Mon., 4/15/19 Devotion (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 4:4 & 5, where we read these words:

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is receiv-ed with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

For those faithful Christians in the church, nothing God made can be con-sidered (in itself) to be sinful. For those outside of Christ, His grace, and the true church, everything God created might be construed to be sinful—if it serves their purposes. The Lord would have His regenerated children enjoy everything He has created—so long as we do not make idols of any of it.

Hyper-religion, and human religion seek to "out-God" God, by demanding be-havior of people that the Lord Himself does not require. Let us be concerned to live in Jesus’ grace, and to obey God's real gospel commandments; with-out being disturbed by the hypocrisy of false religion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love knows that the least evils are contrary to the greatest good.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]