Fri.-Sabbath, 5/29-31/20 Devotion

Hallelujah—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for Sabbath Worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his outstanding book, entitled, "A Body of Divinity":

"As God’s mercy makes the saints happy, so it should make them humble. Mercy is not the fruit of our goodness, but the fruit of God’s goodness. Mercy is a gift that God bestows. They have no cause to be proud that live upon the gifts of God’s mercy. 'If I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head,’ (Job 10:15). All my righteousness is the effect of God’s mercy, therefore I will be humble and will not lift up my head. . . .

"God’s mercy is free. To set up merit is to destroy mercy. Nothing can deserve mercy, because we are polluted in our blood; nor force it. We may force God to punish us, but not to love us. 'I will love them freely,’ (Hos. 14:4). Every link in the chain of salvation is wrought and interwoven with free grace. Election is free. '[God] has chosen us in [Christ], according to the good pleasure of His will,' (Eph. 1:4). Justification is free. 'Being justified freely by [God's] grace,’ (Rom. 3:24). Salvation is free. 'According to [God's] mercy He saved us,’ (Titus 3:5). . . . If God should show mercy to such only as are worthy, He would show none at all."

Thurs., 5/28/20 Devotion (3 Jn. 2)

Today's encouragement comes from 3 John, v. 2, where we read these words:

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

I like this little verse (above). It reminds us Christians that God is concerned about *all* the facets of our being, (and not just one or two of them). The soul is the most important part of any person—by far—and it is to get first atten-tion; but, after it is thriving, God would have every other part of His child pros-per, too. (Those with healthy souls will be diligent to preserve the body’s health, as well.)

Does this mean that sick believers are under God's displeasure? No; not at all. We cannot know the Lord's secret providences for His children; but we can know this: that *we* ought to desire, and pray for health at every level—so that the church and the gospel will spread and grow all over the earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Have you forgotten the years of the right hand [viz. the extreme blessings] of the Most High? —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Wed., 5/27/20 Devotion (2 Jn. 9)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 John, v. 9, where we read these words:

"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son."

Sometimes we hear misguided people say things like this: "Doctrine is bad. Who needs it? It only causes trouble and division among Christians." Actually, those statements themselves are doctrinal—but they demonstrate very *bad* doctrine.

We cannot have Christ without doctrine; and this is one of the reasons doc-trine is so critically-important. Good doctrine leads the church directly *to* Jesus, and seeks to keep her there. Bad and vacuous doctrine leaves people out in the theological "cold.” Let us not be ashamed of Christ, nor His doc-trine. We cannot have One without the other.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A praying man can never be very miserable, what-ever his condition be, for he has the ear of God . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Tues., 5/26/20 Devotion (1 Jn. 5:4b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 5:4b, where we read these words:

" . . . And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

Everybody (of necessity) tries to overcome the world—but very few succeed. Why? Because most people try doing it through their own efforts. They be-lieve that their good deeds will overcome the world, or that their religious or philanthropic activities will do so.

But faith alone overcomes the world; and the reason for this is The *Object* of faith, which is brought to bear on the particular struggles being overcome. That Object is The Person of The Lord Jesus Christ. Faith alone "fetches" the Redeemer to the soul, and to the situation. This is a hard lesson to learn, but is one well worth our mastery.

[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"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/22-24/20 Devotion

Yes—Sunday is almost here! Here is Thomas Watson, from "A Divine Cordi-al," to help get us ready for Sabbath worship:

"There is nothing in God to deaden our affections or quench our love—no in-firmity, no deformity, such as usually weakens and cools love. There is that excellence in God, which may not only invite, but command our love. If there were more angels in heaven than there are, and all those glorious seraphim had an immense flame of love burning in their hearts to eternity, yet they could not love God equally to that infinite perfection and transcendence of goodness which is in Him [God]. Surely then here is enough to induce us to love God. We cannot spend our love upon a better Object.

"Love motivates true religion. It oils the wheels of the affections, and makes them more lively and cheerful in God's service. Love erases the tediousness of duty. Jacob thought seven years but little, for the love he bore to Rachel. Love makes duty a pleasure. Why are the angels so swift and winged in God's service? It is because they love Him. Love is never weary. He that loves God, is never weary of telling it. He that loves God, is never weary of serving Him."

