Tues., 12/30/25 Devotion (Jn. 10:17b)

Today's encouragement comes from John 20:17b, where we find these words of our sweet Jesus:

“ . . . ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ " (ESV)

After our Lord Jesus’ resurrection, He especially affirms that *His* Father is *our* (the true church’s) Father; and that *His* God is *our* God. This is a re-markable statement, because our Messiah is placing us on the exact same plane with Himself (with regard to His human nature)—as He is, in relation to our God and Father.

If you are a child of God through regenerative faith in Jesus Christ, then you are related to the King (Jesus); and you share in all the benefits of His king-dom!

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man who is spiritually alive is ever in motion, ever stirring and working upon himself when he is alone, and upon others when he is in company, drawing them still to a good opinion of God's ordin-ances and of His grace.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way To True Happiness"]

Mon., 12/29/25 Devotion (Jn. 18:6)

Today's encouragement comes from John 18:6, which says this:

“When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” (ESV)

When Christ called Himself “YHWH,” (“I am He”), those who came to “arrest” Him ended-up bowing and scraping before Him. When they got up off the ground, they continued their wicked pursuit of Him. The point is, that even Jesus’ enemies are forced to worship Him—even as they seek to kill Him.

Let all the true saints recognize that we, too, bow to Jesus even before we are converted to Him. All who behold God the Son must and will worship Him. Let us do so today with relish and joy.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Word written is a repository in which God has laid up sovereign oils and balsams to heal sick souls; and the Word preached is the pouring out of these oils, and applying them to the sick patient.”

—Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Soul's Malady and Cure"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/26-28/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is coming! As we prepare for the Lord's Day, here is some encouragement from Thomas Watson's "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"We glorify God, by praising him. Doxology, or praise, is a God-exalting work. Ps. 1:23: ‘Whoever offers praise glorifies Me.’ The Hebrew word 'Bara,' to create, and 'Barak,' to praise, are little different, because the end of creation is to praise God. David was called the sweet singer of Israel, and his praising God was called glorifying God. Ps. 86:12: ‘I will praise You, O Lord my God, and I will glorify Your name.’

"Though nothing can add to God’s essential glory, yet praise exalts Him in the eyes of others. When we praise God, we spread His fame and renown, we display the trophies of His excellency. In this manner the angels glorify Him; they are the choristers of heaven, and do trumpet forth His praise. Praising God is one of the highest and purest acts of religion. In prayer we act like men; in praise we act like angels. Believers are called ‘temples of God,’ (1 Cor. 3:16). When our tongues praise, then the organs in God’s spiritual tem-ple are sounding."

Tues., 12/23/25 Devotion (2 Chron. 28:22a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 28:22a, where we read these words:

"Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to the LORD.”

When regenerate churchmen become “distressed” they get afflicted—and this results in renewed repentance and faith. When God-despisers undergo “dis-tress,” they blame it on God, rather than themselves (the rightful culprits).

As true Christians, let us be good stewards of our “distress”; and, through it, become even *more* faithful to the Lord—all via His sovereign and loving grace to us in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a harder thing to believe than to keep the Ten Commandments.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast”]

Mon., 12/22/25 Devotion (Jn. 12:10-11)

Today's encouragement comes from John 12:10 & 11, where we read these words:

“So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (ESV)

So here is a brilliant plan: let’s kill our perfect and sinless Messiah; and, while we are at it, let’s also murder the innocent man He (Jesus) raised from the dead. . . . If we are ever tempted to diminish the insane wickedness of Christ-less religion—texts like this one bring us back to our sober assessments.

Are *you* raised from the dead, in your regenerated new life in Christ? If so, there are plenty of works-mongers anxious to snuff you out, as well. Still, be not afraid—your Messiah is stronger than Satan and his horde.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When we preach Christ and free grace it is to bring you to Christ. Our preaching [against] works is not to keep you from doing them but from resting in them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remis-sion"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/19-21/25 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go to church, to worship God. In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Di-vinity” book. . . .

"Why was Jesus Christ made flesh?

"The 'causa prima,' and impulsive cause, was free grace. It was love in God the Father to send Christ, and love in Christ that He came to be incarnate. Love was the intrinsic motive. Christ is God-Man, because He is a lover of man. Christ came out of pity and indulgence to us: 'non merita nostra, sed misera nostra,' Augustine. 'Not our deserts, but our misery,' made Christ take flesh. Christ's taking flesh was a plot of free grace, and a pure design of love. God Himself, though Almighty, was overcome with love. Christ Incarnate is nothing but love covered with flesh. As Christ's assuming our human nature was a masterpiece of wisdom, so it was a monument of free grace."

Thurs., 12/18/25 Devotion (Jn. 8:42a)

Today's encouragement comes from John 8:42a, where we read these words:

"Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love Me . . . ‘ "

There is not a true God-devotee in the entire universe who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ. All other "god-talkers" serve a different ultimate spiritual father, (namely, Satan). Devotion and dedication to a “God-concept”—no mat-ter how ardently and fervently it is held—is worthless idolatry, if it does not center on love for Christ.

Every soul has a "father"; and, in the final analysis—even according to Christ Himself—it is either the Father in heaven, or the one consigned to hell (Sa-tan). Who is your Father? Look at the highest object of your love, and you will know.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where Christ is, all happiness must follow.”

—Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]