Wahoo—it almost Sunday—even Easter Sunday! We *get* to go back to church!! In order to help get us ready, here is Thomas Watson, in his "A Body of Divinity" book. . . .
“What is Justification?
"It is an act of God's free grace, whereby He pardons all our sins, and ac-cepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, im-puted to us, and received by faith alone.
"Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity. An error about justi-fication is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation. Justification by Christ is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corrupt doctrine cast into this spring is damnable. . . .
"What is meant by Justification?
"It is 'verbum forense,' a word borrowed from law-courts, wherein a person arraigned is pronounced righteous, and is openly absolved. God, in justifying a person, pronounces him to be righteous, and looks upon him as if he had not sinned."
Friday, March 30, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Thurs., 3/29/18 Devotion (Php. 3:9)
Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 3:9, where we read these amazing words of Paul:
" . . . and [that I may] be found in Him [Christ], not having my own righteous-ness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the right-eousness which is from God by faith . . . "
This is one of the sweetest verses in the whole Bible. Here, the former zeal-ous works-oriented pharisee (Paul) celebrates his liberation in his justification in Christ. The Apostle no longer regards his old (and false) "righteousness" to be anything other than "rubbish," (v. 8).
What an irony that God would make the former champion of works-right-eousness the greatest proclaimer of free grace (received by faith alone) that the church has ever known. If we have the "righteousness of Christ," we have everything we need. God the Father views the churchman clothed in Jesus' righteousness to be as perfectly holy as His Own Dear Son.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Morality shoots short of heaven. It is only nature refined. A moral man is but old Adam dressed in fine clothes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
" . . . and [that I may] be found in Him [Christ], not having my own righteous-ness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the right-eousness which is from God by faith . . . "
This is one of the sweetest verses in the whole Bible. Here, the former zeal-ous works-oriented pharisee (Paul) celebrates his liberation in his justification in Christ. The Apostle no longer regards his old (and false) "righteousness" to be anything other than "rubbish," (v. 8).
What an irony that God would make the former champion of works-right-eousness the greatest proclaimer of free grace (received by faith alone) that the church has ever known. If we have the "righteousness of Christ," we have everything we need. God the Father views the churchman clothed in Jesus' righteousness to be as perfectly holy as His Own Dear Son.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Morality shoots short of heaven. It is only nature refined. A moral man is but old Adam dressed in fine clothes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Wed., 3/28/18 Devotion (Php. 2:14)
Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 2:14, where Paul wrote these words:
"Do all things without complaining and disputing . . . "
Complaining (grumbling), and disputing (arguing) come naturally to the fallen children of Adam. Do any parents ever have to train their children to complain or dispute? It comes easily to all of us, in our sinful conditions.
But grace transforms us from being grumblers and arguers, to being helpful and thankful. Paul will go on, and say that the genuineness of our Christian testimonies are directly linked to the godly attitude we are to have when we do anything, (see vv. 15-16). Today, let us trust Christ to give us, His church-men, supernatural grace to be grateful, not disgruntled.
[Puritan quote of the day: "There is not one of us who does not have many mercies if we could just see them. But, because we do not have all that we desire, we lose the comfort of that which we have.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
"Do all things without complaining and disputing . . . "
Complaining (grumbling), and disputing (arguing) come naturally to the fallen children of Adam. Do any parents ever have to train their children to complain or dispute? It comes easily to all of us, in our sinful conditions.
But grace transforms us from being grumblers and arguers, to being helpful and thankful. Paul will go on, and say that the genuineness of our Christian testimonies are directly linked to the godly attitude we are to have when we do anything, (see vv. 15-16). Today, let us trust Christ to give us, His church-men, supernatural grace to be grateful, not disgruntled.
[Puritan quote of the day: "There is not one of us who does not have many mercies if we could just see them. But, because we do not have all that we desire, we lose the comfort of that which we have.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Tues., 3/27/18 Devotion (Php. 1:6)
Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 1:6, where Paul wrote these words:
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
We may not think that we are making much progress in our holy Christian faith. In fact, we churchmen may sometimes feel like we are actually moving backwards, and not forward at all. But, in reality, all those of us who are in Christ always advance ahead with Him (as His church). It is good for us to have no confidence at all in our flesh. Sometimes "failure" is the best way to learn this lesson.