Thurs., 5/21/20 Devotion (2 Pet. 3:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 3:18a, where we read these words:

" . . . But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . . "

How does a church *grow* in "the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Sav-ior Jesus Christ"? Certainly, by being well-fed. The context of Peter's injunc-tion (above) is largely that of the proper use and understanding of the sacred Scriptures (of the OT and the NT).

Christians *grow* when they ingest God's Word—their being hungry for its nourishment. The written Word, which is the base and foundation of the church's preached Word, always points to the Incarnate Word (the "Logos," of Jn. 1:1). This Messianic "Word" is the ultimate Revelation of God. Only He (Christ) can "feed” us, His church. He feeds us His own "flesh" and "blood," in the preached Gospel, and in the proper administration of the sacrament of The Lord's Supper.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Every godly, gracious man is a praying man.”
—William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

Wed., 5/20/20 Devotion (Ps. 73:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 73:16 & 17, where Asaph, the hu-man author, was dealing with, and finally received resolution to the thorny is-sue of the prosperity of the wicked, (see vv. 2-3 ff.). . . .

"When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end."

On our own, individually, we are simply *unable* to grasp a whole lot of things that are necessary for our happiness and well-being. This is no accident. God intentionally designed us to be insufficient and incomplete in and of our-selves. This is why He puts His saints into the body of Christ, His holy church. When Asaph came into the Sabbath communion of his fellow-believers—all of a sudden the darkness was dispersed, and his understanding was enlighten-ed.

It is the height of pride and foolishness, to believe we do not need Christ or His church. Let us enter the Lord's presence, especially on Sunday, and get what we need—all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Mercy is not for them that sin and fear not, but for them that fear and sin not. God's mercy is a holy mercy; where it pardons it heals.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 5/19/20 Devotion (Isa. 19:24-25)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 19:24 & 25, where we read these amazing words:

"In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inher-itance.' "

To me, this (above) is one of the most remarkable passages in the whole Bible. Isaiah is prophesying about the New Covenant church age, to be in-augurated by Christ's incarnation. Instead of only Israel being God's people, now even the Assyrians and the Egyptians (representing all other Gentile eth-nicities as well), will also be the recipients of all the promises fulfilled in Jesus, which were made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This is the world we live in today. Let us look around us. Who do we see mak-ing up the church, and worshipping The Triune God on Sundays? We behold people from every kind of background. The promise of the New Covenant Church in Christ has been fulfilled.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sin and corruption may be more stirring and boist-erous after a man is regenerate than they were before conversion.” —Chris-topher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Mon., 5/18/20 Devotion (Num. 27:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 27:5, where we read these words:

"So Moses brought their case before the LORD."

This "case" mentioned here (above) was that of Zelophehad's daughters, who sought to maintain their familial inheritance in Israel, despite the fact that their father had no sons. The inspired Scriptures, to that point, did not deal specif-ically with such situations; therefore, Moses had to specially seek God's will on the matter (in prayer).

*That* is still a good principle for us, today. In circumstances where the ques-tion is not distinctively "spiritual," moral, or ethical—and hence, where it is not addressed (at least in principle) in the written Word of God—we should still seek the Lord's guidance. The question, "Should I buy the red car, or the blue one?" may not appear to be all that significant—but it is, if one of them is about to fall apart.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The word preached is Christ's voice in the mouth of the minister; and those that refuse to hear Christ speaking in the ministry, Christ will refuse to hear speaking on their death-bed.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/15-17/20 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday again! In order to help us get ready for wor-ship, here is the great Thomas Watson, from his book, "The Ten Command-ments":

"The grand reason for changing the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day is that it puts us in mind of the 'Mystery of our redemption by Christ.' The reason why God instituted the old Sabbath was to be a memorial of the creation; but He has now brought the first day of the week in its place in memory of a more glorious work than creation, which is redemption. Great was the work of crea-tion, but greater was the work of redemption. As it was said, 'The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,' (Hag. 2:9). So the glory of the redemption was greater than the glory of the creation.

