much energy is devoted to and far too many hopes are invested in institutions, programs, and projects that will not last. The centrality of Christ’s purpose to glorify himself in His church and the blessings of God that are directed to the precious gift of the family — these far exceed our other allegiances.
(HT: Justin Taylor)
What is required in the third Commandment?
Heidelberg Catechism
~Third Commandment
Question 99. What is required in the third Commandment?
Answer. That we must not by cursing,[1] or by false swearing,[2] nor yet by unnecessary oaths,[3] profane or abuse the name of God; nor even by our silence[4] and connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and in summary, that we use the holy name of God in no other way than with fear and reverence,[5] so that He may be rightly confessed[6] and worshiped[7] by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.[8]
[1] Lev 24:10-17;
[2] Lev 19:12;
[3] Mt 5:37; Jas 5:12;
[4] Lev 5:1; Prov 29:24;
[5] Ps 99:1-5; Isa 45:23; Jer 4:2;
[6] Mt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10;
[7] Ps 50:14-15; 1 Tim 2:8;
[8] Rom 2:24; Col 3:16-17; 1 Tim 6:1; 1 Pt 3:15
~Third Commandment
Question 99. What is required in the third Commandment?
Answer. That we must not by cursing,[1] or by false swearing,[2] nor yet by unnecessary oaths,[3] profane or abuse the name of God; nor even by our silence[4] and connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and in summary, that we use the holy name of God in no other way than with fear and reverence,[5] so that He may be rightly confessed[6] and worshiped[7] by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.[8]
[1] Lev 24:10-17;
[2] Lev 19:12;
[3] Mt 5:37; Jas 5:12;
[4] Lev 5:1; Prov 29:24;
[5] Ps 99:1-5; Isa 45:23; Jer 4:2;
[6] Mt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10;
[7] Ps 50:14-15; 1 Tim 2:8;
[8] Rom 2:24; Col 3:16-17; 1 Tim 6:1; 1 Pt 3:15
That blessed hope
Daily Light Devotions - April 29 - Evening
That blessed hope ...
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 1
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 2
whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 3
when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 4
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 5
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 6
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 7
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 8
______________
1 Tit 2:13;
2 Heb 6:19,20;
3 Acts 3:21;
4 2 Thess 1:10;
5 Rom 8:22,23;
6 1 John 3:2;
7 Col 3:4;
8 Rev 22:20
That blessed hope ...
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 1
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 2
whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 3
when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 4
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 5
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 6
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 7
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 8
______________
1 Tit 2:13;
2 Heb 6:19,20;
3 Acts 3:21;
4 2 Thess 1:10;
5 Rom 8:22,23;
6 1 John 3:2;
7 Col 3:4;
8 Rev 22:20
Consider what great things he has done for you
Daily Light Devotions - April 29 - Morning
Consider how great things He hath done for you.
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1
And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. 2
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. 3
The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 4
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 5
______________
1 1 Sam 12:24;
2 Deut 8:2,5;
3 Psa 119:75,71,67;
4 Psa 118:18;
5 Psa 103:10,11,14
Consider how great things He hath done for you.
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1
And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. 2
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. 3
The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 4
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 5
______________
1 1 Sam 12:24;
2 Deut 8:2,5;
3 Psa 119:75,71,67;
4 Psa 118:18;
5 Psa 103:10,11,14
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
But may not pictures be tolerated in churches as books for the people?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 98. But may not pictures be tolerated in churches as books for the people?
Answer. No, for we should not be wiser than God, who will not have His people taught by dumb idols,[1] but by the lively preaching of His Word.[2]
[1] Ps 135:15-18; Jer 10:8; Hab 2:18-20;
[2] Rom 10:14- 17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pt 1:19
Question 98. But may not pictures be tolerated in churches as books for the people?
Answer. No, for we should not be wiser than God, who will not have His people taught by dumb idols,[1] but by the lively preaching of His Word.[2]
[1] Ps 135:15-18; Jer 10:8; Hab 2:18-20;
[2] Rom 10:14- 17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pt 1:19
I will hope continually
Daily Light Devotions - April 28 - Evening
I will hope continually ...
But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. 1
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 2
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 3
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 4
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 5
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 6
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 7
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" 8
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" 9
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 10
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 11
______________
1 Psa 71:14;
2 Phil 3:12;
3 Heb 6:1;
4 Prov 4:18;
5 Psa 116:1,2;
6 Psa 34:1;
7 Psa 65:1;
8 Rev 4:8;
9 Psa 50:23;
10 1 Thess 5:16-18;
11 Phil 4:4
I will hope continually ...
