Tues., 3/31/20 Devotion (Col. 1:13-14)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 1:13 & 14, where Paul wrote these words:

"[God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

Salvation in Jesus Christ is an amazing thing. A human being is brought from death to life, from hell to heaven, and from the dungeon to the palace. And all because the Redeemer shed His precious blood for us otherwise-hopelessly lost sinners. In regeneration, the church saints now experience the full for-giveness of our sins, all enjoyed by grace through faith in Christ.

In Jesus, how can true Christians fail to be anything but happy and thankful creatures?! Can any distress in this world overcome the advantages we now have, in Christ?

[Stonewall Jackson quote: “ . . . Turn to God and cast all your care on Jesus.” —from a letter to a loved one]

Mon., 3/30/20 Devotion (Php. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 4:6 & 7, where Paul wrote these words:

"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."

This text (above) is a great provision and promise of God, made only to faith-ful church members. *Everything* is embraced in this covenant privilege. Are we tempted to be anxious? If so, we may have *all* our anxiety expunged through faith-filled and thanks-filled prayers to God. And, what is the result? A perfect peace in Jesus; and hearts totally garrisoned-about by His sovereign and special care.

Though these verses do not apply to anyone outside the church covenant, they nonetheless entice all people alienated from God to embrace Jesus Christ by faith (and to join His covenant). When and if they do, then they also will experience the peace that only He can (and does) give, (all in Jesus).

[Stonewall Jackson quote: " . . . do pray to God for His mercy, and eternal life through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.” —from a letter to a loved one]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/27-29/20 Devotion

Let us earnestly thank God that Sunday, the Resurrection Day, is almost here. In preparation for the Lord’s Day, here are some good words from Thomas Watson. They come from his excellent work, entitled, "A Divine Cor-dial [Pleasant Drink]":

"Another heart-quieting consideration is, that afflictions work for good. Ju-dah's captivity in Babylon was for their good. 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted,' (Psalm 119:71). Afflictions to the godly are medicinal. Out of the most poisonous drugs God extracts our salvation. Afflictions are as need-ful as ordinances [viz. preaching and sacraments], (1 Peter 1:6). No vessel can be made of gold without fire; so it is impossible that we should be made vessels of honor, unless we are melted and refined in the furnace of affliction. 'All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,' (Psalm 25:10). As the painter intermixes bright colors with dark shadows; so the wise God mixes mercy with judgment.

"Those afflictive providences which seem to be most difficult, are beneficial. Let us take some instances in Scripture. Joseph's brothers throw him into a pit; afterwards they sell him; then he is cast into prison; yet all this worked for Joseph's good. His hardship made way for his advancement. He was made the second man in the kingdom [of Egypt]. 'You thought evil against me, but God meant it for good,' (Gen. 50:20). Jacob wrestled with the angel, and the bone of Jacob's thigh socket was out of joint. This was sad; but God turned it to good, for there he saw God's face, and there the Lord blessed him. 'Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, for I have seen God face to face,' (Gen. 32:30). Who would not be willing to have a bone out of joint, so that he might have a sight of God?"

Thurs., 3/26/20 Devotion (Jn. 16:33)

Today's encouragement comes from John 16:33, where our Lord Jesus said this:

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The peace of any human being is found in the Person of Jesus Christ (alone). There exists no peace at all outside of (or apart from) Him. The true Christian churchman’s vital and living union with Jesus causes us to be able to be gen-uinely (not artificially) cheerful, even as we are go through very difficult hard-ships.

All of this is because our Savior has "overcome the world.” This is the key. The world no longer has any controlling power over us (who are in Christ). We, in Jesus, have also "overcome" it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]

Wed., 3/25/20 Devotion (Eph. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 5:1, where we read these words of Paul:

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children."

Human beings, created in the very image of God, were to be like Him, resem-bling Him in all communicable graces. Sin turned us into something more akin to devils, than divinity. But all of this is more than compensated for in Christ, His atonement, and the the Holy Spirit’s application of the same (by grace through faith) to His church.

Now we who are in Jesus as His faithful church act like Him. In so doing, we are "imitators of God." Because of surpassing grace we now can do what even the pre-Fall Adam could never do: namely, praise God for exalting our human nature to the highest extent—in that the Second Person of the Trinity is now both God and man.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A sanctified [mind] will make every creature a lad-der to heaven.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Tues., 3/24/20 Devotion (Eph. 4:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 4:1, where we read these words of Paul:

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the call-ing with which you were called . . . "

Especially as many of us are “sheltering in place," are we comfortable being referred to as "prisoner[s] of the Lord"? For that matter, do we think it odd for us in the church to accept instruction from someone (Paul) who was a "pris-oner"? But "prison" is the inevitable state of every fallen human being. The only real (or pertinent) question is, "Of whom or what am I a prisoner?"

