Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian

What is worse than financial poverty? Proverbs 18:22–19:7 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that spiritual poverty is infinitely worse than financial poverty. The central message of the devotional is that true security comes not from wealth, status, or earthly influence, but from relationship with God through Christ, Who is the ultimate Friend. Drawing from Proverbs 18:22–19:7, it emphasizes that godly speech and a life marked by humility and wisdom are instruments through which God grants blessings such as a godly spouse and faithful friends, but these are ultimately divine gifts, not human achievements. The passage confronts the worldly illusion that wealth buys loyalty, revealing instead that the poor and righteous are often abandoned by friends, yet they are not without hope, for they have Christ—'a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother'—Who stands as their eternal advocate before God's judgment seat. The sermon warns against pride and fleshly security, highlighting that those who live in arrogance and deceit, even if wealthy, will face divine accountability, while those whose fellowship with Christ is displayed by walking in integrity, though friendless on earth, are assured of divine favor. Ultimately, believers are called to place their hope not in material prosperity or human alliances, but in Christ alone, Who is the source of true life, righteousness, and unshakable friendship.

How does the Lord respond to His Bride's discouragement over her present failings? Song of Songs 1:8–11 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord responds to His Bride's discouragement over her failings with encouragement and instruction. The devotional reflects upon the believer's identity and hope, rooted in the Bride's longing for sanctification and the Bridegroom's loving response. It emphasizes that spiritual growth is not found in novel methods or self-reliance, but in faithfully following the well-worn paths of the faithful—through the ordinary means of grace and the pastoral ministry, which Christ has appointed and employs. The Bridegroom's declaration of the bride's incomparable worth—comparing her to His prized filly among Pharaoh's chariots—affirms the dignity, value, and divine purpose of His church (and His elect), not by inherent merit, but by union with Christ. This dignity is being progressively adorned by God Himself, Who is actively refining His church through a Trinitarian work of sanctification, culminating in a glory that surpasses all earthly splendor. The passage calls the church and individual believers to hold fast to this truth, especially in seasons of discouragement, recognizing that their worth is defined not by failure or external appearances, but by the unchanging love and sovereign work of Christ, Who is both the Author and the Finisher of their faith.

What is the sign of Christ's coming? Matthew 24:1–44 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's coming is the sign of Christ's coming. Jesus teaches on the signs of the end, distinguishing between the predictable and escapable destruction of the temple—marked by the abomination of desolation—and the unpredictable, inescapable return of the Son of Man, which will be unmistakable and universal. He warns against deception by false Christs and prophets, emphasizing that no earthly signs, including wars, famines, or persecution, indicate His coming, as these are merely the 'beginnings of sorrows' characteristic of the age between His resurrection and return. The true sign of His coming is His visible, glorious appearance in the heavens, like lightning flashing across the sky, when all will see Him and the elect will be gathered from every nation. While the timing of His return remains unknown to all except the Father, believers are called to live in constant readiness, not in fear of signs, but in faithful service, knowing that their eternal destiny hinges not on external events or religious rituals, but on being united to Christ through faith. The passage concludes with a sobering call to self-examination: will His return be a day of judgment and mourning for the unprepared, or a moment of joy and redemption for those who have been gathered by grace?

Who can be truly righteous? Read Ecclesiastes 7:16–29 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is our only hope for righteousness that is according to God's standard, in God's strength, and unto God's praise. The devotional unpacks Ecclesiastes 7:16–29 as a meditation on the futility of self-righteousness, and the necessity of fearing God as the only true path to righteousness. It corrects a common misinterpretation of verse 16 by emphasizing that the warning is against self-justification—seeking righteousness for one's own glory, strength, or approval—rather than against striving for godly virtue. The passage highlights Solomon's own failure, despite his extraordinary wisdom—demonstrating that human effort, no matter how great, cannot achieve the righteousness God demands. True righteousness is found not in human wisdom or moral striving, but in the fear of the Lord and union with Christ, Who alone is the sinless, upright Man. The passage ultimately points to Jesus as the only perfect human, the one righteous Man among thousands, Whose righteousness cannot be imitated through self-achievement but imputed by grace through faith, and which transforms the believer's life to conform to God's standard, not for self-glory, but for His eternal glory.

Wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict.

Wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict.

