Happy Reformation Day!
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 3:14, where we read these words:
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assur-ed of, knowing from whom you have learned them . . . "
As we come to a clearer and more glorious understanding of the gospel of Jesus—we must "continue" in it (that greater light). The blessed knowledge that regenerated Christians are *fully* righteous in God's sight—not because of our own alleged goodness—but because of the legally-imputed perfect righteousness of Christ (received by us through faith in Jesus alone), be-comes for us a great comfort.
Let us never move away from our lifeline, our happiness, and our power sup-ply—Who *is* our Lord Jesus Himself. Let us "continue" in His gospel, know-ing that we received it (ultiimately) by divine revelation from God Himself.
[Puritan quote of the day: "For want of hearts full of love [for God], men have heads full of error.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Wed., 10/30/19 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:1)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 2:1, where we read these words:
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
This is a precious verse. What are we to be "strong" in? The "grace that is in Christ Jesus." What is this grace? It is supernatural Christ-grace. Jesus' grace is more than able to meet all of our everyday and eternal needs. How are we "strong" in this Christ-grace? By faith. When we by faith understand ourselves to be *in* our Redeemer; and know that we gain all our energy from Him—then we are truly “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
The thing for us to avoid, is the idea that we need to “do” something, *before* we can be strong in Christ's grace. The truth is that this simple faith—where-by we appropriate to our hearts the Lord Jesus Himself—*causes* us to be perfectly pleasing to God. Are we weak today? Let us be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
[Puritan quote of the day: "For from our neglect of prayer comes that dead-ness of spirit, that worldly-mindedness and unaptness to pray, to hear the Word, and to keep the Sabbath.” —John Preston, in his sermon entitled, "The Saint's Daily Exercise"]
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
This is a precious verse. What are we to be "strong" in? The "grace that is in Christ Jesus." What is this grace? It is supernatural Christ-grace. Jesus' grace is more than able to meet all of our everyday and eternal needs. How are we "strong" in this Christ-grace? By faith. When we by faith understand ourselves to be *in* our Redeemer; and know that we gain all our energy from Him—then we are truly “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
The thing for us to avoid, is the idea that we need to “do” something, *before* we can be strong in Christ's grace. The truth is that this simple faith—where-by we appropriate to our hearts the Lord Jesus Himself—*causes* us to be perfectly pleasing to God. Are we weak today? Let us be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
[Puritan quote of the day: "For from our neglect of prayer comes that dead-ness of spirit, that worldly-mindedness and unaptness to pray, to hear the Word, and to keep the Sabbath.” —John Preston, in his sermon entitled, "The Saint's Daily Exercise"]
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Tues., 10/29/19 Devotion (2 Tim. 1:7)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul wrote these words:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
To fear from time to time in a fallen world is natural and to be expected. But God does not give His children a "*spirit* of fear." Instead, His Spirit working in us effects energy, grace, and sanity. None of this is to deny that even the best of churchmen fail to live up to our potential and our resources (in Christ); but the point is that we should be more and more *governed* by the Spirit that is from God.
Practically-speaking, this will mean that instead of cowering before fearful specters of the future, we begin to face them head-on, in advance—believing that our God is going before us, to give us the victory (in Christ).
[Puritan quote of the day: "If God thought it fit that Adam in innocence should not be alone, but should have a helper, much more now in a state of defection since the fall do we need others' help as well as our own.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
To fear from time to time in a fallen world is natural and to be expected. But God does not give His children a "*spirit* of fear." Instead, His Spirit working in us effects energy, grace, and sanity. None of this is to deny that even the best of churchmen fail to live up to our potential and our resources (in Christ); but the point is that we should be more and more *governed* by the Spirit that is from God.
Practically-speaking, this will mean that instead of cowering before fearful specters of the future, we begin to face them head-on, in advance—believing that our God is going before us, to give us the victory (in Christ).
