Thank God—Sunday is almost here! Let us get ready for church. Here is the esteemed Thomas Watson, from his book entitled, "The Art of Divine Con-tentment":
"A contented spirit is a cheerful spirit. The Greeks call it ‘euthema.' Content-ment is something more than patience. For patience denotes only submis-sion, contentment denotes cheerfulness. A contented Christian is more than passive. He does not only bear the cross, but takes up the cross, (Matt. 6:24). He looks upon God as a wise God; and whatever He does, though it be not willingly, yet sensibly, it is in order to a cure.
"Hence the contented Christian is cheerful, and with the apostle, 'Takes plea-sure in infirmities, distresses,' etc., (2 Cor. 12:10). He does not only submit to God's dealings, but rejoices in them. He does not only say, 'Just is the Lord in all that has befallen me,' but 'Good is the Lord.' This is to be contented."
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Thurs., 8/30/18 Devotion (1 Sam. 23:14)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 23:14, where we read these words:
"And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand."
The devil, and God's enemies seek the Lord's true churchmen "every day"; but thankfully, our Father does not allow us to be delivered into their hands. There are times when it is appropriate for us to hide in God's "strongholds"; and there are other times when we have to go on the offensive, and put the devil to flight (cf. Jas. 4:7).
In any case, there is never a permanent reprieve from this spiritual dynamic while we are down here as the church militant. At all times, we are to be watchful and diligent.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The fragrance of the graces of God's Spirit in His people, which is delightful to God and His saints, puts wicked men into a rage.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
"And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand."
The devil, and God's enemies seek the Lord's true churchmen "every day"; but thankfully, our Father does not allow us to be delivered into their hands. There are times when it is appropriate for us to hide in God's "strongholds"; and there are other times when we have to go on the offensive, and put the devil to flight (cf. Jas. 4:7).
In any case, there is never a permanent reprieve from this spiritual dynamic while we are down here as the church militant. At all times, we are to be watchful and diligent.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The fragrance of the graces of God's Spirit in His people, which is delightful to God and His saints, puts wicked men into a rage.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tues., 8/28/18 Devotion (Ps. 36:8)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 36:8, where we read these words:
"They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures."
Such is the state (above) of all God's sincere Christian churchmen—who rest all their hopes for redemption and forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ (alone). They are given a lot: abundant satisfaction from God's fullness of His house (church). On top of this, they drink daily of the Water of Life (Christ). He is God's "River" of "pleasures."
Is the faithful life an easy one? No. Are there struggles that accrue to it, that even the unregenerate do not have to deal with? Yes. But, in the full scope of things, the true believer has a very wonderful life and inheritance (in Christ).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us assure ourselves that God's grace, even in this imperfect state, is stronger than man's free will in the state of original per-fection.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures."
Such is the state (above) of all God's sincere Christian churchmen—who rest all their hopes for redemption and forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ (alone). They are given a lot: abundant satisfaction from God's fullness of His house (church). On top of this, they drink daily of the Water of Life (Christ). He is God's "River" of "pleasures."
Is the faithful life an easy one? No. Are there struggles that accrue to it, that even the unregenerate do not have to deal with? Yes. But, in the full scope of things, the true believer has a very wonderful life and inheritance (in Christ).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us assure ourselves that God's grace, even in this imperfect state, is stronger than man's free will in the state of original per-fection.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Friday, August 24, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 8/24-26/18 Devotion
Praise God—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help prepare us for church worship, here are good words from Thomas Watson, from his "All Things for Good" book:
"When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot but come. You may resist the minister’s call, but you cannot the Spirit’s call. The finger of the blessed Spirit can write upon a heart of stone, as once He wrote His laws upon tables of stone. God’s words are creating words. When He said 'Let there be light, there was light'; and when He says, 'Let there be faith,' it shall be so. When God called Paul, he answered to the call. 'I was not disobedient to the heav-enly vision,' (Acts 26:19). God rides forth conquering in the chariot of His gos-pel. He makes the blind eyes see, and the stony heart bleed. If God will call a man, nothing shall lie in the way to hinder; difficulties shall be untied, the pow-ers of hell shall disband. 'Who has resisted His will?,' (Rom. 9:19)."
