Fri.-Sabbath, 1/31-2/2/20 Devotion

Praise God: it is almost Sunday! We get to re-start our lives in Jesus again. In order to help us get ready for worship, here are some great words from Aug-ustine of Hippo, the church’s greatest post-apostolic theologian. This citation comes from his excellent book, entitled, “The Literal Meaning of Genesis.” . . .

“The other interpretations that I have put forth in this book should be of some interest to the reader: either he may discover from them how one must in-vestigate without rash assertions the questions which Scripture does not clearly answer; or if my way of investigation is not to his liking, he may see how I carried it on, and as a result I hope that if he can instruct me he will not refuse, and that if he cannot he will join me in searching for someone from whom both of us may learn."

Thurs., 1/30/20 Devotion (Gen. 31:16b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 31:16b, where we read these words:

" . . . whatever God has said to you, do it."

These words (above) of Jacob's wives, to him, are pretty good. How encour-aging is it, when other believers urge us on in our holy faith in Jesus, and in our keeping the loving injunctions it puts upon us? This is especially true, when what we are called upon to do, by God, is not easy, and it grates against our natural tendencies.

Let all the faithful church be found saying this to one another: "Whatever God has said to you, do it." And what is it that God would have us always do? To be united to Christ, by grace through faith in Him. When this is the case, we can do *anything* our Lord calls upon us to do. When this is not happening, we can do *nothing* of any eternal value whatsoever.

[AUGUSTINE quote of the day: “Evil is not a substance: the loss of the good is what we call evil.” —from “The Literal Meaning of Genesis,” Bk. 8]

Wed., 1/29/20 Devotion (Gen. 30:2b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 30:2b, which says this:

" . . . And [Jacob] said, 'Am I in the place of God . . . ?' "

Whenever anyone fails to look to the Lord Jesus Christ for the fullest level of life and satisfaction, the inevitable consequence is the "deification of man." This is a common form of idolatry. The simple fact is that no human being (who is not divine) can fully satisfy us. This would be true, even if this (non-divine) person was without sin.

Jacob could not give Rachel what she wanted (in the Genesis account above). Only God could do that. Let us be careful not to ascribe to anybody what only belongs to Christ alone: namely, the ability to make us supremely happy, content, full, and free.

[AUGUSTINE quote of the day: “You [God] have made us for Yourself; and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” —from “Confessions,” Bk. 1]

Tues., 1/28/20 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 His church, the bride of Christ, approach the throne of grace, He is pleased to hold out the golden scepter of His love, mercy, and grace. All of this is because Jesus shed His precious blood for His regenerated cove-nant people.

Do we need to approach the throne of God today? Undoubtedly, we do; but let us not come empty-handed. We must 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)—our Lord Jesus Christ. No other offering 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"]

Mon., 1/27/20 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 separate 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” today, in the church militant? 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 Him in this world, 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, 1/24-26/20 Devotion

Praise God: another Sunday is almost here! In order to prepare us for church worship, here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good":

"If we do not love God, we will love something else, either the world or sin; and are those things worthy of our love? Is it not better to love God than these? It is better to love God than the world, as appears in the following par-ticulars. . . .

"If we set our love on worldly things, they will not satisfy. We may as well sat-isfy our body with air, as our souls with earth. . . . Is it not better to love God? He will give us that which shall satisfy. . . . If we love worldly things, they can-not remove trouble of mind. If there is a thorn in our conscience, all the world cannot pluck it out. . . . But if we love God, He can give us peace when no-thing else can. He can turn the 'Shadow of death into the morning,' (Amos 5:8). He can apply Christ’s blood to refresh our souls. He can whisper His love by The Spirit, and with one smile scatter all our fears and concerns."

Thurs., 1/23/20 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. Are we ever tempted to think that God runs heaven; but that the devil, or maybe sinners can do what they want with the earth? If we are, we are quite mistaken. The glorious truth is that the church’s God is the supreme governor of the earth, (as well as heaven).

The Lord put earth under His church's feet (1 Cor. 3:21b-23); and we are His vice-regents, to rule and tend it. But, in the greatest sense, the Lord, the Cre-ator Himself, is "God of the earth." Let us be thankful for this; and commit ourselves to serving Him well—all in Jesus.

[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"]

Wed., 1/22/20 Devotion (Neh. 12:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Nehemiah 12:43, where we read these words:

"Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off."

God-honoring Sabbath (now Sunday) church worship will (inevitably) lead to a great deal of joy. This heartfelt celebration will be so profound, that those outside the church will hear it (and be impacted by it). Life is not all joy and sweetness—but there *are* special times when God Himself "[makes us] re-joice with great joy," (even as today's text avers).

