Wed., 7/31/19 Devotion (Acts 18:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 18:4, where we read these words:

"And [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks."

The New Covenant Sabbath (which is Sunday), much like the Old Covenant Sabbath (which was Saturday), is still the first and foremost day on which everyone must be "persuaded" that Jesus is the Christ. The *place* where this happens is the church, (and, even more-specifically, the pulpit).

Once we have done our due diligence there, we are in a position to bring the gospel into the marketplace, the "Areopagus" (if you will). *Every* believer needs to be "re-convinced" of the truth of the Christian faith every week. This is because we are weak, and given to doubt and unbelief. Once we are re-energized, we are ready to be effective in God's world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "David committed many sins, but especially those two of adultery and murder, and yet God pardoned Him. But Saul committed far less sins than those and yet God cast him off forever.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Tues., 7/30/19 Devotion (Acts 17:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:21, where we read these words:

"For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing."

Can we imagine having so much "free time," that we can stand around all day chatting about "new things"? Actually, this is exactly the situation today, with most modern people. Most of the sad souls in our own culture have nothing better to do, than to waste time, trying to fill themselves up with some “new” technical device.

The truth, however, is that there is "nothing new under the sun,” (Eccl. 1:9). All "new" thrills, "new" sins, and "new" experiences are actually very old, tired, tried, and worn-out. True newness, freshness, and excitement is found exclu-sively in Jesus Christ. New creatures in Him (2 Cor. 5:17), have new mercies from God every morning (Lam. 3:22-23).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Mon., 7/29/19 Devotion (Mk. 11:22)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 11:22, where we read these words:

"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God.' "

Of all the blessed utterances that ever fell from our Savior’s gracious lips, this one (above) is among the sweetest. We fail, we are continually imperfect; and if we were to be scored on a performance-basis, we would all flunk. But in the midst of all our spiritual bumblings, Christ says, "Have faith in God." Nothing else really matters to the Lord, if faith is absent.

. . . But its presence is much-pleasing to our Lord; and it brings us enormous benefits. Whereas our works or efforts could *never* make God love us; our faith—which is His own gift to us—fetches Jesus Himself to our souls. Once we have Christ, we have everything. Let us not look to ourselves, but the our Redeemer today—and be encouraged.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is to be increased by the powerful preaching of the gospel. This preaching by all means is to be encouraged, for 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God,' (Rom. 10:17).”
—Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse concerning Love"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/26-28/19 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday again! We *get* to go to church and worship our Lord! In order to help us get ready, here is the great Puritan pastor Rich-ard Sibbes, from his amazing, "The Bruised Reed" classic. . . .

“How we should think of Christ. . . .

"When we think of Joseph, Daniel, John the Evangelist, we frame concep-tions of them with delight, as of mild and sweet persons. Much more when we think of Christ, we should conceive of Him as a mirror of all meekness. . . . In Christ all perfections of mercy and love meet. How great then must that mercy be that lodges in so gracious a heart. . . . We are weak, but we are His; we are deformed, but yet carry His image upon us. A father looks not so much at the blemishes of his child as at his own nature in him; so Christ finds matter of love from that which is His own in us. He sees His own nature in us. . . . Can Christ forget Himself? We are His fullness, as He is ours. He was love itself clothed with man's nature, which He united so near to Himself, that He might communicate His goodness the more freely to us. . . . "

Thurs., 7/25/19 Devotion (Mk. 7:15)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 7:15, where the Lord Jesus said this:

"There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man."

These words lay out the basic criterion between the true religion and all false religion. False religion is always concerned about externals, first and fore-most, and exclusively. The true religion is concerned about the wicked nature of the heart, and how this issue must be resolved before a Holy God.

False religion is very easy to practice: do a few things, and one can pretend he or she is in God's good standing. True religion requires an absolute aban-donment of oneself to the holiness and righteousness of God—which is found solely in Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer's righteousness is imputed to us sin-ners by the faith God gives us, to believe in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a true rule in divinity [theology] that the desire for any grace is the grace itself; for to desire to believe is faith, and true desire to repent is repentance, and true desire to mourn for sin is mourning for sin.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Wed., 7/24/19 Devotion (Mk. 6:56c)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 6:56c, where we read these words:

" . . . And as many as touched Him [Jesus] were made well."