"When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot but come. You may resist the minister’s call, but you cannot the Spirit’s call. The finger of the blessed Spirit can write upon a heart of stone, as once He wrote His laws upon tables of stone. God’s words are creating words. When He said 'Let there be light, there was light'; and when He says, 'Let there be faith,' it shall be so. When God called Paul, he answered to the call. 'I was not disobedient to the heav-enly vision,' (Acts 26:19). God rides forth conquering in the chariot of His gos-pel. He makes the blind eyes see, and the stony heart bleed. If God will call a man, nothing shall lie in the way to hinder; difficulties shall be untied, the pow-ers of hell shall disband. 'Who has resisted His will?,' (Rom. 9:19)."
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Thurs., 8/23/18 Devotion (Ps. 31:14-15a)
Today's encouragement comes from David's Holy Spirit-inspired words of Psalm 31:14 & 15a:
"But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand . . . "
Are we befuddled today about how to pray, or how to live? If so, here is a good and simple place to start. God is pleased with faith in Christ, no matter what the rest of our lives lack. He also relishes being "owned" by His faithful churchmen—so we ought to pray, "You are *my* God." If we are concerned about our future, or that of those we care for, it is helpful to recognize that our times are in God's hands.
Life is not as complicated as we are tempted to believe. Let us unclutter our souls; and love Jesus today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The gospel stands in no need of external evidenc-es of its truth and divinity. It carries its own light and evidence with it.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]
"But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand . . . "
Are we befuddled today about how to pray, or how to live? If so, here is a good and simple place to start. God is pleased with faith in Christ, no matter what the rest of our lives lack. He also relishes being "owned" by His faithful churchmen—so we ought to pray, "You are *my* God." If we are concerned about our future, or that of those we care for, it is helpful to recognize that our times are in God's hands.
Life is not as complicated as we are tempted to believe. Let us unclutter our souls; and love Jesus today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The gospel stands in no need of external evidenc-es of its truth and divinity. It carries its own light and evidence with it.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Tues., 8/21/18 Devotion (Rom. 11:33)
Today's encouragement comes from Romans 11:33, where Paul wrote these words:
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!"
Everything, without exception, that God has done, does, or will ever do is good. Everything that has ever occurred, in the entire history of creation, is designed to further His glory and the welfare of Christ's church. Do we be-lieve this? If so, it is because we are willing to accept the wonder and amaze-ment of Rom. 11:33—and we share in Paul's astonishment of how good and amazing God is.
Let us believe way beyond the puny purview of the teensy terrain we see with the eyes of our flesh. God is better than we could ever imagine Him to be. He has confirmed that by giving us Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "As He is God, all things are His own, and He has a right to dispose of them according to His own pleasure.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in his sermon, "The Sovereignty of God"]
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!"
Everything, without exception, that God has done, does, or will ever do is good. Everything that has ever occurred, in the entire history of creation, is designed to further His glory and the welfare of Christ's church. Do we be-lieve this? If so, it is because we are willing to accept the wonder and amaze-ment of Rom. 11:33—and we share in Paul's astonishment of how good and amazing God is.
Let us believe way beyond the puny purview of the teensy terrain we see with the eyes of our flesh. God is better than we could ever imagine Him to be. He has confirmed that by giving us Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "As He is God, all things are His own, and He has a right to dispose of them according to His own pleasure.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in his sermon, "The Sovereignty of God"]
Monday, August 20, 2018
Mon., 8/20/18 Devotion (Jer. 49:38a)
Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 49:38a, where we read these words:
"I [the Lord] will set My throne in Elam . . . "
What a strange place for God to "set [His] throne”—Elam, an ancient pagan power east of Babylon. This is a good reminder of the fact that nothing is out-side of our Triune God's sovereignty: He is king everywhere—in heaven, and on earth. No devil, no sinners, no evil can overthrow Him; and God remains on His throne at all times, in every situation.
Having said that, it is also true that there is a "positive" reign of Christ (in His church), and a "negative" reign of Christ (in His judgment of wickedness). The same Sovereign is in control—it is just that in one case God grants forgive-ness and imputed righteousness (from Christ); and in the other case He ex-ercises His prerogative as a Just Judge (in condemnation).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Praise God for every smile, and rejoice in the least.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"I [the Lord] will set My throne in Elam . . . "
What a strange place for God to "set [His] throne”—Elam, an ancient pagan power east of Babylon. This is a good reminder of the fact that nothing is out-side of our Triune God's sovereignty: He is king everywhere—in heaven, and on earth. No devil, no sinners, no evil can overthrow Him; and God remains on His throne at all times, in every situation.
