Thine is the kingdom, and the power, ...

Daily Light Devotions - October 17 - Evening

Thine is the kingdom, and the power, ...

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 1 

The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. 2 

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 3 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 4 

If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 5 

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. 6 

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 7 

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 8 

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 9 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:13; 

2. Psa 93:1,2; 

3. Nah 1:3; 

4. Rom 8:31; 

5. Dan 3:17; 

6. John 10:29; 

7. 1 John 4:4; 

8. Psa 115:1; 

9. 1 Chron 29:11,13,14

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day

Daily Light Devotions - October 17 - Morning

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day ...

who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. 1 

"Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory." 2

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! 3 

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 4 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 6 

______________ 

1. Psa 89:16; 

2. Isa 45:24,25; 

3. Psa 32:11; 

4. Rom 3:21,22,26; 

5. Phil 4:4; 

6. 1 Pet 1:8

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

Daily Light Devotions - October 16 - Evening

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us ...

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 1 

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. 2 

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 3

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 4 

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD. 5 

and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 6 

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 7 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:13; 

2. Prov 28:26; 

3. James 1:13,14; 

4. 2 Cor 6:17; 

5. Gen 13:10,11,13; 

6. 2 Pet 2:7,9; 

7. Rom 14:4

Not slothful in business; ... serving the Lord

Daily Light Devotions - October 16 - Morning

Not slothful in business; ... serving the Lord.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 1 

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. 2 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 3 

knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 4 

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 

And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 6 

His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." 7 

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 8 

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 9 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 10 

______________ 

1. Rom 12:11; 

2. Eccl 9:10; 

3. Col 3:23,24; 

4. Eph 6:8; 

5. John 9:4; 

6. Luke 2:49; 

7. John 2:17; 

8. 2 Pet 1:10; 

9. Heb 6:11,12; 

10. 1 Cor 9:24

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

Daily Light Devotions - October 15 - Evening

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 1 

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." 2 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 3 

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 4 

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 5 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:12; 

2. Matt 18:21,22,32-35; 

3. Eph 4:32; 

4. Col 2:13,14; 

5. Col 3:13

God is my defence

Daily Light Devotions - October 15 - Morning

God is my defence.

O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. 1 

He said, "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 and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. 2 

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 3 

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives. 4 

So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" 5 

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 6 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. 7 

for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; 9

______________ 

1. Psa 59:9; 

2. 2 Sa 22:2,3; 

3. Psa 28:7; 

4. Isa 59:19; 

5. Heb 13:6; 

6. Psa 27:1; 

7. Psa 125:2; 

8. Psa 63:7; 

9. Psa 31:3

When we love Christ

"O, we love an unknown lover when we love Christ." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 45. [Letter XCVI, 1637]

Give us this day our daily bread

Daily Light Devotions - October 14 - Evening

Give us this day our daily bread.

Give us this day our daily bread, 1 

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. 2 

he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure. 3 

And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 4 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. 7 

Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." 8 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:11; 

2. Psa 37:25; 

3. Isa 33:16; 

4. 1 Kings 17:6; 

5. Phil 4:19; 

6. Heb 13:5; 

7. Deut 8:3; 

8. John 6:32-34

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors VIII

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

VIII. Who teach that it is not absurd that a person, after losing his former regeneration, should once again, indeed quite often, be reborn.

For by this teaching they deny the imperishable nature of God’s seed by which we are born again, contrary to the testimony of the apostle Peter: Born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable (1 Pet. 1:23).

Christ both died, and rose, and revived

Daily Light Devotions - October 14 - Morning

Christ both died, and rose, and revived ...