[Puritan quote of the day: "If God thought it fit that Adam in innocence should not be alone, but should have a helper, much more now in a state of defection since the fall do we need others' help as well as our own.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]
Monday, October 28, 2019
Mon., 10/28/19 Devotion (1 Tim. 6:17b)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 6:17b, where we read these words:
" . . . But [let us trust] in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy."
I appreciate this text (above). Not only does the Lord give us, His churched children, enough to live on—He also provides us "*All* things to enjoy." In oth-er words, everything God has created is to be employed for and subsumed under the welfare and happiness of the faithful members of Christ's church.
Our Heavenly Father is not "stingy," as some misguided people would imag-ine Him. Instead, He is extraordinarily generous (with those who are His, in Christ). As a matter of fact, God is more than kind to *all* creatures: even to those who hate Him, and will experience His eternal wrath, (cf. Ps. 145:9). In Jesus Christ, let us more fervently love our benevolent God, who "gives us *richly* all things to enjoy."
[Puritan quote of the day: "A true Christian grows in beauty. Grace is the best complexion of the soul. It is, at the first planting, like Rachel: fair to look upon, but, the more it lives, the more it sends forth its rays of beauty.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
" . . . But [let us trust] in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy."
I appreciate this text (above). Not only does the Lord give us, His churched children, enough to live on—He also provides us "*All* things to enjoy." In oth-er words, everything God has created is to be employed for and subsumed under the welfare and happiness of the faithful members of Christ's church.
Our Heavenly Father is not "stingy," as some misguided people would imag-ine Him. Instead, He is extraordinarily generous (with those who are His, in Christ). As a matter of fact, God is more than kind to *all* creatures: even to those who hate Him, and will experience His eternal wrath, (cf. Ps. 145:9). In Jesus Christ, let us more fervently love our benevolent God, who "gives us *richly* all things to enjoy."
[Puritan quote of the day: "A true Christian grows in beauty. Grace is the best complexion of the soul. It is, at the first planting, like Rachel: fair to look upon, but, the more it lives, the more it sends forth its rays of beauty.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
Friday, October 25, 2019
Fri.-Sabbath, 10/25-27/19 Devotion
Yes—Sunday is almost here! In order to help us get ready for the Lord's Day church services, here is Thomas Watson, from, "A Body of Divinity":
"You that are Christians, believe that all God’s providence shall conspire for your good at last. The providences of God are sometimes dark, and our eyes dim, and we can hardly tell what to make of them; but when we cannot unrid-dle providence, let us believe that it will work together for the good of the elect, (Rom 8:28). The wheels in a clock seem to move contrary one to the other, but they help forward the motion of the clock, and make the labrum [noise-maker] strike: so the providences of God seem to be cross wheels; but for all that, they shall carry on the good of the elect. . . . Therefore, Christians, believe that God loves you, and that He will make the most cross providences to promote His glory and your good."
"You that are Christians, believe that all God’s providence shall conspire for your good at last. The providences of God are sometimes dark, and our eyes dim, and we can hardly tell what to make of them; but when we cannot unrid-dle providence, let us believe that it will work together for the good of the elect, (Rom 8:28). The wheels in a clock seem to move contrary one to the other, but they help forward the motion of the clock, and make the labrum [noise-maker] strike: so the providences of God seem to be cross wheels; but for all that, they shall carry on the good of the elect. . . . Therefore, Christians, believe that God loves you, and that He will make the most cross providences to promote His glory and your good."
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Thurs., 10/24/19 Devotion (Dan. 9:18b)
Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 9:18b, where Daniel prays these words:
" . . . For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."
If we had to approach God, and present our petitions to Him based on our allegedly righteous deeds, we would never properly come to God, ever. Be-sides that, we would have no basis for our prayers, because we do not *pos-sess* any necessarily-pristine and satisfactory righteous deeds.
