Fri.-Sabbath, 12/30/16-1/1/17 Devotion

Happy New Year, everyone!

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again! In order to help us get ready for this highest calling, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The One Thing Necessary" treatise. . . .

"The seasons of grace though they are precious, are not permanent. Abused mercies will, like Noah's dove, take their wings and fly from us. England's golden hour will soon run out; gospel blessings are very sweet, but very swift. 'Now they are hid from your eyes' (Luke 19:42). We know not how soon the golden candlestick may be removed.

"There is a time when the Spirit is done striving. There are certain spring tides of the Spirit, and these being neglected, possibly we may never see another tide come in. When conscience is done speaking, usually the Spirit is done striving.

"The loss of gospel opportunities will be the hell of hell. When a sinner shall at the last day think with himself, 'Oh, what might I have been! I might have been as rich as the angels. as rich as heaven could make me. I had a season to work in, but I lost it.' This, this will be as a vulture gnawing upon him; this will enhance and accent his misery. And let this persuade you speedily to work out your salvation."

Thurs., 12/29/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 34:27)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 34:27, which finds this be-ing said about the great king Josiah:

" 'Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,' says the LORD."

A humble, broken, contrite heart is irresistible to the Lord. Josiah was so zeal-ous for God, His house, His word, and His worship. Even after grieving over the punishment that was sure to come because of Judah's past wickedness, Josiah was given by God assurances that none of the calamity would befall the nation, in his lifetime.

As God brings us to true brokenness—it may sting for a while. But the end re-sult is our assurance in Christ that our sins are forgiven; and that we may rest fully and confidently in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let God have His will by being holy, and you shall have your will by being happy.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Wed., 12/28/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 33:10-11)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 33:10 & 11, which says this:

"And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon."

Here, in just two verses of the Bible, we have the entire program of how God deals with those whom He intends to save. The Lord first starts out gently and positively: sending His word to His people (by prophets [OT] and pastors [NT]). If that method does not bring about the results He is looking for, God brings out His harder and more negative implements: hooks and fetters.

In King Manasseh's case, harsh measures were necessary in order to bring him to repentance. This is not the best, nor the wisest approach, however. When we hear the gospel word of God leading us to Jesus, let us immediate-ly respond to Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who has been drinking spirits of wine, will not much thirst after water; and that man who has once 'tasted how sweet the Lord is,' (Ps. 34:8), and has drunk the cordials of the Spirit, will not thirst im-moderately after secular delights.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Tues., 12/27/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 32:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 32:1a, where we read these words:

"After [King Hezekiah's] deeds of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah . . . "

Notice here that it appears that Hezekiah's many faithful deeds were "reward-ed" with the world's strongest man (politically and militarily) coming to Jeru-salem, to destroy it. Sometimes it seems that the people made righteous in Jesus' blood, and who are walking by faith, are the very ones who get the worst trials in this life. And though this is true, it should be no cause for alarm for us; and neither should we be discouraged by it.

Later in this very chapter, at v. 20, Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed together; and the Lord delivered Judah from all Sennacherib's threats, (as God annihilated his army). That is a splendid biblical example of how the state (Hezekiah) and the church (Isaiah) are to minister together, in this world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "They have armies on their side, and strength and powers of the world on their side; but we have truth and God on our side!”
—Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Mon., 12/26/16 Devotion (Jn. 16:33)

Today's encouragement comes from John 16:33, where we read these words, uttered by our Lord Jesus:

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

This is a beautiful verse (above). Christ seals the peace of His church; and then He gives us the assurance of His absolute and unwavering victory (in and through us—even in this world). "Tribulation" is a "shaking" dynamic. It is not a pleasant experience. But, even in the midst of undergoing it, we are to be of "good cheer," because Jesus, in His blood atonement and glorious re-surrection, has forever secured the church's triumph over the world (in which we undergo our troubles).

Therefore, let us not be discouraged, but greatly heartened, in Jesus. Even our worst feelings and experiences are redeemed and sanctified, by the King and Head of the church: Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the church is beautiful beyond all other of the children of men, how beautiful is Jesus Christ, from whom the church derives all its comeliness?” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/23-25/16 Devotion

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wahoo—Sunday is almost here! We get to go back to church again!! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Spiritual Watch" treatise. . . .