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 1 

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 2 

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 3 

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. 4 

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." 5 

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. 6 

______________ 

1. Rom 14:9; 

2. Isa 53:10,11; 

3. Luke 24:26; 

4. 2 Cor 5:14,15; 

5. Acts 2:36; 

6. 1 Pet 1:20,21

The weight and worth of the incomparable sweetness of Christ

"I am sure that the saints at their best are but strangers to the weight and worth of the incomparable sweetness of Christ. He is so new, so fresh in excellency, every day of new, to these that search more and more in him, as if heaven could furnish as many new Christs (if I may speak so) as there are days betwixt him and us, and yet he is one and the same." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 45. [Letter XCVI, 1637]

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

Daily Light Devotions - October 13 - Evening

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 1 

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 2 

So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 3 

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 

so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 5 

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 6 

since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 7 

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." 8 

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 9 

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 10

______________ 

1. Matt 6:10; 

2. Eph 5:17; 

3. Matt 18:14; 

4. 1 Thess 4:3; 

5. 1 Pet 4:2; 

6. James 1:18,21; 

7. 1 Pet 1:16; 

8. Mark 3:34,35; 

9. Matt 7:24,25; 

10. 1 John 2:17

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors VII

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

VII. Who teach that the faith of those who believe only temporarily does not differ from justifying and saving faith except in duration alone. 

For Christ himself in Matthew 13:20ff. and Luke 8:13ff. clearly defines these further differences between temporary and true believers: he says that the former receive the seed on rocky ground, and the latter receive it in good ground, or a good heart; the former have no root, and the latter are firmly rooted; the former have no fruit, and the latter produce fruit in varying measure, with steadfastness, or perseverance.

Thy words were heard

Daily Light Devotions - October 13 - Morning

... Thy words were heard.

Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 1

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 2 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 3 

For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. 4 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 5

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 6 

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 7 

______________ 

1. Dan 10:12; 

2. Isa 57:15; 

3. Psa 51:17; 

4. Psa 138:6; 

5. 1 Pet 5:6; 

6. James 4:6,7; 

7. Psa 86:5-7

I think I shall die but minting and aiming to be a Christian

"O wretched idol, myself! When shall I see thee wholly decourted, and Christ wholly put in thy room? O, if Christ, Christ, had the full place and room of myself, that all my aims, purposes, thoughts, and desires, would coast and land upon Christ, and not upon myself! And yet, howbeit we cannot attain to this denial of me and mine that we can say I am not myself, myself is not myself, mine own is no longer mine own; yet our aiming at this in all we do shall be accepted; for, alas, I think I shall die but minting and aiming to be a Christian." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 44-45. [Letter CCLXXXIV, 4 Feb. 1638]

Thy kingdom come

Daily Light Devotions - October 12 - Evening

Thy kingdom come.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 1 

And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 2 

Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. 3 

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." 4 

And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 5 

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 6 

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 7 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:10; 

2. Dan 2:44,34; 

3. Zech 4:6; 

4. Luke 17:20,21; 

5. Mark 4:11,26,27,29; 

6. Matt 24:44; 

7. Rev 22:17

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors VI

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

VI.  Who teach that the teaching of the assurance of perseverance and of salvation is by its very nature and character an opiate of the flesh and is harmful to godliness, good morals, prayer, and other holy exercises, but that, on the contrary, to have doubt about this is praiseworthy. 

For these people show that they do not know the effective operation of God’s grace and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and they contradict the apostle John, who asserts the opposite in plain words: Dear friends, now we are children of God, but what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he is made known, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure (1 John 3:2-3). Moreover, they are refuted by the examples of the saints in both the Old and the New Testament, who though assured of their perseverance and salvation yet were constant in prayer and other exercises of godliness.

God was in Christ, reconciling the world

Daily Light Devotions - October 12 - Morning

God was in Christ, reconciling the world ...