We come to God on the basis of Christ's righteousness (His “righteous deeds”), which righteousness of Jesus is then imputed to the saints, by sove-reign grace. This is the ground on which we may rightly approach God. The Lord will hear the prayers of those who petition Him on the basis of Christ’s righteousness. God disregards all other utterances.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Hell did not know what it did when it crucified Christ; death, with all its armies, was put to death with Him.” —Richard Al-leine, in "Heaven Opened"]
" . . . For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."
If we had to approach God, and present our petitions to Him based on our allegedly righteous deeds, we would never properly come to God, ever. Be-sides that, we would have no basis for our prayers, because we do not *pos-sess* any necessarily-pristine and satisfactory righteous deeds.
We come to God on the basis of Christ's righteousness (His “righteous deeds”), which righteousness of Jesus is then imputed to the saints, by sove-reign grace. This is the ground on which we may rightly approach God. The Lord will hear the prayers of those who petition Him on the basis of Christ’s righteousness. God disregards all other utterances.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Hell did not know what it did when it crucified Christ; death, with all its armies, was put to death with Him.” —Richard Al-leine, in "Heaven Opened"]
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Wed., 10/23/19 Devotion (Ps. 116:1)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 116:1, where we read these words:
"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications."
Among many others, here is a good reason to love God: He hears the pray-ers of His faithful churchmen (saints). What prayers does God "hear," in the covenantal sense? (After all, He knows the things religionists all over the world are babbling out all the time.) God hears prayers that are made through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
But even these prayers should be sincere and earnest. God hears prayers that come from the heart. He answers those people who *really* want to be heard. God does not hear prayers offered from self-, law-, or works-right-eousness; but He does hear those that are "soaked," as it were, in the blood righteousness of Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Although to true religion there must indeed be something else besides affection, yet true religion consists so much in the af-fections that there can be no true religion without them.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in, "A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections"]
"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications."
Among many others, here is a good reason to love God: He hears the pray-ers of His faithful churchmen (saints). What prayers does God "hear," in the covenantal sense? (After all, He knows the things religionists all over the world are babbling out all the time.) God hears prayers that are made through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
But even these prayers should be sincere and earnest. God hears prayers that come from the heart. He answers those people who *really* want to be heard. God does not hear prayers offered from self-, law-, or works-right-eousness; but He does hear those that are "soaked," as it were, in the blood righteousness of Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Although to true religion there must indeed be something else besides affection, yet true religion consists so much in the af-fections that there can be no true religion without them.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in, "A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections"]
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Tues., 10/22/19 Devotion (2 Thess. 3:3)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:3, where we find these words:
"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."
Are these not comforting words? When it is all said and done, God's faithful work in His regenerate Christian churchmen accomplishes the goals of creat-ing a settled faith and a secured saint. Sometimes, when we are going through the midst of the fires of afflictions, and wrestlings with the devil—we think that these blessings are too elusive. But the Lord brings them to pass, in His sovereign grace and time—and all through the Person of Jesus.
Let us be thankful that we have such a good God. When we think about those people whose "gods" leave them in the slime of sin and the gutters of despair, let us pray for them; and let us be glad that our Lord has been so good to us—in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot but come.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."
Are these not comforting words? When it is all said and done, God's faithful work in His regenerate Christian churchmen accomplishes the goals of creat-ing a settled faith and a secured saint. Sometimes, when we are going through the midst of the fires of afflictions, and wrestlings with the devil—we think that these blessings are too elusive. But the Lord brings them to pass, in His sovereign grace and time—and all through the Person of Jesus.
Let us be thankful that we have such a good God. When we think about those people whose "gods" leave them in the slime of sin and the gutters of despair, let us pray for them; and let us be glad that our Lord has been so good to us—in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot but come.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
Monday, October 21, 2019
Mon., 10/21/19 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:15)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where we read these words:
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."
Religious traditions are not inherently bad, good, (or heretical). Paul passed some traditions along through his preaching and teaching ministry; and others through his inspired epistles. All denominations—from those which employ elaborate liturgy, to those that handle snakes and drink poison—use tradi-tion(s). Even the most “informal” and “laid back” congregations basically do the same things week after week (only changing the props, or whatever).
