How to Love God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 9–11]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the audio transcript: 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.

2025.10.09 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 9:1–11:32

Read Deuteronomy 9:1–11:32

Questions from the Scripture text: What is Israel about to do (9:1–2)? What will YHWH their God do (v3)? What might they mistakenly think is the reason for this (v4, 5, 6)? But what is the actual reason? What has Israel actually done and been like (9:7–10:11, esp. 9:22–23)? What was the Lord doing all this time? What had He provided Moses to do for them (9:25–29, 10:10–11)? How does the Lord respond to this mediation (10:1–5)? How far did His care for them follow (10:6–9)? What summary commandment is at the heart of how they are to respond (10:12–13; 11:1, 8) to God’s love (10:14–22; 11:2–7)? How will He respond to their loving Him, or no loving Him (11:9–17, 22–32)? What details does He prescribe for their loving Him (v18–21)? 

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 bulk of Deuteronomy is an exposition and application of the Ten Commandments to the life of Israel, in covenant with God in the land they are about to enter. We have covered half of the chapters (ch6–8) doing this with the first commandment, and today we cover the rest (ch9–11). 

ch9 begins addressing a danger that will soon present itself. They are about to defeat a people much greater than themselves, and they may falsely conclude that the Lord did this for them because of how righteous they were. So, Moses spends the next chapter and half reminding them of just how unrighteous they have been. The idolatry at Sinai itself is the most egregious example, although their travelogue is basically a catalog of various sins in various places (9:22–23). Moses sums it up nicely in 9:24, “You have been rebellious against YHWH from the day that I knew you.”

For His part, not only had the Lord redeemed them and brought them into covenant with Himself, but He had provided them a mediatory. Moses anticipates the mediatorial work of Christ, as he intercedes for the sinful people. After summarizing the mercy of God to them up to this point, He urges them to love the God Who has first loved them (10:12–13; 11:1; 11:8). This has been the point of all of ch6–11. And the details of the manner in which to go about loving God are found at both bookends of the section. 11:18–20 rehearses 6:6–9. We love God by having His Word in our hearts, on our lips, and shaping our lives.

When they do this in the land, they will enjoy those covenant blessings which the Lord has tied to the land (11:22–32), and when they do not, they will suffer covenant curse. Here is the sum of the first commandment (and the first great commandment) for us: love God, because He first loved us, by receiving His Word as the communication of Himself—and having His Word in our hearts, on our lips, and shaping our lives.

For the Christian, we have an even greater demonstration of the love of God to us: the death of Christ (cf. Rom 5:8). And we have Christ as a Mediator infinitely greater than Moses. And we have His Spirit ministering His Word to us in our hearts. The first great commandment is truly the Christian way of life.

How has God demonstrated His love for you? What is your habit for meditating upon that love? How are you responding to that love? What place do the Scriptures have in your life?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we think that You are being good to us because of how good we have been. Thank You for loving us, even when we were sinners, and determining to atone for us and change us. Grant that we would love You because You first loved us. And, make us to keep Your Word with all our heart, and enjoy Your blessing in doing so, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH341 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”

2025.10.08 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Who Is Like You, God? [Family Worship lesson in Micah 7:8–20]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: 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.

2025.10.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 7:8–20

Read Micah 7:8–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Micah/Israel tell whom not to do (Micah 7:8a)? Why not (verse 8b–d)? What will he bear (Micah 7:9a)? Why (verse 9b)? Until the Lord does what three things (verse 9c–e)? With what result (verse 9f)? Then what will happen to their enemy (Micah 7:10a–b)? What had she said (verse 10c)? But what will Israel now see (verse 10d–f)? What day will soon come (Micah 7:11a)? Who will be summoned from where (Micah 7:11-12)? But what else will happen (Micah 7:13)? What does Israel now pray that YHWH would do (Micah 7:14a)? What do they call themselves to appeal to Him (verse 14b)? What is their current condition (verse 14c–d)? To what condition do they pray to return (verse 14e–f)? What does the Lord answer that He will do (Micah 7:15)? Like when? What will happen to whom (Micah 7:16-17)? How does Micah respond (Micah 7:18a)? What does he find so great about God (verse 18b–e)? What is he confident about, based upon this aspect of God’s character (Micah 7:19)? For whose sake will He do this (Micah 7:20a–b)? Why (verse 20c–d)?  

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.

Micah now addresses the enemy (Micah 7:8-10), the remnant (Micah 7:11-13), and the Lord in both prayer (Micah 7:14-17) and praise (Micah 7:18-20). 

Micah addresses the enemy, who has gloated over Judah’s troubles. They don’t understand that the Lord chastens (Micah 7:9a–b) those whom He loves, defends (verse 9c–d), and guides (Micah 7:8d, Micah 7:9e) into His own blessedness (verse 9f). So, even when His people are under His chastening, this is very bad news for the enemies (Micah 7:19).

Micah addresses the remnant. They will be rebuilt (Micah 7:11a), and they will be gathered (verse 11b). From among the nations, there will be those who are gathered with the remnant as God’s people (Micah 7:12), and then the rest of the nations, who will continue under judgment (Micah 7:13). God’s people should be confident about the future of the church.

Micah addresses the Lord in prayer. Micah 7:16-17 appear as statements in our English version, but they can just as easily read as requests/desires in the Hebrew. What we have is a prayer for the remnant that the Lord would shepherd them from the mountains down into the lush fields of Gilead (Micah 7:14), with an interjection from the Lord answering that prayer (Micah 7:15); then, a prayer for the defeat of the enemy (Micah 7:16-17). 

