Hebrews 1:1–4 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets , 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, Moses says that God “created the world”; and John says that “all things were created by the Word,” which Yesterday we read the beginning of Jesus' prayer in John 17.

Psalm 1 1  Blessed is the man who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2  but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates Dig Deeper   Read in isolation, Psalm 1 makes the blessed life seem hopelessly unattainable. Whether you're male or female, Psalm 1 definitely prescribes a pattern you must endeavor to follow, and But Psalm 1 is pointing you away from yourself, and towards the one and only Man that accomplished what

1 Timothy 3:1-13 - (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer [elder] desires a noble task. 2  Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled The Bible clearly teaches that we must strive to glorify God in every endeavor of life (1 Corinthians 10:31), but it reserves language like aspire and eagerly desire (1 Corinthians 12:31) for those who Today: 1 Peter 5

The Three Uses of God's Law Psalm 1 1  Blessed is the man who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2  but whose delight is in the Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Even in our passage today of Psalm 1, we find right away in verse two how those who walk in the way of arrive at the third use - “Principally it admonishes believers and urges them on in well doing,” as John

'Keep your head in all situations' and don't follow your 'itching ears.' 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV) In the judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2   Certainly it means scripture itself, but the Greek word logos is also used as a name for Jesus (John 1:1, 14). Today: 2 Timothy 2

John 6:47-57 (NIV) CONTEXT: We began this passage yesterday. So it's no surprise whatsoever that John tells us just a few verses later that from this time many of Today: 1 Thessalonians 4

In eight words, the Bible obliterates the world's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:27-30 (NIV) 27  But God things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 22 - Our Justification Through Faith this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are (v27-28

among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2   Ro 6:1–2, written from Corinth)? man out ultimately did exactly what Paul intended: it led to the man's repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). Today: 2 Timothy 4

John 14:12-14 (NIV) 12  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 26: The Intercession of Christ We Summary John 14 is a chapter we've come to often as we read the Bible together. The emphasis gets lost in English, but is super apparent in the Greek words John recorded. Today: 2 Corinthians 3

You likely are in authority over some and in submission to others. Humble yourself before the Lord in both roles. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 104 Q. What is God’s will for you in the fifth commandment? A. That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; that I obey and submit to them, as is proper, when they correct and punish me; and also that I be patient with their failings— for through them God chooses to rule us. Summary This famous account of David being confronted with his sin makes for an excellent model for how parents ought to discipline as well as how children ought to submit themselves to that discipline. Remember what we were reminded of yesterday, that the fifth commandment obligates us to not only honor our parents, but all those in authority over us. King David is a powerful, rich and very well established monarch, and normally men in his position are above the law and able to do as they please. The fact that David humbled himself before Nathan is a tremendous example of how even people and institutions who have authority over some spheres of life must submit themselves in other spheres. Parents have authority over their children, but must submit to the government and the Church. The Church must submit itself to the Lord and, to a much lesser extent, the government. The government, in an ideal world at least, submits itself to the people and to a lesser degree, the Church. In this way, everybody who has authority must also simultaneously be in submission. Ultimately, like David, we must recognize that all authority is delegated by the Lord, so all submission is ultimately to Him. It's likely that David felt internal guilt for the sins he had committed, as he writes about it so poignantly in Psalm 51. Even so, the initial inclination of most of us when we're called out for something we instinctively knew was wrong is to deny we did it or make excuses for why we did it. Yet David does none of that. We're so used to seeing those with power squirm their way out of trouble when they've been caught red handed, but David instantly and genuinely confesses his sin against the Lord. Dig Deeper Nathan provides a beautiful example of how to discipline those you've been given authority over. He responds to God's call to insert himself in a very awkward and potentially dangerous situation to confront sin (this is a call we all have to one degree or another). He doesn't maliciously attack or impugn David's character, but instead he winsomely guides David into condemning himself. And he instantly communicates God's grace upon David's heartfelt repentance while at the same time holding David accountable for the awful consequences that come as a result of the sin. Keep both of these humble, godly men in mind as you exercise both authority and submission in your life. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who uses authority figures to call us out of our sinful ways; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for the examples of David and Nathan and pray that you will fulfil the roles God has given you in a godly way; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Titus 3