How was Israel to apply the third commandment to their life in the land? Deuteronomy 12:32–14:21 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel was to apply the third commandment to their life in the land by carefulness in theological speech, by church discipline, and by consecration of all of life. This devotional centers on the profound responsibility of honoring God's Name in both word and life, rooted in the third commandment's call to not take His Name in vain. It emphasizes that God's Word is to be preserved without addition or subtraction, and that even miraculous signs cannot validate false teaching, as God may allow deception to test true devotion. The passage calls for rigorous personal and corporate discipline, including the removal of false prophets, family members, and entire communities that promote idolatry, underscoring the necessity of holiness to honor the sanctity of God's Name. This moral law was applied to Israel through dietary regulations and cultural practices, illustrating that holiness extends to everyday life—how believers eat, dress, and live—because they are God's chosen, holy people bearing His Name. Ultimately, the passage calls for a life marked by conscious reverence, where every action reflects the weightiness of being a child of God, a holy and treasured possession, and a living testimony to His glory.

To escape eternal death, we must not reject Christ's Word, but come to Him, Who came for us, and calls us, in love.

Why is wise speech so needed? Proverbs 18:13–21 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict. The devotional emphasizes the importance of wise speech in resolving conflict, drawing from Proverbs 18:13-21. It highlights the destructive nature of foolish speech and the need for prudent, knowledgeable, and impartial communication to overcome contention. The passage underscores the human tendency to be swayed by bribes and initial presentations, urging listeners to be quick to listen and slow to speak, trusting in God's providence. The power of the tongue to bring life or death is stressed, with wise speech being a means to restore peace and joy. The tone is instructional and pastoral, encouraging listeners to fear the Lord and seek His guidance in their interactions to become peacemakers.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 23—especially explaining how the covenant of works gets its name. Q23. What covenant did God make with Adam? The covenant of works. The lesson explores the covenant of works that God made with Adam, as outlined in the catechism. It distinguishes this covenant from the covenant of grace, emphasizing that Adam's obedience and works were the means to obtain the blessings of life in the first covenant, while in the second covenant, it is Jesus' works that secure blessings for believers. Pastor clarifies the terminology used in the Westminster Standards, explaining why the Standards use different various names for the covenant with Adam. The tone is instructional, aiming to educate and clarify the theological distinctions for the audience.

The Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him

The Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him

To escape eternal death, we must not reject Christ's Word, but come to Him, Who came for us, and calls us, in love.

Why does Jesus send us preachers? Matthew 23:34–39 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus sends us preachers out of loving desire to save our soul. The devotional centers on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's persistent rejection of His messengers. By identifying Himself as the divine Sender—echoing YHWH's voice in Jeremiah—Jesus reveals that opposition to His prophets, apostles, and ordained pastors is ultimately opposition to Him, and thus to God. Jesus' heartbreak over Jerusalem—His desire to gather His people like a hen gathers her chicks—reveals a profound, enduring compassion, yet also a solemn warning. Ultimate confession of His lordship will come, either in joyful faith now or in eternal horror at His return. The call is urgent: examine whether one's response to Scripture and God's ordained preachers is one of repentant faith or hardened resistance, for the day will come when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord—either in blessedness or in horror.

What does the Bride of Christ desire? Song of Songs 1:2–7 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him. The devotional unfolds the Song of Songs 1:2–7 as a profound reflection on the believer's deep longing for intimate, experiential communion with Christ, Who is known as King, Shepherd, and Bridegroom. Central to the message is the bride's passionate plea for His kisses, which symbolize the living, transformative expressions of His grace. Her identity as both flawed and beloved—dark yet lovely—illustrates the condition of the church in this world as holy, but not yet glorified. The devotional emphasizes that true spiritual health is marked by single-minded devotion to Christ, a desire to be drawn by His grace, and a desire for genuine, Scriptural nourishment over-against merely human ministry. Ultimately, the believer is called to seek Christ in His Word and means of grace, where His love is made real, His name is exalted, and His people are gladdened and strengthened in Him.

What is the good life? Read Ecclesiastes 6:1–7:15 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the good life is one in which we trust God's providence and enjoy His goodness in every circumstance. The devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 6:1–7:15 to reveal that no earthly possession, prosperity, or even longevity can satisfy the human soul apart from God. It exposes the futility of seeking joy in wealth, power, or endless life when one lacks the divine gifts of both the opportunity and the ability to perceive God's goodness. True wisdom lies not in accumulating more, but in seeing God's hand in all circumstances—prosperity and adversity alike—and in cultivating a heart that finds rest in Him. Pastor emphasizes that the fear of the Lord, not material wealth, is the foundation of the good life, and that enduring value is found in a relationship with God, not in fleeting experiences or worldly achievements. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to fix their eyes on eternal realities, to embrace sorrow as a means of spiritual refinement, and even to live with the awareness of death as a help to a life well-lived.

