The Guide for the Week
July 9-15 2023 AD.
The 6th Sunday After Pentecost
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 5:15-23
1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
2 Timothy 2
Psalm 80
Verse to Memorize
Psalm 110:1
Catechism Questions
Q. 64. What offices has Christ?
A. Christ has three offices.
Q. 65. What are they?
A. The offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king.
People to Pray for:
Church: 1. Pinegrove Community Church
Pastor Jeremey Vander Galien
Ministry: Adam Albright
Street Preacher in San Francisco
Civil Magistrate: 1. Clark County Prosecutor
Jeremy T. Mull
2. Clark County Deputy Prosecutor
Elliot Jeffry
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 5:15-23
From Matthew Henry:
Solomon, having shown the great evil that there is in adultery and fornication, and all such lewd and filthy courses, here prescribes remedies against them.
I. Enjoy with satisfaction the comforts of lawful marriage, which was ordained for the prevention of uncleanness, and therefore ought to be made use of in time, lest it should not prove effectual for the cure of that which it might have prevented. Let none complain that God has dealt unkindly with them in forbidding them those pleasures which they have a natural desire of, for he has graciously provided for the regular gratification of them. “Thou mayest not indeed eat of every tree of the garden, but choose thee out one, which thou pleasest, and of that thou mayest freely eat; nature will be content with that, but lust with nothing.” God, in thus confining men to one, has been so far from putting any hardship upon them that he has really consulted their true interest; for, as Mr. Herbert observes, “If God had laid all common, certainly man would have been the encloser.” - Church-porch. Solomon here enlarges much upon this, not only prescribing it as an antidote, but urging it as an argument against fornication, that the allowed pleasures of marriage (however wicked wits may ridicule them, who are factors for the unclean spirit) far transcend all the false forbidden pleasures of whoredom.
1. Let young men marry, marry and not burn. Have a cistern, a well of thy own (Pro_5:15), even the wife of thy youth, Pro_5:18. Wholly abstain, or wed. - Herbert. “The world is wide, and there are varieties of accomplishments, among which thou mayest please thyself.”
2. Let him that is married take delight in his wife, and let him be very fond of her, not only because she is the wife that he himself has chosen and he ought to be pleased with his own choice, but because she is the wife that God in his providence appointed for him and he ought much more to be pleased with the divine appointment, pleased with her because she is his own. Let thy fountain be blessed (Pro_5:18); think thyself very happy in her, look upon her as a blessed wife, let her have thy blessing, pray daily for her, and then rejoice with her. Those comforts we are likely to have joy of that are sanctified to us by prayer and the blessing of God. It is not only allowed us, but commanded us, to be pleasant with our relations; and it particularly becomes yoke-fellows to rejoice together and in each other. Mutual delight is the bond of mutual fidelity. It is not only taken for granted that the bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isa_62:5), but given for law. Ecc_9:9, Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life. Those take not their comforts where God has appointed who are jovial and merry with their companions abroad, but sour and morose with their families at home.
3. Let him be fond of his wife and love her dearly (Pro_5:19): Let her be as the loving hind and the pleasant roe, such as great men sometimes kept tame in their houses and played with. Desire no better diversion from severe study and business than the innocent and pleasant conversation of thy own wife; let her lie in thy bosom, as the poor man's ewe-lamb did in his (2Sa_12:3), and do thou repose thy head in hers, and let that satisfy thee at all times; and seek not for pleasure in any other. “Err thou always in her love. If thou wilt suffer thy love to run into an excess, and wilt be dotingly fond of any body, let it be only of thy own wife, where there is least danger of exceeding.” This is drinking waters, to quench the thirst of thy appetite, out of thy own cistern, and running waters, which are clear, and sweet, and wholesome, out of thy own well, Pro_5:15. 1Co_7:2, 1Co_7:3.
4. Let him take delight in his children and look upon them with pleasure (Pro_5:16, Pro_5:17): “Look upon them as streams from thy own pure fountains” (the Jews are said to come forth out of the waters of Judah, Isa_48:1), “so that they are parts of thyself, as the streams are of the fountain. Keep to thy own wife, and thou shalt have,” (1.) “A numerous offspring, like rivers of water, which run in abundance, and they shall be dispersed abroad, matched into other families, whereas those that commit whoredom shall not increase,” Hos_4:10. (2.) “A peculiar offspring, which shall be only thy own, whereas the children of whoredom, that are fathered upon thee, are, probably, not so, but, for aught thou knowest, are the offspring of strangers, and yet thou must keep them.” (3.) “A creditable offspring, which are an honour to thee, and which thou mayest send abroad, and appear with, in the streets, whereas a spurious brood is thy disgrace, and that which thou art ashamed to own.” In this matter, virtue has all the pleasure and honour in it; justly therefore it is called wisdom.
5. Let him then scorn the offer of forbidden pleasures when he is always ravished with the love of a faithful virtuous wife; let him consider what an absurdity it will be for him to be ravished with a strange woman (Pro_5:20), to be in love with a filthy harlot, and embrace the bosom of a stranger, which, if he had any sense of honour or virtue, he would loathe the thoughts of. “Why wilt thou be so sottish, such an enemy to thyself, as to prefer puddle-water, and that poisoned too and stolen, before pure living waters out of thy own well?” Note, If the dictates of reason may be heard, the laws of virtue will be obeyed.
II. “See the eye of God always upon thee and let his fear rule in thy heart,” Pro_5:21. Those that live in this sin promise themselves secresy (the eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Job_24:15); but to what purpose, when it cannot be hidden from God? For, 1. He sees it. The ways of man, all his motions, all his actions, are before the eyes of the Lord, all the workings of the heart and all the outgoings of the life, that which is done ever so secretly and disguised ever so artfully. God sees it in a true light, and knows it with all its causes, circumstances, and consequences. He does not cast an eye upon men's ways now and then, but they are always actually in his view and under his inspection; and darest thou sin against God in his sight, and do that wickedness under his eye which thou durst not do in the presence of a man like thyself? 2. He will call the sinner to an account for it; for he not only sees, but ponders all his goings, judges concerning them, as one that will shortly judge the sinner for them. Every action is weighed, and shall be brought into judgment (Ecc_12:14), which is a good reason why we should ponder the path of our feet (Pro_4:26), and so judge ourselves that we may not be judged.