But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. 1
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 2
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 3
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 4
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 5
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 6
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 7
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" 8
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" 9
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 10
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 11
______________
1 Psa 71:14;
2 Phil 3:12;
3 Heb 6:1;
4 Prov 4:18;
5 Psa 116:1,2;
6 Psa 34:1;
7 Psa 65:1;
8 Rev 4:8;
9 Psa 50:23;
10 1 Thess 5:16-18;
11 Phil 4:4
Behold the Lamb of God
Daily Light Devotions - April 28 - Morning
Behold the Lamb of God.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" 2
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 3
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 4
saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 5
______________
1 John 1:29;
2 Heb 10:4-7;
3 Isa 53:7;
4 1 Pet 1:18-21;
5 Rev 5:12
Behold the Lamb of God.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" 2
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 3
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 4
saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 5
______________
1 John 1:29;
2 Heb 10:4-7;
3 Isa 53:7;
4 1 Pet 1:18-21;
5 Rev 5:12
May we not make any image at all?
Heidelberg Catechism
Questoin 97. May we not make any image at all?
Answer. God may not and cannot be imaged in any way; as for creatures, though they may indeed be imaged, yet God forbids the making or keeping of any likeness of them, either to worship them or to serve God by them.[1]
[1] Ex 23:24-25, 34:13-14, 17; Num 33:52; Deut 7:5, 12:3, 16:22; 2 Kgs 18:4-5; Isa 40:25; Jn 1:18
Questoin 97. May we not make any image at all?
Answer. God may not and cannot be imaged in any way; as for creatures, though they may indeed be imaged, yet God forbids the making or keeping of any likeness of them, either to worship them or to serve God by them.[1]
[1] Ex 23:24-25, 34:13-14, 17; Num 33:52; Deut 7:5, 12:3, 16:22; 2 Kgs 18:4-5; Isa 40:25; Jn 1:18
A new name
Daily Light Devotions - April 27 - Evening
A new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' 1
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 2
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." 3
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 4
for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 5
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 6
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 7
______________
1 Rev 2:17;
2 Acts 11:26;
3 2 Tim 2:19;
4 Gal 5:24;
5 1 Cor 6:20;
6 Gal 6:14,15;
7 Eph 5:1-3,8
A new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' 1
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 2
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." 3
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 4
for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 5
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 6
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 7
______________
1 Rev 2:17;
2 Acts 11:26;
3 2 Tim 2:19;
4 Gal 5:24;
5 1 Cor 6:20;
6 Gal 6:14,15;
7 Eph 5:1-3,8
Brethren, the time is short
Daily Light Devotions - April 27 - Morning
Brethren, the time is short.
This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 1
"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. 2
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 3
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 4
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 5
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 6
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 7
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 8
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 9
______________
1 1 Cor 7:29;
2 Job 14:1,2;
3 1 John 2:17;
4 1 Cor 15:22,54;
5 Rom 14:8;
6 Phil 1:21;
7 Heb 10:35-37;
8 Rom 13:12;
9 1 Pet 4:7
Brethren, the time is short.
This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 1
"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. 2
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 3
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 4
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 5
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 6
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 7
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 8
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 9
______________
1 1 Cor 7:29;
2 Job 14:1,2;
3 1 John 2:17;
4 1 Cor 15:22,54;
5 Rom 14:8;
6 Phil 1:21;
7 Heb 10:35-37;
8 Rom 13:12;
9 1 Pet 4:7
Monday, April 25, 2011
What does God require in the second Commandment?
Heidelberg Catechism
~Second Commandment
Question 96. What does God require in the second Commandment?
Answer. That we in no way make any image of God,[1] nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded us in His Word.[2]
[1] Deut 4:15-19; Isa 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom 1:22-24;
[2] Lev 10:1-7; Deut 4:23-24, 12:30-32; 1 Sam 15:22-23; Mt 15:9; Jn 4:23-24
~Second Commandment
Question 96. What does God require in the second Commandment?
Answer. That we in no way make any image of God,[1] nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded us in His Word.[2]
[1] Deut 4:15-19; Isa 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom 1:22-24;
[2] Lev 10:1-7; Deut 4:23-24, 12:30-32; 1 Sam 15:22-23; Mt 15:9; Jn 4:23-24
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning ...
Daily Light Devotions - April 26 - Evening
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning ...
"Who is this who looks down like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awesome as an army with banners?" 1
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 2
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 3
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 4
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 5
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 6
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 7
______________
1 Sol 6:10;
2 Acts 20:28;
3 Eph 5:25-27;
4 Rev 12:1;
5 Rev 19:7,8;
6 Rom 3:22;
7 John 17:22;
Who is she that looketh forth as the morning ...
