Tues., 9/30/14 Devotion (Gal. 6:9-10)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 6:9 & 10, where Paul wrote these words:

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Perseverance is difficult. Anyone who believes that he will endure to the end in his own strength, has failed before he even got started. Many people who embark on the journey of faith with earnest zeal, fall away. Why? Much of this is from not counting the cost (Lk. 14:28); but much of it is from not under-standing the nature of the trek.

Let us look to the Captain of our souls, Jesus (Heb. 12:2); and be encouraged by the promise that we will reap a rich harvest if we persevere—both in this world, and in the one to come.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you love anything, love something better than yourself; and that only is Christ, who is altogether lovely." --Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "Christ's Loveliness"]

Mon., 9/29/14 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 5:1, where we read these words:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

The default position of the flesh--even in truly converted Christian church-men--is always back to law, and works. The Galatian congregation had been sold a "bill of goods" by a Judaizer. He was urging them to add the Old Cove-nant stipulations to their faith in Christ. Some of the Galatians were caving in. The Apostle Paul took out all his guns, and began to blast away (at this works-religion).

Let us recognize that, unless we are very careful, we also will fall back into "ordinary religion," which amounts to nothing more than what a Muslim or an atheist hopes for: rewards based on performance. Instead, let us continue to cling to Christ, by faith; and, in so doing, enjoy our blessed freedoms as chil-dren of the Great King.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Prayer is the pouring out of the soul to God; not the pouring out of words . . . " --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/26-28/14 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! In order to help get us ready for church, here is the great Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good":

"There may be the seed of grace, where there is not the flower of joy. The earth may want a crop of corn, yet may have a mine of gold within. A Chris-tian may have grace within, though the sweet fruit of joy does not grow. Ves-sels at sea, that are richly fraught with jewels and spices, may be in the dark and tossed in the storm.

"A soul enriched with the treasures of grace, may yet be in the dark of deser-tion, and so tossed as to think it shall be cast away in the storm. David, in a state of dejection, prays, 'Take not thy Holy Spirit from me,' (Psalm 51:11). He does not pray, says Augustine, 'Lord, give me Thy Spirit,' but 'Take not away Thy Spirit,' so that still he had the Spirit of God remaining in him."

Thurs., 9/25/14 Devotion (Gal. 1:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 1:6, where Paul wrote this:

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— . . . " (ESV)

How was this false "gospel" "different"? It still spoke of Christ, of faith, of re-pentance, and of church. It was a "different" "gospel" because it *added* things to the pure gospel. If we add but a drop of poison to a perfectly good glass of wine—it is no good anymore. If we add circumcision and the cere-monial law to the true gospel, it is no good anymore. If we add anything for-eign to the true gospel, we now have "man's" gospel, or, more accurately, we have the "devil's" gospel--because it leads people to hell.

There is a lot at stake with regard to the pure gospel of Jesus. Let us treasure it, believe it, and die for it. But let us never pollute it, to our own destruction.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Nothing more prostitutes the conscience, and no-thing utterly undoes men more, than being fast and loose with God in sacred vows and promises." --Richard Steele, in, "The Character of an Upright Man"]

Wed., 9/24/14 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:11c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11c, where we read these words:

" . . . And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Even the world relishes the idea of a God of "love and peace." Their "love and peace" god, however, is not the Lord of heaven and earth, who saves sinners and judges all men (according to His perfect and holy standard). Un-believers' idea of "love and peace" is really more like, "lust, and leave me alone."

But Paul's statement above *does* apply to the redeemed church. The True God of "love and peace" *is* with us; and we particularly *experience* these blessed attributes of His (love and peace), as we are maturing, united, and secure (as the Body of Christ), [see the earlier parts of v. 13].

[Puritan quote of the day: "If temptations arise from natural causes, then nat-ural means, as medicines, are to be used and applied, and people would do well to be persuaded thereunto." --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Tues., 9/23/14 Devotion (2 Cor. 12:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 12:8, where we read these words:

"Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me."

Paul is referring (above) to his famous (and never-fully-defined) "thorn in the flesh." All regenerate Christians have a "thorn in the flesh." Think with me about our most difficult and persistent "heart-struggle"--the situation that we have to face everyday, and which we wish would just "go away." This is very likely our "thorn in the flesh." Is it wrong for us to desire to be released from this hardship? No. Paul prayed three times that it might "depart from" him.