What is true worship? Deuteronomy 12:1–31 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only God chooses what is true worship. This passage establishes that worship must be conducted exclusively according to God's sovereign choice, not according to the church's preference or the practices of the surrounding culture. It emphasizes that true worship involves the destruction of pagan altars and idols, and the exclusive offering of only what God has provided, and only in the way that God has commanded and in the place God designates, where His name dwells. The people are called to rejoice before God in gratitude for His generous provision. This reflects the broader theological truth that God alone determines how humanity may approach Him, culminating in the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ, the true dwelling place of God's Name. Therefore, worship must always be offered in the way God has commanded, not according to human desire or cultural imitation, but in joyful obedience to His revealed will. When this is followed, the worship comes through Christ.

Isolating yourself hurts both yourself and others.

Isolating yourself hurts both yourself and others.

What is the Song of Songs about? Song of Songs 1:1 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Song of Songs is about the King of kings and His marriage of marriages in His love of loves. The Song of Songs titles itself a divine, poetic masterpiece, is not merely a human love story but an allegory pointing to Christ's eternal, sacrificial love for His church, the bride. Rooted in the rich literature of corresponding Scripture, it is a song of songs—exalted in both form and content—designed to imprint divine truth on the mind, stir deep affections, and move the will of the singer and hearer. Though attributed to Solomon, the king's flawed history underscores that the true focus is not on his marriage but on that of Christ, the King of Kings—Whose love is the love of loves. The book's poetic, dense language, together with corresponding Scripture, especially Psalm 45 and Ephesians 5, reveal that the Song is about Christ and His Bride. It is the most excellent song, the central narrative of Scripture, in which all of God's redemptive history finds its fulfillment in Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

What does self-isolation do? Proverbs 18:1–12 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that self-isolation hurts you, and hurts others. Proverbs 18 contrasts the destructive power of the fool's tongue with the life-giving wisdom of the righteous, revealing how pride and isolation lead to ruin. In vv1–12, the fool, who seeks only his own desires and rejects wise counsel, exposes himself in ways that invite contempt, dishonor, and reproach, turning his speech into a snare for his own soul. His words, likened to deep, murky waters, obstruct truth, promote partiality, and fuel conflict, ultimately destroying both himself and the community. In contrast, the wise person, marked by humility and trust in God, builds relationships and finds safety in divine authority, reflecting how true honor flows from submission and faith. The devotional calls believers to guard their speech, resist gossip, and embrace humility as the path to lasting wisdom and blessing.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 22—especially explaining how a covenant joins two or more persons in a binding relationship. Q22. What is a covenant? An agreement between two or more persons. The lesson explores the biblical concept of a covenant as a sacred, binding relationship rooted in mutual commitment rather than mere contract. Drawing from Scripture, it emphasizes that God initiates, defines, and sustains the covenant through promises, obligations, and consequences for breach.

The gospel of Christ the King, and His bride, should make our hearts and lives sing!

The gospel of Christ the King, and His bride, should make our hearts and lives sing!

Unless they come into the last Adam, children of the first Adam do not escape hell by their religion, but earn it more.

Unless they come into the last Adam, children of the first Adam do not escape hell by their religion, but earn it more.

How do we keep the first commandment? Deuteronomy 9:1–11:32 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these eighty-three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep the first commandment by loving Him Who first loved us, through His Word by which He communicates Himself. The central message of the devotional is that true obedience to God is rooted not in human righteousness but in divine grace, as Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land was not due to their virtue but to God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Pastor emphasizes that Israel's repeated rebellions—especially at Horeb with the golden calf—reveal their persistent sinfulness, yet God, in His mercy, repeatedly intercedes, renews the covenant, and restores His people, demonstrating that His love precedes and enables their love in return. This divine love, most fully revealed in Christ's sacrifice, is the foundation for genuine love to Him: fearing God, walking in His ways, serving Him with all the heart and soul, and keeping His commandments out of gratitude and affection. The devotional calls believers to internalize God's Word as the operating system of life—meditating on it, speaking it, and living it out in daily routines, so that love for God becomes a holistic, transformative way of life. Ultimately, obedience is not a transactional effort to earn favor but a response to God's prior love, and covenant blessings are contingent upon faithful, covenantal love, which remains relevant today in the church's corporate, covenantal blessings.

Self-control is necessary for godly parenting.

Self-control is necessary for godly parenting.