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 1 

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 2 

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 3 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 4 

"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. 5 

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 6 

"Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. 7 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 8 

O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works. 9 

______________ 

1. 2 Cor 5:19; 

2. Col 1:19,20; 

3. Psa 85:10; 

4. Jer 29:11; 

5. Isa 1:18; 

6. Micah 7:18; 

7. Job 22:21; 

8. Phil 2:12,13; 

9. Isa 26:12

Ye may look death in the face with joy

"If Christ Jesus be the period, the end and lodging-home, at the end of your journey, there is no fear, ye go to a friend ... ye may look death in the face with joy." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 44. [Letter CCCXVII, 9 Jan. 1646]

Hallowed be thy name

Daily Light Devotions - October 11 - Evening

Hallowed be thy name.

Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 1 

(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), 2 

"Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? 3 

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!" 4 

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; 5 

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" 6 

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." 7 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8

For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 9 

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 10 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:9; 

2. Exo 34:14; 

3. Exo 15:11; 

4. Rev 4:8; 

5. 1 Chron 16:29; 

6. Isa 6:1-3,5; 

7. Job 42:5,6; 

8. 1 John 1:7; 

9. Heb 12:10; 

10. Heb 10:19,22

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors V

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

V.  Who teach that apart from a special revelation no one can have the assurance of future perseverance in this life.

For by this teaching the well-founded consolation of true believers in this life is taken away and the doubting of the Romanists is reintroduced into the church. Holy Scripture, however, in many places derives the assurance not from a special and extraordinary revelation but from the marks peculiar to God’s children and from God’s completely reliable promises. So especially the apostle Paul: Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:39); and John: They who obey his commands remain in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he remains in us: by the Spirit he gave us (1 John 3:24).

Be not far from me; for trouble is near

Daily Light Devotions - October 11 - Morning

Be not far from me; for trouble is near.

Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 1 

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 2 

Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 3 

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 4 

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. 5 

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 6 

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 7 

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 8 

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 9

______________ 

1. Psa 22:11; 

2. Psa 13:1,2; 

3. Psa 27:9; 

4. Psa 91:15; 

5. Psa 145:18,19; 

6. John 14:18; 

7. Matt 28:20; 

8. Psa 46:1; 

9. Psa 62:1,5

Think not that Christ loseth time or lingereth unsuitably

"What is his purpose herein, he knoweth best who hath taken your soul in tutoring. Your faith may be boldly charitable of Christ, that however matters go, the worst shall be a tired traveller, and a joyful and sweet welcome home: the back of your winter night is broken. Look to the east - the day sky is breaking; think not that Christ loseth time or lingereth unsuitably." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 43. [Letter LVI, 18 Jan. 1636.]

Our Father which art in heaven

Daily Light Devotions - October 10 - Evening

... Our Father which art in heaven.

Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 1 

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 

Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 3 

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 4 

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 5 

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 6 

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 7 

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." 8 

______________ 

1. Matt 6:9; 

2. John 17:1; 

3. John 20:17; 

4. Gal 3:26; 

5. Rom 8:15,16; 

6. Gal 4:6,7; 

7. John 16:23,24; 

8. 2 Cor 6:17,18

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors IV

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

IV.  Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again can commit the sin that leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit). 

For the same apostle John, after making mention of those who commit the sin that leads to death and forbidding prayer for them (1 John 5: 16-17), immediately adds: We know that anyone born of God does not commit sin (that is, that kind of sin), but the one who was born of God keeps himself safe, and the evil one does not touch him (v. 18).

The whole family in heaven and earth

Daily Light Devotions - October 10 - Morning

The whole family in heaven and earth.

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 1 

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 2 

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 3 

as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 4 

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 5 

and stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." 6 

Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 7 

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. 8 

since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. 9

______________ 

1. Eph 3:15; 

2. Eph 4:6; 

3. Gal 3:26; 

4. Eph 1:10; 

5. Heb 2:11; 

6. Matt 12:49,50; 

7. John 20:17; 

8. Rev 6:9-11; 

9. Heb 11:40

There is something keeping for you which is worth the having

"Try what is the taste of the Lord's cup and drink with God's blessing, and that ye may grow thereby. I trust in God, whatever other speech it utter to your soul, this is one word in it, 'Behold, blessed is the man whom God correcteth.' And that it saith to you, ye are from home while here, ye are not of this world. There is something keeping for you which is worth the having. All that is here is condemned to die - to pass away like a snowball before the summer sun; and since death took first possession of something of yours, it hath been and daily is creeping nearer and nearer to yourself, howbeit with no noise of feet. Your Husbandman and Lord hath lopped off some branches already, the tree itself is to be transplanted to the high garden. All those crosses are to make you white and ripe for the Lord's harvest hook." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 42-3. [Letter XXXVI, 29 April 1634]

