Mon., 12/31/18 Devotion (Rev. 22:17)

Happy New Year, everyone!

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 22:17, where we read these words:

"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."

In this one little verse, in the very last chapter of the Bible, we have God's perfect formula for evangelism, and living the Christian faith (in general). And that is, simply "Coming" to Christ, by grace through faith—and “drinking” Him in, in full and satisfying abundance.

And note that God's three mighty forces are all at work here, inviting us to come to Jesus: The "[Holy] Spirit," the Church ("Bride"), and the Word (the preached Scripture itself). If we take any one of these blessed provisions away, we not only cannot come to Jesus, we also do not possess Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When God shines in the use of means, then the soul is, as it were, in heaven.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/28-30/18 Devotion

Yes—it is almost Sunday, God's holy day. Let us be sure to keep the com-mandment, and worship the Lord. In order to encourage us in this, here are some good words from Jonathan Edwards, taken from his sermon entitled, "Christians a Chosen Generation":

"Christians are of so different a nature and temper from the rest of the world. The truly godly are very different in their disposition from others. They hate those things that the rest of the world loves, and love those things for which the rest of the world has no relish [taste]—insomuch that others are ready to wonder that they should place any happiness in a strict observance of the self-denying duties of religion. They wonder what delight they can take in spending so much time in meditation and prayer, and that they do not place happiness in those things which they themselves do. 1 Peter 4:4: 'Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.' But the reason is that they are of a different race, and so drive different dispositions."

Thurs., 12/27/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 32:1)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 32:1, which says this (con-cerning Hezekiah and the people of Judah):

"After these deeds of [Hezekiah's] faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them over to himself."

How odd. Hezekiah had just effected some of the most thoroughgoing God-honoring reforms of all time, and "after these deeds of faithfulness," a foreign invader is on his doorstep. We should beware of anyone who tells us that if we do certain religious things, or follow certain patterns, definite (positive) re-sults will inevitably follow. (They are usually trying to sell us something.)

The truth is that God's providences are mysterious, and hard to understand. We may truly honor God; and He may see it best to immediately send us some fresh trouble. But on this we can stand: The Lord knows what is best for His children, which He perfectly loves in Jesus, His Son.

[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"]

Wed., 12/26/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 31:20-21)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 31:20 & 21, where we read these words:

"Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered."

Hezekiah's reforms, mentioned in this chapter, had been significant. He had the idol worship places torn down, the clergy restored and re-organized, and the worship of the true God re-instituted in Judah. Because of his good exam-ple, the house of God began to thrive again. Hezekiah was given by God a good heart—and the king's actions reflected this, in his zealous devotion.

The result was that Hezekiah "prospered." His troubles and enemies did not go away, as we will see in the very first verse of the next chapter—but the king was safe in God, and his life was abundantly blessed. Let us follow this same pattern, through our unfeigned and unbounded faith in Jesus.

[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"]

Mon., 12/24/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 29:5b)

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 29:5b, where we read these words:

" . . . and carry out the rubbish from the holy place."

What a great command (above), given by King Hezekiah, to the Levites. God would *still* have us, His true and redeemed churchmen, "carry out the rub-bish" from the "holy place." First of all, may all Christ's faithful clergy do all they can, to expunge the church and its worship from all the rubbish that has clogged the sanctuary (as it were). (Let us go back to the gospel.)

And secondarily, may all of us who are God's people cleanse our hearts, by grace through faith in Jesus' blood atonement. His blood washes away all our sin. What a good time for us to do so—at this blessed season.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is the desire of a holy person to be cleansed, not only from public, but also from private and secret sins.” —Obadiah Sedgwick, in, "The Anatomy of Secret Sins"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/21-23/18 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday again!! We *get* to go back to church! Here is Richard Sibbes, from his amazing "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .

“Simplicity and Humility

"Preachers should take heed likewise that they hide not their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as conceal-ment, and desires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all. When it is most unadorned, it is most lovely and powerful. Our blessed Savior, as He took our nature upon Him, so He took upon Him our familiar manner of speech, which was part of His voluntary [condescension]. Paul was a profound man, yet he became as a nurse to the weaker sort (1 Thess. 2:7). . . .

"Christ chose those to preach mercy who had felt most mercy, as Peter and Paul, that they might be examples of what they taught. Paul became all things to all men (1 Cor. 9:22), stooping unto them for their good. Christ came down from heaven and emptied Himself of majesty in tender love to souls. Shall we not come down from our high conceits to do any poor soul good? Shall man be proud after God has been humble? . . . "

Thurs., 12/20/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 24:18)

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

"Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem be-cause of their trespass."

It is sad when professing Christians leave Christ, His church, His gospel, His word, His Sabbath, His worship, and all His means of grace—to go worship rocks, sticks, and pieces of dirt. But such is the inevitable tendency of the fall-en unregenerate human heart.

Was there any hope for these people (mentioned above), who had so devalu-ed their souls with idolatry? There *was* hope: but it called for faith and re-pentance. May we who are the beneficiaries of so much grace in our Lord Jesus not show ingratitude by abandoning God. Instead, let us humbly cling to Him (in Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ makes us wise to ponder and weigh things, and to rank and order them accordingly . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 12/19/18 Devotion (Zech. 6:12b)

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

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the LORD."

This OT Messianic prophecy is fulfilled perfectly and exclusively in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Son of God came from heaven, "planted" Himself in the fallen earth, and has spread out over all the globe (through the extension of His church—as she preaches the gospel of grace).