Micah addresses the Lord in praise. His name means, “Who is like YHWH?” And this is the question with which he praises Him in Micah 7:18a. The story of Micah might have seemed to be the sin and punishment of God’s people, but it really has been about their pardoning (verse 18b), forgiving (verse 18c), reconciling (verse 18d) God, Who not only has covenant love but delights in it (verse 18e). His character ensures that their sins will be forgiven (Micah 7:19c–d) and eliminated (verse 19b) in His compassion. He will be Himself to them (Micah 7:20a–b) and keep His promises to them (verse 20c–d). How marvelous is our God!

What can you be sure of about your own troubles, sanctification, and end? What can you be sure about the end of the enemies of the church? What does God show about Himself in this? How are you responding to Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, Your indignation against our sin is righteous and just. And Your determination to subdue our iniquities is merciful. Forgive us and cleanse us, in Your compassion and love, we pray through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH103A “Bless the LORD, My Soul”

Created (and Redeemed) to Be Happy and Holy [Children's Catechism 21 — Theology Simply Explained]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: 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.

The Joyous Difference God Makes [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 5:18–20]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: 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.

2025.10.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 5:18–20

Read Ecclesiastes 5:18–20

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Ecclesiastes 5:18 introduce the conclusion? What two adjectives does it apply to what three things? Where does man labor? But Who gives him his life? What do that goodness and that life constitute? What other six gifts from God does Ecclesiastes 5:19 mention? What will a man who receives these as gifts from Him not do (Ecclesiastes 5:20)? Why not; what keeps him busy?

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.

Joy cannot be obtained directly from food, drink, labor, or wealth. The enjoying of good is a portion (NKJ “heritage,” Ecclesiastes 5:18) from God, and rejoicing in labor is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19). It is God that gives him the joy of his heart (Ecclesiastes 5:20). 

So, the key to lastingly worthwhile living is not the obtaining of things, but the receiving of those things as gifts from God.

In our fleshliness, we may think that attaining to high positions, or accumulating many possessions, make life better, more significant, or more happy. But, even food and drink are true blessings when received as a gift from God. Labor and toil, and what they produce, are true blessings when received as a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 5:19). And the power to eat of it, to receive it as a portion from God, and rejoice in it—these are all gifts from God.

When received this way, the darkness and sorrow and anger (Ecclesiastes 5:17) of “dwelling unduly” on the brevity and fruitlessness of one’s life are replaced by joy of heart that is being given by the Lord (Ecclesiastes 5:20). 

How rich and joyous is life when received as your assigned portion from God! What grief men unnecessarily bring upon themselves, when they push down on the knowledge of God, and live a life that is limited to what’s under the sun.

How are you receiving your food as a gift from God? How are you receiving your drink as a gift from God? How are you receiving your labor as a gift from God? How are you receiving its productivity as a gift from God? How are you receiving your wealth as a gift from God? What joy do you have in these things? How are you receiving that joy as a gift from God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You have given us every good and perfect gift: our food, our drink, our labor, our life, and the ability to enjoy them all truly. Grant that we would not only enjoy Your good gifts, but that we would enjoy Your goodness, and indeed enjoy You Yourself. So, help us by Your Spirit, to glorify and enjoy You, we ask through Your Son, our Lord Jesus, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly, I Am with You” or TPH429 “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”

When Silence Is a Virtue [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 17:26–28]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: 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.

2025.10.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:26–28

Read Proverbs 17:26–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What is not good (Proverbs 17:26a)? What else is not good (verse 26b)? What does the one with knowledge do (Proverbs 17:27a)? what does the man of understanding have (verse 27b)? Even who can be counted wise (Proverbs 17:28a)? When (verse 28b)?

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.

These three verses provide a concluding caution to the last several subunits. Yes, folly is fatal, and discipline and instruction are necessary. But one must be careful against overzealousness in either of them.

There is truly righteous behavior that is produced by real grace, and this righteousness should be praised not punished (Proverbs 17:26a, cf. 1 Peter 2:14). The proper handling of a man includes just as much watchfulness for praising the righteous as for disciplining the fool. 

And whereas an evil prince is a too-frequent and too-harmful danger (cf. Proverbs 17:7), there is such a thing as a prince of such character as is appropriate to the position of a king. So, we must resist the inclination always to suspect and resist authority (cf. Proverbs 17:26b), as if it is always good to do so. Uprightness in the civil magistrate is to be desired, sought, hoped for, and rejoiced in.

How will we keep from responding inappropriately to situations, before we know whether we are dealing with wisdom or folly—whether what is needed is punishment or praise? The one who has knowledge and understanding restrains both his lips and his heart. Both are necessary: to spare one’s words and calm one’s heart (Proverbs 17:27); and, this is in keeping with the fruit that the Spirit produces in the believer (cf. Galatians 5:22–26). To train those beneath us well, and respond properly to those above us, we must bear these fruit.

For the fool, this can be the first step toward wisdom. Stopping up his mouth enables him to start listening instead of speaking, and puts him on the path to wisdom. This is to be hoped for, watched for, and commended (Proverbs 17:28). In remediating folly (particularly in child-rearing), it is necessary that one be gracious and prudent by the work of the Spirit.

By what means have you been seeking the grace of the Spirit? How has this shown up in your use of your words? How has it shown up in the calmness of your heart? Whom are you training or submitting to? What evidences have there been of God’s gracious work in them? How are you responding to it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You that Your grace actually does make us new, bring us to faith, unite us to Christ, and begin to make us to be like Him. Please, apply that grace to us by Your Holy Spirit. Bless the means of Your grace to us, and conform us to Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”