Every time a human being touches Jesus Christ in faith, there is healing. The entire key to *anyone’s* life (be he or she Christian, or not), is to come into contact with the one and only Savior of the world. This is done by faith; and this living connection is subsequently manifest (practically) in prayer. True "wellness" requires "rubbing shoulders" with the Son of God.

Let us boldly come to God through Jesus, in faithful prayer. He is always ready to heal and forgive. Christ is the Author and Giver of all life. May our hearts yearn to be with (and near) Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We would never go to God unless God came to us, such is the stoutness of our hearts.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Re-conciliation"]

Tues., 7/23/19 Devotion (Gal. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 4:6 & 7. There, Paul wrote these words:

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Adoption into Christ and His church family is a beautiful thing. To be adopted, is to be specially-chosen. All of God's true churched saints are His adopted children. (Jesus alone is the Father's only "natural" Child.)

We who are children of God have big privileges. We have intimate familial ac-cess and communion with our Father ("Abba, Father!"). We have His "certifi-cate" of freedom, sonship, and citizenship (in Christ). And, we now own and enjoy everything Jesus owns and enjoys—since we are co-"heirs" with Him.

For all this, let us live thankful and loving lives. Let us not, as the Galatian Christians were want to do, fall into works- and self-righteousness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "I remember reading a speech of Anselm's. He said that he would rather be in hell without sin than in heaven with sin. . . . “
—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Evil of Evils"]

Mon., 7/22/19 Devotion (Acts 9:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 9:31, which says this:

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."

This happy condition of Christ’s church followed immediately on the heels of the conversion of Saul, the former terrorist. It also includes his [Paul’s] preaching of the gospel, and his being welcomed by the disciples. In light of this, let us earnestly pray for the miraculous re-birth of the most ardent op-ponents of Jesus and His gospel.

Seasons of peace, edification, godly fear, and comfort in the Holy Spirit are wonderful epochs for the church. But remember: it only came about after a terrible struggle with one of the (formerly) great troublers of Christ's body.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Of all others let ministers be impatient when God's glory is impeached and eclipsed. A minister without zeal is like 'salt that has lost its savor.’ “ —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/19-21/19 Devotion

In order to help prepare us for our high and holy calling of the Lord's Day's church worship, let us consider these words, as they are taken from Jeremiah Burroughs' book, entitled, "Gospel Remission":

"Perhaps some of you have lain under the burden and power of sin, and you have thought the only way to get victory has been to resolve and strive against it. And you have done so, and yet you cannot get power over your sins. I remember one wrote to Luther, telling him that he had vowed and covenanted against his sin, and yet his sin prevailed against him until he un-derstood the grace of the Gospel. And so maybe have you done, and yet your sin prevails because you take not this course."

Thurs., 7/18/19 Devotion (Acts 5:38-39)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 5:38 & 39, where Gamaliel gave this good advice to the religious council that was trying to figure out what to do with the apostles and their preaching:

"And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."

Gamaliel was right. All the religious plans and works of men, which are not wrought of the Holy Spirit, come to nothing, and are worthless. On the other hand, where God is working through His redeemed church—nothing can be done to stop Him. Fighting against God is the most futile thing in the world. An ant has a better prospect for victory over an elephant, than a sinner has against the Holy God.

In light of all this, our only reasonable response is to joyfully submit to Christ by faith; and to be enthusiastic members of His conquering kingdom (church) in this world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ, by what He has done in the work of re-demption, has overthrown Satan, and utterly frustrated him as to this end [of robbing God of His glory].” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "The Wisdom of God"]

Wed., 7/17/19 Devotion (Josh. 24:15c)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 24:15c, where we read these words:

" . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

No matter what other people choose to do, God's true churchmen must choose to serve Him wholeheartedly. The Fall of man into sin has left us all with the deplorable disease of "man-pleasing"; and of mindlessly following whatever new "gods" or theological fads that happen to come along.

The sincere lover of God in the Lord Jesus Christ must be more thoughtful than that. If the world clamors for something, we ought to look askance at it, with a level of suspicion. This is not because we are paranoid—rather, it is because we have come to learn that idolatry is subtle, and easily slipped into; and to lose one’s covenant connection to Christ is the feeling of death.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To the extent that we give way to our will in sin-ning, to that extent we set ourselves at a distance from comfort.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 7/16/19 Devotion (Josh. 23:14b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 23:14b & c, which says this:

"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed."