Basically, that exact same pattern is the one for all true Christian churchmen to follow today (and in every age): to be grounded (by grace through faith) in Jesus; to be faithful members of His body; and from there to bear much fruit (which is the expansion of His kingdom [church]).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Can Christ forget Himself? We are His fullness, as He is ours.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 12/18/18 Devotion (Jn. 8:24b)

Today's encouragement comes from John 8:24b, where we find our Lord Jesus saying this:

" . . . For if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Jesus is speaking to very religious people here. It is interesting that He does *not* say, "If you don't straighten-up your acts you will die . . . "; or, "If you don't do enough good deeds you will die . . . "; or, "If you aren't more religious you will die . . . " Instead, Christ demands one thing (only): believing that He (Jesus) is the Son of God—or else we will die in our sins.

Why is this so hard for us sinners to grasp? The gospel is so simple that self-righteous people find it highly offensive. Jesus' blood atonement virtually *ex-cludes* anything that we could add to it, via works or self-sacrifice, etc. This gospel brings God glory, and us good. But we get no credit for our salvation. Jesus gets it all.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Zeal makes the blood rise when God's honor is im-peached. . . . He who zealously loves his friend cannot bear to hear him spok-en against and be silent.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Mon., 12/17/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 20:12b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 20:12b & c, where we read these words:

" . . . For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

What a candid saying, "Nor do we know what to do." This is how we often feel, when we are faced with overwhelming forces that are arrayed against us, and that are threatening our peace and security. Jehoshaphat, the godly king of Judah who uttered this prayer (above), actually *did* know that he was to trust the Lord, and rest in Him, etc.—but he did not know how this was to *practically* manifest itself (in such a stressful situation).

So it may be for some of us churchmen today. What are we to do, especially when we "do not know what to do"? In v. 17 of this same chapter, the people simply "stood still." In v. 22, they sang praises to God. The result: the Lord gave them a big victory. He still does this for His church today—and all, in Jesus!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sin feeds the sinner with delightful objects and then makes him mortgage his soul.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/14-16/18 Devotion

Praise the Lord—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Ten Commandments" book:

"Each Sabbath [Sunday] may be the last we shall ever keep. We may go from the place of hearing to the place of judging—and shall not we give reverend attention to the word? If we thought, when we come into God's house, 'Per-haps this will be the last time that ever God will counsel me about my soul'; and before another sermon death's alarm will sound in my ears—with what attention and devotion should we feel, and our affections would be all on fire in hearing!

"You must give an account for every sermon you hear. 'Give an account of your stewardship,' (Lk. 16:2). So will God say, 'Give an account of your hear-ing. Have you been affected with the word? Have you profited by it?' How can we give a good account, if we have been distracted in hearing, and have not taken notice of what has been said to us? The Judge to whom we must give an account is God."

Thurs., 12/13/18 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 are we doing for Christ? Does it rile people up? Does this mean we should stop? No. Let us do our ministry faithfully; and perform it with as little offense as possible; but let us discharge it with a firm and unswerving com-mitment to our Redeemer.

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

Wed., 12/12/18 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 true church may appear to be way outnumbered by the world—but we have Jesus, The Great "Son of David" on our side. Therefore, we should take encouragement; and fight the battles of our Lord—knowing that He is our vic-torious Captain.

[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"]

Tues., 12/11/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 12:12)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 12:12, which says this:

"When he [King Rehoboam] humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, so as not to destroy him completely; and things also went well in Judah."

It is amazing, what a little (but genuine) humility will do for any one of us. God was about ready to "clean Rehoboam's clock" for his idolatry—but when the prophet came and rebuked him, he (the king) repented. God seems to be practically unable to look on a contrite soul with anything but grace, mercy, and divine pity.

This is the glory of the believing and faithful churched Christian: he or she can come to God in Christ alone—which is the ultimate expression of sincere hu-mility. No works are trusted in, nor alleged self-righteousness—only the right-eousness of The Pristine Savior (plus nothing).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Are your sins high as heaven? The mercies of God are above the heavens.” —Isaac Ambrose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Mon., 12/10/18 Devotion (Lk. 24:27)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:27, where we find these words:

"And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Christ] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

Why did Jesus employ the Scriptures (only), when He was teaching His dis-ciples all things concerning Himself? Why did He not use tradition, councils, and the opinions of ancient church leaders? Because those sources were not inspired of God—they had no ultimate authority over His disciples' consci-ences.

Let us be sure we garner what we are going to know about God from the Holy Scriptures. This will require the ministry of the church, to be sure—but your ministers, if they are faithful, will be seeking to preach The Christ revealed to us in His resurrection and His Holy Book.

[Puritan quote of the day: "None can better discover Satan's sleights and poli-cies, than those who have been long in the fencing-school of temptation.”
—Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/7-9/18 Devotion

Wahoo—Sunday is almost here! In order to help get us ready for the church’s worship of The Triune God, here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good," or, "A Divine Cordial":

"The word preached works for good. It is a savour of life. It is a soul trans-forming word. It assimilates the heart into Christ’s likeness; it produces as-surance. 'Our gospel came to you not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,' (1 Thess. 1:5). It is the chariot of salva-tion.

"Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affection. It stirs up holy desires and ardours of soul. Prayer has power with God. It is a key that un-locks the treasury of God’s mercy. Prayer keeps the heart open to God, and shut to sin. It assuages the intemperate hearts and swellings of lust. It was Luther’s counsel to a friend, when he perceived a temptation begin to arise, to betake himself to prayer. Prayer is the Christian’s gun, which he discharges against his enemies. Prayer is the sovereign medicine of the soul. Prayer sanctifies every mercy, (1 Tim. 4:5). It is the dispeller of sorrow: by venting the grief it eases the heart. When Hannah had prayed, 'She went away, and was no more sad,' (1 Sam. 1:18). And if it has these rare effects, then it works for good."

