Let us not be desirous of vain glory

Daily Light Devotions - May 18 - Evening

Let us not be desirous of vain glory.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 1

And Gideon said to them, "Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil." (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, "We will willingly give them." And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. 2

And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go." 3

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 4

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 5

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6

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. 7
______________

1 Gal 5:26;
2 Judg 8:24,25,27;
3 Jer 45:5;
4 2 Cor 12:7;
5 Phil 2:3;
6 1 Cor 13:4,5;
7 Matt 11:29

As the Father hath life in himself

Daily Light Devotions - May 18 - Morning

As the Father hath life in himself ...

For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 1

and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 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

For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 5

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 6

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. 7

Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 8

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!" And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 9

which he will display at the proper time--he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 10

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 11
______________

1 John 5:26;
2 2 Tim 1:10;
3 John 11:25;
4 John 14:19;
5 Heb 3:14;
6 Heb 6:4;
7 2 Pet 1:4;
8 1 Cor 15:45,51,52;
9 Rev 4:8,9;
10 1 Tim 6:15,16;
11 1 Tim 1:17

What belongs to such prayer which is acceptable to God and which He will hear?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 117. What belongs to such prayer which is acceptable to God and which He will hear?

Answer. First, that with our whole heart[1] we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His Word,[2] for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him;[3]
second, that we thoroughly know our need and misery,[4] so as to humble ourselves in the presence of His divine majesty;[5] third, that we be firmly assured[6] that notwithstanding our unworthiness He will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer,[7] as He has promised us in His Word.[8]

[1] Jn 4:22-24;
[2] Rom 8:26; 1 Jn 5:14;
[3] Ps 27:8;
[4] 2 Chron 20:12;
[5] Ps 2:10, 34:18; Isa 66:2;
[6] Rom 10:14; Jas 1:6;
[7] Dan 9:17-18; Jn 14:13-16;
[8] Ps 143:1; Mt 7:8; Lk 18:13

I have exalted one chosen out of the people

Daily Light Devotions - May 17 - Evening

I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

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. 1

For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 2

And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. 3

No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 4

See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 5

but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 6

Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 7
______________

1 Psa 89:19;
2 Heb 2:16,17;
3 Eze 1:26;
4 John 3:13;
5 Luk 24:39;
6 Phil 2:7-10;
7 Rev 3:2

I am the Lord your God

Daily Light Devotions - May 17 - Morning

I am the Lord your God ...

I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to obey my rules, 1

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 2

whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 3

For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 4

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 5

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6

Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 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

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 9
______________

1 Eze 20:19;
2 1 Pet 1:15;
3 1 John 2:6,29;
4 1 Cor 7:19;
5 James 2:10;
6 2 Cor 3:5;
7 Psa 119:33;
8 Phil 2:12,13;
9 Heb 13:20,21

O God we trust in you; help us to trust you more

Below are words to the song "God Moves" from an album titled "Worship God Live." William Cowper (26 November 1731 – 25 April 1800) wrote most of the words (see the poem Light Shinging Out of Darkness), and Bob Kauflin wrote the music and additional words. God is infinitely great and good, even in and through the bad things that happen to us and in the world. "Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan [God's] work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and (if not now, certainly in eternity) He will make it plain."

God Moves

Verse 1
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in His dark and hidden mines
With never-failing skill
He fashions all His bright designs
And works His sovereign will

Chorus I
So God we trust in You
O God we trust in You

Verse 2
O fearful saints new courage take
The clouds that you now dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face

Chorus II
So God we trust in You
O God we trust in You
When tears are great
And comforts few
We hope in mercies ever new
We trust in You

Verse 3
God’s purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain

To live is Christ, and to die is gain

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

Below are lyrics from a song titled “To Live Is Christ,” which is based on Philippians 1:21. The song is on the album “Risen” by Sovereign Grace Music.

Verse 1
Before You gave us life and breath
You numbered all our days
You set Your gracious love on us
And chose us to be saved
This fleeting life is passing by
With all its joys and pain
But we believe to live is Christ
And death is gain

Chorus
To live is Christ, to die is gain
In every age this truth remains
We will not fear, we’re unashamed
To live is Christ, to die is gain

Verse 2
And though we grieve for those we love
Who fall asleep in Christ
We know they’ll see the Savior’s face
And gaze into His eyes
So now we grieve, yet we don’t grieve
As those who have no hope
For just as Jesus rose again
He’ll raise His own

Verse 3
And now we’re longing for the day
We’ll see the Lamb once slain
Who saved a countless multitude
To glorify His name
We’re yearning for the wedding feast
Of Jesus and His bride
His nail-scarred hands will finally
Bring us to His side

Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Heidelberg Catechism

~The Lord’s Prayer

Question 116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Answer. Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us,[1] and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who earnestly and without ceasing ask them of Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.[2]

[1] Ps 50:14-15, 116:12-19; 1 Thes 5:16-18;
[2] Mt 7:7-8, 13:12; Lk 11:9-13; Eph 6:18

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel

Daily Light Devotions - May 16 - Evening

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 1

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. 2

I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 3

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 4

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 5

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 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

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. 8

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 9

A man's steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way? 10

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 11

that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. 12
______________

1 Psa 16:7;
2 Isa 9:6;
3 Prov 8:14;
4 Psa 119:105;
5 Prov 3:5,6;
6 Jer 10:23;
7 Isa 30:21;
8 Prov 16:3;
9 Job 23:10;
10 Prov 20:24;
11 Psa 73:24;
12 Psa 48:14

A servant of Jesus Christ

Daily Light Devotions - May 16 - Morning

A servant of Jesus Christ.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 1

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 2

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 3

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." 4

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 5

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 6

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 7

So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 8

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 9
______________

1 Rom 1:1;
2 John 13:13;
3 John 12:26;
4 Matt 11:29,30;
5 Phil 3:7;
6 Rom 6:22;
7 John 15:15;
8 Gal 4:7;
9 Gal 5:1,13

Why then does God so strictly enjoin the Ten Commandments upon us, since in this life no one can keep them?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 115. Why then does God so strictly enjoin the Ten Commandments upon us, since in this life no one can keep them?

Answer. First, that as long as we live we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature,[1] and so the more earnestly seek forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ;[2] second, that without ceasing we diligently ask God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we be renewed more and more after the image of God, until we attain the goal of perfection after this life.[3]

[1] Ps 32:5; 1 Jn 1:9;
[2] Rom 3:19-26, 7:7, 24-25;
[3] Ps 51:12; Mt 5:6; 1 Cor 9:24-25; Php 3:12-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3

Raised up together ... in Christ Jesus

Daily Light Devotions - May 15 - Evening

Raised up together ... in Christ Jesus.

and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 1

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 2

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. 3

because we are members of his body. 4

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 5

and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 6

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 7

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 8
______________

1 Eph 2:6;
2 Rev 1:17,18;
3 John 17:24;
4 Eph 5:30;
5 Col 1:18;
6 Col 2:10;
7 Heb 2:14,15;
8 1 Cor 15:53,54