In the Lord Jesus Christ every faithful churchman knows that what is written (above) is true. In the Redeemer, God has delivered *all* His goods. The Lord has nothing more to give; and He has nothing more to say. Those who seek for *anything* from God, beyond Jesus Christ, will receive nothing (positive) from Him.

Let us be thankful that we already possess everything. *All* of God's promis-es have come to pass for us—in Jesus. They are all "Yes," and "Amen," in Christ, (cf. 2 Cor. 1:20). Let us trust our faithful King; and let His church wor-ship Him for all His goodness to us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Prayer] is God conversing with man, and man with God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Mon., 7/15/19 Devotion (Acts 2:11b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 2:11b, where we read these words:

" . . . We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

One of the great miracles of the New Covenant is that the gospel and the church would be spread worldwide; and people from everywhere would be part of it, and would worship God through Jesus Christ in their own languag-es. At Pentecost, the apostles saw this happen, and they heard these words of praise (above).

What were "the wonderful works of God" that the Gentiles extolled? The per-fect redemption wrought in Jesus' blood atonement; and the application of the same, by the Holy Spirit, to elect souls who would make up the one great church. This is still what God is doing in the world today—and it elicits un-speakable joy in all the true saints.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Divine] hope cuts a way through rock; it wrestles with difficulties; it despises dangers; it marches in the face of death.” —Thom-as Watson, in his sermon, "The Sacred Anchor"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/12-14/19 Devotion

In order to help God's people prepare for their high and holy privilege of Sab-bath worship and rest, let us consider these excellent words of the Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs, from the outstanding book, entitled, "Gospel Re-mission":

"Though we ministers of Christ preach against the vanities and profits of this word, this is neither the main thing nor the right method of preaching to work upon the hearts of people, nor the great end of Christ's ascension. He did not give [preaching] gifts principally for these things, but that men should be able to reveal the great doctrine of pardon of sin.

"Ministers need not [create a fuss] to get esteem and love, and to make them-selves honorable among the people. If they did but apply themselves to preach this great doctrine God has set them about—that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their sin—they cannot but gain honor in the hearts of those to whom God has appointed this mercy."

Thurs., 7/11/19 Devotion (Ps. 147:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 147:3, where we read these words:

"He [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

The "brokenhearted" are those who are oppressed by the law's demands, but who (for comfort) run to Jesus, as their only fulfillment of the law. They recog-nize that they do not have the resources to do *anything* to God’s perfect standard; and therefore they go to Christ for *all* their righteousness.

Jesus came to save the "brokenhearted," (cf. Lk. 4:18). He did not come here to save self-sufficient, "law-righteousness" people. These are left on their own. Let us bless God for this gospel truth; and let us be included in the bles-sed company of the brokenhearted—who find complete healing in Jesus alone.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When they die [the redeemed] shall go to God, and while they live everything in the world shall do them good.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

Wed., 7/10/19 Devotion (Jer. 6:16a, b)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 6:16a & b, where we read these words:

"Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your
souls. . . . ' "

People like "new" paths, because by walking in them they think they are “with it," and avant garde. But in reality the old paths are better. Old truths may (le-gitimately) be re-framed into updated language, etc.—but the *essence* of the truth itself can never be changed. This is because Jesus Himself *Is* The Perfect Personalization of The Truth.

I think, (perhaps overly-optimistically), that some people are growing weary of all the failed promises of the "new" ways. They are finding them boring, mind-numbing, and unsatisfying. Perhaps many will begin to re-investigate the "tri-ed and true” paths of the gospel. Even if they never do, those of us who are blessed in Jesus will thrill at His “old” but “best” ways.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Weaknesses do not break covenant with God . . . [and they] do not debar us from mercy.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 7/9/19 Devotion (Ps. 144:15b)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 144:15b, where we read these words:

" . . . Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"

Why is the true (redeemed) church of God in a happy and comfortable condi-tion? Because of our Risen Head Jesus—who has conquered our sin, forgiv-en us, and given us immediate, full, and free access to the throne of grace. Are God's people *always* "circumstantially" happy? No; the presence of sin in us, others, and the fallen world prevents this.

