Communion with Christ

"Crosses are proclaimed as common accidents to all the saints, and in them standeth a part of our communion with Christ." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 8.


(Phil 3:10)

God is in heaven ... let thy words be few

Daily Light Devotions - June 30 - Evening

God is in heaven ... let thy words be few.

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 1 

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 2 

And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 3 

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 4 

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 5
_____________

1. Eccl 5:2; 

2. Matt 6:7,8; 

3. 1Kings 18:26; 

4. Luke 18:10,11,13,14; 

5. Luke 11:1

The Intercession of Christ

The Belgic Confession of Faith 

Article 26: The Intercession of Christ

We believe that we have no access to God except through the one and only Mediator and Intercessor: Jesus Christ, “the righteous.”62

Christ, therefore, was made a human being, uniting together the divine and human natures, so that we human beings might have access to the divine Majesty. Otherwise we would have no access. 

But this Mediator, whom the Father has appointed between God and us, ought not terrify us by his greatness, so that we have to look for another one, according to our fancy. For neither in heaven nor among the creatures on earth is there anyone who loves us more than Jesus Christ does. Although “in the form of God,” Christ nevertheless “emptied himself,” taking “human form” and “the form of a slave” for us;63 and he made himself “like his brothers and sisters in every respect.”64

Suppose we had to find another intercessor. Who would love us more than he who gave his life for us, even though “we were his enemies”?65 And suppose we had to find one who has prestige and power. Who has as much of these as he who is seated at the right hand of the Father,66 and who has “all authority in heaven and on earth”? 67 And who will be heard more readily than God’s own dearly beloved Son?

So the faithless practice of honoring the saints as intercessors, in fact dishonors them. That was something the saints never did nor asked for, but which in keeping with their duty, as appears from their writings, they consistently refused.

We should not plead here that we are unworthy—for it is not a question of offering our prayers

on the basis of our own dignity but only on the basis of the excellence and dignity of Jesus

Christ, whose righteousness is ours by faith.

Since the apostle for good reason wants us to get rid of this foolish fear—or rather, this unbelief—he says to us that Jesus Christ was “made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest” to purify the sins of the people.68 For since he suffered, being tested, “he is able to help those who are tested.”69

And further, to encourage us more to approach him he says: “Since, then, we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace, to help in time of need.”70

The same apostle says that “we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus. Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith...”71 

Likewise, Christ “holds his priesthood permanently. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”72 

What more do we need? For Christ himself declares: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 73 Why should we seek another intercessor?

Since it has pleased God to give us the Son as our Intercessor, let us not leave him for another—or rather seek, without ever finding. For, when giving Christ to us, God knew well that we were sinners.

Therefore, in following the command of Christ we call on the heavenly Father through Christ, our only Mediator, as we are taught by the Lord’s Prayer, being assured that we shall obtain all we ask of the Father in his name.

62. 1 John 2:1

63. Phil. 2:6-8

64. Heb. 2:17

65. Rom. 5:10

66. Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3

67. Matt. 28:18

68. Heb. 2:17

69. Heb. 2:18

70. Heb. 4:14-16

71. Heb. 10:19, 22

72. Heb. 7:24-25

73. John 14:6

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten

Daily Light Devotions - June 30 - Morning

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 1 

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 2 

for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. 3

For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. 4 

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

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. 6 

for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. 7 

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; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 8
______________

1. Rev 3:19; 

2. Heb 12:5,6; 

3. Prov 3:12; 

4. Job 5:18; 

5. 1 Pet 5:6; 

6. Isa 48:10; 

7. Lam 3:33; 

8. Psa 103:10-14

The Lord purposeth a crop

"Why should I start at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know he is no idle husbandman, he purposeth a crop." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 8.

(Rom 8:18-23)

Remember not the sins of my youth

Daily Light Devotions - June 29 - Evening

Remember not the sins of my youth, ...

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! 1 

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. 2 

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 3

"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. 4 

And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." 5 

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 6 

Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. 7 

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. 8 

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 9 

______________ 

1. Psa 25:7; 

2. Isa 44:22; 

3. Isa 43:25; 

4. Isa 1:18; 

5. Jer 31:34; 

6. Micah 7:19; 

7. Isa 38:17; 

8. Mic 7:18; 

9. Rev 1:5

The Fulfillment of the Law

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 25: The Fulfillment of the Law

We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law have ended with the coming of Christ, and that all foreshadowings have come to an end, so that the use of them ought to be abolished among Christians.Yet the truth and substance of these things remain for us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have been fulfilled.