Thurs., 12/6/18 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 long prayer of the dedication of the temple, was fully and finally answered when Jesus Christ came to earth in His Incarnation, (which we celebrate at Advent). 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 (His dwelling place on earth).

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 Immanuel is with us, here and now, in Jesus.

[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"]

Wed., 12/5/18 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 Gospels where I can recall that the Son of God actually "looked up" at any man. Zacchaeus, the once-proud, swindling 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. 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"]

Tues., 12/4/18 Devotion (2 Chron. 3:8a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 3:8a, where we read these words:

"And he [Solomon] made the Most Holy Place. . . . "

What a remarkable statement (above). A fallen man, a sinner, would make the most holy place—the very pattern of what exists in heaven?! God honors us, His church, by making us His spiritual temple (1 Pet. 2:4-5). Think of it: Mary, a fallen soul, bears the sinless Christ Child. Faithful churchmen, though depraved sinners (in ourselves), become the vessels of the blessed Holy Spirit, (see 2 Cor. 4:7).

The redeemed church—even now—is nestled in the very heart of the Holy Trinity, in that God's children are *in* the Son of God, who is now both God and man. Do we need "self-esteem"? Here is where to find it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is not how much we do, but how much we love.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 12/3/18 Devotion (1 Jn. 2:2a)

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

"And He [Christ] Himself is the propitiation for our sins . . . "

"Propitiation" means atonement, sacrifice, satisfaction. Jesus Christ Himself, plus nothing, is the "propitiation" for the sins of all God's elect church, who will be saved in time and space. Our works are not our propitiation. Our efforts are not. Our "working together with God" is not.

Christ *alone* Himself satisfies God's wrath against sin; and He (Jesus) bore the punishment for the redeemed. Therefore, let us forever put away all false and God-dishonoring "gospels" of works or law or self; and let us rejoice in the fact that we have a real and blessed Savior (in Jesus).

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God] gave His only begotten Son to be a propitia-tion for our sin, and accepted His suffering instead of ours.” —John Shower, in, "God's Thoughts and Ways are Above ours"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/30-12/2/18 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church! In order to help get us ready, here is the Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs, from his, "Gospel Remission" book. . . .

"When God comes to pardon sin, it is such a mercy as comes from the foun-tain of God's everlasting love. Other mercies do not. Where this is not pres-ent, you cannot have evidence of God's eternal love. If God gives you health of body, good voyages at sea, and good [success] in respect of the world, you cannot draw arguments from hence that God bears eternal love to your soul. But when He comes to pardon your sins, it is a certain evidence that God has set His love on you from all eternity.

"If there were a chain let down from heaven and you could take hold but of one link that would certainly bring you there, both ends would come together. In Romans 8:30, there is a chain of many links let down, and if you can catch hold of the link of justification, you may certainly catch hold of predestination, for all hang together. If you are justified, then know for certain that you are a predestined man or woman whom God has set His heart upon from all etern-ity to do good. And this is a great happiness for a poor creature while he lives in this world, to know that God has set His heart upon him from all eternity to do him good. And, indeed, we can never be at rest until we come to this."

Thurs., 11/29/18 Devotion (2 Pet. 1:2)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 1:2, where we find these won-derful words:

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord . . . "

To have grace and peace *multiplied* to our souls is a very blessed thing. God does not only "add," or "drip" His good gifts onto His churched children (a little at a time)—but He multiplies them. And notice how He does this: in our knowledge of Him, and of His Son Jesus.

If we know God in our Lord Jesus, we will have grace and peace. The more we know Him, the greater the levels of these things we will enjoy—though they come through trouble and difficulty. No matter what challenges we face today, let us take encouragement from our Father's abundant provisions of "grace and peace" in our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Upon this reconciliation with God, you and God come to have common friends and common enemies.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Reconciliation"]

Wed., 11/28/18 Devotion (Lk. 12:1b)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 12:1b, where we find the Savior saying these words:

" . . . He [Christ] began to say to His disciples first of all, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.' "

Our Redeemer prioritized this teaching (re. the pharisees and their hypocrisy) because He knew that it could, and would destroy His followers if it was not addressed head-on. The pharisees' "leaven," (or teaching) is dangerous, be-cause it seeks to seduce the soul into smug self-righteousness.

Christ's worst opponents (by far) were the pharisees—the very ones who were the most religious and devout. Jesus reserved His harshest words for them; and He warns us (even today) to watch out for their poison, (which, like the snakes’ venom the Lord compared their teaching to, comes from their lips).

[Puritan quote of the day: "God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 11/27/18 Devotion (Lk. 11:37)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 11:37, where we read these words:

"And as He [Jesus] spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat."

Our Lord Jesus had some pretty sumptuous meals during His first advent ministry on earth. The pharisees—though short on humility—were typically long on show (and abundance). What do we learn from Christ's willingness to eat, even with a pharisee? That the gospel is to go to *all* sorts of people—particularly those in the very *worst* spiritual conditions (as was the case with the pharisees).

The dinner conversation turned a bit gnarly, as we see in vv. 39 ff.; but even there our Redeemer was doing his guest a favor, by exposing his sin, and di-recting him to Himself.