What is Micah about? Micah 7:8–20 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Micah is about the praise of our incomparable, compassionate God. The devotional centers on the enduring hope and confidence of God's people amid suffering, drawing from Micah 7:8–20 to affirm that even in divine discipline, God remains faithful, merciful, and sovereign. It highlights the tension between judgment and grace, showing how God's righteous chastening is not abandonment but a means to restore His people, who are called to trust in His ultimate justice and compassion. The passage culminates in a profound doxology that exalts God as uniquely merciful—forgiving iniquity, delighting in steadfast love, and casting sins into the depths of the sea—thereby affirming His unchanging character and covenant faithfulness. This truth is both a comfort to the afflicted and a warning to the proud, as the nations will be humbled before the living God, while His remnant will be restored and exalted. The tone is deeply pastoral and worshipful, inviting believers to rest in God's goodness even during seasons of trial, knowing that His mercy is not earned but rooted in His very nature.

How do we get joy? Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that joy is a gift that God adds to His other gifts. The devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 to affirm that life's joys—eating, drinking, and labor—are not meaningless but truly good and meaningful when received as gifts from God. It emphasizes that even in a short, toilsome life shaped by the fall, God's goodness in ordinary experiences is a sacred blessing. The passage teaches us to receive wealth and labor, not as achievements of human effort, but as gifts from God. True joy arises from recognizing our good things as our portions from Him, and the joy itself is its own, separate gift. This frees believers from anxiety over life's brevity, as God sustains them with joy, preventing undue dwelling on mortality. Ultimately, the message calls for a life lived in continual gratitude, where every good thing is received in worship and delight, reflecting a heart transformed by grace and anchored in eternal hope.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 21—especially explaining how God created us happy and holy, into which He brings us back when He redeems us. Q21. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve? He made them holy and happy. God created Adam and Eve in a state of holiness and happiness, reflecting His righteous and holy nature, as revealed in Scripture such as Ecclesiastes 7:29 and Ephesians 4:24, where humanity was made upright and in God's image. Their condition was one of divine communion, with God Himself as their ultimate joy, providing all that was good and necessary for their flourishing in the Garden. This original state of grace is restored in the new man through Christ, the Last Adam, who renews believers in true righteousness and holiness, reestablishing the happiness that comes from fellowship with God. Though the first Adam fell into sin and misery, the redemptive work of Christ restores what was lost, ensuring that all things work together for good for those called according to God's purpose. God's design for humanity was that they would be happy and holy.

Why should we watch against overzealousness in discipline and instruction? Proverbs 17:26–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that proper response to others demands that we be sparing with our words and cool in our spirit. The devotional centers on the wisdom of restraint, emphasizing that punishing the righteous or rebuking those who act with integrity is contrary to God's design, and that true understanding is marked by a calm spirit and sparing of words. Drawing from Proverbs 17:26–28, it highlights the importance of discernment in responding to authority and virtue, urging believers to be slow to speak and quick to listen, especially when recognizing God's work in others. The passage teaches that silence is a foundational step toward wisdom, as even a fool begins to grow in understanding by holding his peace and refraining from folly. The lesson calls for a Christlike character marked by self-control, humility, and patience, inviting the hearer to cultivate a cool, thoughtful spirit that reflects the fruit of the Spirit.

Forgetting God's commandments is forgetting God Himself.

Forgetting God's commandments is forgetting God Himself.

Unless they come into the last Adam, children of the first Adam do not escape hell by their religion, but earn it more.

Unless they come into the last Adam, children of the first Adam do not escape hell by their religion, but earn it more.

What does a Pharisee need? Matthew 23:13–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the children of the first Adam need a new nature from, union with, and to be conformed to the last Adam. The devotional lesson delivers a sobering indictment of religious hypocrisy, drawing from Jesus' scathing critique of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13–33. It exposes the anatomy of a condemned person: one who outwardly appears righteous yet is inwardly corrupt, prioritizing ritualistic obedience over justice, mercy, and faith, while exploiting the vulnerable and manipulating religious practices for self-gain. The passage emphasizes that true righteousness is not achieved through external conformity or impressive displays of piety, but through inner transformation—cleansing the heart by union with Christ, the last Adam, and receiving a new nature by the Holy Spirit. The warning is clear: even the most active, doctrinally sound, and outwardly righteous individuals can be headed toward hell if they remain in themselves and dead in sin. The ultimate call is to repentance, faith in Christ, and a radical inward renewal that reorients all religious life around relationship with God, not merely outward displays.

