Thurs., 1/31/19 Devotion (Gen. 32:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 32:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is God’s camp.' . . . "

Jacob felt alone and vulnerable. Soon, he would be meeting his (previously very angry) brother Esau. But God's angels "met" him. Jacob encountered these angels while he was simply walking with the Lord. When Jacob saw the angels, he deduced that this must be a special place—so he called it "God's camp."

As we Christian churchmen walk with Christ today—even perhaps while we may be feeling a bit “isolated”—let us remember that there are more with us than against us, (cf. 2 Ki. 6:16). When God opens our eyes to this fact, we enjoy ourselves in Jesus, as we "set up camp” in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Is it not comfortable being in heaven? He that en-joys much of God in this life carries heaven about him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 1/30/19 Devotion (Esth. 7:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Esther 7:10, where we read these words:

"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided."

Our Lord Jesus was hung on a cross, paying for the sins of all God's elect church. The cross (death and hell) had been prepared for *our* sins—not for the pristine and perfect Son of God. Through the Messiah's substitutionary death on our (His church’s) behalf, "The King's [God's] wrath subsided" against us.

The redemptive benefits of Jesus' sacrifice of His life on the cross only affect those who are atoned for by Him. In this sense, it is believers *especially* who put Him there—because of our sins. Let us marvel at God's grace and love to us, in Christ!

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is it to enjoy good health, a brave estate, and not to enjoy God?” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 1/29/19 Devotion (Gen. 30:2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 30:2a, where we read these few words:

"And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, 'Am I in the place of God . . . ?' "

Sometimes we foolishly expect of human beings (fallen ones, nonetheless) what only God can do and provide. When people "idolize" other mortals, they are, in essence, saying, "You are my god; now act like it." When sinners fail us, we sometimes blame them for not being able to carry-out what they were never created to perform (in the first place).

Only the true God, as He is known in Jesus Christ, can satisfy us; and do what no one else can do—namely, give us life, happiness, and purpose.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The heart of man is deceitful above all things, a bundle of deceit; and man himself is a proud creature, and very apt to have high conceits of himself.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Mon., 1/28/19 Devotion (Esth. 5:2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Esther 5:2a, which says this:

"And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand." (ESV)

When God sees the church, the bride of Christ, approach the throne of grace in and through Jesus, in prayer, He is pleased to hold out the golden scepter of His love, mercy, and kindness. All of this is because Jesus shed His preci-ous blood for His church.

Do we need to approach the throne of God today? Let us not come empty-handed. Let us bring, in the arms of our faith, the Savior of our souls, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," (Jn. 1:29). No other offer-ing will be accepted.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A child of God keeps two books always by him: one to write his sins in, so that he may be humble; the other to write his mer-cies in, so that he may be thankful.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/25-27/19 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—The Lord's Day is fast approaching! We get to go back to church! Here are some helpful words, as we prepare for Sunday. This comes from Thomas Watson's "Assurance" treatise:

"He who loves God will be at pains to get to Him. What pains the merchant takes, what hazards he runs, to have a rich return from the Indies! Jacob lov-ed Rachel, and he could endure the heat by day, and the frost by night, that he might enjoy her. A soul that loves God will take any pains for the fruition of Him. 'My soul follows hard after God,' (Psalm 63:8). . . . Plutarch reports of the Gauls, an ancient people of France, that after they had tasted the sweet wine of Italy, they never rested till they had arrived at that country. He who is in love with God, never rests till he has a part in Him. 'I sought Him whom my soul loves,' (Song of Sol. 3:2). How can they say they love God, who are not industrious in the use of means to obtain Him?"

Thurs., 1/24/19 Devotion (Acts 24:14)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 24:14, which says finds Paul saying this:

"But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets." (ESV)

This is a pretty bold statement made by a former super-strict pharisee, re-garding the comprehensive primacy of the New Covenant church's worship and life. Whatever Paul still performed—in reference to the old temple and the old forms—it was done, not out of the vitals of true worship, but as a civil nod to a passe, eclipsed system. He viewed NT church worship as the genu-ine fulfillment (in Jesus) of the law and the prophets.