"Great wisdom was seen in making us, but more miraculous wisdom in sav-ing us. Great power was seen in bringing us out of nothing, but greater power in helping us when we were worse than nothing. It cost more to redeem than to create us. In creation it was but speaking a word (Psa. 148:5); in redeem-ing there was shedding of blood (1 Pet. 1:19). Creation was the work of God's fingers, (Psa. 8:3), redemption was the work of His arm, (Luke 1:51). In crea-tion, God gave us ourselves; in the redemption, He gave us Himself. By cre-ation, we have life in Adam; by redemption, we have life in Christ, (Col. 3:3). By creation, we had a right to an earthly paradise: by redemption, we have a title to a heavenly kingdom. Christ might well change the seventh day of the week into the first, as it puts us in mind of our redemption, which is a more glorious work than creation."

Thurs., 5/14/20 Devotion (1 Pet. 1:7c, 8a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Peter 1:7c & 8a, where we read these words:

" . . . Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. . . . "

Is it possible for us to love Someone we have not seen? For that matter, is it possible for us to believe in the existence of that Someone (God), whom we have not seen? Indeed, the answer to these questions is, "Yes." How do we know that Jesus Christ exists; and that He has risen from the dead; and that we can love Him? Through credible witnesses. The ultimate Witness is the Holy Spirit Himself.

If we sincerely love The God we have not seen with the eyes of our bodies, we are blessed. Christ said as much, in Jn. 20:29. The greatest realities are not seen. Even atheists must employ them, in order to deny them. Let us love The Christ who is more *with* us, than we are with ourselves.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Compare sin with hell, and you shall see that sin is worse.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 5/13/20 Devotion (Ps. 63:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 63:1a, where we read these words:

"O God, You are my God; early will I seek You . . . "

David is craving God in this Psalm (63). He wants to get to the sanctuary (church), but he is hindered (in that he is in the wilderness). Still, David seeks the Lord "early." We can learn something from his good example. Churchmen should think on God and pray to Him as soon as we get up in the morning. Young people should seek the Lord in their youth. And we all should look to God "early" in all our trials (or joys).

Let us make everything else wait in line, as we put Christ first in all things. This is totally against our fallen nature—but it is consistent with regeneration. Those of us who earnestly seek God will not be outdone by Him (in terms of His favors being bestowed on us).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A heartless, drooping, and discouraging life and walk is very unbecoming the gospel of Christ.” —James Durham, in, "The Un-searchable Riches of Christ"]

Tues., 5/12/20 Devotion (Jas. 3:17)

Today's encouragement comes from James 3:17, which says this:

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, will-ing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypo-crisy."

The world's "wisdom" is full of frenetic activity—trying to fill up space, and to keep one's mind off of the important things of life. We see a lot of this in to-day's religious expressions, especially in many forms of Christianity. But God's wisdom is different. It starts in the heart, and gets established there, as the foundation of everything that will be expressed by that life: in word, or in action.

We can tell, whether we are operating on God's wisdom, or that of the world's. If it is of God, it will be very tranquil, and serene; and yet strong and pure—all through our faith in The Prince of Peace (Jesus). If it is the world's, it will simply wear us out, as we expend energy for no other purpose, but to seek to assuage our guilt.

[Puritan quote of the day: "I cannot but think that to make large confessions of sin, and yet with a senseless dead heart, is a high degree of taking the name of God in vain.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 5/11/20 Devotion (Ps. 59:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 59:8, where we read these words:

"But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in deri-sion."

God's "belly-laughs" are not always brought on by some silly (or funny) things His creatures do (perhaps, even innocently). In the verse above, the Lord is chuckling over the foolishness and stupidity of His enemies, who actually think they can take on and overcome the Creator (who made them).

In reality, life is no "laughing matter"; and God calls on His whole world to worship Him in Jesus Christ (alone). The fact, however, is that only the faithful church actually practices this (proper worship). Those who love God will be vilified by those who hate Him. But the same Sovereign Lord who gets the “last laugh,” secures, protects, and blesses His true children.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What peace or comfort had Judas in the sight of his thirty pieces of silver?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 5/8-10/20 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help us get ready for worship as the church of Christ, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Ten Commandments":

"The Sabbath Day is for our interest. It promotes holiness in us. The business of weekdays makes us forgetful of God and our souls. The Sabbath brings God back to our remembrance. When the falling dust of the world has clog-ged the wheels of our affections [love], that they can scarce move towards God, the Sabbath comes, and oils the wheels of our affections, and they move swiftly on.