III. “Foresee the certain ruin of those that go on still in their trespasses.” Those that live in this sin promise themselves impunity, but they deceive themselves; their sin will find them out, Pro_5:22, Pro_5:23. The apostle gives the sense of these verses in a few words. Heb_13:4, Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 1. It is a sin which men with great difficulty shake off the power of. When the sinner is old and weak his lusts are strong and active, in calling to remembrance the days of his youth, Eze_23:19. Thus his own iniquities having seized the wicked himself by his own consent, and he having voluntarily surrendered himself a captive to them, he is held in the cords of his own sins, and such full possession they have gained of him that he cannot extricate himself, but in the greatness of his folly (and what greater folly could there be than to yield himself a servant to such cruel task-masters?) he shall go astray, and wander endlessly. Uncleanness is a sin from which, when once men have plunged themselves into it, they very hardly and very rarely recover themselves. 2. It is a sin which, if it be not forsaken, men cannot possibly escape the punishment of; it will unavoidably be their ruin. As their own iniquities do arrest them in the reproaches of conscience and present rebukes (Jer_7:19), so their own iniquities shall arrest them and bind them over to the judgments of God. There needs no prison, no chains; they shall be holden in the cords of their own sins, as the fallen angels, being incurably wicked, are thereby reserved in chains of darkness. The sinner, who, having been often reproved, hardens his neck, shall die at length without instruction. Having had general warnings sufficient given him already, he shall have no particular warnings, but he shall die without seeing his danger beforehand, shall die because he would not receive instruction, but in the greatness of his folly would go astray; and so shall his doom be, he shall never find the way home again. Those that are so foolish as to choose the way of sin are justly left of God to themselves to go in it till they come to that destruction which it leads to, which is a good reason why we should guard with watchfulness and resolution against the allurements of the sensual appetite.
1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
You were created to worship God. It is your purpose to bring him glory in all you do. This is our reasonable response to God for all His work, whether His work as creator or His work as Savior. It is what is due Him because of who He is. He is worthy.
In this section of Scripture, let us examine how Elkanah and Hannah respond to God's providing them a son with praise and learn a few lessons on praise and worship from them:
May we take these lessons from Elkanah and Hannah's response to God's goodness and apply them to our own lives as we seek to praise and worship our Lord with sincerity and truth.
2 Timothy 2
I want to see my sons strong…to work, hunt and provide for themselves and others, and to fight if necessary.
-Johann David Wyss
The Swiss Family Robinson
2 Timothy is a letter from a father to a son. Timothy is Paul’s spiritual son. Paul is about to fade from the scene. This is his last letter we have. Paul loves his son and therefore wants to exhort him to be strong in the Lord. This reminds us of when Moses died and Joshua took over. Over and over the Lord tells Joshua in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous. The Apostle Paul is going the same thing here in this book and in this chapter.
Fathers there is no greater lesson you can teach your son than to be strong and courageous in the Lord. Teach your sons to have a backbone built on the word of God. Teach them not to be ashamed of God’s word but to stand firm till the end. As you read through this chapter look at how many ways Paul tells Timothy to be firm and to be strong. Look at examples of those who have not stood on the word of God.
You can pass on a lot of things to your sons and you should. Teach them a hard work ethic, good academic skills, how to love a woman, and good people skills. But most importantly teaching them never to turn from Christ. Teach them to grow in godliness. Being a man means putting away youthful lusts and instead pursuing the things of God, righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These things are what will make you strong and courageous in the Lord.
Psalm 80
The context of this Psalm is not known with certainty but it does appear to have been composed during a time of national turmoil. Some have suggested that it was during the time of the Babylonian exile when Jerusalem had been destroyed the first temple demolished. Whatever the context, the psalm is a lament or a cry of one who has faced the discipline of God.
Discipline is hard to bear. It hurts when as a child you are spanked and it hurts more when as an adult God disciplines us.
The Psalm writer acknowledged the pain that comes when the sins of the people had made a breach in the relationship with God. God had in the past been the shepherd of His people and had cared for them but now He seems so far away and there is nothing but devastation.
Our sin harms our relationship with God. If you don’t know Christ is puts an insurmountable wall up between you and God. He is your enemy and lest you repent, you will but perish.
But even if you know Christ, when you sin it strains your walk with God. Not because God has suddenly turned against you. No, in Christ, God is always for you. But sin causes our hearts to cool against Him and because He loves us, He will discipline us.
It is painful but it is meant to cause us to cry out for him.
Are you experiencing what feels like distance between you and God? Are you facing afflictions? Is there stress, calamity, sickness, or any other pain in your life?
Search your heart and see if you have unrepented sins. The pain you are feeling may be the hand of God’s discipline. Whether it is or not, we know that for those in Christ all pain is meant for our good. That good includes our knowing our utter dependence upon Him. Join the lament of this psalm and cry out for God’s hand of deliverance.
God will restore you.
Catechism/ Memory Verse
One Sunday morning, a pastor of a small church was invited into the children’s Sunday school class to share a lesson. Just the week before during the sermon, the pastor preached that Jesus is the answer for everything. When all of the children were seated and quiet, for sake of an illustration, the pastor began describing a squirrel. He started out by saying, “I am going to describe something and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is.” The children nodded eagerly.
The pastor continued, “This thing lives in trees (pause)… and it eats nuts (pause)… and it has a long bushy tail (pause).” No hands went up. The pastor was shocked. He continued but to no avail; there were no hands.