Having said that, it is also true that there is a "positive" reign of Christ (in His church), and a "negative" reign of Christ (in His judgment of wickedness). The same Sovereign is in control—it is just that in one case God grants forgive-ness and imputed righteousness (from Christ); and in the other case He ex-ercises His prerogative as a Just Judge (in condemnation).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Praise God for every smile, and rejoice in the least.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Friday, August 17, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 8/17-19/18 Devotion
Yes! Sunday is ALMOST here. All God's children GET to go to church. In or-der to help prepare us for this amazing privilege, here is the remarkable Thomas Watson, from his, "All Things for Good" book:
"Let us then ascribe the whole work of grace to the pleasure of God's will. God did not choose us because we were worthy, but by choosing us He makes us worthy. Proud men are apt to assume and arrogate too much to themselves, in being sharers with God. While many cry out against church sacrilege, they are in the meantime guilty of a far greater sacrilege, in robbing God of His glory, while they go to set the crown of salvation upon their own head. But we must resolve all into God's purpose. The signs of salvation are in the saints, but the cause of salvation is in God.
"If it be God's purpose that saves, then it is not free will. The Pelagians are strenuous asserters of free will. They tell us that a man has an innate power to effect his own conversion; but this text [Eph. 1:11] confutes it. Our calling is 'according to God's purpose.' The Scripture plucks up the root of free will. 'It is not of him that wills,' (Rom. 9:16). All depends upon the purpose of God. When the prisoner is condemned at the bar, there is no saving him, unless the king has a purpose to save him. God's purpose is His prerogative royal."
"Let us then ascribe the whole work of grace to the pleasure of God's will. God did not choose us because we were worthy, but by choosing us He makes us worthy. Proud men are apt to assume and arrogate too much to themselves, in being sharers with God. While many cry out against church sacrilege, they are in the meantime guilty of a far greater sacrilege, in robbing God of His glory, while they go to set the crown of salvation upon their own head. But we must resolve all into God's purpose. The signs of salvation are in the saints, but the cause of salvation is in God.
"If it be God's purpose that saves, then it is not free will. The Pelagians are strenuous asserters of free will. They tell us that a man has an innate power to effect his own conversion; but this text [Eph. 1:11] confutes it. Our calling is 'according to God's purpose.' The Scripture plucks up the root of free will. 'It is not of him that wills,' (Rom. 9:16). All depends upon the purpose of God. When the prisoner is condemned at the bar, there is no saving him, unless the king has a purpose to save him. God's purpose is His prerogative royal."
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Tues., 8/14/18 Devotion (Rom. 4:2-3)
Today's encouragement comes from Romans 4:2 & 3, where we read these amazing words:
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' "
Religious people often like to boast (at least within themselves) about how good they are. But Abraham knew better. He understood that his faithful deeds—like being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac—were not the *cause* of his right standing with God, but were, rather, the *results* of his being justified by faith in Christ.
There is nothing more despicable in the world, or in the eyes of God, than a self-, or works-righteousness person. These wretches despise and disdain the work of Christ, and believe themselves good enough to satisfy an abso-lutely holy God. On the judgment day, *only* those churchmen clothed with Jesus' righteousness, apprehended by faith alone, will stand.
[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"]
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' "
Religious people often like to boast (at least within themselves) about how good they are. But Abraham knew better. He understood that his faithful deeds—like being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac—were not the *cause* of his right standing with God, but were, rather, the *results* of his being justified by faith in Christ.
There is nothing more despicable in the world, or in the eyes of God, than a self-, or works-righteousness person. These wretches despise and disdain the work of Christ, and believe themselves good enough to satisfy an abso-lutely holy God. On the judgment day, *only* those churchmen clothed with Jesus' righteousness, apprehended by faith alone, will stand.
[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"]
Monday, August 13, 2018
Mon., 8/13/18 Devotion (Rom. 3:28)
Today's encouragement comes from Romans 3:28, where Paul, under the in-spiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote these words:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
How much of our own righteousness do we have? If we answer by saying that we have *any* at all, then we are in deep trouble, and we have blas-phemously denigrated the atonement of Christ. There is not one thing we can do to procure our right standing with God, outside of believing that Jesus Christ Himself has *fully* (and not partly) accomplished all of this for us.