Tradition is only a problem if and when it conflicts with divine (scriptural) reve-lation. When this happens, tradition must be discarded, in favor of God's re-vealed will. Otherwise, however, let God's faithful church not worry too much about tradition.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Zeal quickens the pursuit after glory. Zeal, encoun-tering difficulty, is emboldened by opposition and tramples upon danger.”
—Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."
Religious traditions are not inherently bad, good, (or heretical). Paul passed some traditions along through his preaching and teaching ministry; and others through his inspired epistles. All denominations—from those which employ elaborate liturgy, to those that handle snakes and drink poison—use tradi-tion(s). Even the most “informal” and “laid back” congregations basically do the same things week after week (only changing the props, or whatever).
Tradition is only a problem if and when it conflicts with divine (scriptural) reve-lation. When this happens, tradition must be discarded, in favor of God's re-vealed will. Otherwise, however, let God's faithful church not worry too much about tradition.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Zeal quickens the pursuit after glory. Zeal, encoun-tering difficulty, is emboldened by opposition and tramples upon danger.”
—Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
Friday, October 18, 2019
Fri.-Sabbath, 10/18-20/19 Devotion
Yippee. Sunday is almost here. All the true Christians get to worship God in church. Here is Thomas Watson, in "The Lord's Supper," to help us get ready:
"Behold the love of God the Father in giving Christ to be broken for us. That God should put such a Jewel [before us] is the admiration of angels. 'God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son,' (John 3:16). It is a pat-tern of love without a parallel. It was a far greater expression of love in God to give His Son to die for us than if He had voluntarily acquitted us of the debt without any satisfaction at all. If a subject is disloyal to his sovereign, it argues more love in the king to give his own son to die for that subject than to forgive him the wrong freely."
"Behold the love of God the Father in giving Christ to be broken for us. That God should put such a Jewel [before us] is the admiration of angels. 'God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son,' (John 3:16). It is a pat-tern of love without a parallel. It was a far greater expression of love in God to give His Son to die for us than if He had voluntarily acquitted us of the debt without any satisfaction at all. If a subject is disloyal to his sovereign, it argues more love in the king to give his own son to die for that subject than to forgive him the wrong freely."
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Thurs., 10/17/19 Devotion (Dan. 2:44)
Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 2:44, where we read these words:
"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."
Daniel is speaking to the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar here, and is ex-plaining the king's dream. The "kingdom" that Daniel is referring to, is the es-tablishment of, and the proliferation of the New Covenant church, by our Lord Jesus Christ. His kingdom is now in the process of "break[ing] in[to] pieces" all opposing "kingdoms."
Some of these counterfeit "kingdoms” being crushed arise among religious people who cannot countenance the idea of Jesus ruling over them (and everyone else). Others of them are wholly and self-proclaimedly "anti-Chris-tian." All of them fall, at the feet of King Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Many, in a fit of terror, are willing to do or to suffer anything to keep out of hell and go to heaven; but when the fit is over, they will not deny themselves and take up the cross to follow Christ.” —Isaac Am-brose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]
"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."
Daniel is speaking to the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar here, and is ex-plaining the king's dream. The "kingdom" that Daniel is referring to, is the es-tablishment of, and the proliferation of the New Covenant church, by our Lord Jesus Christ. His kingdom is now in the process of "break[ing] in[to] pieces" all opposing "kingdoms."
Some of these counterfeit "kingdoms” being crushed arise among religious people who cannot countenance the idea of Jesus ruling over them (and everyone else). Others of them are wholly and self-proclaimedly "anti-Chris-tian." All of them fall, at the feet of King Jesus.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Many, in a fit of terror, are willing to do or to suffer anything to keep out of hell and go to heaven; but when the fit is over, they will not deny themselves and take up the cross to follow Christ.” —Isaac Am-brose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Wed., 10/16/19 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:4)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:4, where we read these words:
"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts."