"Who is this who looks down like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awesome as an army with banners?" 1
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 2
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 3
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 4
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 5
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 6
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 7
______________
1 Sol 6:10;
2 Acts 20:28;
3 Eph 5:25-27;
4 Rev 12:1;
5 Rev 19:7,8;
6 Rom 3:22;
7 John 17:22;
His left hand is under my head
Daily Light Devotions - April 26 - Morning
His left hand is under my head ...
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me! 1
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, Destroy. 2
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 3
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 4
Of Benjamin he said, "The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders." 5
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 6
For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: 7
I give them eternal life, 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. 8
______________
1 Sol 2:6;
2 Deut 33:27;
3 Matt 14:30,31;
4 Psa 37:23,24;
5 Deut 33:12;
6 1 Pet 5:7;
7 Zec 2:8;
8 John 10:28,29;
His left hand is under my head ...
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me! 1
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, Destroy. 2
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 3
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 4
Of Benjamin he said, "The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders." 5
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 6
For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: 7
I give them eternal life, 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. 8
______________
1 Sol 2:6;
2 Deut 33:27;
3 Matt 14:30,31;
4 Psa 37:23,24;
5 Deut 33:12;
6 1 Pet 5:7;
7 Zec 2:8;
8 John 10:28,29;
Sunday, April 24, 2011
What is idolatry?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 95. What is idolatry?
Answer. Idolatry is to conceive or have something else in which to place our trust instead of, or besides, the one true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.[1]
[1] 1 Chron 16:26; Ps 62:5-7, 73:25-26, 81:8-9; Mt 6:24; Jn 2:23, 5:23; Gal 4:8-9; Eph 2:12, 5:5; Php 3:19; 2 Jn 9
Question 95. What is idolatry?
Answer. Idolatry is to conceive or have something else in which to place our trust instead of, or besides, the one true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.[1]
[1] 1 Chron 16:26; Ps 62:5-7, 73:25-26, 81:8-9; Mt 6:24; Jn 2:23, 5:23; Gal 4:8-9; Eph 2:12, 5:5; Php 3:19; 2 Jn 9
... that ye through his poverty might be rich
Daily Light Devotions - April 25 - Evening
... that ye through his poverty might be rich.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 1
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 2
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 3
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 4
And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." 5
So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 6
______________
1 2 Cor 8:9;
2 Col 1:19;
3 Heb 1:3,4;
4 Phil 2:6,7;
5 Matt 8:20;
6 1 Cor 3:21-23
... that ye through his poverty might be rich.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 1
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 2
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 3
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 4
And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." 5
So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 6
______________
1 2 Cor 8:9;
2 Col 1:19;
3 Heb 1:3,4;
4 Phil 2:6,7;
5 Matt 8:20;
6 1 Cor 3:21-23
Thou shalt call his name JESUS
Daily Light Devotions - April 25 - Morning
Thou shalt call his name JESUS ...
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 1
You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 2
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 3
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 4
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 5
and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 6
for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 7
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 8
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.9
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. 10
______________
1 Matt 1:21;
2 1 John 3:5;
3 1 Pet 2:24;
4 Heb 7:25;
5 Isa 53:5,6;
6 Luke 24:46,47;
7 Heb 9:26;
8 Acts 5:31;
9 Acts 13:38,39;
10 1 John 2:12
Thou shalt call his name JESUS ...
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 1
You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 2
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 3
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 4
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 5
and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 6
for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 7
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 8
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.9
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. 10
______________
1 Matt 1:21;
2 1 John 3:5;
3 1 Pet 2:24;
4 Heb 7:25;
5 Isa 53:5,6;
6 Luke 24:46,47;
7 Heb 9:26;
8 Acts 5:31;
9 Acts 13:38,39;
10 1 John 2:12
What does God require in the first Commandment?
Heidelberg Catechism
~First Commandment
Question 94. What does God require in the first Commandment?
Answer. That, on peril of my soul’s salvation, I avoid and flee all idolatry,[1] sorcery, enchantments,[2] invocation of saints or of other creatures;[3] and that I rightly acknowledge the only true God,[4] trust in Him alone,[5] with all humility[6] and patience[7] expect all good from Him only,[8] and love,[9] fear,[10] and honor [11] Him with my whole heart; so as rather to renounce all creatures than to do the least thing against His will.[12]
[1] 1 Cor 6:9-10, 10:5-14; 1 Jn 5:21;
[2] Lev 19:31; Deut 18:9-12;
[3] Mt 4:10; Rev 19:10, 22:8-9;
[4] Jn 17:3;
[5] Jer 17:5, 7;
[6] 1 Pt 5:5-6;
[7] Rom 5:3-4; 1 Cor 10:10; Php 2:14; Col 1:10-11; Heb 10:36;
[8] Ps 104:27-30; Isa 45:6-7; Jas 1:17;
[9] Deut 6:5 [Mt 22:37];
[10] Deut 6:2; Ps 111:10; Prov 1:7, 9:10; Mt 10:28; 1Pt 1:7;
[11] Deut 6:13 [Mt 4:10], 10:20;
[12] Mt 5:29-30, 10:37-39; Acts 5:29
~First Commandment
Question 94. What does God require in the first Commandment?