The Fall has left us all with the accursed sense that we still somehow pos-sess Adam's initial "righteousness." The fact is, it is completely gone. If we are going to be justified at all, it must be done in and through Christ alone, apprehended by faith; and Christ’s righteousness is infinitely better than any-thing Adam possessed.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Heaven is ours already, only we strive till we have full possession.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
How much of our own righteousness do we have? If we answer by saying that we have *any* at all, then we are in deep trouble, and we have blas-phemously denigrated the atonement of Christ. There is not one thing we can do to procure our right standing with God, outside of believing that Jesus Christ Himself has *fully* (and not partly) accomplished all of this for us.
The Fall has left us all with the accursed sense that we still somehow pos-sess Adam's initial "righteousness." The fact is, it is completely gone. If we are going to be justified at all, it must be done in and through Christ alone, apprehended by faith; and Christ’s righteousness is infinitely better than any-thing Adam possessed.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Heaven is ours already, only we strive till we have full possession.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Friday, August 10, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 8/10-12/18 Devotion
Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We GET to go back to church again. In or-der to help get us ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "Happiness of Drawing Close to God" book. . . .
"To draw near to God is our peace. The only thing which breaks our peace is, when we do not keep close to God. But what harmony, indeed Heaven is in the soul when it draws near to God! Psalm 119:165: ‘Great peace have they which love Your law.’ This peace, like pearl in broth, is pleasant. David drew near to God, for He was ‘ever with him,’ (Psalm 139:17). And this made his pillow soft when he went to sleep. Psalm 4:8: ‘I will lay me down in peace.’
. . . How comfortable it is to draw near to the sun! And how sweet is it to ap-proach nigh to the Sun of Righteousness.
"To draw near to God is our riches. It is good drawing near to a gold mine. If we draw near to God, He will enrich us with promises, and divine consola-tions. He will enrich us with the ‘pearl of great price,’ (Mk. 13:46). He will re-ward us as a king, yea as a God. He will give over His land and jewels to us. He will give us the spring flowers of joy here, and the harvest of glory here-after."
"To draw near to God is our peace. The only thing which breaks our peace is, when we do not keep close to God. But what harmony, indeed Heaven is in the soul when it draws near to God! Psalm 119:165: ‘Great peace have they which love Your law.’ This peace, like pearl in broth, is pleasant. David drew near to God, for He was ‘ever with him,’ (Psalm 139:17). And this made his pillow soft when he went to sleep. Psalm 4:8: ‘I will lay me down in peace.’
. . . How comfortable it is to draw near to the sun! And how sweet is it to ap-proach nigh to the Sun of Righteousness.
"To draw near to God is our riches. It is good drawing near to a gold mine. If we draw near to God, He will enrich us with promises, and divine consola-tions. He will enrich us with the ‘pearl of great price,’ (Mk. 13:46). He will re-ward us as a king, yea as a God. He will give over His land and jewels to us. He will give us the spring flowers of joy here, and the harvest of glory here-after."
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Thurs., 8/9/18 Devotion (Acts 27:31)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 27:31, where we read these words:
"Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.' "
What Paul says (above) regarding the merchant ship he and many others were sailing on, God would say to all professing Christians: "Unless you stay in the gospel ship (of Christ as His church), you cannot be saved." Why would anybody want to "jump ship"? Because of persecution, trial, fiery furnaces of affliction, cowardice, unbelief, etc.
The good ship of Jesus sails over the sea of judgment today, as Noah's ark did in the book of Genesis. Let all God's true children stay faithful in Christ and His church—and enjoy the voyage, even when it gets bumpy.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Not one of all [God's] true soldiers was ever left to perish on the field of battle.” —Thomas Jones, in the preface of Isaac Am-brose's, "The Christian Warrior"]
"Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.' "
What Paul says (above) regarding the merchant ship he and many others were sailing on, God would say to all professing Christians: "Unless you stay in the gospel ship (of Christ as His church), you cannot be saved." Why would anybody want to "jump ship"? Because of persecution, trial, fiery furnaces of affliction, cowardice, unbelief, etc.