Finally, one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. The boy said, “Well, it sounds an awful lot like a squirrel to me… but I know the answer must be Jesus!”
Jesus wasn’t the right answer to that question but he is the answer to the main things in life. He is also the focus of the entire bible. God’s word points us to Jesus in both the New and Old Testaments. All throughout the Old Testament, God left signs pointing His people to the coming of Christ. Everything about the Old Testament religion was designed to foreshadow Jesus.
And this includes all the priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament. These offices that God used to lead and teach his people all were by God’s sovereign plan meant for the good of his people and to find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
The Priests that God ordained were by his design to represent and reconcile the people to God. They made sacrifices (which themselves were to point to Christ) on behalf of the people. They led the people in worshipping and learning about God.
The prophets represented God to the people. They came to speak the word of God. God through His prophets called the people to repent and turn back to Him. They were his voice.
And the Kingship was established to rule over and protect the people. Kings were to lead the people upholding the law of God. They would go forth fighting the enemies of the people. They also received then the loyalty and tribute of the people.
All three of these offices point to who Christ Jesus is.
He is the Great High Priest who offered his life as a sacrifice for us.
He is the great Prophet of God who is the very word of God made flesh. Jesus reveals to us who God is.
He is the King of Kings. He rules over us by the authority given to him which He purchased on the cross. He defends us. He destroys our enemies.
So no, Jesus isn’t a squirrel but He is the one who created them. He is our Priest, our Prophet, and our King.
People to Pray for
Pinegrove Community Church and Pastor Jeremy Vander-Gailian:
O Lord our King.
We come before Your throne, lifting up Pinegrove Community Church and its pastor, Jeremey Vander-Galian. We thank you for the work You are accomplishing through this congregation and for the steadfast commitment to the truth that permeates their ministry.
Grant Pastor Jeremy an abundance of wisdom as he leads. Guide him by Holy Spirit in every decision, every teaching, and every moment of shepherding Your flock. Strengthen his resolve to faithfully proclaim the unchanging truth of Your Word, even when it is unpopular or challenging.
We pray, O God, for unity within the body of Christ. Protect them from the divisive tactics of the enemy and grant them a spirit of love, harmony, and mutual edification. Guard them from the temptations of the devil, the world, and the flesh. Strengthen them to resist the allurements of compromise, cultural pressure, and sinful desires.
Fill their hearts with unwavering faith, unwavering love for You, and unwavering commitment to Your truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray, confident that You hear us and will answer according to Your perfect will. Amen
Adam Albright Street Preacher In San Francisco
Dear Sovereign Lord
We come before You with grateful hearts, lifting up Adam Albright, a faithful street preacher and evangelist in the wicked city of San Francisco. We thank You for his fervent commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the message of salvation to those in need. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen and equip him for the important work You have called him to.
We pray, first and foremost, for Adam's boldness. In a world that often rejects Your truth, grant him unwavering courage and a fearless spirit to boldly declare the Good News of Jesus Christ. May he be unafraid to speak the truth in love, never compromising the message or watering it down to suit the desires of the world. Empower him by Your Spirit to effectively communicate Your grace, mercy, and redemption.
Lord, we recognize the temptations that Adam may face as he serves as a street preacher. Guard his heart against the snares of pride and discouragement. Help him to remain humble, always giving You the glory for any impact his ministry has. Strengthen him when he faces opposition, rejection, or indifference, and remind him that his labor in the Lord is never in vain. Fill his heart with encouragement through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, reminding him of the eternal significance of his work.
We lift up those who hear Adam's preaching. Open their hearts and minds to receive Your truth. Draw them to You and grant them the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. May Adam's words be accompanied by Your convicting and transforming power, leading many to repentance and a love for You.
Lord, we also ask for Your provision in Adam's finances. As he devotes his time and energy to the ministry of sharing the Gospel, we pray that You would abundantly meet his material needs. Bless him with the resources necessary to continue his work without distraction or worry. Provide for him and his family in every area of their lives.
Lastly, we ask for Your protection and blessing upon Adam's family. Strengthen their bond and grant them unity in their love for You. Protect them from the attacks of the enemy and grant them wisdom as they navigate the challenges and joys of daily life. May their home be a place of peace, love, and joy, where they can find refreshment and support.
In all these things, may Your name be glorified. Use Adam mightily as an instrument of Your grace and salvation. May the fruit of his labor be evident in the transformed lives of those who come to know You through his ministry. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen
Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy T. Mull
Heavenly Father,
We humbly come before You, recognizing Your sovereignty and Your perfect justice. We bring before You Jeremy T. Mull, the Clark County Prosecutor, and we lift him up in prayer. We ask that Your grace and mercy would be upon him, and that You would guide his heart and mind according to Your will.
Lord, we pray that Jeremy would have a deep realization of his own sinfulness and need for a Savior. May he recognize the gravity of his transgressions and always rely on Christ alone for salvation. Fill his heart with a genuine hatred for sin and a desire to walk in righteousness before You.
Grant Jeremy wisdom and discernment as he carries out his duties as a prosecutor. May he seek justice with integrity and uphold the principles of fairness and truth. Give him the fortitude to stand against evil and the resolve to punish wrongdoing appropriately. Help him to navigate the complexities of his role, always leaning on Your wisdom and guidance.
Lord, we ask that Jeremy would have a deep reverence for Your law. May he understand that true justice is rooted in Your divine commandments and seek to align his decisions and actions accordingly. Grant him a heart that delights in obedience to Your statutes, recognizing that they are for the well-being and flourishing of society.
As Jeremy faces challenges and difficult decisions, we pray for an abundance of wisdom. Grant him clarity of mind to discern right from wrong, and the courage to act in accordance with his convictions. Strengthen him with persistence and resilience, that he may not grow weary in the pursuit of justice.