Nevertheless, we continue to use the witnesses drawn from the law and prophets to confirm us in the gospel and to regulate our lives with full integrity for the glory of God, according to the will of God.

His commandments are not grievous

Daily Light Devotions - June 29 - Morning

His commandments are not grievous.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." 2 

and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 3 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 4 

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 5 

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 6 

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. 7 

For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 8 

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 9 

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 10 

______________ 

1. 1 John 5:3; 

2. John 6:40; 

3. 1 John 3:22; 

4, Matt 11:30; 

5. John 14:15,21; 

6. Prov 3:13,17; 

7. Psa 119:165; 

8. Rom 7:22; 

9. 1 John 3:23; 

10. Rom 13:10

O, what owe I ... to the hammer ... of my Lord Jesus

"O, what owe I to the file, to the hammer, to the furnace of my Lord Jesus." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 8.

In the latter times some shall depart

Daily Light Devotions - June 28 - Evening

... In the latter times some shall depart ...

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,  1

Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." 2

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.  3

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  4

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 5

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  6

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.  7
______________

1. 1 Tim 4:1;
2. Luke 8:18;
3. Col 3:16;
4. Eph 6:16;
5. Psa 119:165,103,104,105,99;
6. 2 Cor 11:14;
7. Gal 1:8

The Sanctification of Sinners

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners

We believe that this true faith, produced in us by the hearing of God’s Word and by the work of the Holy Spirit, regenerates us and makes us new creatures,57 causing us to live a new life58 and freeing us from the slavery of sin.

Therefore, far from making people cold toward living in a pious and holy way, this justifying faith, quite to the contrary, so works within them that apart from it they will never do a thing out of love for God but only out of love for themselves and fear of being condemned.

So then, it is impossible for this holy faith to be unfruitful in a human being, seeing that we do not speak of an empty faith but of what Scripture calls “faith working through love,” 59 which leads people do by themselves the works that God has commanded in the Word.

These works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable to God, since they are all sanctified by God's grace.Yet they do not count toward our justification—for by faith in Christ we are justified, even before we do good works. Otherwise they could not be good, any more than the fruit of a tree could be good if the tree is not good in the first place.

So then, we do good works, but nor for merit—for what would we merit? Rather, we are indebted to God for the good works we do, and we are not creditors of God, “who is at work in us, enabling us both to will and do for God's good pleasure”60—thus keeping in mind what is written: “When you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done.’ ” 61

Yet we do not wish to deny that God rewards good works—but it is through grace that God’s own gifts are crowned.

Moreover, although we do good works we do not base our salvation on them; for we cannot do any work that is not defiled by our flesh and also worthy of punishment. And even if we could point to one, memory of a single sin is enough for God to reject that work.

So we would always be in doubt, tossed back and forth without any certainty, and our poor consciences would be tormented constantly if they did not rest on the merit of the suffering and death of our Savior.

57. 2 Cor. 5:17
58. Rom. 6:4
59. Gal. 5:6
60. Phil. 2:13
61. Luke 17:10

I know that my Redeemer liveth

Daily Light Devotions - June 28 - Morning

I know that my Redeemer liveth.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 1

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.  2

but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.  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. 3

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  4

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  5

"And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression," declares the LORD. 6

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  7

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.  8
______________

1. Job 19:25;
2. Rom 5:10;
3. Heb 7:24,25;
4. John 14:19;
5. 1Co 15:19,20;
6. Isa 59:20;
7. Eph 1:7;
8. 1 Pet 1:18,19

It is the Lord's kindness that he will take the scum off us in the fire

"It is the Lord's kindness that he will take the scum off us in the fire. Who knows how needful winnowing is to us, and what dross we must want ere we enter into the kingdom of God? So narrow is the entry to heaven, that our knots, our bunches and lumps of pride, and self-love, and idol-love, and world-love must be hammered off us, that we may throng in, stooping low, and creeping through that narrow and thorny entry." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 7.

(James 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-9)

Enter not into judgment with thy servant

Daily Light Devotions - June 27 - Evening

Enter not into judgment with thy servant ...

Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. 1

"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. 2

Or let them lay hold of my protection, let them make peace with me, let them make peace with me." 3

"Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. 4

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 5

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 6

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 7

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. 8

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 9

______________

1. Psa 143:2; 

2. Isa 1:18; 

3. Isa 27:5; 

4. Job 22:21;

5. Rom 5:1; 

6. Gal 2:16; 

7. Rom 3:20; 

8. Acts 13:39; 

9. 1 Cor 15:57

The Justification of Sinners

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Saint Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works.54

And the same apostle says that we are” justified by God's grace as a gift, through redemption that is in Jesus Christ.”55 And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him.