The good ship of Jesus sails over the sea of judgment today, as Noah's ark did in the book of Genesis. Let all God's true children stay faithful in Christ and His church—and enjoy the voyage, even when it gets bumpy.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Not one of all [God's] true soldiers was ever left to perish on the field of battle.” —Thomas Jones, in the preface of Isaac Am-brose's, "The Christian Warrior"]
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Wed., 8/8/18 Devotion (Ruth 1:16)
Today's encouragement comes from Ruth 1:16, where we read these words:
"But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.' "
Ruth's statement to Naomi (above) is an ideal pattern for all sincere Chris-tians. We are to ask God to permanently accept us (in Jesus), to allow us to follow Him all the way to heaven, to go through whatever circumstances He would choose for us (good or bad), to abide with Him, to make His church our own family, and to be bound perpetually to Him (in faith).
And to think that Ruth was an unclean Gentile outsider (in the Old Covenant), just like we are, in our fallen state of sin and rebellion. God received Ruth into His grace, just as He embraces all believing and repenting sinners, even to-day. Let us be thankful that we serve such a great Lord.
[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.' "
Ruth's statement to Naomi (above) is an ideal pattern for all sincere Chris-tians. We are to ask God to permanently accept us (in Jesus), to allow us to follow Him all the way to heaven, to go through whatever circumstances He would choose for us (good or bad), to abide with Him, to make His church our own family, and to be bound perpetually to Him (in faith).
And to think that Ruth was an unclean Gentile outsider (in the Old Covenant), just like we are, in our fallen state of sin and rebellion. God received Ruth into His grace, just as He embraces all believing and repenting sinners, even to-day. Let us be thankful that we serve such a great Lord.
[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Tues., 8/7/18 Devotion (Ps. 7:1a)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 7:1a, where we read these words:
"O LORD my God, in You I put my trust . . . "
This is a succinct creed; and one worthy of our notice, attention, and imita-tion. David put his trust in the Lord, and not in anyone or anything else. Be-cause of this, God delivered him from his fierce foes (mentioned throughout this Psalm 7).
Let us, God’s church, put our trust in Christ today. If we do, we will not be dis-appointed. We may well be assailed and mistreated by those who hate Jesus—but we will *not* be put to shame. The Lord will not permit those who trust in His Son to be left to their enemies' devices.
[Puritan quote of the day: "After conversion, the saints have a principle [within them that is] contrary to sin.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]
"O LORD my God, in You I put my trust . . . "
This is a succinct creed; and one worthy of our notice, attention, and imita-tion. David put his trust in the Lord, and not in anyone or anything else. Be-cause of this, God delivered him from his fierce foes (mentioned throughout this Psalm 7).
Let us, God’s church, put our trust in Christ today. If we do, we will not be dis-appointed. We may well be assailed and mistreated by those who hate Jesus—but we will *not* be put to shame. The Lord will not permit those who trust in His Son to be left to their enemies' devices.
[Puritan quote of the day: "After conversion, the saints have a principle [within them that is] contrary to sin.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]
Monday, August 6, 2018
Mon., 8/6/18 Devotion (Acts 24:16)
Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words, found in Acts 24:16:
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men."
God's people ought to do everything in their power to faithfully please the Lord; and, in so doing, to not unduly offend people either. Sometimes this is impossible. Doing what God commands *will*, in some cases, offend sinners. In those cases, it is always best to honor God, and let everyone else be upset about it.
The rule for the church to go by is this: faithfulness to Christ is *always* in *every* human beings' best interest, (even though the unregenerate do not realize, nor accept this). Let us Christian churchmen seek to keep our con-sciences clean, by walking by faith in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is un-lawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men."
God's people ought to do everything in their power to faithfully please the Lord; and, in so doing, to not unduly offend people either. Sometimes this is impossible. Doing what God commands *will*, in some cases, offend sinners. In those cases, it is always best to honor God, and let everyone else be upset about it.
The rule for the church to go by is this: faithfulness to Christ is *always* in *every* human beings' best interest, (even though the unregenerate do not realize, nor accept this). Let us Christian churchmen seek to keep our con-sciences clean, by walking by faith in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is un-lawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Friday, August 3, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 8/3-5/18 Devotion
Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! So as to help us get ready for the Lord's Day's church worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his work, "The Spiritual Watch":
"At one time a Christian is like David, when he danced before the ark with all his might, (2 Sam. 6:14); at another time he is like Samson when his hair was shaved and his strength left him, (Judg. 16:19). When the gold has been made pure in the fire, it remains pure; but it is not so with the heart. When the heart has been purified in an ordinance, it does not remain pure, but gathers new soil and dross. The heart is humble one day and proud the next; it is meek one day and passionate the next; it is quick in its motions towards heaven one day and the next the clock is set back.