But a Sovereign God gives us these "thorns" for our good. If we could see things as the Lord does, we would actually *thank* Him that we have these problems. By faith, we may do that now--recognizing with Paul that God's grace is "sufficient" for us, in Christ, (cf. v. 9).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The object of divine love is God. God is good, and good is amiable. God is all good; and there is none good but one, and that is God." --Richard Alleine, in, "Heaven Opened"]

Mon., 9/22/14 Devotion (2 Sam. 18:9b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 18:9b, where we read these words:

" . . . so he [Absalom] was left hanging between heaven and earth."

Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was on the cross, bearing the sins of all the elect church from all time, hung, as it were, "between heaven and earth." He bridged the infinite gap between a holy God and sinful men. The regenerate Christian, who struggles through the process of sanctification, also, in a sense, is suspended "between heaven and earth." Our old flesh natures (earth), are at war with our new natures in Jesus (heaven).

Where are the eyes of our hearts focused, today? If they are on earth, we will naturally gravitate there. If they are on heaven, we will, by grace, soar there (in our souls).

[Puritan quote of the day: "In His last sufferings, Christ sapped the very foun-dations of Satan's kingdom. He conquered His enemies in their own territo-ries, and beat them with their own weapons, as David cut off Goliath's head with his own sword." --Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Excellency of Christ"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/19-21/14 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his incomparable work, entitled, "A Body of Divinity":

"A people in covenant with God are a willing people; though they cannot serve God perfectly, they serve Him willingly. They do not grudge God a little time spent in His worship; they do not hesitate or murmur at sufferings; they will go through a sea and a wilderness, if God call. 'Your people shall be a willing people,' (Ps. 110:3). This spontaneity and willingness is from the at-tractive power of God’s Spirit: the Spirit does not force, but sweetly draws the will; and this willingness in religion makes all our services accepted. God does sometimes accept of willingness without the work, but never the work without willingness.

"God's covenant people are a consecrated people, they have holiness to the Lord written upon them. . . . God's covenant people are separated from the world, and sanctified by the Spirit. The priests under the law were not only to wash in the great laver, but were arrayed with glorious apparel, (Ex. 28:2). This was typical, to show God’s people are not only washed from gross sins, but adorned with holiness of heart: they bear not only God’s name, but im-age."

Thurs., 9/18/14 Devotion (2 Cor. 7:4c, 5c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 7:4c & 5c, where we read these words:

" . . . I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. . . . Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."

It is always helpful for us to read of the Apostle Paul's experiences. We can see (above) that even he, the stalwart of faith and strength, was "fearful" at times. But even more than this, he could find a way (in Christ) to be "joyful" in "tribulation."

Every true believer is capable of enduring a whole lot more than he or she could ever imagine that he or she could. There is valor within that will never come to the fore unless it is put through the fire (of afflictions). Still, none of us look forward to these conflicts. The only thing we like is the Christlike char-acter that develops in us (which brings us much peace, stability, and happi-ness).

[Puritan quote of the day: "People [become] distracted from coming to God by their own self-imposed spiritual disciplines." --John Owen, in, "Sin and Temp-tation"]

Wed., 9/17/14 Devotion (Ps. 66:12b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 66:12b & c, where we read these words:

" . . . We went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."

If we are sincere believing Christian churchman, saved by grace through faith in Christ (alone), then this much is certain about us: we *will* go through some very difficult times in this life. But this much is also a sure thing: we will be brought through them, to even higher levels of faith, character-develop-ment, joy, and fulfillment—in *this* life.

But no one gets the "good stuff" without first traversing some pretty dark val-leys. Therefore, let us learn now, in advance, that God is good, and that Jesus is worth possessing no matter what. Then, as we stare into hard cir-cumstances it will not be so bad, since we *know* we will benefit on the other end.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then not having it is good for us. Resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment.--Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Content-ment"]

Tues., 9/16/14 Devotion (2 Cor. 5:17)

Today's encouragement comes from the familiar and lovely words of 2 Corin-thians 5:17, which say this:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have pass-ed away; behold, all things have become new."

Newness is a good thing. For the believing Christian churchman, all past sins are forgiven--covered by the blood of Jesus; and the present and the future are brighter (than the past). People outside of Jesus also want "newness," and they seek it all their lives. But they remain in their perpetual “oldness,” and "ancient" sins: the sin they shared in Adam; and the sins they have com-mitted along the paths of their unbelief.

