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."

Thurs., 9/20/18 Devotion (2 Cor. 9:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 9:8, where Paul wrote these words:

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always hav-ing all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

This promise is made to cheerful, generous, Christ-loving churchmen. A church filled with people who love Jesus never has to worry about (or inor-dinately preach about) money. And note here as well that God is not stingy, nor miserly with His churched children. Instead, He is lavish and bountiful with us—so that we are always in a good position to continually bless others in need, (especially those in the church [cf. Gal. 6:10]).

The divine "pipeline" is full. The only thing that "clogs" it is our sin. Let us live in the fullness of Christ today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is the heavenly treasure the worse for being brought in an earthen vessel or the better when handed to us by an angel?” —Ralph Venning, in his sermon, "The New Commandment Renewed"]

Wed., 9/19/18 Devotion (2 Sam. 15:26b)

Today's encouragement comes from David's lips, as his words are recorded in 2 Samuel 15:26b:

" . . . Here I am, let Him [God] do to me as seems good to Him."

David's attitude is a good one. He was being humbled by God, while the trea-cherous Absalom schemed to take away his throne. One gets the sense that, though David knew he deserved rough treatment from God (because of his murder and adultery, etc.)—he expected the Lord would be merciful and gra-cious to him, nonetheless.

And indeed God's kindness is what David received, in the end. Can *we* say, "Here I am, let God do to me as seems good to Him"? If we are truly in Christ, we can; and we need not fear a thing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There may be as much work done in one hour as in ten times as much time when the heart is not prepared for it [work].”
—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Worship"]

Tues., 9/18/18 Devotion (2 Cor. 7:4c, 5c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 7:4c & 5c, where we read these words:

" . . . I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. . . . Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."

It is helpful for us to read of the Apostle Paul's experiences. We can see (above) that even he, the stalwart of faith and strength, was "fearful" at times. But even more than this, he could find a way (in Christ) to be "joyful" in "tribu-lation."

Every true believer is capable of enduring a whole lot more than he or she could ever imagine that he or she could. There is valor within that will never come to the fore unless it is put through the fire (of afflictions). Still, none of us look forward to these conflicts. The only thing we like is the Christlike char-acter that develops in us (which brings us much peace, stability, and happi-ness).

[Puritan quote of the day: "People [become] distracted from coming to God by their own self-imposed spiritual disciplines.” —John Owen, in, "Sin and Temp-tation"]

Mon., 9/17/18 Devotion (Ps. 66:12b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 66:12b & c, where we read these words:

" . . . We went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."

As we are sincere believing Christians, saved by grace through faith in Christ (alone), then this much is certain: we will go through some very difficult times in this life. But this much is also a sure thing: we will be brought through them, to even higher levels of faith, character-development, joy, and fulfillment.

But no one gets the "good stuff" without first traversing some pretty dark val-leys. Therefore, let us learn now, in advance, that God is good, and that Jesus is worth possessing no matter what. Then, staring into hard circum-stances will not be so bad, since we *know* we will benefit on the other end.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then not having it is good for us. Resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment. —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Con-tentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/14-16/18 Devotion

Wahoo—Sunday is *almost* here! We GET to go to back to church! Here is an amazing quote from Martin Luther, in his remarkable tome, entitled, "Com-mentary on Galatians," (an all-time favorite book of mine)! . . .

"To be brief, all the enemies which did before torment and oppress me, Christ Jesus has brought to nothing: He has spoiled them, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by His cross (Col. 2:15), in such sort that they can now rule and reign no more over me, but are constrained to obey me.

"By this we may plainly see that there is nothing here for us to do, only it be-longs to us, to hear that these things have been wrought and done in this sort, and by faith to apprehend the same. Now when I have thus apprehend-ed Christ by faith, and through Him am dead to the law, then I do good works, I love God, I give thanks to Him, I exercise charity towards my neighbors. But this charity or works following, do neither form nor adorn my faith, but my faith forms and adorns charity. This is our divinity [doctrine], which seems strange and marvelous, or rather, foolish to carnal reason: namely, that I am not only blind and deaf to the law, yea, delivered and freed from the law, but also wholly dead unto the same."

Thurs., 9/13/18 Devotion (2 Sam. 8:6b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 8:6b, where we read these words:

" . . . The LORD preserved David wherever he went."

This phrase is repeated, in 2 Sam. 8:14b. They are encouraging words, espe-cially since David was involved in warfare, and the taking of land, etc. When we are engaged in difficult and dangerous activity, it is always a great comfort to know that "The Lord preserves" us, His churchmen.