"Keep your heart as you would keep a temple. The temple was a hallowed place, set apart for God's worship. Just so, the heart is the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16). This heart-temple must be kept pure and holy—no filth may lie here; sweep the dust out of the temple. The vessels of the temple were cleansed (2 Chron. 29:15). Thus the memory, affections, and conscience, these temple vessels, must be cleansed (2 Cor. 7:1). Christ whipped the buy-ers and sellers out of the temple in John 2. The cares of the world will be crowding into the heart. Now you must get a whip made of the threatenings of the law, and drive these money-changers out of the temple of your heart. Do not let God's temple be turned into a worldly market.

"The temple had a fire burning on the altar; take heed of strange fire. But keep the fire of zeal and devotion flaming upon the altar of your heart; do temple work and offer up the sacrifice of a broken heart. When the heart is a consecrated place, a holy of holies, then God will walk there. Many a man's heart is a pest-house, a bedlam, being polluted with sin. This is to put swine into God's temple! This is to let the devil come into God's temple! David's heart was a dedicated temple (Ps. 119:38)."

Thurs., 12/22/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 26:5)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 26:5, where we read these words:

"[King Uzziah] sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper."

Uzziah of Judah was a good king, but he was not a great king. So long as he had godly clergy instructing him, he did well. But once he got proud, and pre-sumptuously assumed the duties of the Levites, he fell down, (cf. 2 Chron. 26:16).

We learn at least two things from the example of Uzziah: 1) good church in-struction keeps the saints in the narrow way of Jesus and His gospel; and 2) unless pride is constantly checked, blessings can turn to burdens; and those who had been very exemplary in their faith can nevertheless take some seri-ous tumbles.

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

Wed., 12/21/16 Devotion (Zech. 8:2)

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

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous for her.’ "

The truth is that God is not really zealous about very many things. During our Lord Jesus Christ's first advent ministry on earth He passed by many (most) things with relative indifference. But He *was* extremely zealous for God's "house," (see Jn. 2:17). The church, the Gospel, the Sabbath, and Divine worship all matter very much to God—and they do to all the truly redeemed, as well.

The problem we fallen sinners face is that we do not naturally value what God treasures. But the well-led and informed true Christian may readjust his or her priorities, so that we begin to love what Christ loves, enjoy what He enjoys, and live for what He lives for. We will never regret doing so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where there is love to God, there is grieving for our sins of unkindness against Him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 12/20/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 24:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 24:18a, where we read these words:

"Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols . . . "

This verse (above) pretty well sums-up the religious life of all professing Christians. So long as we stay close to the Lord, and hence in His "house," we are fine, safe, and secure. But just as soon as we abandon the Lord, and leave His "house," we end up worshipping wood, rocks, sticks, and dirt.

What a contrast: on one hand, we have communion with the God who creat-ed all things, and has re-created His saints in the image of Jesus; and on the other hand, we end up bowing down to things infinitely lower than ourselves. Let us all recognize the key and critical importance of staying in God's "house," the holy church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As there was but one ark to save the world from drowning, so there is but one Jesus to save sinners from damning.” —Thom-as Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Mon., 12/19/16 Devotion (Zech. 6:12b)

Today's encouragement comes from Zechariah 6:12b, where we read these words:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying: 'Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the LORD.' "

Jesus is the promised "Branch." Ever since His resurrection, and the pouring-out of the blessed Holy Spirit (at Pentecost), His gospel and church have been "branch[ing] out" all over the globe. The Lord Jesus is "build[ing] the temple" every Lord's Day, as He edifies His church; and, indeed everyday, as He abides with each individual believer.

Let us be thankful for the work of the "Branch"; and let us derive all of our nourishment and fruitfulness from Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: " 'Israel sighed by reason of their bondage,' (Ex. 2:23); but sinners are willing to be slaves, they will not take their freedom; they kiss their fetters.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/16-18/16 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday again. We GET to go back to church! Here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Lord's Prayer" book. . . .

"What do we pray for in these words, 'Thy will be done'?

"We pray for two things; 1) For active obedience; that we may do God's will actively in what He commands. 2) For passive obedience; that we may sub-mit to God's will patiently in what He inflicts.