Lord, we also lift up Jeremy's personal life to You. May his relationships be filled with love and harmony, and may he find refreshment and renewal in times of rest. Surround him with wise counsel and supportive friends who will uplift him and encourage him in his calling.
In all things, may Jeremy's ultimate desire be to bring glory to Your name. May his life and work reflect Your righteousness and love. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Clark Count Assistant Prosecutor Elliot Jeffry
Gracious and loving Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Elliot Jeffry. We thank You for the gift of his presence and membership at Sovereign King Church and for the ways in which he serves the community as an Assistant Prosecutor in Clark County. Lord, we also lift up his wife, Jenny, and thank You for the blessings of their marriage.
We praise You, Lord, for the qualities You have instilled in Elliot. We ask that You would grant him boldness, wisdom, and fortitude as he carries out his duties in prosecuting evil and seeking justice. May he be guided by Your Spirit and rooted in Your truth as he navigates the difficulties of his work. Strengthen him to stand against injustice, and grant him the discernment to make righteous decisions.
Lord, we pray that Elliot would continually grow in knowledge of Your law. May he delve deeply into Your Word, studying and meditating upon it, that he may gain greater insight and understanding. Illuminate his mind with Your truth, enabling him to interpret and apply the principles of justice and righteousness with clarity and accuracy.
We ask for Your divine protection and provision over Elliot's life. Guard his health, both physically and mentally, that he may serve with strength and vitality. Meet his financial needs abundantly, providing for him and his family in all circumstances. May they experience Your faithfulness and provision in every aspect of their lives.
Lastly, we lift up Elliot and Jenny's marriage before You. May their union be a reflection of the love and joy found in Christ. Strengthen the bonds between them and grant them wisdom and grace to navigate the challenges and joys of married life. Fill their home with peace, love, and laughter, and may their marriage be a testimony to Your goodness.
In all things, may Elliot's life bring glory to Your name. May his work be characterized by righteousness and integrity, and may his service in the legal field be a light in a world often darkened by injustice. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Benedict of Nursia 480-547 AD
“To attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself; but to recognize always that the evil is one’s own doing, and to impute it on one’s self.”
Benedict was born at Nusia in Umbria, Italy as the Roman Empire was falling apart. He moved to Rome as a young man but was disgusted at the paganism and immorality, he found there. Leaving Rome, he did what many are tempted to do in an age of evil which is to live the life of a hermit. Though alone, he gained a reputation for faith in Christ and several young men asked him to come lead. He reluctantly agreed to lead the monastery, but someone attempted to kill him by poisoning his wine. However, the attempt failed. He later went on to establish 12 monasteries. He was known for discipline and a desire for holiness. Benedict drew up a rule of life for monastics, a rule which he calls "a school of the Lord's service, in which we hope to order nothing harsh or rigorous." The Rule gives instructions for how the monastic community is to be organized, and how the monks are to spend their time. An average day includes about four hours to be spent in liturgical prayer (called the Divinum Officium -- the Divine Office), five hours in spiritual reading and study, six hours of labor, one hour for eating, and about eight hours for sleep. The Book of Psalms is to be recited in its entirety every week as a part of the Office.
A Benedictine monk takes vows of "obedience, stability, and conversion of life." That is, he vows to live in accordance with the Benedictine Rule, not to leave his community without grave cause, and to seek to follow the teaching and example of Christ in all thing.
The quote above is from his book of precepts and rules for the monasteries. While we might not agree with all that was done in monastic life, God in his providence did use the monasteries to preserve his written word. While Rome was falling apart, the word of God was preserved, and the gospel was preached. All good comes from God and should be praised to his glory just as Benedict wrote centuries ago.
In purely secular terms, their contribution was considerable. In Benedict's time, the chief source of power was muscle, whether human or animal. Ancient scholars apparently did not worry about labor-saving devices. The labor could always be done by oxen or slaves. But monks were both scholars and workers. A monk, after spending a few hours doing some laborious task by hand, was likely to think, "There must be a better way of doing this." The result was the systematic development of windmills and water wheels for grinding grain, sawing wood, pumping water, and so on. The rotation of crops (including legumes) and other agricultural advances were also originated or promoted by monastic farms. The monks, by their example, taught the dignity of labor and the importance of order and planning.
A Prayer of thanks for Benedict of Nursia
Almighty and everlasting God, whose precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Upcoming Events:
Morning Study Hour With Pastor 6-7AM
July 12 Women’s Bible Study
July 15 Street Preaching Farmers Market in Jeff 9 Am-12 Noon
July 16 Genevan Pub
July 19 Family Ministry Night
July 28 Women’s Quarterly Workshop
Proverbs 5:15-23
1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
2 Timothy 2
Psalm 80
Verse to Memorize
Psalm 110:1
Catechism Questions
Q. 64. What offices has Christ?
A. Christ has three offices.
Q. 65. What are they?
A. The offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king.
People to Pray for:
Church: 1. Pinegrove Community Church
Pastor Jeremey Vander Galien
Ministry: Adam Albright
Street Preacher in San Francisco
Civil Magistrate: 1. Clark County Prosecutor
Jeremy T. Mull
2. Clark County Deputy Prosecutor
Elliot Jeffry
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 5:15-23
From Matthew Henry:
Solomon, having shown the great evil that there is in adultery and fornication, and all such lewd and filthy courses, here prescribes remedies against them.
I. Enjoy with satisfaction the comforts of lawful marriage, which was ordained for the prevention of uncleanness, and therefore ought to be made use of in time, lest it should not prove effectual for the cure of that which it might have prevented. Let none complain that God has dealt unkindly with them in forbidding them those pleasures which they have a natural desire of, for he has graciously provided for the regular gratification of them. “Thou mayest not indeed eat of every tree of the garden, but choose thee out one, which thou pleasest, and of that thou mayest freely eat; nature will be content with that, but lust with nothing.” God, in thus confining men to one, has been so far from putting any hardship upon them that he has really consulted their true interest; for, as Mr. Herbert observes, “If God had laid all common, certainly man would have been the encloser.” - Church-porch. Solomon here enlarges much upon this, not only prescribing it as an antidote, but urging it as an argument against fornication, that the allowed pleasures of marriage (however wicked wits may ridicule them, who are factors for the unclean spirit) far transcend all the false forbidden pleasures of whoredom.