That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God's approach, without doing what our first parents did, who trembled as they tried to cover themselves with fig leaves.

In fact, if we had to appear before God relying—no matter how little—on ourselves or some other creature, then we would be swallowed up.

Therefore everyone must say with David: “Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for no one living is righteous before you.” 56

54. Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:6
55. Rom. 3:24
56. Ps. 143:2

Who shall be able to stand?

Daily Light Devotions - June 27 - Morning

Who shall be able to stand?

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" 1 

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.  2 

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,  I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 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." 3 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  4 

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 5 
______________

1. Rev 6:17;
2. Mal 3:2;
3. Rev 7:9,14,16,17;
4. Rom 8:1;
5. Gal 5:1

John Starke's correspondence with Fred Sanders

John Starke's correspondence with Fred Sanders is worth reading. 

Sanders said the "sermons of John Wesley and the hymns of Charles Wesley were major factors for" him in coming to see the "Wesleyan-Arminian theological perspective as something worth claiming. ... These are simply excellent, and gradually they drew me to the conviction that these Wesley brothers must have had a grasp of something important if they could keep producing things like that. The Wesleys teach a form of evangelical Protestantism that goes straight to the heart and changes lives. That's what drew me in to the Wesleyan way of thinking."

He also said he wouldn't mind being signed up for the "Wesleyans who love Calvin" club. "I teach excerpts from The Institutes every year, and I've worked through the whole book cover to cover five times (three with students in seminar). There is no better way to learn the craft of theology than to work through The Institutes [bold emphasis mine]. Calvin shows his work: he always lets you know what he's after, what he's afraid of, and why he's doing things. He brings you along with him, and requires an active and responsive reader who is willing to make costly decisions all along the way."

Starke ends his post with Sanders' answers to the request to finish these sentences: 

You haven't really considered Wesleyanism unless you've read ...

If you think Arminianism is semi-Pelagian, then ...

The one thing I wish Calvinists would stop accusing Wesleyans of is ...

Sure, Calvinists have J. I. Packer, but Wesleyans have ...

Read the entire article here.

Lord cut ... carve ... wound ... do anything that may perfect thy Father's image in us ...

"I find crosses Christ's carved work that he marketh out for us, and that with crosses he figureth and portrayeth us to his own image, cutting away pieces of our ill and corruption. Lord cut, Lord carve, Lord wound, Lord do anything that may perfect thy Father's image in us, and make us meet for glory." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 7. 

It is a night to be much observed

Daily Light Devotions - June 26 - Evening


It is a night to be much observed ...

It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations. 1

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,  and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 2

And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed,  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  3

Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"  So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,  and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.  There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.  4

Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 5
______________

1. Exo 12:42;
2. 1 Cor 11:23-25;
3. Luke 22:41,44;
4. John 19:14,16-18;
5. 1 Cor 5:7,8

The Righteousness of Faith

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith

We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him.

For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then those who have Christ by faith have his salvation entirely.

Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that Jesus Christ is only half a Savior. And therefore we justly say with Saint Paul that we are justified “by faith alone” or “by faith apart from works.”53

However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness.

But Jesus Christ is our righteousness in making available to us all his merits and all the holy works he has done for us and in our place. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits.

When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.

53. Rom. 3:28

Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed

Daily Light Devotions - June 26 - Morning


Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed ...

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.  1

The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2

When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?-- 3

Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah 4

Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! 5

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  6

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 7

The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. 8
______________

1. 1 Ch 4:10;
2. Prov 10:22;
3. Job 34:29;
4. Psa 3:8;
5. Psa 31:19;
6. John 17:15;
7. Mat 7:7,8;
8. Psa 34:22

Conflicts and crosses

"Ye will not get leave to steal quietly to heaven, in Christ's company, without a conlict and a cross." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 6.


(Luke 9:23; 14:27; Phil 1:29; 2 Cor 4:17; Heb 12:1)

The man that is my fellow, saith the LORD

Daily Light Devotions - June 25 -  Evening


The man that is my fellow, saith the LORD.