Answer. That, on peril of my soul’s salvation, I avoid and flee all idolatry,[1] sorcery, enchantments,[2] invocation of saints or of other creatures;[3] and that I rightly acknowledge the only true God,[4] trust in Him alone,[5] with all humility[6] and patience[7] expect all good from Him only,[8] and love,[9] fear,[10] and honor [11] Him with my whole heart; so as rather to renounce all creatures than to do the least thing against His will.[12]
[1] 1 Cor 6:9-10, 10:5-14; 1 Jn 5:21;
[2] Lev 19:31; Deut 18:9-12;
[3] Mt 4:10; Rev 19:10, 22:8-9;
[4] Jn 17:3;
[5] Jer 17:5, 7;
[6] 1 Pt 5:5-6;
[7] Rom 5:3-4; 1 Cor 10:10; Php 2:14; Col 1:10-11; Heb 10:36;
[8] Ps 104:27-30; Isa 45:6-7; Jas 1:17;
[9] Deut 6:5 [Mt 22:37];
[10] Deut 6:2; Ps 111:10; Prov 1:7, 9:10; Mt 10:28; 1Pt 1:7;
[11] Deut 6:13 [Mt 4:10], 10:20;
[12] Mt 5:29-30, 10:37-39; Acts 5:29
The eyes of all wait upon thee
Daily Light Devotions - April 24 - Evening
The eyes of all wait upon thee.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 1
nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 2
The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 3
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 4
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 5
A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 6
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us. 7
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. 8
It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." 9
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 10
______________
1 Psa 145:15;
2 Acts 17:25;
3 Psa 145:9;
4 Matt 6:26;
5 Rom 10:12;
6 Psa 121:1;
7 Psa 123:2;
8 Isa 30:18;
9 Isa 25:9;
10 Rom 8:25
The eyes of all wait upon thee.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 1
nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 2
The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 3
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 4
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 5
A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 6
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us. 7
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. 8
It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." 9
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 10
______________
1 Psa 145:15;
2 Acts 17:25;
3 Psa 145:9;
4 Matt 6:26;
5 Rom 10:12;
6 Psa 121:1;
7 Psa 123:2;
8 Isa 30:18;
9 Isa 25:9;
10 Rom 8:25
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said
Daily Light Devotions - April 24 - Morning
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said ...
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. 1
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 2
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 3
And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." 4
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 5
Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. 6
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 7
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 8
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 9
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 10
______________
1 Gen 21:1;
2 Psa 62:8;
3 1 Sam 30:6;
4 Gen 50:24;
5 Acts 7:34,36;
6 Jos 21:45;
7 Heb 10:23;
8 Num 23:19;
9 Matt 24:35;
10 Isa 40:8
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said ...
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. 1
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 2
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 3
And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." 4
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 5
Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. 6
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 7
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 8
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 9
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 10
______________
1 Gen 21:1;
2 Psa 62:8;
3 1 Sam 30:6;
4 Gen 50:24;
5 Acts 7:34,36;
6 Jos 21:45;
7 Heb 10:23;
8 Num 23:19;
9 Matt 24:35;
10 Isa 40:8
How are these Commandments divided?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 93. How are these Commandments divided?
Answer. Into two tables:[1] the first of which teaches, in four commandments, what duties we owe to God; the second, in six, what duties we owe to our neighbor.[2]
[1] Ex 34:28; Deut 4:13; [2] Mt 22:37-40
Question 93. How are these Commandments divided?