The words of the LORD are pure words

Daily Light Devotions - October 9 - Evening

The words of the LORD are pure words.

The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 1 

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. 2 

the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 3 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. 4 

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 5 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 6 

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- 7 

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 8 

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 9 

______________ 

1. Psa 12:6; 

2. Psa 119:140; 

3. Psa 19:8; 

4. Prov 30:5,6; 

5. Psa 119:11,15; 

6. Phil 4:8; 

7. 1 Pet 2:2; 

8. 2 Cor 2:17; 

9. 2 Cor 4:2

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors III

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

III. Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again not only can forfeit justifying faith as well as grace and salvation totally and to the end, but also in actual fact do often forfeit them and are lost forever.

For this opinion nullifies the very grace of justification and regeneration as well as the continual preservation by Christ, contrary to the plain words of the apostle Paul: If Christ died for us while we were still sinners, we will therefore much more be saved from God’s wrath through him, since we have now been justified by his blood (Rom. 5:8-9); and contrary to the apostle John: No one who is born of God is intent on sin, because God’s seed remains in him, nor can he sin, because he has been born of God (1 John 3:9); also contrary to the words of Jesus Christ: I give eternal life to my sheep, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10: 28-29).

Thou art a God ready to pardon

Daily Light Devotions - October 9 - Morning

Thou art a God ready to pardon ...

They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. 1

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. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 2 

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 3 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 4 

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 

and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. 6 

______________ 

1. Neh 9:17; 

2. 2 Pet 3:9,15; 

3. 1 Tim 1:16; 

4. Rom 15:4; 

5. Rom 2:4; 

6. Joel 2:13

Suffering is a messenger of the Lord and speaks something

"I would wish each cross were looked in the face seven times, and were read over and over again. It is the messenger of the Lord and speaks something." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 42. [Letter XXXVI, 29 April 1634]

He ... set my feet upon a rock

Daily Light Devotions - October 8 - Evening

He ... set my feet upon a rock.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 1 

and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 2 

Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 3 

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." 4 

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 5 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 6 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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. 7 

______________ 

1. Psa 40:2; 

2. 1 Cor 10:4; 

3. Matt 16:16,18; 

4. Acts 4:12; 

5. Heb 10:22,23; 

6. James 1:6; 

7. Rom 8:35,37,39

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors II

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

II. Who teach that God does provide the believer with sufficient strength to persevere and is ready to preserve this strength in him if he performs his duty, but that even with all those things in place which are necessary to persevere in faith and which God is pleased to use to preserve faith, it still always depends on the choice of man’s will whether or not he perseveres.

For this view is obviously Pelagian; and though it intends to make men free it makes them sacrilegious. It is against the enduring consensus of evangelical teaching which takes from man all cause for boasting and ascribes the praise for this benefit only to God’s grace. It is also against the testimony of the apostle: It is God who keeps us strong to the end, so that we will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:8).

I will not fear what man shall do unto me

Daily Light Devotions - October 8 - Morning

I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" 1 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 2 

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 3 

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 4 

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 5 

I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, 6 

______________ 

1. Heb 13:6; 

2. Rom 8:35,37; 

3. Luke 12:4,5; 

4. Matt 5:10-12; 

5. Acts 20:24; 

6. Psa 119:46

Assurance

Here's a prayer titled "Assurance" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 92-93):

ALMIGHTY GOD,

I am loved with everlasting love,

   clothed in eternal righteousness,

      my peace flowing like a river,

      my comforts many and large,

      my joy and triumph unutterable,

      my soul lively with a knowledge of salvation,

      my sense of justification unclouded.

