Tues., 12/31/19 Devotion (Rev. 22:17)

Happy New Year!

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 churched faith (in gen-eral). And that is, simply "Coming" to Christ, by grace through faith—with no-thing else in our hands (as payment for our sins).

And note that God's three mighty forces are at work here, inviting us to em-brace Jesus: the "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 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"]

Mon., 12/30/19 Devotion (Mal. 3:17a)

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

" 'They shall be Mine,' says the LORD of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels.' "

Do you think of yourself as one of Almighty God's "jewels"? If you are a faith-filled and faithful Christian churchman, who trusts in Jesus alone for your sal-vation, and who loves the Lord because of what He has done for you—then indeed you *are* a precious "jewel" in God's treasure chest.

Compared to one sincere member of Christ's church, the entire far-flung and vast universe (which God created) is of minimal value and interest to the Lord. *People* are God's "jewels"; and not just *any* people: only those who are IN Jesus Christ (and His church) by grace through faith in Him alone (are). Let *us* be numbered among these Divine and priceless gems.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God's] riches make a man wise. Wisdom is the best possession; other riches cannot make one wise. A man may have a full wallet and an empty brain.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/27-29/19 Devotion

Thankfully, it is almost Sunday. We get to go back to church! In order to get us ready for God's holy day, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Happi-ness of Drawing Near to God" treatise. . . .

"And as Christ makes the way for us into the Holy of Holies by His incarna-tion; so by His crucifixion, He died to make God and us friends. The divine law was infringed, God's justice was provoked; and satisfaction was demand-ed, before we could approach God in an amicable [friendly] way. Christ as our Priest shed His blood for our sins, and so made the atonement, (Col. 1:20): ‘Having made peace through the blood of His cross.’

“As Joseph [of the OT] was great at [Pharaoh's] court, and made a way for all his brothers to draw near to the king's presence, (Gen. 47:2)—so Jesus Christ is our Joseph, Who makes the way for us by His blood, that we may now come near to God's presence. Through Christ, God is pleased with us. He holds forth the golden scepter, that we may draw near . . . "

Thurs., 12/26/19 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 tore down the idol worship altars; the clergy was restored and re-organized; and the worship of the true God was re-instituted in Judah. Because of his good leadership, the house of God began to thrive again. Hezekiah was given by the Lord a good heart; and the king's actions reflected this, in his zealous conviction.

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 faith in our blessed Lord 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"]

Tues.-Wed., 12/24-25/19 Devotion

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."

This is an intriguing command (above), given by King Hezekiah, to the Le-vites. God would *still* have us, His true and redeemed churchmen, "carry out the rubbish" from the "holy place." First of all, the church’s officers are to do all we can, to expunge Sabbath (Sunday) worship of all the rubbish that would otherwise clog the sanctuary (as it were). We do this by focusing on Jesus and HIs gospel; and by implementing the gracious provisions of true worship.

. . . And secondly, all of us who are God's people are to cleanse our hearts, by grace through faith in Jesus' blood atonement. Christ's blood washes away all our sin. This season is a good time for us to be reminded of these gospel glories and responsibilities.

[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"]

Mon., 12/23/19 Devotion (2 Chron. 28:22-23)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 28:22 & 23, where this is said of Ahaz, king of Judah:

"Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to the LORD. This is that King Ahaz. For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him, saying, 'Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.' But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel."

Do we see where idolatry always has an allure to it; but that a hook is hidden under the bait? Ahaz was in trouble, because he had forsaken the Lord. So, instead of repenting and turning back to God, he looks around at the nations close to him, and says, "Syria's gods helped them. I will worship them."

But instead of being helpful, Syria's gods only served as the final nails in Ahaz' spiritual coffin. Let us worship The True (Triune) God only, as the faith-ful church. This can only be done through Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a dangerous thing for people to neglect, resist, or rebel against the ministry of the Word.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/20-22/19 Devotion

Yes—it is almost Sunday! We GET to go to church! In order to help get us ready for Sabbath worship, here is the great Thomas Watson, from his book, "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God":

"Let us think about the excellencies of God. He is the ‘God of glory,’ (Ps. 29:3). He is full of wonderful beauty—in comparison of Whom both angels and men are but as the ‘small dust of the balance.’ He is the ‘God of love,’ (2 Cor. 13:11). God triumphs in acts of mercy. This very much encourages us in our coming to Him Who delights to display the banner of His free grace to sin-ners. . . .