1. Let young men marry, marry and not burn. Have a cistern, a well of thy own (Pro_5:15), even the wife of thy youth, Pro_5:18. Wholly abstain, or wed. - Herbert. “The world is wide, and there are varieties of accomplishments, among which thou mayest please thyself.”
2. Let him that is married take delight in his wife, and let him be very fond of her, not only because she is the wife that he himself has chosen and he ought to be pleased with his own choice, but because she is the wife that God in his providence appointed for him and he ought much more to be pleased with the divine appointment, pleased with her because she is his own. Let thy fountain be blessed (Pro_5:18); think thyself very happy in her, look upon her as a blessed wife, let her have thy blessing, pray daily for her, and then rejoice with her. Those comforts we are likely to have joy of that are sanctified to us by prayer and the blessing of God. It is not only allowed us, but commanded us, to be pleasant with our relations; and it particularly becomes yoke-fellows to rejoice together and in each other. Mutual delight is the bond of mutual fidelity. It is not only taken for granted that the bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isa_62:5), but given for law. Ecc_9:9, Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life. Those take not their comforts where God has appointed who are jovial and merry with their companions abroad, but sour and morose with their families at home.
3. Let him be fond of his wife and love her dearly (Pro_5:19): Let her be as the loving hind and the pleasant roe, such as great men sometimes kept tame in their houses and played with. Desire no better diversion from severe study and business than the innocent and pleasant conversation of thy own wife; let her lie in thy bosom, as the poor man's ewe-lamb did in his (2Sa_12:3), and do thou repose thy head in hers, and let that satisfy thee at all times; and seek not for pleasure in any other. “Err thou always in her love. If thou wilt suffer thy love to run into an excess, and wilt be dotingly fond of any body, let it be only of thy own wife, where there is least danger of exceeding.” This is drinking waters, to quench the thirst of thy appetite, out of thy own cistern, and running waters, which are clear, and sweet, and wholesome, out of thy own well, Pro_5:15. 1Co_7:2, 1Co_7:3.
4. Let him take delight in his children and look upon them with pleasure (Pro_5:16, Pro_5:17): “Look upon them as streams from thy own pure fountains” (the Jews are said to come forth out of the waters of Judah, Isa_48:1), “so that they are parts of thyself, as the streams are of the fountain. Keep to thy own wife, and thou shalt have,” (1.) “A numerous offspring, like rivers of water, which run in abundance, and they shall be dispersed abroad, matched into other families, whereas those that commit whoredom shall not increase,” Hos_4:10. (2.) “A peculiar offspring, which shall be only thy own, whereas the children of whoredom, that are fathered upon thee, are, probably, not so, but, for aught thou knowest, are the offspring of strangers, and yet thou must keep them.” (3.) “A creditable offspring, which are an honour to thee, and which thou mayest send abroad, and appear with, in the streets, whereas a spurious brood is thy disgrace, and that which thou art ashamed to own.” In this matter, virtue has all the pleasure and honour in it; justly therefore it is called wisdom.
5. Let him then scorn the offer of forbidden pleasures when he is always ravished with the love of a faithful virtuous wife; let him consider what an absurdity it will be for him to be ravished with a strange woman (Pro_5:20), to be in love with a filthy harlot, and embrace the bosom of a stranger, which, if he had any sense of honour or virtue, he would loathe the thoughts of. “Why wilt thou be so sottish, such an enemy to thyself, as to prefer puddle-water, and that poisoned too and stolen, before pure living waters out of thy own well?” Note, If the dictates of reason may be heard, the laws of virtue will be obeyed.
II. “See the eye of God always upon thee and let his fear rule in thy heart,” Pro_5:21. Those that live in this sin promise themselves secresy (the eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Job_24:15); but to what purpose, when it cannot be hidden from God? For, 1. He sees it. The ways of man, all his motions, all his actions, are before the eyes of the Lord, all the workings of the heart and all the outgoings of the life, that which is done ever so secretly and disguised ever so artfully. God sees it in a true light, and knows it with all its causes, circumstances, and consequences. He does not cast an eye upon men's ways now and then, but they are always actually in his view and under his inspection; and darest thou sin against God in his sight, and do that wickedness under his eye which thou durst not do in the presence of a man like thyself? 2. He will call the sinner to an account for it; for he not only sees, but ponders all his goings, judges concerning them, as one that will shortly judge the sinner for them. Every action is weighed, and shall be brought into judgment (Ecc_12:14), which is a good reason why we should ponder the path of our feet (Pro_4:26), and so judge ourselves that we may not be judged.
III. “Foresee the certain ruin of those that go on still in their trespasses.” Those that live in this sin promise themselves impunity, but they deceive themselves; their sin will find them out, Pro_5:22, Pro_5:23. The apostle gives the sense of these verses in a few words. Heb_13:4, Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 1. It is a sin which men with great difficulty shake off the power of. When the sinner is old and weak his lusts are strong and active, in calling to remembrance the days of his youth, Eze_23:19. Thus his own iniquities having seized the wicked himself by his own consent, and he having voluntarily surrendered himself a captive to them, he is held in the cords of his own sins, and such full possession they have gained of him that he cannot extricate himself, but in the greatness of his folly (and what greater folly could there be than to yield himself a servant to such cruel task-masters?) he shall go astray, and wander endlessly. Uncleanness is a sin from which, when once men have plunged themselves into it, they very hardly and very rarely recover themselves. 2. It is a sin which, if it be not forsaken, men cannot possibly escape the punishment of; it will unavoidably be their ruin. As their own iniquities do arrest them in the reproaches of conscience and present rebukes (Jer_7:19), so their own iniquities shall arrest them and bind them over to the judgments of God. There needs no prison, no chains; they shall be holden in the cords of their own sins, as the fallen angels, being incurably wicked, are thereby reserved in chains of darkness. The sinner, who, having been often reproved, hardens his neck, shall die at length without instruction. Having had general warnings sufficient given him already, he shall have no particular warnings, but he shall die without seeing his danger beforehand, shall die because he would not receive instruction, but in the greatness of his folly would go astray; and so shall his doom be, he shall never find the way home again. Those that are so foolish as to choose the way of sin are justly left of God to themselves to go in it till they come to that destruction which it leads to, which is a good reason why we should guard with watchfulness and resolution against the allurements of the sensual appetite.