The ministers of the church who are truly called by God are sent to speak to all people everywhere the gospel of Christ's grace. But they are to do so with a mind on God first. What is it that *He* wants spoken? This is what must be said. The faithful clergy do not poll the people, to determine what they want to hear. Instead, they "poll" the Lord, in order to know what He would have them proclaim.
This principle is then passed down to the entire church, wherein the people of God begin to think this way too. They begin to ask, "What is it that Christ would have me do, and say?" This is the real way to lasting peace of consci-ence. Then, when God "tests our hearts," we pass with flying colors.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is in the ship of His church; do not fear sink-ing. The church's anchor is cast in heaven. Do we not think that God loves His church, and takes as much care of it as we can?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts."
The ministers of the church who are truly called by God are sent to speak to all people everywhere the gospel of Christ's grace. But they are to do so with a mind on God first. What is it that *He* wants spoken? This is what must be said. The faithful clergy do not poll the people, to determine what they want to hear. Instead, they "poll" the Lord, in order to know what He would have them proclaim.
This principle is then passed down to the entire church, wherein the people of God begin to think this way too. They begin to ask, "What is it that Christ would have me do, and say?" This is the real way to lasting peace of consci-ence. Then, when God "tests our hearts," we pass with flying colors.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is in the ship of His church; do not fear sink-ing. The church's anchor is cast in heaven. Do we not think that God loves His church, and takes as much care of it as we can?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Tues., 10/15/19 Devotion (1 Ki. 18:21a)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 18:21a, where we read these words:
"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. . . . ' "
I like this perspective, put out by the great OT prophet Elijah. Even today this principle applies. All people worship some deity (alleged, or true). "Let the best [God] win,” to tweak the common saying. Is the Muslim god the true one? Then all should worship him (or it). Is the atheists' god the true one? Then we should all bow down to it. Is the secularists' god true? Let all people honor it (or her, or whatever). Is the God of the True Christian Church the only Real Deity? Then, let all human beings worship Him.
It turns out that the Holy Trinity *is* The One and Only God. We know this—among other reasons—primarily by the Resurrection of the Son of God, who lives and reigns today. He can withstand all pretenders to His throne. Let us worship The God that Is, and not fear any fake gods.
[Puritan quote of the day: "There are the greatest reasons in the world to be a Christian . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. . . . ' "
I like this perspective, put out by the great OT prophet Elijah. Even today this principle applies. All people worship some deity (alleged, or true). "Let the best [God] win,” to tweak the common saying. Is the Muslim god the true one? Then all should worship him (or it). Is the atheists' god the true one? Then we should all bow down to it. Is the secularists' god true? Let all people honor it (or her, or whatever). Is the God of the True Christian Church the only Real Deity? Then, let all human beings worship Him.
It turns out that the Holy Trinity *is* The One and Only God. We know this—among other reasons—primarily by the Resurrection of the Son of God, who lives and reigns today. He can withstand all pretenders to His throne. Let us worship The God that Is, and not fear any fake gods.
[Puritan quote of the day: "There are the greatest reasons in the world to be a Christian . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Monday, October 14, 2019
Mon., 10/14/19 Devotion (Ezek. 47:12b)
Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 47:12b, where we read these amazing words:
" . . . They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine."
Behold (above), the wonderful ministry of Christ in *this* world, through His New Covenant church. From the sanctuary (the faithful church’s pulpit) the water of Life flows freely, and it causes both fruitfulness and healing for all the nations.
Jesus is the Water of Life, and He is presented in His preached gospel of grace. As souls are regenerated, healed, forgiven, and enlightened, they con-tinue to "bear fruit" as they keep coming back to the sanctuary, from whence the “Water flows." Let us be thankful that God has provided such bounty for us, in *this* life; and all in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Submit to Christ willingly. All the devils in hell sub-mit to Christ; but it is against their will; they are His slaves, not His subjects.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]
" . . . They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine."