"God is the most sovereign good, the wonder of love; He is ready to shed forth the silver streams of His bounty to us poor creatures. This, if anything, will make us willing to draw near to Him and rest in Him as the center of our happiness."

Thurs., 12/19/19 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 (above) 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 exten-sion of His church—as she preaches the gospel of His free and wonderful grace).

Basically, that exact same pattern is the one for all true 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"]

Wed., 12/18/19 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 zealously religious people here. It is interesting that He does *not* say, "If you do not straighten-up your acts you will die . . . "; or, "If you do not do enough good deeds you will die . . . "; or, "If you are not more religious you will die . . . " Instead, Christ demands one thing (only): believing that He (Jesus) is the unique Son of God, and the only hope for sinners. Un-less this is believed, the result is death in sins.

Why is this doctrine so hard for us sinners to accept? The reason: gospel is so absolute and uniform that us self-righteous people find it highly offensive. Jesus' blood atonement virtually *excludes* 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).

[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"]

Tues., 12/17/19 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 splendidly candid saying (above), "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. Jeho-shaphat, 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 and seemingly-hopeless 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 monumental victory (in Jesus). He still does this for His church today!

[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"]

Mon., 12/16/19 Devotion (Jn. 6:66-68)

Today's encouragement comes from the wonderful interchange between Christ and His disciples, as it is found in John 6:66-68:

"From that time many of [Christ's] disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?' But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' "

This is a very poignant scene in the ministry of our blessed Messiah. After in-tentionally paring-down the numbers of His "disciples" (among the multitude), by teaching them that they would have to ingest He (Christ) Himself into their beings, and that God alone could draw them to Himself, etc.—the Lord Jesus is left with just a few remaining hearty souls, (one of whom was Judas, who, of course, was not faithful).

Peter's confession, representing the true church throughout all ages, is not only brilliantly insightful; but it was also eminently practical: there is nowhere else for any of us to go, in this world, but to Jesus—unless one prefers hell.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When the Word comes to any place, the kingdom of heaven is said to come. . . . And Christ rules in it by the preaching of the gospel.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/13-15/19 Devotion

Yippee—Sunday is fast approaching. In order to help prepare us for the church's worship of Almighty God, here is Thomas Watson, from his "Heaven Taken by Storm" book:

"When this blessed [Sabbath] day approaches, we must lift up our heart in thankfulness to God, that He has put another opportunity into our hands for gaining heavenly wisdom. Sundays are our spiritual harvest-days. Now the wind of God's Spirit blows upon the sails of our affections [loves], and we may be much further on in our heavenly voyage. Christian, lift up your heart to God in thankfulness, that He has given you another golden season, and be sure you improve it. It may be the last. Seasons of grace are not like the tide; if a man misses one tide, he may have another. . . .

"This day approaching, we must in the morning dress and fit our souls for the receiving of the Word. The people of Israel must wash their garments before the law was delivered to them. Our hearts must be washed by prayer and re-pentance, since the oracles of God are about to be delivered to us."

Thurs., 12/12/19 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 over Jeroboam, (see vv. 15 ff.).

The church on earth is certainly way outnumbered by the world (there is no doubt about that)—but the church has Jesus, the Great "Son of David" on her (our) side. Therefore, we should take courage, and fight the battles of our Lord—knowing that Christ is our risen and victorious Captain; and we can do nothing but triumph in and through Him.

[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"]

Wed., 12/11/19 Devotion (Jn. 1:14a)

Today's encouragement comes from John 1:14a, where we read these amaz-ing words:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . "

This Greek word for "Flesh” (here) is very strong. It connotes a sense of the Son of God fully entering into our fallenness and its resulting misery, etc.—yet, of course, with no sin of His own (either original or actual). But the fact of the Incarnation has *perpetual* power. Just because the flesh-bound Messi-ah’s body today is in heaven, this does not mean that He is not *just as* ac-tive in His church now (as He was in the days of His original earthly sojourn).