"We pray that we may do God's will actively, subscribe to all His commands, believe in Jesus, which is the cardinal grace, and lead holy lives. So Augus-tine, upon this petition: 'We pray that we may actively obey God's will.' This is the sum of all religion, the two tables epitomized, the doing God's will. 'Thy will be done.' We must know his will before we can do it. Knowledge is the eye which must direct the foot of obedience. At Athens there was an altar set up, 'To the unknown God,' (Acts 17:23). It is as bad to offer the blind to God as the dead. Knowledge is the pillar of fire to give light to practice; but though knowledge is requisite, yet the knowledge of God's will is not enough without doing it. If one had a system of divinity in his head; if he had 'all knowledge,' yet, if obedience were wanting, his knowledge were lame, and would not carry him to heaven, (1 Cor. 13:2). Knowing God's will may make a man ad-mired, but it is doing it that makes him blessed. Knowing God's will without doing it, will not crown us with happiness."

Thurs., 12/15/16 Devotion (Jn. 5:6)

Today's encouragement comes from John 5:6, where we read these words:

"When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, 'Do you want to be made well?' "

At first glance Christ's question to the lame man (above) seems to be very odd. After all, does not everyone want to be "made well"? Actually, no; and this is why Jesus inquired of the infirm person. A lot of people are comfortable with their maladies—especially as these become excuses not to love or serve God. Many sinners literally do *not* "want" to be made well.

It is a real blessing to actually desire good things—and health and well-being are some of them. It is one thing to be unwell (in whatever way this may be); but it is quite another thing to be content to be in that state. God would have us long for Christ, wholeness, and all pleasant things (temporal and eternal), as His beloved church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sometimes persons live in ways of sin and are not sensible of it because they are blinded by common custom and the examples of others.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Necessity of Self-Exam-ination"]

Wed., 12/14/16 Devotion (Jn. 4:22)

Today's encouragement comes from John 4:22, where we find our Lord Jesus saying these words:

"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews."

This is a very bold and highly politically-incorrect assertion the Messiah makes here. He is basically teaching that all who worship false gods (or con-coctions of the true God—as was the case with the Samaritan to whom Jesus spoke these words)—were blind in their devotion, and did not know their de-ity. Then, Christ has the audacity to affirm that "salvation is of the Jews." It does not come from any other ethnicity—because the Person of salvation (Jesus) came from the Jews.

Do we have this kind of courage; or are we reduced to saying inane things like, "All roads lead to heaven"? Let us follow our Master's lead; and let us do it with love and grace, as His holy church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A heartless, drooping, and discouraging life and walk is very unbecoming the gospel of Christ.” —James Durham, in, "The Un-searchable Riches of Christ"]

Tues., 12/13/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 15:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 15:7, where we read these words:

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

Judah's prophet Oded spoke these words (above) to the faithful, reforming King Asa. Sometimes, we need to be encouraged to be strong—especially when we are engaged in difficult, unpopular, and counter-cultural labors. Asa would soon be dismantling more idolatry in Judah, and he needed God's (and His prophet's) helpful words.

What the faithful church does for Christ sometimes riles sinners up. Does this mean we should stop serving Jesus? No. Instead, let us do our ministry faith-fully; but perform it with as little offense as possible. Still, we must discharge it with a firm and unswerving commitment to our Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Job the sufferer was more renowned than Alexan-der the conqueror.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 12/12/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 13:8a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 13:8a, where we read these words:

"And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David . . . "

Judah's king Abijah is here warning Israel's idolatrous king Jeroboam, that it is futile to fight against the Lord and His church. Jeroboam (the bad guy) had twice the number of soldiers as Abijah (the good guy) had; and yet God gave Abijah a great and resounding victory, (see v. 15 ff.).

The church may be in some ways vastly outnumbered by the world (and there is little doubt about that)—but the true church has Jesus, the Great "Son of David" on her side. Therefore, we should take courage; and fight the battles of our Lord—knowing that Christ is our victorious Captain, and we always conquer in and through Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer [that] fetched the angel.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/9-11/16 Devotion

Wahoo—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help us all get ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book entitled, "The Beatitudes":

"To do God's will is for our benefit. It promotes our own self-interest. As if a king commands a subject to dig in a mine of gold, and gives him all the gold he had dug out. God bids us do his will, and that is for our good. 'And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to keep the commandments of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good?,' (Deut. 10:13). It is God's will that we should repent, and this is for our good; for repentance ushers in remission. 'Repent, that your sins may be blotted out,' (Acts 3:19). It is God's will that we should believe; and why is it, but that we should be crowned with salvation? 'He that believes, shall be saved,' (Mark 16:16).

"What God wills, is not so much our duty, as our privilege; He bids us obey His voice, and it is greatly for our good. 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God,' (Jer. 7:23). I will not only give you My angels to be your guard, but My-self to be your portion; My spirit shall be yours to sanctify you; My love shall be yours to comfort you; My mercy shall be yours to save you; 'I will be your God.' "

Thurs., 12/8/16 Devotion (Lk. 22:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 22:43, where we read these words:

"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."