Behold (above), the wonderful ministry of Christ in *this* world, through His New Covenant church. From the sanctuary (the faithful church’s pulpit) the water of Life flows freely, and it causes both fruitfulness and healing for all the nations.
Jesus is the Water of Life, and He is presented in His preached gospel of grace. As souls are regenerated, healed, forgiven, and enlightened, they con-tinue to "bear fruit" as they keep coming back to the sanctuary, from whence the “Water flows." Let us be thankful that God has provided such bounty for us, in *this* life; and all in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Submit to Christ willingly. All the devils in hell sub-mit to Christ; but it is against their will; they are His slaves, not His subjects.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Thurs., 10/10/19 Devotion (Php. 4:6-7)
Today's encouragement comes from Paul's great words, as they are found in Philippians 4:6 & 7:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Because the Lord is "at hand," (v. 5), the church is urged to "be anxious for nothing," but rather to pray. We believers in Christ often find it hardest to pray, at the very moment we most need to. Let this not discourage us. God is gra-cious; He hears the groans of the hearts of His children. In Jesus, our Father gives us a calm in the midst of ours storms; and solace in times of greatest need.
Let us not hesitate to bring any of our burdens to our good and gracious God today, in prayer.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Inward grace is wrought by outward means; the preaching of the Word is the engine that God uses to work grace; it is called 'the rod of HIs strength,' (Ps. 110:2).” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Beauty of Grace"]
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Because the Lord is "at hand," (v. 5), the church is urged to "be anxious for nothing," but rather to pray. We believers in Christ often find it hardest to pray, at the very moment we most need to. Let this not discourage us. God is gra-cious; He hears the groans of the hearts of His children. In Jesus, our Father gives us a calm in the midst of ours storms; and solace in times of greatest need.
Let us not hesitate to bring any of our burdens to our good and gracious God today, in prayer.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Inward grace is wrought by outward means; the preaching of the Word is the engine that God uses to work grace; it is called 'the rod of HIs strength,' (Ps. 110:2).” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Beauty of Grace"]
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Wed., 10/9/19 Devotion (Ps. 94:19)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 94:19, where we read these words:
"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."
This verse sort of describes life in our fallen world. The sincere Christian churchman does indeed have "anxieties"; but he or she also has abundant "comforts" in Christ. False forms of Christianity argue that these two are in-compatible. The Scripture, on the other hand, affirms that both consternation *and* consolation co-exist in the children of God.
Even our Savior had "anxieties." Do we remember His time in the Garden of Gethsemane? But our comforts in Christ and the New Covenant outweigh our troubles in the fallen and sinful world. Let us thank God for this.
[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a vain thing to think that true religion can be maintained, and have the liberty of it, without some difference of opinion among us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]
"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."
This verse sort of describes life in our fallen world. The sincere Christian churchman does indeed have "anxieties"; but he or she also has abundant "comforts" in Christ. False forms of Christianity argue that these two are in-compatible. The Scripture, on the other hand, affirms that both consternation *and* consolation co-exist in the children of God.
Even our Savior had "anxieties." Do we remember His time in the Garden of Gethsemane? But our comforts in Christ and the New Covenant outweigh our troubles in the fallen and sinful world. Let us thank God for this.
[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a vain thing to think that true religion can be maintained, and have the liberty of it, without some difference of opinion among us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Tues., 10/8/19 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 92:13 & 14, where we read these words, from a Psalm for the Sabbath Day:
"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "
Are some of us growing a bit older; and we may be wondering if our lives have been worth while, or not? If this is the case, let us recognize—even from the verses above—that only those who are firmly planted in Jesus, in His church, make all the difference in the world; and that they alone really *do* "flourish," and continue to "bear fruit in old age."
All people who forsake Jesus and His church, end up totally wasting their lives. Their miserable existences are worth nothing. On the other hand, those who plant themselves in Christ and His fertile soil of His church and gospel, are rich and fulfilled.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood only can merit pardon.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "
Are some of us growing a bit older; and we may be wondering if our lives have been worth while, or not? If this is the case, let us recognize—even from the verses above—that only those who are firmly planted in Jesus, in His church, make all the difference in the world; and that they alone really *do* "flourish," and continue to "bear fruit in old age."