Therefore, in this joyous season, let all God's Christian churchmen remember that The One who "became flesh" for us is *still* Immanuel, "God with us." He has made His church "bone of His bone," etc., (cf. Eph. 5:30).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The happiness of man consists in communion with God and conformity to Him." —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 12/10/19 Devotion (Lk. 24:5b)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:5b, where we read these words, spoken by the angels at Jesus' empty tomb:

" . . . 'Why do you seek the living among the dead?' "

This (above) is still a germane question for us, today. People often seek their version of "Christ" among dead things: the world and its pompous boasts, bad theology, superstition, and ridiculous forms of false religion. The Living One, Jesus, is *just* that: The *Living* One. He has conquered death—even the death and sin of every regenerate and covenanted Christian. Therefore, let us seek our Savior where He *is*, and not where He is not.

Jesus lives in the highest heaven, in His risen and glorified body; but He also lives in the humblest hearts of His faithful churchmen, through His residing Spirit. Therefore, let us seek Him in both places: in heaven and in His church. He will be found by us, when we seek The Living One among the “living."

[Puritan quote of the day: "God has reserved us to these glorious times, bet-ter than our forefathers ever saw." —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 12/9/19 Devotion (Lk. 22:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 22:43, where we read these words:

"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."

All God's churched children need the assistance of others, and strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. Sometimes we people of God find ourselves in very tough circumstances. Naturally, we call out to the Lord for deliverance and freedom (from what afflicts us). But what oftentimes our Father chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great oppor-tunity to make us stronger in Christ.

After all: this same dynamic happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Gethsemane; He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength (even through an angel)—for the purpose of encouraging His Son in His horrendously difficult task of going to the cross to die for all the elect church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him." —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/6-8/19 Devotion

Yes! Sunday is almost here. Here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good," or, "A Divine Cordial":

"The word preached works for good. It is a savor of life. It is a soul-transform-ing 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 affections; it blows up holy desires and ardors of soul. Prayer has power with God. It is a key that unlocks the treasury of God’s mercy. Prayer keeps the heart open to God, and shut to sin. . . . It was Luther’s counsel to a friend, when he perceived a temptation begin to arise, to go to God in 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 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 ef-fects, then it works for good."

Thurs., 12/5/19 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 Gospel accounts where I can recall that the Son of God  is actually said to be “look[ing] up" at any fallen human being.  Zac-chaeus, 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 totally new man. From now on, the former-cheater would now always "look up" to 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"]

Wed., 12/4/19 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 this is (above). A fallen man, a sinner, Solo-mon, would have the most holy place constructed on earth! And it would be the very pattern of what exists in heaven. God honors His church, by giving us such astounding privileges. Think of it: Mary, a fallen soul in Adam, bears the sinless Christ Child. We, 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, since God's children are *in* the Son of God, who is now both God and man. Do we need "self-esteem"?  Here is the only place 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"]

Tues., 12/3/19 Devotion (Lk. 17:20-21)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 17:20 & 21, which says this:

"Now when [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, "See here!" or "See there!" For in-deed, the kingdom of God is within [or among] you.' "

In brief, the kingdom of God is wherever Jesus Christ is, covenantally-experi-enced. This is more than simply His omnipresence, by the Spirit. It is also more than His locative position in heaven, where His glorified body and blood are. It is also much more than a future "kingdom" on earth. The kingdom of God is now—wherever Christ is glorified in His church (on earth or in heav-en): in the individual justification of particular saints; and in the corporate wor-ship of the whole body of Christ.

Let us be thankful that The King of the kingdom makes all the difference. The kingdom of God is "within" us, or "among” us—if Jesus is truly ours by faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 12/2/19 Devotion (1 Chron. 29:3)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 29:3, where we read these words of David, inspired by the Holy Spirit:

"Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver."

Whatever we value and love, we adorn. David esteemed the house of his God, having affection for it. Jesus loves His church, and bedecks her with Himself (especially), and all His gracious jewels, (cf. Rev. 21:10 ff.). Whom-ever or whatever we love, is that upon which we are careful to bestow our highest honors.

The wise and happy person loves Who and what God loves; and invests his or her life in beautifying what will last forever. Let us set our affection on the Son of God and house of God, even as David did.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For the greatest and most glorious work that you can perform is not nearly worth so much as one drop of the blood of Christ.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]