Answer. Into two tables:[1] the first of which teaches, in four commandments, what duties we owe to God; the second, in six, what duties we owe to our neighbor.[2]
[1] Ex 34:28; Deut 4:13; [2] Mt 22:37-40
All we like sheep have gone astray
Daily Light Devotions - April 23 - Evening
All we like sheep have gone astray.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 1
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 2
as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." 3
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 4
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. 5
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 6
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 7
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 8
______________
1 Isa 53:6;
2 1 John 1:8;
3 Rom 3:10-12;
4 1 Pet 2:25;
5 Psa 119:176;
6 Psa 23:3;
7 John 10:27,28;
8 Luke 15:4
All we like sheep have gone astray.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 1
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 2
as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." 3
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 4
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. 5
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 6
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 7
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 8
______________
1 Isa 53:6;
2 1 John 1:8;
3 Rom 3:10-12;
4 1 Pet 2:25;
5 Psa 119:176;
6 Psa 23:3;
7 John 10:27,28;
8 Luke 15:4
The LORD was my stay
Daily Light Devotions - April 23 - Morning
The LORD was my stay.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. 1
Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. 2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." 4
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 5
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, Destroy. 6
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" 7
For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 8
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 9
______________
1 Psa 18:18;
2 Jer 3:23;
3 Psa 18:2;
4 Isa 12:6;
5 Psa 34:7,17;
6 Deut 33:27;
7 Heb 13:6;
8 Psa 18:31,32;
9 1 Cor 15:10
The LORD was my stay.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. 1
Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. 2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." 4
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 5
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, Destroy. 6
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" 7
For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 8
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 9
______________
1 Psa 18:18;
2 Jer 3:23;
3 Psa 18:2;
4 Isa 12:6;
5 Psa 34:7,17;
6 Deut 33:27;
7 Heb 13:6;
8 Psa 18:31,32;
9 1 Cor 15:10
Thursday, April 21, 2011
What is the Law of God?
Heidelberg Catechism
The Ten Commandments
Question 92. What is the Law of God?
Answer. God spoke all these words, saying:
First Commandment
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
Second Commandment
You shall not make for yourself a carved image - any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing covenant faithfulness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Third Commandment
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
Sixth Commandment
You shall not murder.
Seventh Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
Eighth Commandment
You shall not steal.
Ninth Commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey,
nor anything that is your neighbors.”[1]
[1] Ex 20; Deut 5; Ps 119:9; Mt 5:17-19; Rom 3:31, 10:5
The Ten Commandments
Question 92. What is the Law of God?
Answer. God spoke all these words, saying:
First Commandment
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
Second Commandment
You shall not make for yourself a carved image - any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing covenant faithfulness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Third Commandment
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
Sixth Commandment
You shall not murder.
Seventh Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
Eighth Commandment
You shall not steal.
Ninth Commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey,
nor anything that is your neighbors.”[1]
[1] Ex 20; Deut 5; Ps 119:9; Mt 5:17-19; Rom 3:31, 10:5
Great is thy mercy toward me
Daily Light Devotions - April 22 - Evening
Great is thy mercy toward me ...
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 1
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 2
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 3
those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, 4
and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- 6
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 7
______________
1 Psa 86:13;
2 Matt 10:28;
3 Isa 43:1,11,25;
4 Psa 49:6-8;
5 Job 33:24;
6 Eph 2:4,5;
7 Acts 4:12
Great is thy mercy toward me ...
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 1
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 2
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 3
those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, 4
and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- 6
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 7
______________
1 Psa 86:13;
2 Matt 10:28;
3 Isa 43:1,11,25;
4 Psa 49:6-8;
5 Job 33:24;
6 Eph 2:4,5;
7 Acts 4:12
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice
Daily Light Devotions - April 22 - Morning
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice ...
"If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 1
Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together. 2
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 3
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 4
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." 5
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." 6
I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. 7
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 8
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 9
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 10
______________
1 Lev 1:3,4;
2 Gen 22:8;
3 John 1:29;
4 Heb 10:10;
5 Matt 20:28;
6 John 10:18;
7 Hos 14:4;
8 Gal 2:20;
9 2 Cor 5:21;
10 Eph 1:6
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice ...
"If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 1
Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together. 2
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 3
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 4
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." 5
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." 6
I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. 7
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 8
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 9
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 10
______________
1 Lev 1:3,4;
2 Gen 22:8;
3 John 1:29;
4 Heb 10:10;
5 Matt 20:28;
6 John 10:18;
7 Hos 14:4;
8 Gal 2:20;
9 2 Cor 5:21;
10 Eph 1:6
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What are good works?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question. 91. What are good works?
Answer. Those only which proceed from true faith,[1] and are done according to the Law of God,[2] unto His glory,[3] and not such as rest on our own opinion[4] or the commandments of men.[5]
[1] Jn 15:5; Rom 14:23; Heb 11:6;
[2] Lev 18:4; 1 Sam 15:22; Eph 2:10;
[3] 1 Cor 10:31;
[4] Deut 12:32; Isa 29:13; Ezek 20:18, 20;
[5] Num 15:39; Mt 15:7-9
Question. 91. What are good works?