[Puritan quote of the day: "So let us seriously and fruitfully consider what ex-cellent times the Lord has set us in, and respond thankfully and obediently.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 11/26/18 Devotion (Jon. 4:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Jonah 4:6, where we read these words:

"And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant."

To his credit, Jonah was "grateful for the plant"; but it would soon be evident that Jonah's thankfulness was piecemeal. When God removed the plant, Jo-nah became very peevish and childish. When God refused to give Jonah a di-vine fireworks display, by blowing up Nineveh, it displeased the prophet great-ly.

True gratitude that honors God is universal and uniform. This does not mean that we Christian church members will always get it right; but it does mean that we are to set our hearts on being grateful to God (in Jesus) for all things, be they "good" or "evil."

[Puritan quote of the day: "As the sun rises by degrees till it comes to shine in glory, so it was with the Sun of Righteousness [Christ]. He revealed Himself in the church little by little.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/23-25/18 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is the amazing and incomparable Puritan Thomas Watson, from his book entitled, "The Ten Commandments":

"Faith in Christ is acceptable to God because it is a self-denying grace. It makes a man go out of himself, renounce all self-righteousness, and wholly rely on Christ for justification. It is very humble; it confesses its own indigence [poverty], and lives wholly upon Christ. As the bee sucks sweetness from the flower, so faith sucks all its strength and comfort from Christ.

"Faith is a grace acceptable to God, because by faith we present a righteous-ness to Him which best pleases Him: we bring the righteousness of Christ in-to court, which is called ‘The righteousness of God,' (2 Cor 5:21). To bring Christ's righteousness, is to bring Benjamin with us. A believer may say, 'Lord, it is not the righteousness of Adam, or of the angels, but of Christ who is God-Man, that I bring before You.' The Lord cannot but smell a sweet savor in Christ's righteousness."

Thurs., 11/22/18 Devotion (1 Chron. 17:2)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 17:2, where we read these words:

"Then Nathan said to David, 'Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.' "

Sincere churched Christians, who are saved by grace through faith in Christ, are not under law—they are under grace, (see Rom. 6:14). Therefore, they are free to do whatever they want to do—because everything they desire to do will be in accord with the God they love. They love this God because He has forgiven them their sins (through the blood of Christ).

It does not so much matter to God *what* we do—so long as it is something we desire from the heart. If we love Jesus first and foremost, then we are free to do everything that is in our hearts.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Now it is only faith that shows a man the end and the issue of all his troubles.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]

Wed., 11/21/18 Devotion (Lk. 5:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 5:8, where we read these words:

"When Simon Peter saw it [the miraculous catch of fish], he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!' "

Here is an irony: Peter knows himself to be a sinner, so he implores his Re-deemer to "depart from [him]." Thankfully, Christ did *not* do as Peter sug-gested. If our Savior "departed" from us every time we sinned, we would never have Him near us, ever.

True humility—which Peter was to learn more fully later—is not demonstrated in seeking Christ's "departure" because of the commission of sins. Rather, it is begging His abiding with us, despite them. Peter does do three things very well here (in this verse): he worships Christ, he confesses his sinfulness, and he calls Jesus "Lord."

[Puritan quote of the day: "There are no sins God's people are more subject to than unbelief and impatience.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 11/20/18 Devotion (Lk. 4:20)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 4:20, where we read these words:

"Then He [Jesus] closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him."

In this world today, the only time the people of God can collectively gaze upon Jesus intently is in church on Sunday. In this text (above), the Lord Christ is keeping the old Sabbath. The citizens of Nazareth are, too. They have heard the word of God read (by Jesus), and now the Messiah (THE Word of God Himself) is about to expound on it. As He does so, the congregants are lock-ed-in on the Redeemer.

This is a good pattern for all who would be Christ's followers today. Let *us* "fix our eyes on Jesus," (as per Heb. 12:2a). Then, upon leaving church, let us love and follow the Savior, (rather than seek to throw Him off the cliff, as the Nazarenes had hoped to do, [cf. Lk. 4:29]).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is called grace. He is the grace of God cloth-ed with man's nature.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 11/19/18 Devotion (1 Chron. 14:12)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 14:12, where we read these words:

"And when they [the Philistines] left their gods there, David gave a command-ment, and they were burned with fire."

In my opinion, this is one of the most humorous verses in all the Bible. The doltish Philistines lug their gods onto the battlefield, as they seek to take on David and the Israelites—and just as soon as they get routed, the Philistines abandon their gods. What good are gods like that? They are nothing but a burden.

David did the right thing with the Philistine false gods: he burned them up. May we be just as ruthless with our abominable idols, too. They may appear to be a bit more "sophisticated" than the Philistine gods, but they are just as despicable.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Affliction does that which the Word many times will not, it 'opens the ear to discipline,' (Job 36:10).” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/16-18/18 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday, the Lord's Day! We GET to go to church again. In order to help us prepare for worship, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .

"OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENTS

"Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. 'Alas!,' we lament, 'I shall never get through such a trial.' But if God brings us into the trial He will be with us in the trial; and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross (Zech. 13:9). From our own strength we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the Spirit's assistance we can bear the greatest. The Spirit will add His shoulders to help us to bear our infirmities. The Lord will give His hand to lift us up (Psa. 37:24). 'You have heard of the patience of Job,' says James (Jas. 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that. It yields us comfort also in desolate conditions, such as contagious sicknesses and the like, in which we are more immediately under God's hand, that then Christ has a throne of mercy at our bedside and numbers our tears and our groans. And, to come to the matter we are now about, the Sacrament [of The Lord's Supper] was ordained not for angels, but for men; and not for perfect men, but for weak men . . . "

Thurs., 11/15/18 Devotion (Ps. 149:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 149:6, where we read these words:

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand . . . "

Note how the faithful Christian churchman is at once a worshipper of God, and a soldier fighting under Christ's banner. There is no way to please God without praising Him. And there is nothing to praise Him for, unless the saints sees God's enemies fall under them (These include sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, and the devil's agents—human and angelic.)