But this is no reason not to have unbridled confidence in Christ. He is the only One who can propel us to a certain, and glorious end. What God has started in us, His church, He will certainly finish.
[Puritan quote of the day: "We must fight on our knees by prayer. Prayer whips the devil. The arrow of prayer, put into the bow of the promise and shot with the hand of faith, pierces the old serpent.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Fight of Faith Crowned"]
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
We may not think that we are making much progress in our holy Christian faith. In fact, we churchmen may sometimes feel like we are actually moving backwards, and not forward at all. But, in reality, all those of us who are in Christ always advance ahead with Him (as His church). It is good for us to have no confidence at all in our flesh. Sometimes "failure" is the best way to learn this lesson.
But this is no reason not to have unbridled confidence in Christ. He is the only One who can propel us to a certain, and glorious end. What God has started in us, His church, He will certainly finish.
[Puritan quote of the day: "We must fight on our knees by prayer. Prayer whips the devil. The arrow of prayer, put into the bow of the promise and shot with the hand of faith, pierces the old serpent.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Fight of Faith Crowned"]
Monday, March 26, 2018
Mon., 3/26/18 Devotion (Jn. 16:33)
Today's encouragement comes from John 16:33, where our Lord Jesus said this:
"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."
Notice that the Christian churchman's peace is entirely experienced in Jesus Christ. It may never be found in the "world," or in anything other than Christ. Our union with Jesus causes us to be able to be genuinely cheerful, even as we are going through very difficult hardships.
All of this is because our Savior has "overcome the world." The world no longer has any controlling power over us (who are in Christ). In Jesus all true believers have also "overcome" it (the world).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]
"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."
Notice that the Christian churchman's peace is entirely experienced in Jesus Christ. It may never be found in the "world," or in anything other than Christ. Our union with Jesus causes us to be able to be genuinely cheerful, even as we are going through very difficult hardships.
All of this is because our Savior has "overcome the world." The world no longer has any controlling power over us (who are in Christ). In Jesus all true believers have also "overcome" it (the world).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]
Friday, March 23, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 3/23-25/18 Devotion
Praise God, Sunday is coming soon. Hold on. Here is Thomas Watson, from "The Test of Assurance . . . ":
"He who loves God cannot live without Him. Things we love we cannot be without. A man can do without music or flowers, but not food; so a soul deeply in love with God looks upon himself as undone without Him. 'Hide not Your face from me, lest I be like them that go down into the pit,' (Psalm 143:7).
"Job 30:28 says, 'I went mourning without the sun.' 'I have starlight, I want the Sun of Righteousness; I enjoy not the sweet presence of my God.' Is God our chief good, and we cannot live without Him? Alas! how do they show they have no love to God who can do well enough without Him! Let them have corn and oil, and you shall never hear them complain of the lack of God."
"He who loves God cannot live without Him. Things we love we cannot be without. A man can do without music or flowers, but not food; so a soul deeply in love with God looks upon himself as undone without Him. 'Hide not Your face from me, lest I be like them that go down into the pit,' (Psalm 143:7).
"Job 30:28 says, 'I went mourning without the sun.' 'I have starlight, I want the Sun of Righteousness; I enjoy not the sweet presence of my God.' Is God our chief good, and we cannot live without Him? Alas! how do they show they have no love to God who can do well enough without Him! Let them have corn and oil, and you shall never hear them complain of the lack of God."
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Thurs., 3/22/18 Devotion (Eph. 2:4-5)
Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:4 & 5, where Paul wrote these amazing words:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) . . . "
If God would so love His people, even before He converted them—how much *more* should we believe in His love of us now, that we are His purchased possession (as Christ’s true church)? Before regeneration, we knew nothing of God, nor His love. If we knew anything (which is unlikely), it was only a fuz-zy notion of wrath.