Christians may need to suffer more than most people; but we also have a surpassing glory that more than compensates for it: and that is our blessed life in Jesus. Let us love Him today; and enjoy Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Happiness and rest are what all men pursue. But the things of the world, wherein most men seek it, can never afford it. They are laboring and spending themselves in vain." --Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "The Peace which Christ Gives . . . "]

Mon., 9/15/14 Devotion (Ps. 62:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 62:1, where we read these words:

"Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation."

A "silent" soul is often a good thing. A silent soul has nothing to say, or do, but to "wait" for God. There is no question in David's mind (above), but that the Lord would save him. The only thing to do was to wait "silently."

Let us all take a few deep (spiritual) "breaths” today; and seek to stop the clamor going on in our hearts and souls. Let us recognize what (and more im-portantly, Who) is truly important. We should trust God that He will meet all our needs, in Christ; and then we may approach life with more confidence, all based in faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Suffer we must. Before we were born, God de-creed it; and it is easier to complain of His decree than to change it." --Sam-uel Rutherford, in, "Letters of Samuel Rutherford"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/12-14/14 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his incomparable work, entitled, "A Body of Divinity":

"A people in covenant with God are a willing people; though they cannot serve God perfectly, they serve Him willingly. They do not grudge God a little time spent in His worship; they do not hesitate or murmur at sufferings; they will go through a sea and a wilderness, if God call. 'Your people shall be a willing people,' (Ps. 110:3). This spontaneity and willingness is from the at-tractive power of God’s Spirit: the Spirit does not force, but sweetly draws the will; and this willingness in religion makes all our services accepted. God does sometimes accept of willingness without the work, but never the work without willingness.

"God's covenant people are a consecrated people, they have holiness to the Lord written upon them. . . . God's covenant people are separated from the world, and sanctified by the Spirit. The priests under the law were not only to wash in the great laver, but were arrayed with glorious apparel, (Ex. 28:2). This was typical, to show God’s people are not only washed from gross sins, but adorned with holiness of heart: they bear not only God’s name, but image. Tamerlane refused a pot of gold, when he saw it had not his father’s stamp upon it, but the Roman stamp. Holiness is God’s stamp; if He does not see this stamp upon us, He will not own us for His covenant people."

Thurs., 9/11/14 Devotion (1 Cor. 16:2)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 16:2, which says this:

"On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come."

Sunday is not only the day of worship and rest--it is also the day when we of-fer our resources to God (during the worship service). More good is done by the "widow's mite" placed in the faithful church's offering plate on the Lord's Day, than is done by billions of dollars being given away by unbelievers throughout the rest of the week.

It is an privilege to give to God, through Christ's church. The Lord does not need anything from us; but He honors us by bestowing on us the opportunity to "co-labor" with Him in the furtherance of the gospel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed that you do not rest in external purity, but seek purity of heart in the ways of God's appointment. Seek it in a con-stant and diligent attendance on all God's ordinances [means of Grace]."
--Jonathan Edwards, in, "Altogether Lovely"]

Wed., 9/10/14 Devotion (Ps. 53:5a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 53:5a, where we read these words:

"There they are in great fear where no fear was . . . "

David is (here above) musing on the ways of wicked men; but I wonder if this principle of misdirected fear does not often apply even to the true saints. Why should sincere believing Christian churchmen fear for the state of their souls, if they truly and really trust in Jesus alone for their salvation and the forgive-ness of their sins?

We should fear God at all times; but in Christ this only leads to our loving Him all the more. This is possible if one condition is met, (and it is impossible if this condition is not met). And that condition is a good doctrinal and theologic-al understanding of the gospel, and of how justification is realized. When peo-ple mix works with their faith, it is no wonder they are in "great fear." They ought to be.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God."
--Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Tues., 9/9/14 Devotion (2 Sam. 3:39a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 3:39a, where we find these words:

"And I am weak today, though anointed king . . . "

The words (above) were spoken by King David, as he was mourning the death of Abner, a man he had respected. The point we should note is this: it is certainly possible for God's dear and beloved churchmen, who are His roy-alty on earth, to sometimes feel very weak and (even discouraged).

