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"]
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
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."
"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."
Thursday, December 27, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Monday, December 24, 2018
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"]
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"]
Friday, December 21, 2018
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? . . . "
“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? . . . "
Thursday, December 20, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
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"]
" . . . 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"]
Monday, December 17, 2018
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"]
" . . . 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"]
Friday, December 14, 2018
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."
"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."
Thursday, December 13, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Monday, December 10, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Friday, December 7, 2018
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."
"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."
Thursday, December 6, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Monday, December 3, 2018
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"]
"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"]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