"It is with the heart as with a sick man's pulse, which alters almost every quarter of an hour. Since the heart is so full of variation and inconstancy, it is needful to keep the heart with all keeping. Like a violin, the heart will soon be out of order; therefore we must often tighten up the strings and keep the in-strument in tune so that we may make melody in our heart to the Lord, (Eph. 5:19)."
"At one time a Christian is like David, when he danced before the ark with all his might, (2 Sam. 6:14); at another time he is like Samson when his hair was shaved and his strength left him, (Judg. 16:19). When the gold has been made pure in the fire, it remains pure; but it is not so with the heart. When the heart has been purified in an ordinance, it does not remain pure, but gathers new soil and dross. The heart is humble one day and proud the next; it is meek one day and passionate the next; it is quick in its motions towards heaven one day and the next the clock is set back.
"It is with the heart as with a sick man's pulse, which alters almost every quarter of an hour. Since the heart is so full of variation and inconstancy, it is needful to keep the heart with all keeping. Like a violin, the heart will soon be out of order; therefore we must often tighten up the strings and keep the in-strument in tune so that we may make melody in our heart to the Lord, (Eph. 5:19)."
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Thurs., 8/2/18 Devotion (Jer. 29:4-5)
Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 29:4 & 5, where we read these words:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit."
Instead of seeking to destroy the Babylonian culture to which the Judean captives were taken (as a judgment), Jeremiah, under God's direct inspira-tion, encourages them to build-up the Chaldean society. To many of the cap-tives this instruction must have severely grated against them: they would rather be terrorists in their enemies' land, than to be assets to it.
The same is true of the church today. We are the only rightful "owners" of the earth, under Jesus—and we are to be a blessing to every community in which we live—even if those cultures are wholeheartedly committed to many things that we faithful churchmen diametrically oppose.
[Puritan quote of the day: "In all the comfortable providences of your lives, eye God as the Author or Donor of them.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit."
Instead of seeking to destroy the Babylonian culture to which the Judean captives were taken (as a judgment), Jeremiah, under God's direct inspira-tion, encourages them to build-up the Chaldean society. To many of the cap-tives this instruction must have severely grated against them: they would rather be terrorists in their enemies' land, than to be assets to it.
The same is true of the church today. We are the only rightful "owners" of the earth, under Jesus—and we are to be a blessing to every community in which we live—even if those cultures are wholeheartedly committed to many things that we faithful churchmen diametrically oppose.
[Puritan quote of the day: "In all the comfortable providences of your lives, eye God as the Author or Donor of them.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Wed., 8/1/18 Devotion (Acts 19:32)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 19:32, where we read these words:
"Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together."
Wherever the gospel of grace is preached, one of three results accrue: 1) solid belief in Christ, leading to a healthy church life; 2) hypocritical "belief," leading to eventual apostasy; or 3) (as here), plain old confusion.
Today, many professing Christians are thoroughly befuddled; but many others are solidly-established in Jesus. All the while, the unconverted world is in theological chaos. Who is the Answer for all these classifications of people? The Person of Jesus, apprehended by grace through faith in Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a preposterous course, instead of obeying the gospel, and studying to be found in Christ, to be inquisitive whether we were elected from eternity or not.” —William Lyford, in "The Instructed Christian"]
"Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together."
Wherever the gospel of grace is preached, one of three results accrue: 1) solid belief in Christ, leading to a healthy church life; 2) hypocritical "belief," leading to eventual apostasy; or 3) (as here), plain old confusion.
Today, many professing Christians are thoroughly befuddled; but many others are solidly-established in Jesus. All the while, the unconverted world is in theological chaos. Who is the Answer for all these classifications of people? The Person of Jesus, apprehended by grace through faith in Him.
[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a preposterous course, instead of obeying the gospel, and studying to be found in Christ, to be inquisitive whether we were elected from eternity or not.” —William Lyford, in "The Instructed Christian"]
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