Why is disobeying God's Word called forgetting Him? Deuteronomy 8:11–20 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that disobeying God's Word is personal, proud, praising (wrongly), and pernicious (leading to destruction). Pastor's devotional centers on the solemn warning in Deuteronomy 8:11–20 to never forget YHWH God, especially in times of prosperity, as prosperity breeds pride and spiritual amnesia. It emphasizes that forgetting God is not merely a failure of memory but a personal, proud rejection of His identity as Creator, Redeemer, and Provider, who sustains His people through trials and blessings. The passage exposes the danger of attributing one's success to personal strength rather than recognizing that all wealth and provision come from God's faithful covenant-keeping character. This spiritual forgetfulness leads to idolatry, as people begin to worship the fruits of their labor instead of the Giver, placing themselves under divine judgment and the same fate as the nations destroyed for their unfaithfulness. The devotional calls for continual dependence on God's grace through Christ, not only for forgiveness of disobedience but for the transformative power to remain faithful, thankful, and ever-remembering of God's sovereign goodness.

What is it like for the faithful during wicked times? Micah 7:1–7 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, during wicked times, the faithful despair of men but trust in the Lord. Pastor's devotional draws from Micah 7:1–7 to illuminate the profound suffering of the godly in a corrupt world, where faithfulness is met with loneliness, oppression, and familial strife, as even those in positions of authority and kinship betray trust. It emphasizes that the godly person, though isolated and surrounded by deceit, is not without hope, for the true response to such pain is not retreat but a steadfast turn to Yahweh in faith, patience, and confident hope. The passage reveals that divine salvation is not found in human loyalty but in the sovereign, faithful God who hears and delivers, even in the darkest seasons. The passage calls believers to embrace the cost of holiness, recognizing that suffering for righteousness is not a sign of failure but a mark of faithful witness, and that ultimate comfort lies in waiting upon the God who saves. This message is both a sobering reality check and a sustaining encouragement, rooted in the certainty of God's presence and promise.

How does the Bible conclude? Revelation 22:18–21 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bible concludes with an emphasis upon Christ's gracious use of the Bible. The final words of the Bible, found in Revelation 22:18–21, underscore the divine authority, completeness, and finality of Scripture, warning against adding to or subtracting from its message while emphasizing that God's revelation is fully given in the written word. The passage reveals that the ultimate emphasis of God's self-revelation is not in mystical experiences or visions, but in the faithful hearing and obedience to the written Word, which is the means by which Christ draws near and applies His salvation. Jesus, who testifies to these things, declares His imminent return not as a distant future event, but as a present, ongoing work of grace through the proclamation and reception of Scripture. The response of the Church—'Even so, come, Lord Jesus'—is not a plea for personal deliverance alone, but a humble embrace of Christ's grace, which empowers believers to live in accordance with His Word. The closing benediction, 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,' affirms that obedience is not earned, but sustained by divine generosity, strength in weakness, and the Spirit's work in the heart of the believer. Thus, the final message of Scripture is both a solemn warning and a gracious invitation to trust in Christ's finished work, received through the hearing of His Word.

What can be a hindrance to humility in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that earthly position and earthly possessions threaten to hinder humility before God. Pastor's devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 to expose the humiliation of power and wealth, emphasizing that both kings and the rich are ultimately subject to God's sovereignty and the impermanence of earthly things. It highlights that oppression and injustice are not signs of divine abandonment but are subject to a divine order where even the highest authorities are accountable, and where true wisdom lies in recognizing one's creaturely dependence on God. The text warns that the pursuit of wealth brings not satisfaction but anxiety, sleeplessness, and spiritual emptiness, as material abundance increases responsibility and fosters fear, sorrow, and anger, while ultimately yielding nothing at death. Pastor urges us to humility before God—rooted in worship and reinforced by the reality that all come into the world naked and leave the same way—urging believers to live not for status or possessions, but for God's glory, which endures beyond death. This humility, cultivated in worship, becomes the antidote to pride and greed, transforming life from a pursuit of vanities into a life of lasting meaning and peace.

To rescue us and our children from the misery of our folly, the Lord has brought His Word near us.

To rescue us and our children from the misery of our folly, the Lord has brought His Word near us.

What grieves a parent to death? Proverbs 17:21–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the unchecked folly of a child grieves a parent to death. Pastor's devotional lesson explores the profound connection between parental joy and a child's spiritual well-being, drawing heavily from Proverbs 17:21-25. It emphasizes the importance of parents providing biblical discipline and instruction, trusting God to remove folly from their children, while simultaneously urging children to seek wisdom and avoid behaviors that bring grief to their parents and ultimately, to themselves. The message underscores that a joyful heart, rooted in obedience to God's word, is a source of life and healing, contrasting sharply with the grief and death associated with foolishness and disobedience, ultimately calling for a commitment to both parental responsibility and a child's receptive heart.

Biblical obedience flows from loving remembrance of our loving God.

Biblical obedience flows from loving remembrance of our loving God.

Only God is exalted in Himself, and when He became a Man, He exalted Himself by humility, so we must do what Christ does and desire what He desires.