Let us not give up on our potential for a very high degree of happiness (in this world). So long as we remain totally focused on Jesus (and are therefore faithful in His church), there is for us a certainty that our joy will be made full in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ and all good things are stored in the gospel; that is the rich mine.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 1/21/20 Devotion (Gen. 22:7b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 22:7b, where we read these words:

" . . . Then [Isaac] said, 'Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?' "

Every human being brings "fire" and "wood" when it comes to life and religion. Everyone knows, in their heart of hearts, that there is a righteous God who must be assuaged. What separates the redeemed church from everyone else is the "Lamb for a burnt offering." Only those that possess Jesus have the atoning sacrifice for their sins.

Issac's question, "*Where* is the lamb . . . ?" is a good one. The Lamb is found by faith. He is worshipped in His church. And His gospel is to be pro-claimed to the world. When true believers pray, we bring in our arms of faith the "Lamb of God” (our Lord Jesus Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The more we see the grace of God in Christ, the spirit of fear is diminished and replaced by a spirit of love and boldness.”
—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 1/20/20 Devotion (Acts 20:28b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 20:28b, where we read these words:

" . . . shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

Paul is speaking (above) to the elders of the Ephesian church. The apostle urges those officers to "shepherd the church." He will later explain how wolves will seek to destroy the body of Christ. But what I want to focus on are these words: "Which He [Christ] purchased with His own blood." The *reason* the elders are to guard and lead the flock is because the church has been re-deemed with the very lifeblood of the Son of God.

What is valuable to the Lord, of necessity must (and will), be treasured by all who love the Lord. Are we part of the faithful church, purchased by Jesus' blood? If so, then not only are we precious to God; but we are also those to whom God gives His greatest attention and care—all because He gave us His greatest gift of Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man may know much of Christ, and yet not learn Christ. The devils knew Christ. . . . “ —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/17-19/20 Devotion

Yippee—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help prepare us for church wor-ship, here are good words from Thomas Watson, from his "All Things for Good" book:

"When God calls a person by His grace, that person cannot but come. You may resist the minister’s call, but you cannot resist the Spirit’s call. The finger of the blessed Spirit can write upon a heart of stone, as once He wrote God's laws upon tables of stone.

"God’s words are creating words. When He said 'Let there be light, there was light'; and when He says, 'Let there be faith,' it shall be so. When God called Paul, Paul answered the call: 'I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,' (Acts 26:19). God rides forth conquering in the chariot of His gospel. He makes the blind eyes see, and the stony heart bleed. If God will call a person, nothing can hinder that person. . . . 'Who has resisted His [God’s] will?,' (Rom. 9:19)."

Thurs., 1/16/20 Devotion (Gen. 17:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 17:3a, where we read these great words concerning Abram, who later was named “Abraham.” . . .

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

The Lord had first come to Abram, (see v. 1)—as God always takes the initia-tive with any of us, (and not the other way around). But, once the Triune Sov-ereign had engaged Abram's attention, Abram fell on his face. After this, God continued the conversation.

So it is with us, Christ's faithful (by grace) churchmen, today. We are appre-hended by God's free grace to us in Jesus Christ; we then humble ourselves; and then God communes with us sweetly and frequently.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hence learn, that every easy way to heaven is a false way, although ministers should preach it out of their pulpits, and angels should publish it out of heaven.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sincere Con-vert"]

Wed., 1/15/20 Devotion (Matt. 15:28a)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 15:28a, which says this:

"Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' . . . "

This Canaanite woman goes from being temporarily rebuffed by the Lord Jesus (v. 23a), to being given everything she wants. And what made the dif-ference? Her faith. The Lord will allow us, at times, to "reason" with Him. Christ had told this woman that He was sent only to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," (v. 24)—but her persistent faith paid off, and she got what she wanted.

This is not "name it/and claim it" idolatry; but it is a lesson in the goodness, generosity, and benevolence of the church's God. Our Father simply cannot find it within Himself to deny His children, who come to Him in faith in Jesus (so long as our requests are not sinful, or would not compromise our greater happiness).

[Puritan quote of the day: "But however much the wisdom and justice of God in many things may be out of sight to us, we may be sure that since God does all things as He pleases, they are ordered in the wisest and best manner.”
—Jonathan Edwards, in one of his sermons]

Tues., 1/14/20 Devotion (Matt. 14:13a)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 14:13a, where we read these words:

"When Jesus heard it [that John the Baptist had been killed], He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself."

This is the only place in the Gospels that I am aware of, where our Lord Jesus navigated a boat by Himself. But the reason Jesus desired to get away from everyone, and all the hubbub, is our focus today. The Savior had just heard of the ignominious death of His own relative (through Mary), and of His forerunner, John the Baptist.