Therefore, let us act with boldness and courage this day—recognizing that the God of heaven and earth sustains, protects, and provides for us, Christ’s church. May our hearts be strengthened by the grace of Jesus, and may our faith in Him buoy us up, even against the strongest foes we may have to face today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "All the riches of the world, or the honors and plea-sure of it, all the learning, the power, and the policy of the world, all the world-ly titles and distinctions cannot make the sinful creature happy or do him any good.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christ is the Christian's All"]

Wed., 9/12/18 Devotion (Ps. 56:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 56:3, where David wrote these words:

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."

David was honest enough to admit that at some times he was "afraid." His re-solve here, by grace, was to turn his fear into an opportunity to exercise his faith in Christ. This is a very wise thing to do. Is there anything we can do, to prevent fearful events from coming into our lives? No. But we can make the best of them, by trusting God, through them.

After all, it is relatively "easy" to get on with life, when everything is going smoothly. The challenge is when things do not accord with what we conceive of as our "comfort zone." *That* is the time for us to demonstrate our genuine faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What Satan did in tempting man to fall is made an occasion of the contrary to what he intended in that it gave occasion for God to glorify Himself all the more, and gives occasion for the elect being brought to higher happiness.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]

Tues., 9/11/18 Devotion (1 Cor. 16:2)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 16:2, which says this:

"On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come."

Sunday is not only the day of worship and rest—it is also the day when we of-fer our resources to God (during the church’s worship services). More good is done by the "widow's mite" placed in the faithful church's offering plate on the Lord's Day, than is done by billions of dollars being given away by unbelievers throughout the rest of the week.

It is a privilege to give to Christ, through His church. God does not need any-thing from us; but He honors us by providing us the opportunity to "co-labor" with Him in the furtherance of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus and His grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed that you do not rest in external purity, but seek purity of heart in the ways of God's appointment. Seek it in a con-stant and diligent attendance on all God's ordinances [means of Grace].”
—Jonathan Edwards, in, "Altogether Lovely"]

Mon., 9/10/18 Devotion (1 Cor. 15:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 15:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are sav-
ed . . . "

The reiteration (or repeating) of the gospel message is very important. Paul does that here, with the Corinthian church. He had *already* "preached" it to them; now he once again "declares" it to them. The Corinthian believers had both forgotten the gospel message, and it had been misrepresented to them (by the false apostles).

And so it is with us, the church today. We also need to hear, over and over, from Lord's Day to Lord's Day, the glorious good news: that Jesus lives; and that we live in Him—by grace through faith. Let us never tire of hearing of the grace of God. It should be new and fresh to us everyday.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When a man is humbled, truly humbled, the object of his grief or sorrow or trouble is sin itself, as a dishonor done unto God.”
—William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

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

Yippee—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church and worship, here is Thomas Watson, in his, "A Body of Divinity" book. He is deal-ing with the benefits of the church's redemption below. . . .

"You are happy, the lot of free grace has fallen upon you. You were once in the devil’s prison, but have broken from that prison. You were once bound in the chains of sin, but God has begun to beat off your chains, and has freed you from the power of sin, and the curse due to it. What a comfort is this! Is there any consolation in Christ? It is yours. Is there any sweet fruit growing upon the promise? You may gather it. Are there any glorious privileges in the gospel? They are your [advantages], justification, adoption, coronation. Is there any glory in heaven? You shall shortly drink of that river of pleasure. Have you any temporal comforts? These are but a pledge and earnest of more. How you may be comforted in all worldly afflictions, though the fig-tree flourish not! Nay, in case of death, it has lost its sting. . . . Death shall carry you to your Redeemer. Fear not dying since you cannot be perfectly happy but by dying."

Wed., 9/5/18 Devotion (Ps. 46:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 46:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . . "

Christian fearlessness is never a result of the world’s notions of perceived safety or security. Instead, it is the result of God being "present" with us. The Lord "refuges" His true churchmen by cleansing our souls from sin by the blood of Christ. This, then, becomes the source of our strength.

Let all God's children be strong in the Lord Jesus. There is no sense in imag-ining that there will be a "trouble-free" existence down here—but with our God in our midst we have nothing to fear.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Ministers should study [work] to promote God's glory. God has entrusted them with two of the most precious things: His truth, and the souls of His people.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 9/4/18 Devotion (1 Cor. 9:24)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24, where the Apostle Paul wrote these words:

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

Competition in life, and even in the realm of faith, is good. True Christians must run against their flesh, the devil, the world, all religious hypocrites and idolaters, and everything else that is contrary to sound doctrine. Not only must we run; but we must win, too. There is no room for losing or letting up; and second place renders no reward.

Let us give our church lives everything we have got (to give). Everything de-pends on it. Let us love Christ and His gospel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The world is full of poor professors [of religion] without reality. How few are there who walk in beauty and glory!” —John Owen, in, "The Mortification of Sin"]