Answer. Those only which proceed from true faith,[1] and are done according to the Law of God,[2] unto His glory,[3] and not such as rest on our own opinion[4] or the commandments of men.[5]
[1] Jn 15:5; Rom 14:23; Heb 11:6;
[2] Lev 18:4; 1 Sam 15:22; Eph 2:10;
[3] 1 Cor 10:31;
[4] Deut 12:32; Isa 29:13; Ezek 20:18, 20;
[5] Num 15:39; Mt 15:7-9
Enoch walked with God
Daily Light Devotions - April 21 - Evening
Enoch walked with God.
Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 1
"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? 2
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 3
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 4
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 5
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 6
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 7
______________
1 Gen 5:22;
2 Amos 3:3;
3 Col 1:20-22;
4 Eph 2:13;
5 Rom 5:10,11;
6 1 John 1:3;
7 2 Cor 13:14
Enoch walked with God.
Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 1
"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? 2
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 3
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 4
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 5
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 6
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 7
______________
1 Gen 5:22;
2 Amos 3:3;
3 Col 1:20-22;
4 Eph 2:13;
5 Rom 5:10,11;
6 1 John 1:3;
7 2 Cor 13:14
Stand fast in the Lord
Daily Light Devotions - April 21 - Morning
Stand fast in the Lord.
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 1
My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 2
For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. 3
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 4
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 5
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 6
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 7
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 8
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 9
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 10
______________
1 Phil 4:1;
2 Job 23:11;
3 Psa 37:28;
4 Psa 121:7;
5 Heb 10:38,39;
6 1 John 2:19;
7 John 8:31;
8 Matt 24:13;
9 1 Cor 16:13;
10 Rev 3:11,5
Stand fast in the Lord.
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 1
My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 2
For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. 3
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 4
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 5
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 6
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 7
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 8
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 9
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 10
______________
1 Phil 4:1;
2 Job 23:11;
3 Psa 37:28;
4 Psa 121:7;
5 Heb 10:38,39;
6 1 John 2:19;
7 John 8:31;
8 Matt 24:13;
9 1 Cor 16:13;
10 Rev 3:11,5
What is the making alive of the new man?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 90. What is the making alive of the new man?
Answer. Heartfelt joy in God through Christ,[1] causing us to take delight in living according to the will of God in all good works.[2]
[1] Ps 51:8, 12; Isa 57:15; Rom 5:1, 14:17; [2] Rom 6:10-11, 7:22, 8:10-11; Gal 2:20
Question 90. What is the making alive of the new man?
Answer. Heartfelt joy in God through Christ,[1] causing us to take delight in living according to the will of God in all good works.[2]
[1] Ps 51:8, 12; Isa 57:15; Rom 5:1, 14:17; [2] Rom 6:10-11, 7:22, 8:10-11; Gal 2:20
Who art thou, Lord? I am Jesus
Daily Light Devotions - April 20 - Evening
Who art thou, Lord? I am Jesus.
And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 1
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 3
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 4
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 5
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 6
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 7
______________
1 Acts 26:15;
2 Matt 14:27;
3 Isa 43:2,3;
4 Psa 23:4;
5 Matt 1:23,21;
6 1 John 2:1;
7 Rom 8:34,35
Who art thou, Lord? I am Jesus.
And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 1
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 3
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 4
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 5
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 6
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 7
______________
1 Acts 26:15;
2 Matt 14:27;
3 Isa 43:2,3;
4 Psa 23:4;
5 Matt 1:23,21;
6 1 John 2:1;
7 Rom 8:34,35
There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing
Daily Light Devotions - April 20 - Morning
There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing ...
None of the devoted things shall stick to your hand, that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger and show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you, as he swore to your fathers, 1
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 2
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 3
save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. 4
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 5
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 6
______________
1 Deut 13:17;
2 2 Cor 6:17;
3 1 Pet 2:11;
4 Jude 1:23;
5 1 John 3:2,3;
6 Tit 2:11-14
There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing ...
None of the devoted things shall stick to your hand, that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger and show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you, as he swore to your fathers, 1
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 2
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 3
save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. 4
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 5
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 6
______________
1 Deut 13:17;
2 2 Cor 6:17;
3 1 Pet 2:11;
4 Jude 1:23;
5 1 John 3:2,3;
6 Tit 2:11-14
Monday, April 18, 2011
What is the dying of the old man?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 89. What is the dying of the old man?
Answer. Heartfelt sorrow for sin, causing us to hate and turn from it always more and more.[1]
[1] Ps 51:3-4, 17; Joel 2:12-13; Rom 8:12-13; 2 Cor 7:10
His word was in mine heart as a burning fire
Daily Light Devotions - April 19 - Evening
His word was in mine heart as a burning fire ...