So, if we are in Christ, let us go into your daily lives lifting up thanks to God, and the sword of the Spirit against His foes (and ours).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is a body to whom the whole world is beholden. It should be the joy of the earth, for it is the security of the whole earth.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse concerning Love"]

Wed., 11/14/18 Devotion (Ps. 147:11)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 147:11, which says this:

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."

God created the world, in order to enjoy it. The Holy Trinity always experienc-es perfect and unremitted bliss. God is never perturbed. But, if it may be said that the Lord's pleasure may be "added to," (and I think it *can* be said, [in a certain sense]), then those who "fear Him" are the ones that achieve this re-markable privileged status.

Do we fear the Lord—through our faith in Jesus? If so, then let us take great comfort. God not only delights in us, He also loves us, His church, very dearly and tenderly.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If once you come to receive the mercy of God in and through Christ Jesus, then that mercy will be the greatest opposer of your lusts and sin as anything can be in the world.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, a book of his sermons, entitled, "Gospel Remission"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/2-4/18 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again. In order to help get us ready, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed"
book. . . .

“Why Christ’s Kingdom Must Prevail

"Christ has conquered all in His own person first, and He is ‘Over all, God blessed forever,' (Rom. 9:5); and therefore over sin, death, hell, Satan and the world. And, as He has overcome them in Himself, so He overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. We commonly say that conscience makes a man kingly or contemptible, because it is planted in us to judge for God, eith-er with us or against us. Now if natural conscience be so forcible, what will it be when, besides its own light, it has the light of divine truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevail, either to make us hold up our heads with boldness or abase us beneath ourselves. If it subjects itself, by grace, to Christ's truth, then it boldly faces death, hell, judgment and all spiritual enemies, because then Christ sets up His kingdom in the conscience and makes it a kind of paradise.

"The sharpest conflict which the soul has is between the conscience and God's justice. Now if the conscience, sprinkled with the blood of Christ, has prevailed over assaults fetched from the justice of God, now satisfied by Christ, it will prevail over all other opposition whatsoever."

Thurs., 11/1/18 Devotion (2 Tim. 4:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 4:1 & 2a, where Paul wrote this, to the young minister:

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the
word! . . . "

God delights in His gospel (word) being preached. He is more concerned that preaching takes place, than if anyone ever believes the message, or not. The preached word inhibits the spread and growth of heresy, (see vv. 3-4); it em-boldens the minister for the endurance of afflictions, (v. 5); and it builds up the saints in their holy faith—all the while calling sinners to Christ.

Pray that your minister preach the word; and that he does not substitute this precious ordinance with entertainment, religious nonsense, and general stu-pidity. Pray that he takes on the enemies of God; and that he brings you the lovely good news of peace, in Jesus' priceless blood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God bestows more goodness upon one godly man than upon all the ungodly in the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Tues., 10/30/18 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:1)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 2:1, where we read these words:

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

This is a precious verse. In what are we to be "strong"? The "grace that is in Christ Jesus." What is this grace? It is sufficient grace—that is more than able to meet our specific, everyday and eternal needs. How are we to be "strong" in this grace? By faith. When we believe God, that He will answer our prayers offered through Jesus, and help us in our needs—it greatly honors Him.

The thing to avoid, is the idea that we need to do something *before* we can be strong in Christ's grace. The truth is that strength comes as we appropri-ate to our hearts the Lord Jesus Himself by faith. Are we weak today? Let us put our faith in Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For from our neglect of prayer comes that dead-ness of spirit, that worldly-mindedness and unaptness to pray, to hear the Word, and to keep the Sabbath.” —John Preston, in his sermon entitled, "The Saint's Daily Exercise"]

Wed., 10/31/18 Devotion (2 Ki. 13:23)

Happy Reformation Day!

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 13:23, where we read these words:

"But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regard-ed them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence."

This is a sweet verse (above). The reason the redeemed church is secure, and is not subject to the judgment we all deserve, is because of God's cove-nant with us in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father beholds the blood of Jesus’ atonement of His elect church, and He is satisfied that His righteous wrath against our sin is fully and justly expended (on Christ, His beloved Son).

Let us in the church never abuse or take for granted this great and unspeak-able privilege. Instead, let us make sure that our hearts are full of love for God—blessing and thanking Him for His kindness and generosity to us (in Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "For want of hearts full of love [for God], men have heads full of error.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 10/29/18 Devotion (2 Tim. 1:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 1:6 & 7, where we read these words of Paul, to the minister Timothy:

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

The good spiritual gifts God gives us, His ministers and parishioners, can sometimes settle, and become somewhat "dormant." When this happens, we tend to lose our edge, our courage, and our fortitude. Just as sometimes we have to "stoke" the coals in a fireplace to revive the flame—so we must do the same thing with the gifts resident in our souls.