The experiences of our lives down here are not uniform. Sometimes they are "positive"; sometimes they are "negative." But this one thing *is* constant: if we are in Christ, and are trusting Him alone for our eternal salvation and the forgiveness of our sins, then we are *always* God's princes and princesses--whether we feel strong, or weak.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Our happiness here and hereafter depends on our friendly [communication] with heaven. If we do not have that, nothing can make up our loss (Ps. 30:5). If we have that, nothing can make us miserable." --Thomas Boston, in, "The Crook In the Lot"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/5-7/14 Devotion

Yippee--Sunday is fast approaching. In order to help prepare us for the church's worship of Almighty God, here is Thomas Watspm, from his "Heaven Taken by Storm" book:

"When this blessed [Sabbath] day approaches, we must lift up our heart in thankfulness to God, that He has put another price into our hands for gaining heavenly wisdom. These are our spiritual harvest-days. Now the wind of God's Spirit blows upon the sails of our affections, and we may be much fur-ther on in our heavenly voyage. Christian, lift up your heart to God in thank-fulness, that He has given you another golden season, and be sure you im-prove it. It may be the last. Seasons of grace are not like the tide; if a man misses one tide, he may have another.

"This day approaching, we must in the morning dress and fit our souls for the receiving of the Word. The people of Israel must wash their garments before the law was delivered to them. Our hearts must be washed by prayer and re-pentance, since the oracles of God are about to be delivered to us."

Thurs., 9/4/14 Devotion (1 Cor. 9:24)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24, where the Apostle Paul wrote these words:

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

Competition in life, and even in the realm of faith is good. True Christians must run against their flesh, the devil, the world, all religious hypocrites and idolaters, and everything else that is contrary to sound doctrine. Not only must we run, but we must win, too. There is no room for losing or letting up; and second place renders no reward.

Let us give our church lives everything we have got (to give). Everything de-pends on it. Let us love Christ and His gospel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The world is full of poor professors [of religion] without reality. How few are there who walk in beauty and glory!" --John Owen, in, "The Mortification of Sin"]

Wed., 9/3/14 Devotion (Ps. 44:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 44:4, where we read these words:

"You are my King, O God; command victories for Jacob."

This is an interesting verse (above); and one from which we can learn some good gospel lessons. The psalmist first pledges allegiance to God, as his per-sonal "King"; and then he immediately has the holy "audacity" to ask Him (God) to "command victories for Jacob."

The point is this: God is a Sovereign King that listens to His children. He does not sit in heaven, "protecting" Himself from the intrusions of His churchmen on earth. Instead, He welcomes our prayers; *wants* us to ask Him for things; and almost "entices" us to be as bold as we want to be with Him. All of this is because of God's incredible love for His redeemed church, (in Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing that would render the true religion more lovely, or make more proselytes [converts] to it, than to see the profes-sors of it tied together with the heart-strings of love.” --Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 9/2/14 Devotion (1 Cor. 7:17b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 7:17b, where we read these words:

" . . . And so I ordain in all the churches."

This little phrase (above), written by Paul, is quite significant. The Apostle did not teach one thing in one church, and another thing in another church. There was uniformity and order to his gospel instruction. The various congregations had different needs, challenges, and even giftedness--but they all received consistent doctrinal and practical teaching.

So it is to be, even today. Though there is room for some variation in the churches, with regard to non-essentials--there is no room for deviation from the cardinal truths of the gospel. Regrettably, of course, this uniform commit-ment to core values is not being practiced today, (as it was not totally even in Paul's day, either). But still, the most faithful churches must, and will, take the lead.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Men are by nature utterly careless of the glory of God. They have no degree of concern for it. A natural man never does any one thing out of true concern for the glory of God." --Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "It is Well for us that God is Not as we are"]

Mon., 9/1/14 Devotion (Ps. 40:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 40, v. 17a, which says this:

"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. . . . "

David wrote these words (above). He was "poor and needy" in that he knew he was bankrupt before God--having no righteousness of his own. All of David's favor with God came through his union (by faith) with Christ. But what is very intriguing in this verse is the expression, "The LORD thinks upon me."

Can we picture the God who created the entire universe "thinking" on us, His church? He does. We may not think of ourselves as particularly interesting--but the body of Christ, and the individual members therein are of infinite inter-est to God. He "thinks" on us; and all His thoughts are for our good, our wel-fare, our betterment, and our prosperity. Let *us* think on Christ today, and thank God for His goodness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Do not say thus, 'I shall never be helped; I am in a sad condition and shall never be better.' . . . This you cannot say, for who knows what God will do?" --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]