All people who forsake Jesus and His church, end up totally wasting their lives. Their miserable existences are worth nothing. On the other hand, those who plant themselves in Christ and His fertile soil of His church and gospel, are rich and fulfilled.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood only can merit pardon.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]
Monday, October 7, 2019
Mon., 10/7/19 Devotion (Ps. 91:9-10)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 91:9 & 10, where we read these words:
"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . . "
Those who are safely trusting in Jesus' blood atonement alone to protect them from the condemnation of sin's righteous judgment are the only people on earth who will weather the storms of this life (and the next). God is the churchman's "dwelling place" by faith. Faith, not anything else, proves to be our key to victory (1 Jn. 5:4b), since it directly binds us to Christ.
Do we want to be safe from the most real and fearful evils? Then, as the church, let us trust in Jesus alone. Let us look not to our works, or our per-formance—but to our Redeemer.
[Puritan quote of the day: "All the wicked, still, are under the covenant of works . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . . "
Those who are safely trusting in Jesus' blood atonement alone to protect them from the condemnation of sin's righteous judgment are the only people on earth who will weather the storms of this life (and the next). God is the churchman's "dwelling place" by faith. Faith, not anything else, proves to be our key to victory (1 Jn. 5:4b), since it directly binds us to Christ.
Do we want to be safe from the most real and fearful evils? Then, as the church, let us trust in Jesus alone. Let us look not to our works, or our per-formance—but to our Redeemer.
[Puritan quote of the day: "All the wicked, still, are under the covenant of works . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Wed., 10/2/19 Devotion (Eph. 2:8-9)
Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:8 & 9, where we find these remarkable words:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
We sinners are not saved by anything we do. This truth can be extremely hard to accept, because we are so geared in our natural flesh to believing the exact opposite. After the Fall of man in the Garden, works went out the win-dow, (but our memory of them never left us).
To seek to be redeemed by works, or to supposedly sustain a relationship with God through works is a great affront to Christ and the gospel. If we could be saved by what we do, why would God the Father send His precious Son to die on a cruel cross for helpless sinners? Let us be grateful that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. This pleases God; and it brings us the best of everything.
[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition." —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
We sinners are not saved by anything we do. This truth can be extremely hard to accept, because we are so geared in our natural flesh to believing the exact opposite. After the Fall of man in the Garden, works went out the win-dow, (but our memory of them never left us).
To seek to be redeemed by works, or to supposedly sustain a relationship with God through works is a great affront to Christ and the gospel. If we could be saved by what we do, why would God the Father send His precious Son to die on a cruel cross for helpless sinners? Let us be grateful that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. This pleases God; and it brings us the best of everything.
[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition." —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Tues., 10/1/19 Devotion (Ps. 84:10)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 84:10, wherein we read these words:
"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wick-edness."
Even the humblest baptized newborn, being a member of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, is more exalted and noble than the most affluent, proud, and self-sufficient unbeliever (or religious hypocrite). One day in God's house is better than a thousand in a "paradise" of sin and lust.
What do *we* prefer? Those who do not love Christ value everything before Him. Those Christians who love Jesus would take Him over anything else.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If God should make more worlds for [a redeemed soul], yet if He does not give Himself to it [the redeemed soul], it would not be satisfied.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wick-edness."
Even the humblest baptized newborn, being a member of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, is more exalted and noble than the most affluent, proud, and self-sufficient unbeliever (or religious hypocrite). One day in God's house is better than a thousand in a "paradise" of sin and lust.
What do *we* prefer? Those who do not love Christ value everything before Him. Those Christians who love Jesus would take Him over anything else.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If God should make more worlds for [a redeemed soul], yet if He does not give Himself to it [the redeemed soul], it would not be satisfied.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]
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