If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. 1
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 2
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 3
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 4
so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 5
And he did not permit him but said to him, "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 6
______________
1 Jer 20:9; 2 1 Cor 9:16,18; 3 Acts 4:18-20; 4 2 Cor 5:14; 5 Matt 25:25-27; 6 Mark 5:19
I am the door of the sheep
Daily Light Devotions - April 19 - Morning
I am the door of the sheep.
So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 1
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 2
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 3
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 4
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 5
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 6
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 7
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 8
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 9
______________
1 John 10:7; 2 Matt 27:51; 3 1 Pet 3:18; 4 Heb 9:8; 5 John 10:9; 6 John 14:6; 7 Eph 2:18,19; 8 Heb 10:19,20; 9 Rom 5:1,2
Everlasting consolation
Daily Light Devotions - April 18 - Evening
Everlasting consolation.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 1
yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. 2
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 3
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 4
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 5
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 6
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 7
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 8
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 9
Arise and go, for this is no place to rest, because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction. 10
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 11
______________
1 2 Thess 2:16; 2 Eze 16:60; 3 Heb 10:14; 4 Heb 7:25; 5 2 Tim 1:12; 6 Rom 11:29; 7 Rom 8:35; 8 Rev 7:17; 9 1 Thess 4:17,18; 10 Micah 2:10; 11 Heb 13:14
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I will raise them up a Prophet
Daily Light Devotions - April 18 - Morning
I will raise them up a Prophet ...
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 1
while I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the LORD. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said: 2
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 3
Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 6
Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. 7
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1 Deut 18:18; 2 Deut 5:5; 3 1 Tim 2:5; 4 Num 12:3; 5 Matt 11:29; 6 Phil 2:5-7; 7 Heb 3:5,6
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Can they, then, not be saved who do not turn to God from their unthankful, impenitent life?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 87. Can they, then, not be saved who do not turn to God from their unthankful, impenitent life?
Answer. By no means, for, as Scripture says, no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like shall inherit the kingdom of God.[1]
[1] 1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-6; 1 Jn 3:14-15
Draw me, we will run after thee
Daily Light Devotions - April 17 - Evening
Draw me, we will run after thee.
Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. 1
the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 2
I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. 3
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 4
and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 5
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 6
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 7
We love because he first loved us. 8
My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. 9
______________
1 Sol 1:4; 2 Jer 31:3; 3 Hos 11:4; 4 John 12:32; 5 John 1:36; 6 John 3:14,15; 7 Psa 73:25; 8 1 John 4:19; 9 Sol 2:10-13
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me
Daily Light Devotions - April 17 - Morning
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" 1
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 2
for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 3
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 4
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 5
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 6
______________
1 Psa 50:23; 2 Col 3:16,17; 3 1 Cor 6:20; 4 1 Pet 2:9,5; 5 Heb 13:15; 6 Psa 34:2,3
Since, then, we are redeemed from our misery by grace through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we do good works?
Heidelberg Catechism
Third Part: Gratitude
~Sanctification
Question 86. Since, then, we are redeemed from our misery by grace through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we do good works?
Answer. Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit after His own image, that with our whole life we show ourselves thankful to God for His blessing,[1] and that He be glorified through us;[2] then also, that we ourselves may be assured by our faith by the fruits thereof;[3] and by our godly walk win also others to Christ.[4]
[1] Rom 6:13, 12:1-2; 1 Cor 6:20; 1 Pt 2:5-10; [2] Mt 5:16; 1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 Pt 2:12; [3] Mt 7:17-18; Gal 5:6, 22-24; 2 Pt 1:10-11; [4] Mt 5:14-16; Rom 14:17-19; 1 Pt 2:12, 3:1-2; 2 Pt 1:10
Daily Light Devotions - April 16 - Evening
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him ...
When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 1
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And God granted what he asked. 2
In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said to God, "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?" 3
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 4
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you." So the LORD defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 5
O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. 6
______________
1 Psa 91:15; 2 1 Chron 4:10; 3 2 Chron 1:7,8,10; 4 1 Kings 4:29; 5 2 Chron 14:11,12; 6 Psa 65:2
Thou heardest the voice of my supplications
Daily Light Devotions - April 16 - Morning
... Thou heardest the voice of my supplications.
I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. 1
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 2
water closed over my head; I said, 'I am lost.' "I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, 'Do not close your ear to my cry for help!' You came near when I called on you; you said, 'Do not fear!' 3
"Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 4
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! 5
______________
1 Psa 31:22; 2 Psa 69:2; 3 Lam 3:54-57; 4 Psa 77:7-11; 5 Psa 27:13
Thursday, April 14, 2011
How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 85. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?