1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
You were created to worship God. It is your purpose to bring him glory in all you do. This is our reasonable response to God for all His work, whether His work as creator or His work as Savior. It is what is due Him because of who He is. He is worthy.
In this section of Scripture, let us examine how Elkanah and Hannah respond to God's providing them a son with praise and learn a few lessons on praise and worship from them:
- The first way they responded with praise was by keeping their vows and fulfilling their duties. In other words, worship begins with obedience to God. Our initial act of thankfulness to Christ is to obey Him.
- Elkanah showed concern for his wife, and Hannah raised her son. The second way we are to worship is by loving those around us. Love your neighbor as yourself, especially those in your own household.
- Elkanah and Hannah fulfilled their obligations as husband and wife. He honored his wife's vow, and she diligently cared for her son. The third way we worship is by embracing the roles God has given us. If you are a man, strive to be a godly man and serve God through your masculinity. If you are a woman, serve God in the femininity He has bestowed upon you. Be fruitful, care for your home, love your husband, and love your children.
- Notice that Elkanah and Hannah offered costly praise to God. Our worship should require sacrifice. It should not be an afterthought but rather a wholehearted offering. In fact, true worship costs us everything. We are called to present our lives as living sacrifices. God desires our full dedication to bring Him glory. In corporate worship, we should not approach the Lord flippantly but rather be punctual, prepared, and ready to worship.
- Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord. If you have children, your act of worship is to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Dedicate them to His service.
- Hannah encouraged Eli by sharing God's blessings and answered prayers. Another way we worship is by encouraging others to worship. We should have a concern that all people everywhere worship the Lord. We ought to be zealous for His holy name.
- In Chapter 2, Hannah worships from the heart. Learn from this new parent that true worship must flow from the heart. Only a transformed heart can truly rejoice in the Lord. God is not pleased with hypocritical worship when our hearts are far from Him. He does not desire empty ceremonies and traditions; He only desires true worship that springs from a living heart.
- Hannah praises God for who He is because He alone is worthy. We learn from Hannah that we must worship God alone. We must not have any gods beside Him. God will not share His glory with idols.
- Hannah praises God for His sovereign works, and her song is rich in theology. She praises His power to kill and make alive, prophesying of the resurrection to come. She speaks of God's holiness and His defeat of His enemies. We learn from Hannah that theology should fuel our worship, and therefore, our worship should be rich in theological truth. When it comes to corporate worship, songs that treat Jesus as a romantic partner are insufficient. We should sing songs that boast in the Lord's deliverance over His enemies, His sovereignty over all things, and His great holiness. The Psalms should be at the top of our list among the songs we sing.
- Lastly, we see how Hannah sings of God's protection of His church and the expansion of His anointed King's kingdom. She prophesies about a coming King and how God will preserve all His people. Hannah is the first person in Scripture to use the word "Messiah" or "Anointed," which means "Christ." The pinnacle of her worship is focused on Christ. From this, we learn that Christ is the central focus of our worship. He is the reason for our worship and the ultimate goal of our worship.
May we take these lessons from Elkanah and Hannah's response to God's goodness and apply them to our own lives as we seek to praise and worship our Lord with sincerity and truth.
2 Timothy 2
I want to see my sons strong…to work, hunt and provide for themselves and others, and to fight if necessary.
-Johann David Wyss
The Swiss Family Robinson
2 Timothy is a letter from a father to a son. Timothy is Paul’s spiritual son. Paul is about to fade from the scene. This is his last letter we have. Paul loves his son and therefore wants to exhort him to be strong in the Lord. This reminds us of when Moses died and Joshua took over. Over and over the Lord tells Joshua in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous. The Apostle Paul is going the same thing here in this book and in this chapter.
Fathers there is no greater lesson you can teach your son than to be strong and courageous in the Lord. Teach your sons to have a backbone built on the word of God. Teach them not to be ashamed of God’s word but to stand firm till the end. As you read through this chapter look at how many ways Paul tells Timothy to be firm and to be strong. Look at examples of those who have not stood on the word of God.
You can pass on a lot of things to your sons and you should. Teach them a hard work ethic, good academic skills, how to love a woman, and good people skills. But most importantly teaching them never to turn from Christ. Teach them to grow in godliness. Being a man means putting away youthful lusts and instead pursuing the things of God, righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These things are what will make you strong and courageous in the Lord.
Psalm 80
The context of this Psalm is not known with certainty but it does appear to have been composed during a time of national turmoil. Some have suggested that it was during the time of the Babylonian exile when Jerusalem had been destroyed the first temple demolished. Whatever the context, the psalm is a lament or a cry of one who has faced the discipline of God.
Discipline is hard to bear. It hurts when as a child you are spanked and it hurts more when as an adult God disciplines us.
The Psalm writer acknowledged the pain that comes when the sins of the people had made a breach in the relationship with God. God had in the past been the shepherd of His people and had cared for them but now He seems so far away and there is nothing but devastation.