Let us remember this: in a fallen world even good things tend to gravitate downward. It is our responsibility to refresh God's graces in us in Jesus, from Lord's Day to Lord's Day, (and then throughout the week).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Observe the happy condition of every child of God. All things work for his good, the best and worst things.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/26-28/18 Devotion

Sunday IS coming! Praise God! Here is some brilliant genius from Thomas Watson, as it is found in his profound work, entitled, "The Art of Divine Con-tentment." Pastor Watson is dealing with Paul's assertion, as it is found in Php. 4:11:

"This word, 'I have learned,' is a word that imports difficulty. It shows how hard it was for the apostle to come to contentment of mind. It was not bred in nature. Paul did not come naturally by it; but he had learned it. It cost him many a prayer and tear. It was taught him by the Spirit.

"Whence our doctrine: GOOD THINGS ARE HARD TO COME BY. The busi-ness of [true] religion is not so easy as most imagine. 'I have learned,' says Paul. Indeed you need not teach a man to sin; this is natural, (Ps. 58:3)—and therefore facile [easy]. It comes as water out of a spring. It is an easy thing to be wicked. Hell will be taken without storm; but matters of religion [viz. true Christianity] must be learned. To cut the flesh is easy, but to prick a vein, and not to cut an artery, is hard. The trade of sin needs not to be learned; but the art of divine contentment is not achieved without holy industry: 'I have learn-ed.' "

Thurs., 10/25/18 Devotion (Dan. 10:19a)

Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 10:19a, where we read these words:

"And he said, 'O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!' "

Are we servants of the Lord? Do we desire to put our lives at His feet every-day? If so, let us be encouraged by these words (above). God tenderly loves His ministers and His laymen who are called by His Name. Daniel, who was being addressed in the verses above, had been very weak and heavy-heart-ed. These words encouraged him, and strengthened him.

One touch from Christ—one word from His mouth—is enough to overcome whatever weariness or exhaustion we feel. Let us know that God loves His churchmen more than we could ever know.

[Puritan quote of the day: "However rugged or hard our path in following the Lord may seem to the flesh . . . yet where there is a spiritual eye, the way of holiness appears exceedingly lovely and beautiful.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 10/24/18 Devotion (Dan. 9:18b)

Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 9:18b, where Daniel prays these words:

" . . . For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."

If we had to approach God, and present our petitions to Him based on our righteous deeds, we would never come to the Lord, ever. Besides that, we would have no basis for our prayers, because we do not *have* any righteous deeds. Do we wish to compare ourselves to Daniel, and imagine we are "bet-ter" than he was? I think not.

We come to God on the perfect merits of *Christ’s* righteousness, which is imputed to the church believers, by sovereign grace. This is the ground on which we may rightly approach God. The Lord will hear the prayers of those who come to Him on this gospel basis (alone). He disregards all other peti-tions.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hell did not know what it did when it crucified Christ; death, with all its armies, was put to death with Him.” —Richard Al-leine, in, "Heaven Opened"]

Tues., 10/23/18 Devotion (Ps. 116:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 116:1, where we read these words:

"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications."

Among many other reasons, here is a good one for us to love God: He hears the prayers of His faithful churchmen (saints). What prayers does God "hear," in the covenantal sense? (After all, He knows the things religious people all over the world say all the time.) God hears prayers that are made in the Name of and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

But even these prayers should be sincere and earnest. God hears prayers that come from the heart. He answers people who *really* want to be heard. God never refuses anyone who asks for His very best. Any that request Jesus as their all-in-all, will be given Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Although to true religion there must indeed be something else besides affection, yet true religion consists so much in the af-fections that there can be no true religion without them.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in, "A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/19-21/18 Devotion

Yippee—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to prepare us for the church's wor-ship of The Holy Trinity, here is Thomas Watson, from his "Art of Divine Con-tentment" gem:

"Discontent is accompanied with unthankfulness. Because we have not all we desire, we never mind the mercies which we have. . . . So ungratefully do we deal with God. We can be content to receive mercies from God, but if He crosses us in the least thing, then, through discontent, we grow touchy and impatient, and are ready to fly upon God. Thus God loses all His mercies. We read in Scripture of the thank-offering; the discontented person cuts God short of this; the Lord loses His thank-offering. A discontented Christian re-pines in the midst of mercies, as Adam who sinned in the midst of paradise."

Thurs., 1018/18 Devotion (1 Ki. 21:3)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 21:3, where we read these words:

"But Naboth said to Ahab, 'The LORD forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!' "

When true believers sin, we give some of the priceless treasure of the cove-nant of God's grace to the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Naboth refused even his earthly king what was rightfully his [Naboth's], by divine be-stowment. Naboth would not bow to pressure, or convention; but rather took his place with the true church of God.

How about us? Are we zealous to retain what God has given us in Jesus, so that we will be fruitful and productive in the world; or are we willing to sell what is precious to God's enemies?

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Improper religious] toleration is the grave of refor-mation. . . . By toleration we adopt other men's sins and make them our own.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Christ's Loveliness"]

Wed., 10/17/18 Devotion (Dan. 2:44)

Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 2:44, where we read these words:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."

Daniel is speaking to Nebuchadnezzar here, and is explaining the king's dream. The "kingdom" that Daniel is referring to here, is the establishment of, and the proliferation of the New Covenant church, by the Lord Jesus Christ. This kingdom is now in the process of "break[ing] in[to] pieces" all opposing "kingdoms."

Some of these counterfeit "kingdoms" arise even among professing, errant Christians. Others of them are wholly and self-proclaimedly "anti-Christian." All of them will fall, at the feet of King Jesus. For this, let us give Him praise—even now.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Many, in a fit of terror, are willing to do or to suffer anything to keep out of hell and go to heaven; but when the fit is over, they will not deny themselves and take up the cross to follow Christ.” —Isaac Am-brose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Tues., 10/16/18 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:4)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:4, where we read these words:

"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts."