Those locked-up by and in the Lord Jesus Christ are free people in the truest sense. Those who are "free to sin" are groveling slaves of their own lust, and the devil himself. Let all faithful churchmen who are Christ's "prisoners" re-joice at being such happy "captives."

[Puritan quote of the day: "As there is in God enough to satisfy the whole soul, so trust carries the whole soul to God.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Mon., 3/23/20 Devotion (Eph. 3:20-21)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 3:20 & 21, where Paul wrote these remarkable words:

"Now to Him [God] who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Just when we churchmen may begin to feel overwhelmed by the trials and struggles of this life, God in Christ blesses us with words like these (above). The biggest story today is not a virus that is terrifying the world; but a Triune God who has given us everything we need or want, in His blessed Son (Jesus).

And please observe that it is the church's specially-privileged role to give glory to God, because of Christ's atoning victory on our behalf—and this glo-rious praise to God continues eternally, to "all generations, forever and ever."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, covet more grace. Never think you have enough. It is good and honest avarice [greed]. We are urged [by God] to cov-et the best things, (1 Cor. 12:31).” —Thomas Watson, in "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/20-22/20 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday (the holy Sabbath) 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. These [Sundays] are our spiritual Harvest-Days. On them the wind of God's Spirit blows upon the sails of our affections, and we are pushed much further along in our heavenly voyage. Christian, lift up your heart to God in thankfulness, that He has given you another golden op-porutnity, and be sure you take advantage of it. It may be the last. Seasons of grace are not like the tide; if a man misses one tide, he may have another.

“With this Sabbath (Sunday) approaching, we must in the proper frame of mind to prepare our souls for the receiving of the Word. The people of Israel had to wash their garments before the law was delivered to them. Our hearts must be washed by prayer and repentance, since the oracles of God are about to be delivered to us."

Thurs., 3/19/20 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 5:1, where we read these words:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

The glorious freedom that the faithfully-churched children of God enjoy is a priceless treasure. This is why the world, the flesh, and the devil are constant-ly seeking to steal it from us. Gospel liberty must be zealously guarded, main-tained, and emboldened—otherwise, the "gospels" of works, self, and law will infiltrate the soul, and destroy all our joy.

The Galatians had heard the gospel of grace from Paul. They truly initially embraced it. Later, they heard a gospel of law, and they began to believe it. Paul's words throughout the book were designed to bring them back to Jesus. May we find our souls resting in Christ's righteousness alone, today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Full assurance is 'optimum maximum,' the best and greatest mercy; and therefore God will only give it to His best and dear-est friends.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Wed., 3/18/20 Devotion (Ex. 29:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 29:43, where we read these words:

"And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory."

God meets with people in His "tabernacle," or "sanctuary." Our Lord Jesus Christ has, in His resurrected and glorified body, already "entered" this realm in heaven (cf. Heb. 9:12 & 24). Now, because the God-Man has finished His work, and poured out His Spirit on His New Covenant Church, the sanctuary is greatly expanded, all over the face of the earth.

God dwells in heaven, in humble hearts, and in holy Sabbath (Sunday) church convocations. Let us be sure to avail ourselves of our access to Him, in and through Christ—and let us be careful to always approach Him by grace through faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He that is most tender of God's honor, shall find by experience that God is most mindful of his comfort.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Tues., 3/17/20 Devotion (Jn. 7:1)

Today’s encouragement comes from the interesting words of John, ch. 7, v. 1. Here is what we read there:

“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, be-cause the Jews were seeking to kill Him.” (ESV)

In light of current events, I think this is kind of an intriguing verse. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself took care, to avoid being somewhere where He did not *need* to be, in order to preserve His precious life.

Of course, our Messiah ended up *going* to Judea; and eventually to the cross and resurrection just outside Jerusalem. But, before His “time” to die and rise for His elect church, Jesus was mindful of His safety and well-being. And so, in faith and without fear, we, the members of the true church, should be as well.