Our sin harms our relationship with God. If you don’t know Christ is puts an insurmountable wall up between you and God. He is your enemy and lest you repent, you will but perish.
But even if you know Christ, when you sin it strains your walk with God. Not because God has suddenly turned against you. No, in Christ, God is always for you. But sin causes our hearts to cool against Him and because He loves us, He will discipline us.
It is painful but it is meant to cause us to cry out for him.
Are you experiencing what feels like distance between you and God? Are you facing afflictions? Is there stress, calamity, sickness, or any other pain in your life?
Search your heart and see if you have unrepented sins. The pain you are feeling may be the hand of God’s discipline. Whether it is or not, we know that for those in Christ all pain is meant for our good. That good includes our knowing our utter dependence upon Him. Join the lament of this psalm and cry out for God’s hand of deliverance.
God will restore you.
Catechism/ Memory Verse
One Sunday morning, a pastor of a small church was invited into the children’s Sunday school class to share a lesson. Just the week before during the sermon, the pastor preached that Jesus is the answer for everything. When all of the children were seated and quiet, for sake of an illustration, the pastor began describing a squirrel. He started out by saying, “I am going to describe something and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is.” The children nodded eagerly.
The pastor continued, “This thing lives in trees (pause)… and it eats nuts (pause)… and it has a long bushy tail (pause).” No hands went up. The pastor was shocked. He continued but to no avail; there were no hands.
Finally, one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. The boy said, “Well, it sounds an awful lot like a squirrel to me… but I know the answer must be Jesus!”
Jesus wasn’t the right answer to that question but he is the answer to the main things in life. He is also the focus of the entire bible. God’s word points us to Jesus in both the New and Old Testaments. All throughout the Old Testament, God left signs pointing His people to the coming of Christ. Everything about the Old Testament religion was designed to foreshadow Jesus.
And this includes all the priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament. These offices that God used to lead and teach his people all were by God’s sovereign plan meant for the good of his people and to find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
The Priests that God ordained were by his design to represent and reconcile the people to God. They made sacrifices (which themselves were to point to Christ) on behalf of the people. They led the people in worshipping and learning about God.
The prophets represented God to the people. They came to speak the word of God. God through His prophets called the people to repent and turn back to Him. They were his voice.
And the Kingship was established to rule over and protect the people. Kings were to lead the people upholding the law of God. They would go forth fighting the enemies of the people. They also received then the loyalty and tribute of the people.
All three of these offices point to who Christ Jesus is.
He is the Great High Priest who offered his life as a sacrifice for us.
He is the great Prophet of God who is the very word of God made flesh. Jesus reveals to us who God is.
He is the King of Kings. He rules over us by the authority given to him which He purchased on the cross. He defends us. He destroys our enemies.
So no, Jesus isn’t a squirrel but He is the one who created them. He is our Priest, our Prophet, and our King.
People to Pray for
Pinegrove Community Church and Pastor Jeremy Vander-Gailian:
O Lord our King.
We come before Your throne, lifting up Pinegrove Community Church and its pastor, Jeremey Vander-Galian. We thank you for the work You are accomplishing through this congregation and for the steadfast commitment to the truth that permeates their ministry.
Grant Pastor Jeremy an abundance of wisdom as he leads. Guide him by Holy Spirit in every decision, every teaching, and every moment of shepherding Your flock. Strengthen his resolve to faithfully proclaim the unchanging truth of Your Word, even when it is unpopular or challenging.
We pray, O God, for unity within the body of Christ. Protect them from the divisive tactics of the enemy and grant them a spirit of love, harmony, and mutual edification. Guard them from the temptations of the devil, the world, and the flesh. Strengthen them to resist the allurements of compromise, cultural pressure, and sinful desires.
Fill their hearts with unwavering faith, unwavering love for You, and unwavering commitment to Your truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray, confident that You hear us and will answer according to Your perfect will. Amen
Adam Albright Street Preacher In San Francisco
Dear Sovereign Lord
We come before You with grateful hearts, lifting up Adam Albright, a faithful street preacher and evangelist in the wicked city of San Francisco. We thank You for his fervent commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the message of salvation to those in need. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen and equip him for the important work You have called him to.
We pray, first and foremost, for Adam's boldness. In a world that often rejects Your truth, grant him unwavering courage and a fearless spirit to boldly declare the Good News of Jesus Christ. May he be unafraid to speak the truth in love, never compromising the message or watering it down to suit the desires of the world. Empower him by Your Spirit to effectively communicate Your grace, mercy, and redemption.
Lord, we recognize the temptations that Adam may face as he serves as a street preacher. Guard his heart against the snares of pride and discouragement. Help him to remain humble, always giving You the glory for any impact his ministry has. Strengthen him when he faces opposition, rejection, or indifference, and remind him that his labor in the Lord is never in vain. Fill his heart with encouragement through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, reminding him of the eternal significance of his work.
We lift up those who hear Adam's preaching. Open their hearts and minds to receive Your truth. Draw them to You and grant them the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. May Adam's words be accompanied by Your convicting and transforming power, leading many to repentance and a love for You.
Lord, we also ask for Your provision in Adam's finances. As he devotes his time and energy to the ministry of sharing the Gospel, we pray that You would abundantly meet his material needs. Bless him with the resources necessary to continue his work without distraction or worry. Provide for him and his family in every area of their lives.
Lastly, we ask for Your protection and blessing upon Adam's family. Strengthen their bond and grant them unity in their love for You. Protect them from the attacks of the enemy and grant them wisdom as they navigate the challenges and joys of daily life. May their home be a place of peace, love, and joy, where they can find refreshment and support.
In all these things, may Your name be glorified. Use Adam mightily as an instrument of Your grace and salvation. May the fruit of his labor be evident in the transformed lives of those who come to know You through his ministry. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen
Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy T. Mull
Heavenly Father,
We humbly come before You, recognizing Your sovereignty and Your perfect justice. We bring before You Jeremy T. Mull, the Clark County Prosecutor, and we lift him up in prayer. We ask that Your grace and mercy would be upon him, and that You would guide his heart and mind according to Your will.