It seems to me that our Lord Jesus was saddened by this news; and it may well have caused Him to reflect on the fact that He (Christ) Himself would soon die on the cross, giving His life for the sins of His church. The Redeem-er's "get-away" was characteristically short-lived; but I think we can derive a principle here: it is all right to grieve; and sometimes we need time alone with our God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "See that all be well within, and then all troubles from without cannot much annoy us.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Con-flict with Itself"]

Mon., 1/13/20 Devotion (Acts 13:42)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 13:42, where we read these words:

"So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath."

What a remarkable situation: people "begging" to have preached to them the Gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ! That kind of miracle seems to be uncommon; but it always happens when the Holy Spirit, drawing people to Jesus, gets ready to place them into the New Covenant (Jew/Gentlie) church.

Our only hope as sinful people living in the world is the Lord Jesus Christ. Let those of us who know God, by His marvelous grace alone, ask our Father to prosper Christ's Gospel, and to increase the members of His faithful church.

[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"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/10-12/20 Devotion

Wahoo—Sunday is ALMOST here! In order to help us prepare for our Sab-bath worship of the Triune God on the Lord's Day, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "A Body of Divinity":

"Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some seek to find their peace in their own righteousness, not Christ's. They seek peace in their holy life, not Christ's death. When conscience is troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to find peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor yet idolized.

"Let us look to Jesus' blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, also pacifies our conscience. When we take in Christ’s blood by faith, He gives us peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom. 5:1). There is no balm [or medicine] to cure a wounded con-science, other than the blood of Christ."

Thurs., 1/9/20 Devotion (Gen. 9:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 9:8 & 9, which says this:

"Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 'And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you.' "

We often hear of God making these "covenants" with His people. Have we ever considered how gracious, merciful, and wonderful this is? If God did not bind Himself to His church through Jesus Christ, specifically and totally, there would be absolutely no hope at all for any of us, or for any other human being that has ever existed. The reason for this is because we are so wicked in our fallen state, that we would never seek God out.

So, the next time we witness a baptism in the church—let us recognize what is actually going on. God is making a covenant with that baby (or young per-son, or adult). This covenant is gracious, because it speaks of the life and death of the Son of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "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.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 1/8/20 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 that any city, state, or nation ever possesses real and solid joy, is when the church brings the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to it. Here, the Deacon Philip had brought the good news to Samaria, a largely-despised place, and it [Samaria] gets transformed, and filled with celebration.

The genuineness of gospel revival will always be manifested in the culture. It starts in the church, but it is not possible for it to be contained there. It is en-couraging to realize that real communities really are capable of heavenly joy, on this plant; and that this wondrous dynamic *has* happened in the past, and *can* occur again, even in our day.

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

Tues., 1/7/20 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 or creation.

The Lord knows how to bless and protect His own children, even as they sail through the stormy and wind-tossed seas of life on this fallen planet. Are you in Jesus, and His church covenant today? If so, be sure to bless God for this great privilege; and do all you can to bring glory to His Name—through the ark’s “Captain,” our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Mon., 1/6/20 Devotion (Acts 6:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 6:10, which says this about Stephen:

"And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he [Ste-phen] spoke."

As the Holy Spirit is at work in us, God's churchmen (men and women, boys and girls); and especially as we are preaching or speaking the gospel of Jesus and His free grace—no one, and nothing is able to "resist" us. Sinners may kill  us, the messengers of good news, as they murdered Stephen (in the Book of Acts)—but they cannot overcome us, or our words.

Today, let us seek in our Redeemer the same  "wisdom and the Spirit" that Stephen relied upon. Also, instead of disdaining the gospel of mercy, like Ste-phen's hearers did—let us gladly and zealously embrace Christ in it; and let us be speakers of words of life and grace (all of which are found in Jesus alone).

[Puritan quote of the day: "That sin is worse than affliction is evident because the greatest judgment God lays upon a man in this life is to let him sin without control.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/3-5/20 Devotion

Yes—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Art of Divine Contentment":

"To learn Christ, is to *believe* in *Him*: 'My Lord, and my God,' (Jn. 20:28). When we not only believe God—but *in* God—it is the actual application of Christ to ourselves; and it is the spreading of the sacred medicine of His blood upon our souls. If we have heard much of Christ, and yet cannot with a humble faith say, ‘My Jesus’—be not offended if I remind us that the devil can say his creed as well as we can.

"To learn Christ, is *to love Christ*."

Thurs., 1/2/20 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 at Pentecost, relate good news to all of us human sinners. Salvation in Jesus Christ is had by those who simply ask for it (Him); and who really want it (with all their heart). Redemption does not require labor, but it does require desire. Our problem—as fallen children of Adam—is that we think we have to work for forgiveness, or add something to what Jesus alone can do for us. Such thoughts (and subsequent religious actions) are highly-blasphemous.

Are we in any kind of trouble at all today? If so, we may earnestly call upon Christ. God is true to all His promises; and He will not (and cannot) fail to keep His word.

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