May we do the same as Paul; and have his attitude. To lose God's worship, is to lose our souls.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God] calls upon us from time to time in HIs Word. He is calling us by His written Word and by His preached Word from Sabbath to Sabbath.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "It is Well for us that God is Not as we are"]

Wed., 1/23/19 Devotion (Gen. 24:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 24:3a, where we read these words:

"And I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth . . . "

I like this phrase: "The God of heaven and the God of the earth.” Let us focus on the "earth” part for a moment. Are we ever tempted to think that God runs heaven; but that the devil, or maybe sinners own the earth? If we are, our theology is not very good. The truth is that God is The Supreme Governor of everything: the earth, (as well as heaven).

The Lord put earth under man's feet; and we are His vice-regents, to rule and tend it. But, in the most supreme sense, the Lord is "God of the earth." Let the church be thankful for this; and let us commit ourselves to serving our Christ very well while we are here.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whoever is set up on earth, they are set up by our Lord. 'By Me,' says He, 'kings reign, and princes decree justice.’ “ —John Bunyan, in, "All Loves Excelling"]

Tues., 1/22/19 Devotion (Matt. 22:29)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 22:29, which says this:

"Jesus answered and said to them, 'You are mistaken, not knowing the Scrip-tures nor the power of God.' "

The sure way to error is through ignorance. There are two particular areas of theology about which we cannot afford to be uninformed: the Scriptures, and the power of God. When we do not know the Bible, we are easy prey to the world's and the devil's false gospels. When we do not know the power of God, we think we have something to do with our salvation.

God has given His church the means of grace. In and through them, we learn the gospel of salvation, and the goal of the Scriptures: love for Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Believing in Christ is the great thing that God presses upon sinners throughout the Scripture, as all know that know any-thing of Scripture.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Precious Remedies against Sa-tan's Devices"]

Mon., 1/21/19 Devotion (Gen. 28:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 28:12, where we read these words:

"Then he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it."

In Jacob's dream, notice where the ladder is "set up." It is not set up in heav-en, but on the earth. This is intriguing, because sometimes we mistakenly di-vide heaven and earth, and imagine that they are radically "separate" from one another. The actual truth is that they are *united* in the "Ladder," the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is this an encouragement for us who are alive "down here” on earth to-day? Because it reminds us that our lives here are as full and rich as the lives of the saints above (in the triumphant church). They have Jesus; we have Jesus. Heaven is where Jesus is. The closer we are to Christ in this world—as the church, the closer we are to heaven (in its essence).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let me not deny myself comfort and God glory both at once.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/18-20/19 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We get to go back to church! To help us pre-pare, here is the great Thomas Watson, from his, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance" book:

"A man may restrain the acts of sin, yet not turn from sin in a right manner. Acts of sin may be restrained out of fear or design, but a true penitent turns from sin out of a religious principle, namely, love to God. Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God. This is the most kindly turning from sin.

"When things are frozen and congealed, the best way to separate them is by fire. When men and their sins are congealed together, the best way to sepa-rate them is by the fire of love. Three men, asking one another what made them leave sin: one says, 'I think of the joys of heaven'; another, 'I think of the torments of hell'; but the third, 'I think of the love of God, and that makes me forsake it. How shall I offend the God of love?’ "

Thurs., 1/17/19 Devotion (Gen. 18:14a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 18:14a, where we read these words:

"Is anything too hard for the LORD? . . . "

This question (above) is to be answered in the negative. This does not mean that God *will* do anything we ask Him to do; but it *does* mean He *can* do anything He is pleased to do (that would be consistent with His nature, and for the church's good). There *are* things that even God cannot do (that we can), like sin. But this does not detract from His greatness, but rather only en-hances it.

The “hardest” thing any Member of The Holy Trinity ever did, was when The Son of God anticipated (Gethsemane), and went to (Golgotha) the Cross. There, He died for His church’s sins. Because of this, true believers now pos-sess everything of value, in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Before we can know this love of Christ . . . we must necessarily know the nature of sin.” —John Bunyan, in, "All Loves Ex-celling"]

Wed., 1/16/19 Devotion (Gen. 17:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 17:3, where we read these words:

"Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying . . . "

This little verse (above) contains a sweet principle: as the Christian church-man humbles him- or herself before God, the Lord speaks to him (or her). Our hearts are in a good frame to hear from God when we are full of the Person and Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Closet” prayer throughout the week is precious. “Covenant” prayer in the church’s Sunday Services ushers us into it (“closet” prayer). But both contexts for prayer should find us in a humble state of mind and heart. After all: we have no righteousness of our own. *All* of our righteousness is of Christ alone. This should embolden us; but it also ought to keep us low (in our own eyes).