But, are the atoned-for of the Lord *inherently* happy? Yes; because every-thing of ultimate importance has been taken care of for us by our Savior. Cheerfulness always characterizes those who are loved by God—even though there are legitimate times and reasons for grief. May all the church’s true saints shine in their joy in the Lord Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We are only poor for this reason, that we do not know our riches in Christ.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 7/8/19 Devotion (Ps. 143:7a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 143:7a, where we read these words:

"Answer me speedily, O LORD; my spirit fails! . . . "

Because we are finite creatures, and cannot see all things at once, (as God can), we are sometimes moved to make prayers like this one (above), which David offered. God knows that He may well be able to "delay" His answer to this prayer; but the person on earth, who is in such dire straits, cannot see that.

Therefore, the Lord is gracious with us, and allows us not only to make urgent pleas; but He also often answers them (even according to *our* own time-table). Are any of us,  God's children, feeling overwhelmed today? Is our pa-tience failing? If so, let us not hesitate to cry out to God, through our living faith in our all-sufficient Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We borrow all our holiness from God. As the lights of the sanctuary were lighted from the middle lamp, so all the holiness of oth-ers is a lamp lighted from heaven.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divin-ity"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/5-7/19 Devotion

Yes! We get to go back to church very soon! In order to help prepare us for to worship God in church on Sunday—here are good words from Thomas Wat-son's book, "All Things for Good":

"Spiritual mercies also work for good. The word preached works for good. It is a savour of life, it is a soul-transforming word, it assimilates the heart into Christ’s likeness; it produces assurance. '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 salvation.

"Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affection; it blows up holy desires and ardours of soul. Prayer has power with God. 'Command you Me.' (Isa. 14:11). It is a key that unlocks 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 medi-cine 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,' (I Sam. 1:18). And if it has these rare effects, then it works for good."

Wed., 7/3/19 Devotion (Josh. 5:14b)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 5:14b, which says this:

"And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, 'What does my Lord say to His servant?’ "

God's servants do precisely what Joshua did here, as he was approached by the preincarnate Christ. We humble ourselves before Him, we worship Him, and we get our “marching orders” from Him. The Lord's answer to Joshua's question was interesting: "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy," (v. 15).

*All* God asks us, His churched servants, to do is to “stand” in the perfect holiness and righteousness of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. No “sandals” are required—since we draw all our spiritual nourishment *directly* through our *immediate* covenant connection to Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God works strangely. He brings order out of con-fusion, harmony out of discord.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 7/2/19 Devotion (Ps. 130:3-4)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 130:3 & 4, where we read these words:

"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."

That God forgives sin is an astounding fact. If the Lord kept track of our sins, and harbored them against us, we would have no hope of "standing" on the great Judgment Day. But, because Jesus Christ bore the sins of all His elect churchmen, who would, in time and space, be brought to believe in Him alone for their atonement, by grace—many sinners go free, and will never have to bear the condemnation of God.

If we are in this blessed condition today, then we have *no* troubles to speak of. We may have numerous hassles that harangue us—but we have no real problems. People who are not forgiven their sins have serious issues; but we do not. For our most-blessed standing before God, let us be ever-thankful; and let us share the good news of Jesus with the world around us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is not glorious if we add the least thing of our own to it.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 7/1/19 Devotion (Matt. 11:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 11:28, where we read these words which fell from our Savior's lips:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

St. Augustine’s maxim is so true: "Our souls are restless until we find our rest in You [God]." Are our souls "on the move" today? Are they restless, ill at ease, and unsettled? If so, then we need to come to Jesus. If not, then we are resting in Jesus. Any kind of existence that does not love Christ first and fore-most will be characterized by hearts that "move around," like planets in the night sky. Saving faith in Christ causes them to rest, like stars in the firma-ment.

A soul at rest can pray to God, and can concentrate on what is truly impor-tant. A soul that is restless can only do a lot of work and activity, hoping to as-suage its guilt. God only accepts people that come to Jesus, and rest in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "This may be a great comfort to you: God does not expect you to root out all presence of sin, but only to keep down the reigning of sin in you.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]