But now that we are the children of God, let us live as such. Let us put away all foolish ideas—such as, that we could earn God's favor; or that salvation comes by any means other than grace, through faith in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Whatever change or trouble a child of God meets with, it is all the hell he shall have.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) . . . "
If God would so love His people, even before He converted them—how much *more* should we believe in His love of us now, that we are His purchased possession (as Christ’s true church)? Before regeneration, we knew nothing of God, nor His love. If we knew anything (which is unlikely), it was only a fuz-zy notion of wrath.
But now that we are the children of God, let us live as such. Let us put away all foolish ideas—such as, that we could earn God's favor; or that salvation comes by any means other than grace, through faith in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Whatever change or trouble a child of God meets with, it is all the hell he shall have.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Wed., 3/14/18 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:8)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:8, where we read these words:
"For we can do nothing against the truth, but [only] for the truth."
Those Christian churchmen who are faithful in their rightful callings: be they as apostles (which are no more); or as ministers; or as other church officers; or as believing parishioners—cannot do anything "against the truth," but only "for" it.
How is this possible? Does this not seem preposterous? It *is* possible, and true because of the superintending work of God Himself, keeping His children in the fold, and in their faith in Jesus. If we live by faith today, loving Christ—then let us do what we will. Whatever we do will please God (because of Jesus' sacrifice); and it will forward the truth of the gospel.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Peter at one time believes and walks, at another time he doubts and sinks, (Matt. 14:30).” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
"For we can do nothing against the truth, but [only] for the truth."
Those Christian churchmen who are faithful in their rightful callings: be they as apostles (which are no more); or as ministers; or as other church officers; or as believing parishioners—cannot do anything "against the truth," but only "for" it.
How is this possible? Does this not seem preposterous? It *is* possible, and true because of the superintending work of God Himself, keeping His children in the fold, and in their faith in Jesus. If we live by faith today, loving Christ—then let us do what we will. Whatever we do will please God (because of Jesus' sacrifice); and it will forward the truth of the gospel.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Peter at one time believes and walks, at another time he doubts and sinks, (Matt. 14:30).” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Tues., 3/13/18 Devotion (Job 42:5-6)
Today's encouragement comes from Job 42:5 & 6, where we read these words:
"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
The church’s ministers preach the word of the gospel; the Holy Spirit applies that word to the hearts of the elect redeemed; but it is only when the believer "sees" Christ, with the eyes of faith, that he or she is thoroughly humbled, and marvels at God's love.
This is the universal testimony of all the Scriptures—(see Isa., ch. 6 as a classic example). Do we need to hear about the Lord Jesus? Yes. But we al-so need to behold Him with the eyes of faith. When or if this happens, we will never be the same; and we will forever disdain our formerly-held (but putrid) self-righteousness.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely, it is better to lack any mercy than a humble heart, it is better to have no mercy than lack a humble heart.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
The church’s ministers preach the word of the gospel; the Holy Spirit applies that word to the hearts of the elect redeemed; but it is only when the believer "sees" Christ, with the eyes of faith, that he or she is thoroughly humbled, and marvels at God's love.
This is the universal testimony of all the Scriptures—(see Isa., ch. 6 as a classic example). Do we need to hear about the Lord Jesus? Yes. But we al-so need to behold Him with the eyes of faith. When or if this happens, we will never be the same; and we will forever disdain our formerly-held (but putrid) self-righteousness.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely, it is better to lack any mercy than a humble heart, it is better to have no mercy than lack a humble heart.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]
Monday, March 12, 2018
Mon., 3/12/18 Devotion (Ex. 23:1a, 2a, 3)
Today's encouragement comes from the words of Exodus 23:1a, 2a, & 3:
"You shall not circulate a false report. . . . You shall not follow a crowd to do evil . . . You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute."