[Puritan quote of the day: "You cannot gratify Satan more, nor injure your-selves more, than by living without assurance [of God's favor in Christ].”
—Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Mon., 1/14/19 Devotion (Acts 14:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 14:21, where we read these words:

"And when they [Paul and Barnabas] had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch . . . "

One of the sweet things to note here (above) is that Christ’s churched disci-ples are, like Instant Oatmeal, "ready-made." The simple *preaching* of the gospel "made" disciples (even as this verse teaches). These new believers were then placed into the church (two verses later, in v. 23); and they began to be built up in their faith, under the watchful eye of the church’s pastors and elders.

What do we learn from this? That the gospel preached "makes" disciples; and that they cannot continue to persevere on their own. They need the continu-ing gospel ministry of the church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There may be true faith where there is much doubting.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devic-es"]

Tues., 1/8/19 Devotion (Acts 8:8)

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

"And there was great joy in that city."

The only time any town, city, state, or nation ever possesses real and solid joy, is when the church members live in the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus; worship God in the Spirit on the Lord’s Days; and exude the supernatural joy of salvation to all those around them. Here, Philip had brought the good news to Samaria, a largely-despised place, and it [Samaria] gets transformed. As this happens, the citizens are ignited with the joy of the Lord.

The genuineness of Spirit-wrought revival will always be manifested in the culture. It starts in the church, but it is not possible for it to be contained there. Let us pray for the Lord to raise up His pastors and churches, that will bring the life of Jesus to this fallen planet.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Wherever there is truth there will be victory.”
—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Mon., 1/7/19 Devotion (Gen. 7:16b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 7:16b, where we read these words:

" . . . and the LORD shut him [Noah] in [the ark]."

This is a beautiful picture of God Himself sealing one of His own (Noah), in the ark, which represents the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy church. God did not send an angel to shut up the ark, neither did He employ an animal, the wind, or any other aspect of nature.

The Lord knows how to bless and protect His own, even as we sail through the stormy and wind-tossed seas of life in this fallen universe. Are we in Jesus, and His church? If so, then let us bless God for this great privilege, and do all we can to bring glory to His Name.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Want of [or, lack of] love to God is the ground of apostasy.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/4-6/19 Devotion

Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again! In order to help us get ready for God's worship, here are some good words from Thomas Watson, from his great work, "The Art of Divine Contentment":

"What it is then to learn Christ?

"To learn Christ is to be made like Christ, to have the divine characters of His holiness engraven upon our hearts. 'We all with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image,' (2 Cor. 3:18). There is a metamorphosis made; a sinner, viewing Christ's image in the glass of the gospel, is transformed into that image. Never did any man look upon Christ with a spiritual eye, but he went away quite changed. A true saint is a divine landscape picture, where all the rare beauties of Christ are lively por-trayed and drawn forth. He has the same Spirit, the same judgment, the same will, with Jesus Christ."

Thurs., 1/3/19 Devotion (Matt. 3:15)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 3:15, where we see these words:

"But Jesus answered and said to him [John the Baptist], 'Permit it [Christ’s baptism] to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he [John] allowed Him."

This is an amazing text. The holy, perfect, and pristine Son of God deigns to be baptized, and to identify Himself fully with His church—and, in the process of doing so, He joins Himself to His ministers, and says, "It is fitting for *us* to fulfill all righteousness."

Let us marvel that God is SO committed to His church, that He not only con-descends to us, in sending His precious Son Jesus—but that He (through Christ) also *binds* Himself to us, in the holy church covenant.

[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"]

Wed., 1/2/19 Devotion (Acts 2:21)

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

"And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

These words above (spoken by Peter) are good news for all of us sinners. Salvation is had in Jesus Christ alone by those who simply ask for it, and really want it. Redemption does not require labor, but it does call for earnest desire. Our problem—as fallen children of Adam—is that we think we have to work for it, or add something to what Jesus has done for us. Such thoughts are highly God-dishonoring; and they block us from the atonement that is in Christ (alone).

Are we in any kind of trouble today? If so, then let us forthrightly call upon the Lord. God is true to His promise: He will give Jesus to any who sincerely want Him.

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