August 26

August 26

Prayer

Pray that we may be holy and not forget those who are afflicted and weak.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
(James 1:27)

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Question 88

Question 88 - What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Reformational Reading

The Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 69

Question 69 - What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, sanctification, and: Whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.

Private Reading

Lamentations 3

1.  I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
2.  He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
3.  Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
4.  My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
5.  He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
6.  He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.
7.  He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
8.  Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.
9.  He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked.
10.  He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.
11.  He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate.
12.  He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
13.  He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
14.  I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.
15.  He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.
16.  He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.
17.  And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.
18.  And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
19.  Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20.  My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21.  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22.  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24.  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25.  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
27.  It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28.  He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29.  He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
30.  He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
31.  For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
32.  But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
33.  For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
34.  To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,
35.  To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,
36.  To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.
37.  Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
38.  Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
39.  Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
40.  Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
41.  Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.
42.  We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.
43.  Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.
44.  Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.
45.  Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.
46.  All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.
47.  Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction.
48.  Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
49.  Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission,
50.  Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven.
51.  Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.
52.  Mine enemies chased me sore, like a bird, without cause.
53.  They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.
54.  Waters flowed over mine head; then I said, I am cut off.
55.  I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.
56.  Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.
57.  Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.
58.  O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.
59.  O LORD, thou hast seen my wrong: judge thou my cause.
60.  Thou hast seen all their vengeance and all their imaginations against me.
61.  Thou hast heard their reproach, O LORD, and all their imaginations against me;
62.  The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.
63.  Behold their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their musick.
64.  Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.
65.  Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them.
66.  Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the LORD.

Commentary: Lamentations 3

Vs. 1-20

The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.

Vs. 21-36

Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophet shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. We should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us. God’s compassions fail not; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. Afflictions do and will work very much for good: many have found it good to bear this yoke in their youth; it has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who otherwise would have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work patience, that patience will work experience, and that experience a hope that makes not ashamed. Due thoughts of the evil of sin, and of our own sinfulness, will convince us that it is of the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. If we cannot say with unwavering voice, The Lord is my portion; may we not say, I desire to have Him for my portion and salvation, and in his word do I hope? Happy shall we be, if we learn to receive affliction as laid upon us by the hand of God.

Vs. 37-41

While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of, is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and not of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people’s ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers. If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.

Vs. 42-54

The more the prophet looked on the desolations, the more he was grieved. Here is one word of comfort. While they continued weeping, they continued waiting; and neither did nor would expect relief and succor from any but the Lord.

Vs. 55-66

Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the prophet concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the new man, drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning it in praises; it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He silenced their fears, and quieted their spirits. Thou saidst, Fear not. This was the language of God’s grace, by the witness of his Spirit with their spirits. And what are all our sorrows, compared with those of the Redeemer? He will deliver his people from every trouble, and revive his church from every persecution. He will save believers with everlasting salvation, while his enemies perish with everlasting destruction.

Psalm 34

1.  A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2.  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3.  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4.  I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5.  They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6.  This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7.  The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8.  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9.  O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10.  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11.  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12.  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13.  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14.  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15.  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16.  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17.  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18.  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20.  He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21.  Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22.  The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Commentary: Psalm 34

Vs. 1-10

If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David’s prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation, and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste and see God’s goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and abounded, because he was content, Philippians 4:11-18. Those who trust to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them, shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own business.

Vs. 11-22

Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man’s life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace’ sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befall them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.

Family Reading

1 Samuel 18

1.  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2.  And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
3.  Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4.  And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
5.  And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
6.  And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
7.  And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
8.  And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
9.  And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10.  And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
11.  And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
12.  And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
13.  Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14.  And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
15.  Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
16.  But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
17.  And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
18.  And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
19.  But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
20.  And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21.  And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
22.  And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.
23.  And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
24.  And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
25.  And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
26.  And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.
27.  Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
28.  And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.
29.  And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
30.  Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

Commentary: 1 Samuel 18

Vs. 1-5

The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of Divine grace, which produces in true believers one heart and one soul, and causes them to love each other. This union of souls is from partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God unites hearts, carnal matters are too weak to separate them. Those who love Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant. It was certainly a great proof of the power of God’s grace in David, that he was able to bear all this respect and honor, without being lifted up above measure.

Vs. 6-11

David’s troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs, but arise from them; such is the vanity of that which seems greatest in this world. It is a sign that the Spirit of God is departed from men, if, like Saul, they are peevish, envious, suspicious, and ill-natured. Compare David, with his harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the sweetness and usefulness of God’s persecuted people, and the barbarity of their persecutors. But David’s safety must be ascribed to God’s providence.

Vs. 12-30

For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behavior towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in others, will not excuse wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to the duties of our station. Consider Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds, Hebrews 12:3. If David magnified the honor of being son-in-law to king Saul, how should we magnify the honor of being sons to the King of kings!

Romans 16

1.  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2.  That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3.  Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4.  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5.  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6.  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7.  Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8.  Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
9.  Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10.  Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
11.  Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12.  Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
13.  Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14.  Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15.  Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16.  Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17.  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
19.  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20.  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21.  Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
22.  I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
23.  Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
24.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25.  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26.  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27.  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Commentary: Romans 16

Vs. 1-16

Paul recommends Phoebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.

Vs. 17-20

How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offenses. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?

Vs. 21-24

The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and steady Christians.

Vs. 25-27

That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed be God, there is as much of this mystery made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not willfully neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world. The Scriptures of the prophets, what they left in writing, is not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of faith. All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, so as to be accepted of him, must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and doings are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of his righteousness we must make mention, even of his only; who, as he is the Mediator of all our prayers, so he is, and will be, to eternity, the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.

Prayer

Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

Amen.