Tues., 6/16/15 Devotion (Isa. 48:17b)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 48:17b, where we read these words:

"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit . . . "

Most normal and/or sane people want to "profit" in their lives. They want their existence on earth to amount to something. Even the worst and most rebel-lious haters of God feel this way. And this is good, because the Lord made us to want to "profit." But note (above) that our God "teaches" His church *how* to profit.

The *way* the Triune God does this is through convincing His children of the proper hierarchy of "loves." If we love Jesus and His church *first* and fore-most; then we are in a good and legitimate position to also love other people (outside of the church); and to enjoy other things, including abundance and pleasures. In this way, through Christ, we fully profit in all aspects of life (for God’s glory).

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you would not be discouraged in any condition, then never make your comforts depend upon your condition, nor be in love with any condition for itself . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]