Lord, we pray that Jeremy would have a deep realization of his own sinfulness and need for a Savior. May he recognize the gravity of his transgressions and always rely on Christ alone for salvation. Fill his heart with a genuine hatred for sin and a desire to walk in righteousness before You.
Grant Jeremy wisdom and discernment as he carries out his duties as a prosecutor. May he seek justice with integrity and uphold the principles of fairness and truth. Give him the fortitude to stand against evil and the resolve to punish wrongdoing appropriately. Help him to navigate the complexities of his role, always leaning on Your wisdom and guidance.
Lord, we ask that Jeremy would have a deep reverence for Your law. May he understand that true justice is rooted in Your divine commandments and seek to align his decisions and actions accordingly. Grant him a heart that delights in obedience to Your statutes, recognizing that they are for the well-being and flourishing of society.
As Jeremy faces challenges and difficult decisions, we pray for an abundance of wisdom. Grant him clarity of mind to discern right from wrong, and the courage to act in accordance with his convictions. Strengthen him with persistence and resilience, that he may not grow weary in the pursuit of justice.
Lord, we also lift up Jeremy's personal life to You. May his relationships be filled with love and harmony, and may he find refreshment and renewal in times of rest. Surround him with wise counsel and supportive friends who will uplift him and encourage him in his calling.
In all things, may Jeremy's ultimate desire be to bring glory to Your name. May his life and work reflect Your righteousness and love. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Clark Count Assistant Prosecutor Elliot Jeffry
Gracious and loving Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Elliot Jeffry. We thank You for the gift of his presence and membership at Sovereign King Church and for the ways in which he serves the community as an Assistant Prosecutor in Clark County. Lord, we also lift up his wife, Jenny, and thank You for the blessings of their marriage.
We praise You, Lord, for the qualities You have instilled in Elliot. We ask that You would grant him boldness, wisdom, and fortitude as he carries out his duties in prosecuting evil and seeking justice. May he be guided by Your Spirit and rooted in Your truth as he navigates the difficulties of his work. Strengthen him to stand against injustice, and grant him the discernment to make righteous decisions.
Lord, we pray that Elliot would continually grow in knowledge of Your law. May he delve deeply into Your Word, studying and meditating upon it, that he may gain greater insight and understanding. Illuminate his mind with Your truth, enabling him to interpret and apply the principles of justice and righteousness with clarity and accuracy.
We ask for Your divine protection and provision over Elliot's life. Guard his health, both physically and mentally, that he may serve with strength and vitality. Meet his financial needs abundantly, providing for him and his family in all circumstances. May they experience Your faithfulness and provision in every aspect of their lives.
Lastly, we lift up Elliot and Jenny's marriage before You. May their union be a reflection of the love and joy found in Christ. Strengthen the bonds between them and grant them wisdom and grace to navigate the challenges and joys of married life. Fill their home with peace, love, and laughter, and may their marriage be a testimony to Your goodness.
In all things, may Elliot's life bring glory to Your name. May his work be characterized by righteousness and integrity, and may his service in the legal field be a light in a world often darkened by injustice. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Benedict of Nursia 480-547 AD
“To attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself; but to recognize always that the evil is one’s own doing, and to impute it on one’s self.”
Benedict was born at Nusia in Umbria, Italy as the Roman Empire was falling apart. He moved to Rome as a young man but was disgusted at the paganism and immorality, he found there. Leaving Rome, he did what many are tempted to do in an age of evil which is to live the life of a hermit. Though alone, he gained a reputation for faith in Christ and several young men asked him to come lead. He reluctantly agreed to lead the monastery, but someone attempted to kill him by poisoning his wine. However, the attempt failed. He later went on to establish 12 monasteries. He was known for discipline and a desire for holiness. Benedict drew up a rule of life for monastics, a rule which he calls "a school of the Lord's service, in which we hope to order nothing harsh or rigorous." The Rule gives instructions for how the monastic community is to be organized, and how the monks are to spend their time. An average day includes about four hours to be spent in liturgical prayer (called the Divinum Officium -- the Divine Office), five hours in spiritual reading and study, six hours of labor, one hour for eating, and about eight hours for sleep. The Book of Psalms is to be recited in its entirety every week as a part of the Office.
A Benedictine monk takes vows of "obedience, stability, and conversion of life." That is, he vows to live in accordance with the Benedictine Rule, not to leave his community without grave cause, and to seek to follow the teaching and example of Christ in all thing.
The quote above is from his book of precepts and rules for the monasteries. While we might not agree with all that was done in monastic life, God in his providence did use the monasteries to preserve his written word. While Rome was falling apart, the word of God was preserved, and the gospel was preached. All good comes from God and should be praised to his glory just as Benedict wrote centuries ago.
In purely secular terms, their contribution was considerable. In Benedict's time, the chief source of power was muscle, whether human or animal. Ancient scholars apparently did not worry about labor-saving devices. The labor could always be done by oxen or slaves. But monks were both scholars and workers. A monk, after spending a few hours doing some laborious task by hand, was likely to think, "There must be a better way of doing this." The result was the systematic development of windmills and water wheels for grinding grain, sawing wood, pumping water, and so on. The rotation of crops (including legumes) and other agricultural advances were also originated or promoted by monastic farms. The monks, by their example, taught the dignity of labor and the importance of order and planning.
A Prayer of thanks for Benedict of Nursia
Almighty and everlasting God, whose precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Upcoming Events:
Morning Study Hour With Pastor 6-7AM
July 12 Women’s Bible Study
July 15 Street Preaching Farmers Market in Jeff 9 Am-12 Noon
July 16 Genevan Pub
July 19 Family Ministry Night
July 28 Women’s Quarterly Workshop