Let us take notice of how our default sinful reaction is always to do these things (mentioned above). Our flesh and the world expects us to slander oth-ers, mindlessly follow fools, and to be politically-correct (at the expense of the truth). It takes a conscious gospel effort to offset this propensity; and this is successful only with the help and power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us not go down the stream with so many, who are on their way to perdi-tion. Instead, let us swim against the tide, by the grace of Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The power that is given to the church is given for edification, not destruction.” —Richard Sibbes, in. "The Bruised Reed"]
"You shall not circulate a false report. . . . You shall not follow a crowd to do evil . . . You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute."
Let us take notice of how our default sinful reaction is always to do these things (mentioned above). Our flesh and the world expects us to slander oth-ers, mindlessly follow fools, and to be politically-correct (at the expense of the truth). It takes a conscious gospel effort to offset this propensity; and this is successful only with the help and power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us not go down the stream with so many, who are on their way to perdi-tion. Instead, let us swim against the tide, by the grace of Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The power that is given to the church is given for edification, not destruction.” —Richard Sibbes, in. "The Bruised Reed"]
Friday, March 9, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 3/9-11/18 Devotion
Yes! It is almost Sunday again! We get to go back to church! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Art of Divine Content-ment" book. . . .
"[Divine contentment] shows how a Christian may come to lead a comfortable life, even a heaven upon earth—be the times what they will: by Christian con-tentment. The comfort of life does not rest in having much; it is Christ's max-im, 'Man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he posses-ses,' (Lk. 12:15)—but it is in being contented. . . . Contentment lies within a man, in the heart; and the way to be comfortable, is not by having our barns filled, but our minds quiet. 'The contented man,' says Seneca, 'is the happy man.’ . . .
"Would we have comfort in our lives? We may have it if we will: a Christian may carve out what condition he will to himself. Why do you complain of your troubles? It is not trouble that troubles, but discontent. It is not the water out-side the ship, but the water that gets inside, which drowns it. It is not outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian sad; a contented mind would sail above these waters—but when there is a leak of discontent open, and trouble gets into the heart, then it is disquieted and sinks. Do therefore as the marin-ers, pump the water out, and stop the spiritual leak in the soul, and no trouble can hurt you."
"[Divine contentment] shows how a Christian may come to lead a comfortable life, even a heaven upon earth—be the times what they will: by Christian con-tentment. The comfort of life does not rest in having much; it is Christ's max-im, 'Man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he posses-ses,' (Lk. 12:15)—but it is in being contented. . . . Contentment lies within a man, in the heart; and the way to be comfortable, is not by having our barns filled, but our minds quiet. 'The contented man,' says Seneca, 'is the happy man.’ . . .
"Would we have comfort in our lives? We may have it if we will: a Christian may carve out what condition he will to himself. Why do you complain of your troubles? It is not trouble that troubles, but discontent. It is not the water out-side the ship, but the water that gets inside, which drowns it. It is not outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian sad; a contented mind would sail above these waters—but when there is a leak of discontent open, and trouble gets into the heart, then it is disquieted and sinks. Do therefore as the marin-ers, pump the water out, and stop the spiritual leak in the soul, and no trouble can hurt you."
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Thurs., 3/8/18 Devotion (Ex. 19:8b, 9b)
Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 19:8b & 9b, where we read these words:
" . . . So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. . . . So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD."
We might be thinking, "Why did God have Moses do this (above)? The Lord could hear what the people said—nothing escapes Him; He knows all things.” All this is true, but The LORD is a covenant God. In other words, He operates with His people through a Mediator (ultimately Jesus). When God deals with the rest of the world, He does not employ a Mediator; but when He com-munes with His church, He does.
No one has any access to God whatsoever without Jesus. No one comes to God "directly." God may *only* be approached through a Perfect Intercessor (Jesus). Moses (here in Ex. 19) is a "type" of Christ. Outside of our Lord Jesus Christ there is virtually no way to the True God (cf. Jn. 14:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: "This [true] God is joy in sadness, light in darkness, life in death, heaven in hell.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sincere Convert"]
" . . . So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. . . . So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD."