The ministers of the church who are truly called by God are sent to speak to all people everywhere the gospel of Christ's grace. But they are to do so with a mind on God first. What is it that *He* wants spoken? This is what must be said. The faithful clergy do not poll the people, to determine what they want to hear. Instead, they "poll" the Lord, in order to know what He would have them preach.

This principle is then passed down to the entire church, wherein the people of God begin to think this way too. They begin to ask, "What is it that Christ would have me do, and say?" This is the real way to lasting peace of consci-ence. Then, when God "tests our hearts," we pass with flying colors—and all because of Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is in the ship of His church; do not fear sink-ing. The church's anchor is cast in heaven. Do we not think that God loves His church, and takes as much care of it as we can?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Mon. 10/15/18 Devotion (1 Ki. 18:21a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 18:21a, where we read these words:

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. . . . ' "

I like this perspective, put forth by Elijah. Even today this principle applies. All people worship some deity (alleged, or true). "Let the best [God] win," should be our attitude. Is the Muslim god the true one? Then all should worship it. Is the atheists' god the true one? Then we should bow down to it. Is the secular-ists' god true? Let all men honor it (or her, or whatever). Is the Triune God of the True Christian Religion the only Real Deity? Then, all human beings should worship Him.

It turns out that the Holy Trinity *is* the one and only God. We know this—among other reasons—by the resurrection of the Son of God, who lives and reigns today. He can withstand all pretenders to His throne. Let us worship the Christian God, and not fear any of the fake ones.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There are the greatest reasons in the world to be a Christian . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/12-14/18 Devotion

Yippee—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good," in order to help get us ready for Sabbath worship of the Triune God:

"Here is a sovereign elixir of unspeakable comfort to those who are the called of God. Their salvation rests upon God's purpose. 'The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal. The Lord knows those who are His. And, Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity,' (2 Tim. 2:19).

"Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation stands sure. They who are built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away; neither the power of man, nor the violence of tempta-tion, shall ever be able to overturn them."

Thurs., 10/11/18 Devotion (Col. 1:16a)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 1:16a, where we read these words of Paul:

"For by Him [Christ] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible . . . "

God created everything that is—everything that has a real essence; and He did this through His Son, Christ our Lord. There may be discussions (many legitimate) about when and how God through Christ created all things—but the germane fact is that He did. Nothing exists that God did not create. (He did not create sin or any evil—as these do not have a real essence.)

In the beauty of this season, let us thank God for His power and glory in His creation. But let us do this with an eye to something even greater: the re-creation of dead souls, who now make up the regenerated members of the body (church) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The hypocrite takes more care to make a covenant than to keep it, and is more studious to enter into religion than that religion should enter into him.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy up-on Man's Heart"]

Wed., 10/10/18 Devotion (Php. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 4:6 & 7, where Paul wrote these precious words:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Notice, first of all, that this promise is *not* made for just any professing Christian. It is only made for those who already are in Christ, by virtue of their being secured in Him through their union with Him by faith (as they are now members of His church). But, for the sincere churchman, this promise is in-deed sweet. The Philippians knew what it meant, to live in a fortified (Roman) city. The true believer knows what it means to be secure, in Jesus.

But sometimes, because of manifest trouble, that serenity is shaken. When this happens, let us turn to God in prayer. He will then give us Christ's peace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let the baptized keep their baptismal vows of fight-ing against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh.” —Isaac Ambrose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Tues., 10/9/18 Devotion (Ps. 94:19)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 94:19, where we read these words:

"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."

This verse describes life in the real world. The sincere churchman does in-deed have "anxieties"; but he or she also has abundant "comforts" in Christ. False forms of Christianity argue that these two are incompatible. The Scrip-ture, on the other hand, affirms that both consternation *and* consolation co-exist in the children of God.

Even our Savior had "anxieties." Do we remember His time in the Garden of Gethsemane? But our comforts in Christ outweigh our troubles in a fallen world. Let us thank our good and loving God for this.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a vain thing to think that true religion can be maintained, and have the liberty of it, without some difference of opinion among us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Mon., 10/8/18 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 92:13 & 14, where we read these great words:

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "

Where are we "planted" most in this world? Are we *most* invested in our business, our civic concerns, and/or our family and home? If so, then we will be eventually uprooted by the storms of life on a fallen planet. Only those who are firmly ingrafted into Christ and His church are able to withstand the forces set against them. On top of this, they are also able to remain "fruitful" all the way to their last breath.

Let us love who and what God Himself loves: Christ, His gospel, and His church. As we do so, we are invincible—no matter what the world, the flesh, or the devil shoot at us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "No matter what storms I meet with, I know where to put in for harbor. He who has God to be his God is so well contented with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else.”
—Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/5-7/18 Devotion

Yippee—Sunday, the Lord's Day, is almost here. To help get us ready for the church's worship of God, here is Thomas Watson, in, "A Divine Cordial," or, "All Things for Good":

"It may be said, 'How do afflictions make us happy?' We reply that, being sanctified, they bring us nearer to God. The moon in the full is furthest off from the sun: so are many further off from God in the full moon of prosperity. Afflictions bring them nearer to God. The magnet of mercy does not draw us so near to God as the cords of affliction. When Absalom set Joab’s corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom (2 Sam. 14:30). When God sets our worldly comforts on fire, then we run to Him, and make our peace with Him. When the prodigal was pinched with want, then he returned home to his fath-er (Luke 15:13). When the dove could not find any rest for the sole of her foot, then she flew to the ark. When God brings a deluge of affliction upon us, then we fly to the ark of Christ. Thus affliction makes us happy, in bringing us near-er to God. Faith can make use of the waters of affliction, to swim faster to Christ."

