Read: Genesis 16
Genesis 16 contains the narrative account of Abram’s failure with Hagar. In the previous chapter, we saw God’s covenant promise that Abram would have an heir of his line. That future son would carry the covenant promise of Gen. 12 forward with his line being as the sands of the seashore and the stars of the sky. Despite Abram’s faith, he faltered and sought to bring to pass the promise through his efforts.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 2, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 14.2
II. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;a and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,b trembling at the threatenings,c and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.d But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.e
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 1, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 14.1
I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,a is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,b and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word;c by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.d
Read MoreRead: Matthew 15
Matthew 15 continues the work of the Savior coupled with his teachings. In this chapter, Jesus heals the Canaanite woman and feeds the five thousand. The focus for today is on 15:1-20. The issue of defilement is before the Savior after the Pharisees, and scribes accuse him and his disciples. Jesus rebukes them because they say the right things but do not honor God with their heart. There are many in the church, like those men. They say what is right. They know many things. However, their hearts are far from the Lord. Jesus points out that it is not what comes from outside that defiles a person, but only that which comes from within the sin-filled heart of man.
Read MoreDo not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
Proverbs 27:1, ESV
Boasting is one of those activities that everyone knows when they hear it. It is not hard to ascertain when someone is boasting about something. Usually, it is about some quality or activity they have performed. For most people, a sudden wave of stomach pain comes over those subjected to such behavior.
Read MoreFor lack of wood the fire goes out
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
Prov. 26:20
The image painted by Solomon in this verse is one that most people would immediately understand. To have a useful fire, it requires fuel. In those days, a fire was usually fueled by wood. In the modern world, fire is also fueled by other means. However, the point is the same. If there is no fuel, a fire cannot continue. Therefore, it must be regularly supplied with fuel to keep going.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 15
Genesis 15 is divided into two sections. The first section is about Abram's concern regarding being childless. God promised that he would be a great nation in chapter twelve, but he remains childless. In this section, God reiterates what he told him and promises that his seed would be like heaven's stars and the seashore's sands.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for April 26, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 13.3
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,a yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;b and so the saints grow in grace,c perfecting holiness in the fear of God.d
Read MoreRead: Matthew 14
Matthew 14 contains the narrative account of the death of John the Baptist, the miracle of Jesus walking on water, and other healing performed by the Savior. The significant section is the events leading to the death of the prophet John. In chapter eleven, he was in prison. This chapter gives us the details as to why he was there. John, faithful to the law of God, warns Herod that "it is not lawful for you to have her," referring to Herod's taking of his brother's wife as his own.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 14
Genesis 14 has two major sections. The first (14:1-16) details Abram's battle with the five kings. In this battle, Abram rescues his nephew, Lot. The odds are overwhelming, of course. These five kings have just conquered many Canaanites. Yet, with his small army, Abram seeks to rescue his nephew. In no small way, this is a lesson of kindness. In the previous chapter, we saw how Lot took the best of the land and left his uncle with the leftovers. It would have been natural for Abram to ignore his nephew, allowing him to be harmed or killed by the forces of evil, and then assume the lands vacated as a result.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for April 25, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 13.2
II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man,a yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part,b whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.c
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for April 24, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 13.1
I. They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection,a by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them;b the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,c and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,d and they more and more quickened and strengthened, in all saving graces,e to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.f
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