We might be thinking, "Why did God have Moses do this (above)? The Lord could hear what the people said—nothing escapes Him; He knows all things.” All this is true, but The LORD is a covenant God. In other words, He operates with His people through a Mediator (ultimately Jesus). When God deals with the rest of the world, He does not employ a Mediator; but when He com-munes with His church, He does.
No one has any access to God whatsoever without Jesus. No one comes to God "directly." God may *only* be approached through a Perfect Intercessor (Jesus). Moses (here in Ex. 19) is a "type" of Christ. Outside of our Lord Jesus Christ there is virtually no way to the True God (cf. Jn. 14:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: "This [true] God is joy in sadness, light in darkness, life in death, heaven in hell.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sincere Convert"]
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Wed., 3/7/18 Devotion (2 Cor. 6:1)
Today's encouragement comes from the words of Paul, as they are found in 2 Corinthians 6:1:
"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain."
How is the grace of God received "in vain”—even potentially by us, sincere Christians? It is "received in vain" when we forget that our righteousness is all wrapped up in Jesus. The previous verse, (2 Cor. 5:21), had taught us imput-ed righteousness and substitutionary atonement. But our flesh continually re-coils at such marvels, and seeks to regain its perverse "credibility" (even with God).
So, when we cease to look to Jesus alone for our redemption, (and we gaze upon ourselves or something else), we receive the grace of God "in vain." Is Christ our righteousness? Then let us look no further.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is never really absent from such as love Him, but He may seem to be so sometimes.” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ"]
"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain."
How is the grace of God received "in vain”—even potentially by us, sincere Christians? It is "received in vain" when we forget that our righteousness is all wrapped up in Jesus. The previous verse, (2 Cor. 5:21), had taught us imput-ed righteousness and substitutionary atonement. But our flesh continually re-coils at such marvels, and seeks to regain its perverse "credibility" (even with God).
So, when we cease to look to Jesus alone for our redemption, (and we gaze upon ourselves or something else), we receive the grace of God "in vain." Is Christ our righteousness? Then let us look no further.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is never really absent from such as love Him, but He may seem to be so sometimes.” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ"]
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Tues., 3/6/18 Devotion (Lk. 20:38a)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 20:38a, where we read these words, uttered by Christ:
"For He [God] is not the God of the dead but of the living . . . "
Most people we will meet, work with, or speak to today are walking dead souls. They have no life, because they do not possess the Author of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ. These people exist, they can breathe air—but they are not alive in the most real and profound sense. The Lord is not their God, because they are dead. The true God is *only* the God of the living.
If we are alive in Christ today as His church, then these three principal truths will guide us, (and they will be no burden to us): 1) we will continue to believe in Jesus; 2) we will love Him; and 3) we will witness (spread) His life every-where we can.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, how empty and insignificant are all other things without God!” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Drawing Near to God"]
"For He [God] is not the God of the dead but of the living . . . "
Most people we will meet, work with, or speak to today are walking dead souls. They have no life, because they do not possess the Author of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ. These people exist, they can breathe air—but they are not alive in the most real and profound sense. The Lord is not their God, because they are dead. The true God is *only* the God of the living.
If we are alive in Christ today as His church, then these three principal truths will guide us, (and they will be no burden to us): 1) we will continue to believe in Jesus; 2) we will love Him; and 3) we will witness (spread) His life every-where we can.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, how empty and insignificant are all other things without God!” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Drawing Near to God"]
Monday, March 5, 2018
Mon., 3/5/18 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:1)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:1, where we read these words:
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."
It is easy to "lose heart" in this fallen world. The better or more noble the cause, the greater the opposition and discouragement of it. Paul knew two things (from the text above): that he had been *called* to his apostleship (by God); and that he had received *mercy* (from God).
These two truths alone were sufficient to prevent the Apostle from "losing heart." If we are faithful, covenant-keeping, and believing Christian church-man today, then we also have a ministry, and we have received mercy. In light of this wonderful truth, let us serve Christ with humility and boldness today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Every man is as his God is. If you would know whether a man is a godly man or not, you must inquire what his god is like.”
—Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "A truly Godly man prefers God before all others"]
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."
It is easy to "lose heart" in this fallen world. The better or more noble the cause, the greater the opposition and discouragement of it. Paul knew two things (from the text above): that he had been *called* to his apostleship (by God); and that he had received *mercy* (from God).
These two truths alone were sufficient to prevent the Apostle from "losing heart." If we are faithful, covenant-keeping, and believing Christian church-man today, then we also have a ministry, and we have received mercy. In light of this wonderful truth, let us serve Christ with humility and boldness today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Every man is as his God is. If you would know whether a man is a godly man or not, you must inquire what his god is like.”
—Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "A truly Godly man prefers God before all others"]
Friday, March 2, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 3/2-4/18 Devotion
Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We get to go back to church! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Divinity" book. . . .
"What shall we do to attain [God's] blessed peace?
"Let us ask it of God. He is the God of peace; He beats back the roaring lion; He stills the raging of conscience. If we could call all the angels out of heav-en, they could not speak peace without God. The stars cannot make day without the sun; none can make day in a dark deserted soul, but the Sun of Righteousness. As the wilderness cannot water itself, but remains dry and parched till the clouds drop their moisture, so our hearts cannot have peace till He infuse it, and drop it upon us by His Spirit. Therefore pray, 'Lord, You who are the God of peace, create peace; You who are the Prince of peace, command it. Give me that peace which may sweeten trouble, yea, even the bitter cup of death.’ "
"What shall we do to attain [God's] blessed peace?
"Let us ask it of God. He is the God of peace; He beats back the roaring lion; He stills the raging of conscience. If we could call all the angels out of heav-en, they could not speak peace without God. The stars cannot make day without the sun; none can make day in a dark deserted soul, but the Sun of Righteousness. As the wilderness cannot water itself, but remains dry and parched till the clouds drop their moisture, so our hearts cannot have peace till He infuse it, and drop it upon us by His Spirit. Therefore pray, 'Lord, You who are the God of peace, create peace; You who are the Prince of peace, command it. Give me that peace which may sweeten trouble, yea, even the bitter cup of death.’ "
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Thurs., 3/1/18 Devotion (Lk. 15:21)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 15:21, where we read these great words:
"And the [prodigal] son said to [his father], ‘Father, I have sinned against hea-ven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ "
This (above) is a most poignant and beautiful section of Holy Scripture. The Prodigal Son is on his way home. He has been rehearsing his lines. He is saying to himself, "Remember to say, 'I have sinned.’ Do not forget the 'no longer worthy' part. And be sure to finish with, 'Make me like one of your hired servants.' "
The Son does pretty well at getting his speech out to his father—but before he ever gets to his last line (about being a hired servant), his father is all over him, showering love and acceptance on him. So it is with God: He is a loving Father, who forgives His own elect children of His church, and receives them into His embraces. This parable is a vivid picture of God's love for the people Jesus procured with His precious blood atonement.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If anything in us or on our part could stop God lov-ing us [His church], then He would long ago have turned away from us.”
—John Owen, in, "Communion with God"]
"And the [prodigal] son said to [his father], ‘Father, I have sinned against hea-ven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ "
This (above) is a most poignant and beautiful section of Holy Scripture. The Prodigal Son is on his way home. He has been rehearsing his lines. He is saying to himself, "Remember to say, 'I have sinned.’ Do not forget the 'no longer worthy' part. And be sure to finish with, 'Make me like one of your hired servants.' "
The Son does pretty well at getting his speech out to his father—but before he ever gets to his last line (about being a hired servant), his father is all over him, showering love and acceptance on him. So it is with God: He is a loving Father, who forgives His own elect children of His church, and receives them into His embraces. This parable is a vivid picture of God's love for the people Jesus procured with His precious blood atonement.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If anything in us or on our part could stop God lov-ing us [His church], then He would long ago have turned away from us.”
—John Owen, in, "Communion with God"]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