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me," declares the LORD of hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. 1

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,  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 have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. 4

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 5

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. 6

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,  But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." 7

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 8
______________

1. Zec 13:7;
2. Col 2:9;
3. Psa 89:19;
4. Isa 63:3;
5. 1 Tim 3:16;
6. Isa 9:6;
7. Heb 1:3,8,6;
8. Rev 19:16

The Atonement

The Belgic Confession of Faith


Article 21: The Atonement

We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek—made such by an oath—and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease the Father’s wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted.

For it is written that “the punishment that made us whole” was placed on the Son of God and that “by his bruises we are healed.” He was “like a lamb that is led to slaughter”; he was “numbered with the transgressors,”45 and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though Pilate had declared that he was innocent.

So he paid back what he had not stolen,46 and he suffered—the “righteous for the unrigheous,” 47 in both his body and his soul—in such a way that when he sensed the horrible punishment required by our sins “his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.”48 He cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”49

And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins.

Therefore we rightly say with Saint Paul that we “know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified”;50 we “regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.”51 We find all comforts in his wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God than this one and only sacrifice, once made, which renders believers perfect forever.

This is also why the angel of God called him Jesus—that is, “Savior”—because he would save his people from their sins.52


45. Isa. 53:4-12
46. Ps. 69:4
47. 1 Pet. 3:18
48. Luke 22:44
49. Matt. 27:46
50. 1 Cor. 2:2
51. Phil. 3:8
52. Matt. 1:21

When he shall appear, we shall be like him

Daily Light Devotions - June 25 - Morning


When he shall appear, we shall be like him ...

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. 1

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,  2

by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.  3

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. 4

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 5

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 6

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. 7
______________

1. 1 John 3:2;
2. John 1:12;
3. 2 Pet 1:4;
4. Isa 64:4;
5. 1 Cor 13:12;
6. Phil 3:20,21;
7. Psa 17:15

The Awakened Sinner

Here's a prayer titled "The Awakened Sinner" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennet (pages 64-65):

O MY FORGETFUL SOUL,

Awake from thy wandering dream;

turn from chasing vanities,

look inward, forward, upward, 

view thyself,

reflect upon thyself,

     who and when thou art, why here,

     what thou must soon be.

Thou art a creature of God,

     formed and furnished by him,

     lodged in a body like a shepherd in his tent;

Dost thou not desire to know God's ways?

O God,

Thou injured, neglected, provoked Benefactor

  when I think upon thy greatness and thy goodness

  I am ashamed at my insensibility,

  I blush to lift up my face,

  for I have foolishly erred.

Shall I go on neglecting thee,

  when every one of thy rational creatures

     should love thee,

  and take every care to please thee?

I confess that thou hast not been in all my thoughts,

  that the knowledge of thyself as the end of

     my being has been strangely overlooked,

  that I have never seriously considered

     my heart-need.

But although my mind is perplexed and divided,

  my nature perverse,

  yet my secret dispositions still desire thee.

Let me not delay to come to thee;

Break the fatal enchantment that binds

     my evil affections,

  and bring me to a happy mind that rests in thee,

  for thou has made me and canst not forget me.

Let thy Spirit teach me the vital lessons of Christ,

  for I am slow to learn;

And hear thou my broken cries.

Sent before but not sent away

"They are not lost to you that are laid up in Christ's treasury in heaven. At the resurrection ye shall meet with them: there they are, sent before but not sent away. Your Lord loveth you, who is homely to take and give, borrow and lend. " -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 6.

Master, where dwellest thou?

Daily Light Devotions - June 24 - Evening


Master, where dwellest thou?

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"  He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.  1

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  2

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.  3

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. 4

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  5

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 6

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 7
______________

1. John 1:38,39;
2. John 14:2,3;
3. Rev 3:21;
4. Isa 57:15;
5. Rev 3:20;
6. Matt 28:20;
7. Psa 36:7

The Justice and Mercy of God in Christ

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 20: The Justice and Mercy of God in Christ


We believe that God—who is perfectly merciful and also very just—sent the Son to assume the nature in which the disobedience had been committed, in order to bear in it the punishment of sin by his most bitter passion and death.


So God made known justice toward the Son, who was charged with our sin, and he poured out his goodness and mercy on us, who are guilty and worthy of damnation, giving to us the Son to die, by a most perfect love, and raising him to life for our justification, in order that by him we might have immortality and eternal life.

The ark of the covenant ... went before them

Daily Light Devotions - June 24 - Morning


The ark of the covenant ... went before them.