[Augustine quote of the day: “The sure and proper foundation of the catholic [i.e. orthodox (in the fifth century context)] faith is Christ.” —from, “The Enchi-ridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Mon., 3/16/20 Devotion (Jn. 16:33)

Today's encouragement comes from John 16:33, where our Lord Jesus said this:

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Notice that the churched Christian's peace is in Christ. It may never be found in the "world," or in anything other than Christ. Our union with Jesus causes us to be able to be genuinely cheerful, even as we are going through very difficult hardships.

All of this is because our Savior has "overcome the world." The world no longer has controlling power over us (who are in Christ). We, in Jesus, have also "overcome" it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Begin with simple things, for all truth begins with simple things. A man can never write good cursive till he has first learned his letters.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way to True Happiness"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/13-15/20 Devotion

Sunday is coming! What an honor: to be in the church's worship on the Lord's Day. Here is Thomas Watson, from, "The Art of Divine Contentment.” . . .

"This doctrine shows how a Christian may come to lead a comfortable life, even a heaven on earth, be the times what they will: by Christian content-ment. The comfort of life does not consist in having much. It is Christ’s max-im, ‘Man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he posses-ses,' (Lk. 12:15)--but it is in being contented. . . . Contentment lies within a person, in the heart; and the way to be comfortable, is not by having our barns filled, but our minds quiet."

Thurs., 3/12/20 Devotion (Jn. 2:24-25)

Today's encouragement comes from John 2:24 & 25, where we read these words:

"But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

The Lord Jesus Christ was quite careful regarding those with whom He would totally commit Himself; and those with whom He would not. Though the Mes-siah was not burdened with the curse of original sin (or any sin, for that mat-ter)—He still completely understood what it (sin) was, and what it did to man-kind.

The people in Jn., ch. 2, were "believing" in Him; but they were *not* *really* believing in Him. They were impressed by Christ's miracles; but they were not moved to love Him on the grounds and basis of who He was (as the Son of God). May all of us who say we are God's true children prove to be sincere in our loving faith in Jesus.

[Augustine quote of the day: “For what is that which we call evil but the ab-sence of good?” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Wed., 3/11/20 Devotion (Job 40:8b)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 40:8b, where we read these words:

" . . . Would you [Job] condemn Me [God] that you may be justified?"

Fallen sinners, outside of Christ, always do exactly what we read here (above). They "condemn" God in all kinds of ways, in order to seek to "justify” themselves—pretending that they are better than the Lord. Of course, God understood Job's heart, and the Lord knew, in reality, that Job really *did* find his justification in Christ, and not in himself. (See Job 19:25-27 as evidence of this.)

All of us regenerate churchmen should beware of the fact that whenever we are uncomfortable or inconvenienced—our temptation, just as it was with Job, is to "condemn" God, and "justify" ourselves. Let us rather see things as they really *are*, in Christ; and recognize that the Lord is *always* right, just, holy, gracious, merciful, and loving.

[Augustine quote of the day: “And in the universe, even that which is called evil, when it is regulated and put in its own place, only enhances our admira-tion for the good.” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Tues., 3/10/20 Devotion (Lk. 24:5b, 6a)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:5b & 6a, where we read these words:

" . . . [The angels] said to [the women], 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! . . . ' "

The Christian faith is based in objective and historically-verifiable facts. This is helpful for the faithful believer, since there are numerous other (though spurious) claims to ultimate truth that we must constantly reject. Our sanctifi-cation struggle is not so much in comprehending *that* Jesus is alive, and has risen from the dead—as much as it is in *acting* on this knowledge with faith.

The Lord would have each of us who are bound to Him in the church seek Christ earnestly today—but not where the world looks for help (viz. in graves and death). Instead, let us rise up in prayer to where only redeemed church-men may go for assistance (viz. the throne of grace in heaven).

[Augustine quote of the day: “It is enough for the Christian to believe that the only cause of all created things . . . is the goodness of the Creator, the one true God.” —from, “The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love”]

Mon., 3/9/20 Devotion (Job 38:4a)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 38:4a, where we read these words:

"Where were you [Job] when I [The Lord] laid the foundations of the
earth? . . . "

Whenever sinful humans are tempted to call God Himself to some alleged “bar" of their own haughty “justice”—it is prudent to recall words like these (above), which the Lord spoke to Job. The answer to God's question, of course, is that Job did not yet exist; and, on top of that, his very being would be completely dependent upon The One he (Job) was calling into question.