Answer. In this way: that, according to the command of Christ, if any under the Christian name show themselves unsound either in doctrine or in life, and after several brotherly admonitions do not turn from their errors or evil ways, they are complained of to the Church or to its proper officers; and, if they neglect to hear them also, are by them denied the holy sacraments and thereby excluded from the Christian communion, and by God Himself from the kingdom of Christ; and if they promise and show real amendment, they are again received as members of Christ and His Church.[1]
[1] Mt 18:15-20; Lk 15:20-24; 1 Cor 5:3-5, 11-13; 2 Cor 2:6-11; 2 Thes 3:14-15; 2 Jn 10-11
Seekest thou great things for thyself?
Daily Light Devotions - April 15 - Evening
Seekest thou great things for thyself?
And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go." 1
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 2
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 3
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 4
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 5
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 6
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 7
______________
1 Jer 45:5; 2 Matt 11:29; 3 Phil 2:5-8; 4 Matt 10:38; 5 1 Pet 2:21; 6 1 Tim 6:6-8; 7 Phil 4:11
Their Redeemer is strong
Daily Light Devotions - April 15 - Morning
Their Redeemer is strong.
Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon. 1
For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins-- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate. 2
Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 3
I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." 4
Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." 5
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 6
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 7
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 8
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 9
Why, when I came, was there no man; why, when I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert; their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. 10
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 11
______________
1 Jer 50:34; 2 Amos 5:12; 3 Psa 89:19; 4 Isa 49:26; 5 Isa 63:1; 6 Jude 1:24; 7 Rom 5:20; 8 John 3:18; 9 Heb 7:25; 10 Isa 50:2; 11 Rom 8:35,38,39
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Holy Gospel?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Holy Gospel?
Answer. In this way: that, according to the command of Christ, it is proclaimed and openly witnessed to believers, one and all, that as often as they accept with true faith the promise of the Gospel, all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ’s merits; and on the contrary, to all unbelievers and hypocrites, that the wrath of God and eternal condemnation abide on them so long as they are not converted.[1] According to this testimony of the Gospel, God will judge men both in this life and in that which is to come.
[1] Isa 58:1; Mt 16:19; Jn 3:31-36, 8:24, 20:21-23; Acts 10:43; 2 Cor 2:15-16
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
Daily Light Devotions - April 14 - Evening
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 1
I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 2
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 3
"Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness." "Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God. 4
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 6
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 7
You will say in that day: "I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. 8
Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 9
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 10
______________
1 Psa 51:12; 2 Isa 57:18; 3 Isa 1:18; 4 Jer 3:22; 5 Psa 85:8; 6 Psa 103:2,3; 7 Psa 23:3; 8 Isa 12:1; 9 Psa 119:117; 10 Isa 43:25
My soul shall be satisifed
Daily Light Devotions - April 14 - Morning
My soul shall be satisifed ...
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 1
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 2
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 3
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; 4
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 5
You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 6
As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 7
His legs are alabaster columns, set on bases of gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. 8
______________
1 Psa 63:5,6; 2 Psa 139:17; 3 Psa 119:103; 4 Sol 1:2; 5 Psa 73:25; 6 Psa 45:2; 7 Sol 2:3,4; 8 Sol 5:15,16
What is the Office of the Keys?
Heidelberg Catechism
~Preaching & Discipline
Question 83. What is the Office of the Keys?
Answer. The preaching of the Holy Gospel and Christian discipline; by these two the kingdom of heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers.[1]
[1] Mt 16:18-19, 18:18; Lk 24:46-47; Jn 20:21-23; 1 Cor 1:23-24
There shall be no night there
Daily Light Devotions - April 13 - Evening
There shall be no night there.
and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. 1
The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 2
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 3
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 4
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 5
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 6
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 7
For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 8
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 9
______________
1 Rev 21:25; 2 Isa 60:19; 3 Rev 21:23; 4 Rev 22:5; 5 1 Pet 2:9; 6 Col 1:12,13; 7 Eph 5:8; 8 1 Thess 5:5; 9 Prov 4:18
Honour the LORD with thy substance
Daily Light Devotions - April 13 - Morning
Honour the LORD with thy substance ...
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 1
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 4
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 5
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 6
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 7
______________
1 Prov 3:9; 2 2 Cor 9:6; 3 1 Cor 16:2; 4 Heb 6:10; 5 Rom 12:1; 6 2 Cor 5:14,15; 7 1 Cor 10:31
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