So they set out from the mount of the LORD three days' journey. And the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them.  1

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 2

He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah 3

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 4

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 5

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 6

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.  7

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 8

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 9

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  10

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  11
______________

1. Num 10:33;
2. Psa 31:15;
3. Psa 47:4;
4. Psa 5:8;
5. Psa 37:5;
6. Prov 3:6;
7. Isa 30:21;
8. Psa 23:1,2;
9. Psa 103:13,14;
10. Matt 6:32;
11. 1 Peter 5:7

Art's mystical task

Abraham Kuyper: But if you confess that the world once was beautiful, but by the curse has become undone, and by a final catastrophy is to pass to its full state of glory, excelling even the beautiful of paradise, than art has the mystical task of reminding us in its productions of the beautiful that was lost and of anticipating its perfect coming lustre.

[Kuyper, A. (2008). Calvinism: Six Lectures Delivered in the Theological Seminary at Princeton (208). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.]

HT: Trevin Wax

The Gospel Project: 

Get the whole story.

Some people see the Bible as a collection of stories with morals for life application. But it is so much more than that. Sure, the Bible has some stories in it, but it is also full of poetry, history, codes of law and civilization, songs, prophecy, letters — even a love letter. When you tie it all together, something remarkable happens. A story is revealed. One story. The story of redemption through Jesus.

The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered curriculum that examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how the gospel transforms the lives of those it touches. Over a three-year plan of study, each session immerses participants — adults, students, and kids — in the gospel through every story, theological concept, and call to missions from Genesis to Revelation.

Led by General Editor Ed Stetzer and Managing Editor Trevin Wax, The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under a single Christ-centered curriculum. Separate study plans for adults, students, and kids ensure the proper focus and depth for each age group.

It is better to rest on God than sink or fall

"I know all created power should sink under me if I should lean down upon it, and therefore it is better to rest on God than sink or fall; and we weak souls must have a bottom and [bigging-place] (place to build), for we cannot stand out alone. Let us then be wise in our choice and choose and wail our own blessedness, which is to trust in the Lord. " -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 6.

(Matt. 7:26)

Shall I not seek rest for thee?

Daily Light Devotions - June 23 - Evening


Shall I not seek rest for thee?

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?  1

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 2

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. 3

There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. 4

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" 5

where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 6

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 7

For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." But you were unwilling, 8

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 9
______________

1. Ruth 3:1;
2. Heb 4:9;
3. Isa 32:18;
4. Job 3:17;
5. Rev 14:13;
6. Heb 6:20;
7. Matt 11:28-30;
8. Isa 30:15;
9. Psa 23:1,2

The Two Natures of Christ

The Belgic Confession of Faith


Article 19: The Two Natures of Christ


We believe that by being thus conceived the person of the Son has been inseparably united and joined together with human nature, in such a way that there are not two Sons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in a single person, with each nature retaining its own distinct properties.


Thus his divine nature has always remained uncreated, without beginning of days or end of life,44 filling heaven and earth.


Christ’s human nature has not lost its properties but continues to have those of a creature—it has a beginning of days; it is of a finite nature and retains all that belongs to a real body. And even though he, by his resurrection, gave it immortality, that nonetheless did not change the reality of his human nature; for our salvation and resurrection depend also on the reality of his body.


But these two natures are so united together in one person that they are not even separated by his death.


So then, what he committed to his Father when he died was a real human spirit which left his body. But meanwhile his divine nature remained united with his human nature even when he was lying in the grave; and his deity never ceased to be in him, just as it was in him when he was a little child, though for a while it did not show itself.


These are the reasons why we confess him to be true God and truly human—true God in order to conquer death by his power, and truly human that he might die for us in the weakness of his flesh.


44. Heb. 7:3

... and he shall give you another Comforter

Daily Light Devotions - June 23 - Morning


... and he shall give you another Comforter.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 1

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 2

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  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!"  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 3

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 4

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 5

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.  6
______________

1. John 14:16,17;
2. John 16:7;
3. Rom 8:16,15,26;
4. Rom 15:13;
5. Rom 5:5;
6. 1 John 4:13

They lose their love miserably, who will not bestow it upon this lovely One

"O, pity for evermore that there should be such an one as Christ Jesus, so boundless, so bottomless, and so incomparable in infinite excellency, and sweetness, and so few to take him! O, ye poor dry and dead souls, why will ye come hither with your toom (empty) vessels and your empty souls to this huge, and fair, and deep, and sweet well of life, and fill all your toom vessels? O, that Christ should be so large in sweetness and worth, and we so narrow, pinched, so ebb, and so void of all happiness, and yet men will not take him! They lose their love miserably, who will not bestow it upon this lovely One." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 5.