Thurs., 10/4/18 Devotion (Ezek. 37:4-5)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 37:4 & 5, where these words are found:

"Again He [God] said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.' " ' "

Let us behold the amazing power of the preached word (of the gospel of Christ's grace). God brings life to the valley of dry bones through the agency of His proclaimed (prophesied) word. What an odd way to get the job done. We would have expected almost anything other than this.

Today, as it has always been, there are many false and futile substitutes for preaching, all claiming to be able to make dry bones live. Let us not fall for any of them. Let us (rather) listen to the word of God, as it is proclaimed in the church from faithful pulpits.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who thinks anything less than God will suffice [for satisfaction in life] does not understand the soul; and he who wants any-thing more than God does not understand God.” —Richard Alleine, in, "Heav-en Opened"]

Wed., 10/3/18 Devotion (Eph. 3:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 3:21, where we read these words:

" . . . to Him [God] be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

God will get His greatest levels of glory in and through His church—more than anywhere else. The reason for this, is that the redeemed (who make it up) are the recipients of the most amazing and marvelous grace. They are given the very best of heaven, even while they are here on the earth. And this most wonderful gift is that of the Son of God Himself.

Let us build our lives around Christ. If we will do this, we will find ourselves re-volving our lives around His church. Let us do all this by grace, through faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If [God] brings any beginnings of grace to truth, the victory is already gotten.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Tues., 10/2/18 Devotion (Eph. 2:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:8 & 9, where we find these remarkable words:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

We sinners are not saved by anything we do. This truth can be extremely hard to accept, because we are so geared in our natural flesh to believing the exact opposite. After the Fall of man in the Garden, works went out the win-dow, (but our memory of them never left us).

To seek to be redeemed by works, or to supposedly sustain a relationship with God through works is a great affront to Christ and the gospel. If we could be saved by what we do, why would God the Father send His precious Son to die on a cruel cross for helpless sinners? Let us be grateful that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. This pleases God; and it brings us the best of everything.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/28-30/18 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again. In order to help get us ready, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed"
book. . . .

"WHY CHRIST'S KINGDOM MUST PREVAIL

"Christ has conquered all in His own person first, and He is 'over all, God blessed for ever' (Rom. 9:5); and therefore over sin, death, hell, Satan and the world. And, as He has overcome them in Himself, so He overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. We commonly say that conscience makes a man kingly or contemptible, because it is planted in us to judge for God, eith-er with us or against us. Now if natural conscience be so forcible, what will it be when, besides its own light, it has the light of divine truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevail, either to make us hold up our heads with boldness or abase us beneath ourselves. If it subjects itself, by grace, to Christ's truth, then it boldly faces death, hell, judgment and all spiritual enemies, because then Christ sets up His kingdom in the conscience and makes it a kind of paradise."

Thurs., 9/27/18 Devotion (Ps. 78:38a, 39a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 78, verses 38a & 39a, where we read these words:

"But [God], being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity . . . For He remem-bered that they were but flesh . . . "

Behold the amazing mercy and forbearance of God. In Ps. 78, the Lord's con-tinued kindnesses to a stubborn and rebellious people are rehearsed over and over. So it is true today: Christ's New Covenant church is also made up of people who are saints and yet still sinners. We need the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father everyday.

Believers are also able to emulate their Lord: whereas God sees us as "but flesh”—let us remember that our fellow brothers and sisters in the church are also "but flesh," even as we are, as well. This should make us sympathetic to-ward one another; and it should arrest our tendency to be harsh with each another.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Lord expects praise wherever you have com-fort.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Wed., 9/26/18 Devotion (Gal. 2:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 2:21, where we read these great words:

"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

The Apostle Paul was adamant about not giving in on the gospel of grace. Like us, he felt the pressure to compromise the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ—but he refused to do so. There is always a tendency in all of us to resort back to works, or law, as the means of our seeking a right standing with God. But this is to lose Jesus altogether; and to commit the most heinous spiritual crime against God—who saves His church by Christ's blood atone-ment alone, received by faith alone.

The church in Galatia temporarily caved-into the Judaizers of their day. Many in our time are doing the same thing. Let us continue to cling to Jesus, by faith—and hence, be His faithful church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely it is best for you which Providence has ap-pointed, and one day you yourselves will judge it so to be.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Tues., 9/25/18 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"]

Mon., 9/24/18 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 true and redeemed church. The Living God of "love and peace" *is* with us; and we particularly *experi-ence* 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 na-tural 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"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/21-23/18 Devotion

Yes—it is almost Sunday! We GET to go back to church again! In order to help us get ready here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Picture of a Godly Man" book. . . .

"God loves a humble soul. It is not our high birth, but our low hearts that God delights in. A humble spirit is in God's view: 'To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,' (Isa. 66:2). A humble heart is God's palace: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,' (Isa. 57:15). Great personages, besides their houses of state, have lesser houses which upon occasion they retreat to. Besides God's house of state in heaven, He has the humble soul for His retiring house, where He takes up His rest, and solaces Himself. Let Italy boast that it is, for pleasure, the garden of the world. A humble heart glories in this, that it is the presence chamber of the great King."