I have scarce anything to pray for;

Jesus smiles upon my soul as a ray of heaven

   and my supplications are swallowed up in praise.

How sweet is the glorious doctrine of election

   when based upon thy Word

   and wrought inwardly within the soul!

I bless thee that thou wilt keep the sinner

     thou hast loved,

   and hast engaged that he will not forsake thee,

   else I would never get to heaven.

I wrong the work of grace in my heart

   if I deny my new nature and my eternal life.

If Jesus were not my righteousness and redemption,

   I would sink into nethermost hell

   by my misdoings, shortcomings, unbelief, unlove;

If Jesus were not by the power of his Spirit

   my sanctification,

   there is no sin I should not commit.

O when shall I have his mind!

   when shall I be conformed to his image?

All the good things of life are less than nothing

   when compared with his love,

   and with one glimpse of thy electing favour.

All the treasures of a million worlds could not

   make me richer, happier, more contented,

   for his unsearchable riches are mine.

One moment of communion with him, one view

   of his grace,

   is ineffable, inestimable.

But O God, I could not long after thy presence

   if I did not know the sweetness of it;

And such I could not know except by thy Spirit

   in my heart, nor love thee at all unless thou didst

   elect me,

   call me,

   adopt me,

   save me.

I bless thee for the covenant of grace.

It is not our part to make a treasure here

"It is not our part to make a treasure here: anything under the covering of heaven we can build upon is but ill ground and a sandy foundation: every good thing, except God, wanteth a bottom, and cannot stand its alone: how then can it bear the weight of us?" -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 41. [Letter CXCII, 1637]

Let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever

Daily Light Devotions - October 7 - Evening

Let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever." 1 

Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you, for it is you, O LORD, who have blessed, and it is blessed forever." 2 

The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 3 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 4 

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." 5 

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 6 

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; 7 

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 8 

______________ 

1. 2 Sam 7:29; 

2. 1 Chron 17:27; 

3. Prov 10:22; 

4. Acts 20:35; 

5. Luke 14:13,14; 

6. Matt 25:34-36; 

7. Psa 41:1; 

8. Psa 84:11

The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors I

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

I. Who teach that the perseverance of true believers is not an effect of election or a gift of God produced by Christ’s death, but a condition of the new covenant which man, before what they call his “peremptory” election and justification, must fulfill by his free will. 

For Holy Scripture testifies that perseverance follows from election and is granted to the chosen by virtue of Christ’s death, resurrection, and intercession: The chosen obtained it; the others were hardened (Rom. 11:7); likewise, He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not, along with him, grant us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised–who also sits at the right hand of God, and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom. 8:32-35).

The meek will he teach his way

Daily Light Devotions - October 7 - Morning

The meek will he teach his way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 1 

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 2 

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 3

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. 4 

A Song of Ascents. To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! 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. 5 

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 6 

O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 7 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 8 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 9

______________ 

1. Psa 25:9; 

2. Matt 5:5; 

3. Eccl 9:11; 

4. Prov 16:9; 

5. Psa 123:1,2; 

6. Psa 143:8; 

7. 2 Chron 20:12; 

8. James 1:5; 

9. John 16:13

Your errand to this life is to make sure an eternity of glory to your soul and to match your soul with Christ

"Lay no more on the creatures than they are able to carry. Lay your soul and your weights upon God: make him your only, only best Beloved - your errand to this life is to make sure an eternity of glory to your soul and to match your soul with Christ: your love, if it were more than all the love of angels in one, is Christ's due ... I know not what ye have if ye want Christ." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 41. [Letter CXCI, 1637]

What is the thing that the LORD hath said ...?

Daily Light Devotions - October 6 - Evening

What is the thing that the LORD hath said ...?

And Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." 1 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 2 

and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? 3 

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 4 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 5 

Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 6 

______________ 

1. 1 Sam 3:17; 

2. Micah 6:8; 

3. Deut 10:13; 

4. Gal 3:10,11,19; 

5. Heb 1:1,2; 

6. 1 Sam 3:9

Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 15: Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

This teaching about the perseverance of true believers and saints, and about their assurance of it–a teaching which God has very richly revealed in his Word for the glory of his name and for the comfort of the godly and which he impresses on the hearts of believers–is something which the flesh does not understand, Satan hates, the world ridicules, the ignorant and the hypocrites abuse, and the spirits of error attack. The bride of Christ, on the other hand, has always loved this teaching very tenderly and defended it steadfastly as a priceless treasure; and God, against whom no plan can avail and no strength can prevail, will ensure that she will continue to do this. To this God alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

The Lord God omnipotent reigneth

Daily Light Devotions - October 6 - Morning

The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 1 

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 2 

But he said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." 3 

all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" 4 

Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?" 5

And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 6 

When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 7 

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 9 

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 10 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 11 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 12 

______________ 

1. Rev 19:6; 

2. Job 42:2; 

3. Luke 18:27; 

4. Dan 4:35; 

5. Isa 43:13; 

6. Mark 14:36; 

7. Matt 9:28,29; 

8. Matt 8:2,3; 

9. Isa 9:6; 

10. Matt 28:18; 

11. Psa 20:7; 

12. 2 Chron 32:7

O happy soul for evermore, who can rightly compare this life with that long-lasting life to come

"How soon will some few years pass away, and then when the day is ended, and this life's lease expired, what have men of the world's glory, but dreams and thoughts? ... O happy soul for evermore, who can rightly compare this life with that long-lasting life to come, and can balance the weighty glory of the one with the light golden vanity of the other." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 40. [Letter CXCII, 1637]

He that shall come will come, and will not tarry

Daily Light Devotions - October 5 - Evening

He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 1 

And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-- it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. 2 

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 4 

We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name. Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence-- From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. 5 

______________ 

1. Heb 10:37; 

2. Hab 2:2,3; 

3. 2 Pet 3:8,9; 

4. Psa 86:15; 

5. Isa 64:1,4

God’s Use of Means in Perseverance

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 14: God’s Use of Means in Perseverance

And, just as it has pleased God to begin this work of grace in us by the proclamation of the gospel, so he preserves, continues, and completes his work by the hearing and reading of the gospel, by meditation on it, by its exhortations, threats, and promises, and also by the use of the sacraments.

Call upon me in the day of trouble

Daily Light Devotions - October 5 - Morning

Call upon me in the day of trouble ...

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." 1 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. 2 

O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 3 

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 4 

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." 5 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 6 

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. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!" 7 

______________ 

1. Psa 50:15; 

2. Psa 42:11; 

3. Psa 10:17; 

4. Psa 86:5; 

5. Gen 35:2,3; 

6. Psa 103:2; 

7. Psa 116:1-4

Sitting loose and unsure in the matters of salvation

"Let not salvation be your by-work, or your holiday's task only, or a work by the way: for men think, that this may be done in three days' space on a feather-bed, when death and they are fallen in hands together, and that with a word or two they shall make their soul matters right. Alas, this is to sit loose and unsure in the matters of our salvation." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 40. [Letter CXCII, 1637]

There are diversities of operations

Daily Light Devotions - October 4 - Evening

There are diversities of operations ...

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 

Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, "At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.") They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. 2 

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 3 

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. 4 

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 5 

Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose. 6 

he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 7 

that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 8 

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 9 

______________ 

1. 1 Cor 12:6; 

2. 1 Chron 12:19,21; 

3. 1 Cor 12:7; 

4. 1 Chron 12:32; 

5. 1 Cor 12:8; 

6. 1 Chron 12:33; 

7. James 1:8; 

8. 1 Cor 12:25,26; 

9. Eph 4:5