(1 Cor 16:22)

Behold how he loved

Daily Light Devotions - June 22 - Evening


Behold how he loved.

So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"  1

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. 2

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  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

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  5

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.  6

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.  7

We love because he first loved us. 8

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. 9

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  10
______________

1. John 11:36;
2. 2 Cor 5:15;
3. John 15:13;
4. Heb 7:25;
5. John 14:2,3;
6. John 17:24;
7. John 13:1;
8. 1 John 4:19;
9. 2 Cor 5:14,15;
10. John 15:10

The Incarnation

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 18: The Incarnation

So then we confess that God fulfilled the promise made to the early fathers and mothers by the mouth of the holy prophets when sending the only and eternal Son of God into the world at the time appointed.

The Son took the “form of a slave” and was made “in human form,”33 truly assuming a real human nature, with all its weaknesses, except for sin; being conceived in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, without male participation.

And Christ not only assumed human nature as far as the body is concerned but also a real human soul, in order to be a real human being. For since the soul had been lost as well as the body Christ had to assume them both to save them both together.

Therefore we confess, (against the heresy of the Anabaptists who denied that Christ assumed human flesh from his mother) that Christ shared the very flesh and blood of children,34 being the “fruit of the loins” of David “according to the flesh,”35 “descended from David according to the flesh”;36 the “fruit of the womb” of the virgin Mary,37 “born of a woman”;38 the “seed of David”;39 the “root of Jesse”;40 “descended from Judah,”41 having descended from the Jews according to the flesh; descended from Abraham, having assumed descent from Abraham and Sara, and made “like his brothers and sisters,” yet without sin.42

In this way Christ is truly our Immanuel—that is: “God with us.”43

33. Phil. 2:7
34. Heb. 2:14
35. Acts 2:30
36. Rom. 1:3
37. Luke 1:42
38. Gal. 4:4
39. 2 Tim. 2:8
40. Rom. 15:12
41. Heb. 7:14
42. Heb. 2:17; 4:15
43. Matt. 1:23

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God

Daily Light Devotions - June 22 - Morning

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.1 

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  1

By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?  2

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  3

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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  4

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  5

that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  6

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.  7

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  8

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.' 9
______________

1. Col 3:3;
2. Rom 6:2;
3. Gal 2:20;
4. 2 Cor 5:15,17;
5. 1 John 5:20;
6. John 17:21;
7. 1 Cor 12:27;
8. John 14:19;
9. Rev 2:17

Grace withereth without adversity

"Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons. " -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 5.

I sought him, but I could not find him

Daily Light Devotions - June 21 - Evening


I sought him, but I could not find him ...

I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My soul failed me when he spoke. I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer. 1

O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! The LORD said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.  2

Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 3

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 4

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.  5
______________

1. Song of Solomon 5:6;
2. Josh 7:8,10,11;
3. Isa 59:1,2;
4. Psa 66:18;
5. 1 John 3:21,22

The Recovery of Fallen Humanity

The Belgic Confession of Faith


Article 17: The Recovery of Fallen Humanity

We believe that our good God, by marvelous divine wisdom and goodness, seeing that humans had plunged themselves in this manner into both physical and spiritual death and made themselves completely miserable, set out to find them, though humans, trembling all over, were fleeing from the divine presence.

And God comforted them, promising to give them the Son, “born of a woman,” (Gal. 4:4) to crush the head of the serpent, (Gen. 3:15) and to make them blessed.

Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example

Daily Light Devotions - June 21 - Morning


Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example...

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.  1

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.  2

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.  3

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  4

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!--  5

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  6

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.  7

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 8

whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 9

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 10
______________

1. 1 Pet 2:21;
2. Mark 10:45,44;
3. Acts 10:38;
4. Gal 6:2;
5. 2 Cor 10:1;
6. Phil 2:3;
7. Luke 23:34;
8. Eph 4:32;
9. 1 John 2:6;
10. Heb 12:2

The temptation to live temptationless in the present world

"I find it most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell, is to live without temptations; if my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. " -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 4.

You search out my path and my lying down

Daily Light Devotions - June 20 - Evening


You search out my path and my lying down.

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 1

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."  And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 2

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars."  3

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 4

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 5

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 6

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 7
______________

1. Psalm 139:3;
2. Gen 28:16,17;
3. 2 Chron 16:9;
4. Psalm 4:8;
5. Psalm 91:9-11;
6. Prov 3:24;
7. Psalm 127:2