All God's churchmen need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. A lot of times the children of God find themselves in trouble, or need. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what troubles us). But what often-times the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.

After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength to endure the looming cross, (rather than a way around it). He does the same with us, His beloved church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Wed., 12/7/16 Devotion (2 Jn. 10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 John, v. 10, where we read these words:

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him."

These (above) are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Do not sweet and kind people listen to anyone? Are they not open to everyone's take on God and “truth"? Actually, no. Real love says, “Who are you to come to my house with a false gospel of works? I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. I do not need, nor will l toler-ate your dishonor of Him."

Does this mean we do not try to reach poor sinners bound-up in heresy? No, it does not mean that. Here is the rule we should go by: inform all works-righteousness people that *we*, not they, will do the evangelizing. If they want to listen, fine; if not, "adieu."

[Puritan quote of the day: "A great part of the pleasure and delight of the Christian life is made out of the observations of Providence.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Tues., 12/6/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 6:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 6:18a, where we read these words:

"But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? . . . "

Solomon's question—asked during his prayer of the dedication of the temple—was fully and finally answered when Jesus Christ came to earth in the In-carnation, (which we celebrate at Christmastime). Indeed, God *does* dwell with people on earth, even today—in and through the glorious Son of God who is the Head of His church.

Whatever struggle or difficulty we may be facing today may be much-eased by the faithful reflection of our souls on this blessed truth: that God is with His church, here and now, in Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Lord, let the [magnet] of Your Spirit draw my heart upward. Lord, dig the earth out of my heart; teach me how to possess the world, and not love it; how to hold it in my hand, and not let it get into my heart.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Ten Commandments"]

Mon., 12/5/16 Devotion (Lk. 19:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 19:5, where we read these words:

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him [Zacchaeus], and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' "

This is the only place in the Gospel accounts where I can recall that the Son of God actually "looked up" at any man. Zacchaeus, the once-proud, swind-ling tax collector, is now humbled, and honored (by Christ's presence in his heart, and his house).

Zacchaeus' conversion was thorough. He was a new man in Christ. From now on, the former-cheater would now always "look up" at the blessed Savior, and give Him all the glory and honor. May we do the same.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely, did the devil know how much benefit ac-crues to the saints by temptation, he would forbear to tempt.” —Thomas Wat-son, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/2-4/16 Devotion

Wahoo—Sunday is almost here! We get to go back to church again! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Spiritual Watch" treatise. . . .

"Keep your heart as you would keep a temple. The temple was a hallowed place, set apart for God's worship. Just so, the heart is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). This heart-temple must be kept pure and holy—no filth may lie here; sweep the dust out of the temple. The vessels of the temple were cleansed (2 Chronicles 29:15). Thus the memory, affections, and conscience, these temple vessels, must be cleansed (2 Corinthians 7:1). Christ whipped the buyers and sellers out of the temple in John 2. The cares of the world will be crowding into the heart. Now you must get a whip made of the threaten-ings of the law, and drive these money-changers out of the temple of your heart. Do not let God's temple be turned into a worldly market.

"The temple had a fire burning on the altar; take heed of strange fire. But keep the fire of zeal and devotion flaming upon the altar of your heart; do temple work and offer up the sacrifice of a broken heart. When the heart is a consecrated place, a holy of holies, then God will walk there. Many a man's heart is a pest-house, a bedlam, being polluted with sin. This is to put swine into God's temple! This is to let the devil come into God's temple! David's heart was a dedicated temple (Psalm 119:38)."

Thurs., 12/1/16 Devotion (Mic. 6:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Micah 6:8, where we read these great words:

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Sometimes the Christian life can be made to seem so busy and cluttered: "Be sure to pray; be sure to read your Bible; be sure to evangelize; be sure to serve others, etc." And though all these things are good (obviously), some-times we just need to relax and say, "Just *what* is it that You want me to *be* and *do*, Lord?"

Today's Micah text (above) pretty much answers that question. God wants us to live in Jesus, by faith. When we do this, we *will* do "justly," "love mercy," and "walk humbly with our God." Let's concentrate on Christ today. He will make us what He wants us (His church) to be.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God is infinitely greater than kings. He is universal King of heaven and earth, the absolute Sovereign of all things.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Warnings of Scripture"]