Let us find comfort in the fact that our Creator is also the Redeemer of His church; and that though sometimes His providences baffle us, we know that God always has the best in mind for those He loves in Jesus, (cf. Rom. 8:28).

[Augustine quote of the day: “God comprehends all that takes place in time—the not-yet-existing future, the existing present, and the no-longer-existing past—in an immutable and eternal present.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 11.]

Fri.-Sabbath, 3/6-8/20 Devotion

Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his "The Ten Commandments" book:

"Meditating on a Lord's Day morning on Christ's love, would kindle love in our hearts to Him. How can we look on His bleeding and dying for us and our hearts not be warmed with love to Him? Love is the soul of religion, the purest affection. It is not rivers of oil, but sparks of love that Christ values.

"And sure, as David said, 'While I was musing the fire burned,' (Psa. 39:3)—so, while we are musing of Christ's love in redeeming us, the fire of our love will burn towards Him. And then the Christian is in a blessed Sabbath-frame, when, like a seraphim [angel], he is burning in love to Christ."

Thurs., 3/5/20 Devotion (2 Cor. 4:10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 4:10, where we read these words:

" . . . always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

One of the best things about Christian suffering is that it does so much good for ourselves and the rest of the church. Believers are united to Jesus Christ. The church is His metaphorical and mystical "body." To be joined to Christ means that we are bonded to Him in both His death *and* His resurrection. Without being "crucified with" Christ, we cannot be "raised with" Him.

Therefore, let us look upon our most difficult heart-struggles today with a dif-ferent eye—the eye of faith. What is hard now, helps ourselves and others now, (in ways that we cannot fully understand). And, if we are willing to suffer *with* Jesus, we will also enjoy and experience His glory, in this world, and in the one to come, (cf. Rom. 8:17).

[Augustine quote of the day: “Thus, a person who evaluates according to rea-son has far more freedom of choice than one who is driven by need or influ-enced by passion.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 11.]

Wed., 3/4/20 Devotion (Ex. 15:3, 13a)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 15:3 & 13a, which says this:

"The LORD is a Man of war; the LORD is His name. . . . You have led in Your steadfast love the people whom You have redeemed."

Note (above) how God's warrior nature, and His love nature are not at all at odds with one another. In fact, if God was *not* a "Man of war," He could not be the God of love. YHWH goes to war with our sins and His church's ene-mies; and, in so doing, He expresses His affection for the objects of His re-demption (all atoned-for in Christ).

Let us cast off all sophomoric notions of God, that would make Him a crotch-ety figure in heaven, hoping we would do something right, for once. Instead, let us view Him in His true colors, even as the written word of God reveals Him: as a God who punishes all sin; and yet cherishes many sinners (through Jesus’ atonement).

[Augustine quote of the day: “Of all visible things, the universe is the greatest; of all invisible realities, the greatest is God.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 11.]

Tues., 3/3/20 Devotion (Lk. 17:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 17:5, where we read these words:

"And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.' "

When we churchmen are faced with impossible tasks, an understandable re-sponse to them, is to say to God: "Increase our faith.” Sometimes, the Lord does not answer this request in the way we would expect. Instead, He re-minds us that we do not need *much* faith; but that rather we need *sincere* faith; and that it must be in the Only One (Christ) who can usher us into the embraces of The Holy Trinity.

Let us be sure that we do not look for *more* of anything in our Christian lives, without first availing ourselves of what we *already* possess. The exer-cise of faith does not require a lot of religious activity; but it does call on our hearts to truly believe in the Christ of the Gospel.

[Augustine quote of the day: “[God] has given to [human beings] good gifts suited to their existence here below.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 19.]

Mon., 3/2/20 Devotion (Lk. 16:31)

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

"But he ['Abraham'] said to him [the 'rich man'], ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ "

Since faith is sovereignly given to sinners through *hearing* the gospel preached (Rom. 10:17), and not through *seeing* miracles performed—we should not be surprised to be taught this principle here (above, from Luke’s gospel), by our Lord Jesus.

Sometimes well-meaning and sincere Christians mistakenly think that sinners will be converted by *seeing* various spectacular religious marvels (even like someone rising from the dead). But this is not the case at all. Instead, God would have His church faithfully preach the Good News of Jesus. Through this message of grace, the Holy Spirit will convert those whom God chooses to redeem.

[AUGUSTINE quote of the day: “Plato did not hesitate to say that to philoso-phize is to love that God whose nature is incorporeal.” —from, “City of God,” Bk. 8.]