"God has appointed the Sabbath for this end. On this day our thoughts rise to heaven, and our tongues speak of God. . . . The heart, which all the week was frozen, on the Sabbath melts with the Word. The Sabbath is a friend to Christian faith; it files-off the rust of our graces. It is a spiritual jubilee, wherein the soul is set free to converse with its Maker."

Thurs., 5/7/20 Devotion (Ps. 51:1b-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 51:1b & 2, where we read these words:

"Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

What a great prayer (above, by David). After all, if our sins are forgiven, and if we know (and even sense) this—can there be any greater blessing? Jesus died for sinners. He did not die for “good" people, who only look for iniquity in others, but conveniently excuse themselves. If we know ourselves—in
Adam—to be hopelessly lost sinners, who are only saved by grace through faith in Christ (plus nothing)—then we are supremely happy and blessed.

What are we to do when we feel the guilt of our sins? Bring the issue to God. If we believe in Jesus' atonement, then let us leave our sin there (at the cross). If we do not believe in Jesus' atonement, then we are condemned, and must bear our own sin's punishment (in perdition).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The church of Christ is a common hospital, where-in all are in some measure sick of some spiritual disease or other . . . “
—Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 5/6/20 Devotion (Heb. 11:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 11:6, where we read these great words:

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

This verse (above) is so very important. God would rather have faith in His Son than anything else. Why? Because saving faith in Jesus leads to love for Him, The Triune God; and this issues forth in Spirit-filled obedience. Many re-ligious people think too little of faith. They are more concerned about doing extraordinary spiritual things—thinking, that by doing them, God will somehow be moved to be impressed by them.

But in fact, nothing is of any value without faith (in Christ). The next time we face any problem, let us simply say, "Lord, I am going to trust you through this struggle." If we are faithful churchmen who love Jesus Christ, our Father will be pleased with us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The law is but a dead letter in comparison to the word of the gospel. If you come merely to the law to hear the law preached, and not in a [gospel] way, you may hear it a hundred times and it will never be written in your hearts.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Worship"]

Tues., 5/5/20 Devotion (Heb. 10:22)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 10:22, which says this:

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

When we believing Christian churchmen approach God in prayer, in and through the merits and atonement of Jesus Christ alone—and all by faith—then we should come to Him with great confidence. And, why not? Our Re-deemer has already done it all for us; and He is seated in heaven. There is no reason at all for us to be either doubtful or fretful.

But if we presume to come to God in our own righteousness, or on the basis of our works, or merits—then, on the other hand, we ought to fear greatly and quake in our boots. Why? Because God will accept into His presence *only* those who are anointed with the blood righteousness and sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: “The creature may have the milk of our love, but we must keep the cream for God. He who is above all, must be loved above all.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Mon., 5/4/20 Devotion (Num. 11:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Numbers 11:1a, where we read these words:

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD . . . "

Sometimes God countenances the complaints of (even His covenant) people; and sometimes He does not. What makes the difference? When David com-plained to God, (as he did in Ps. 55:2, for instance), it was a moan that was mixed with faith. When these people (above, in Num. 11) murmured against God, it was all about fulfilling the lusts of their flesh.

God knows that we are weak, and that we—unlike Him—do not know all things, and cannot always maintain perfect composure in all conditions. With those churchmen who have saving faith in Jesus, and who are willing (by grace) to persevere, no matter how hard things get—He (God) is willing to hear their (our) complaints. For those who only want their bellies filled, with no concern for their souls—the Lord has no regard for their contentions.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God is a tender Father, and He would have all the love of His children.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]

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

Thank God—Sunday is almost here! Here (also) is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Art of Divine Contentment” book. . . .

"A gracious soul spots God's mercy in every condition; therefore he or she has a heart that is inclined to thankfulness. Other people will bless God for their prosperity, but the gracious soul will also bless Him for affliction. That person reasons this way, with him- or herself; 'Am I in need? God sees that it is actually better for me to be in need than to abound. God is now putting me on His “diet.” The Lord sees that it is actually better for my spiritual health to sometimes be in a “fasting" mode.’

"Therefore the gracious soul not only submits to God, but is thankful before Him. The malcontented person is always complaining about his condition. The contented spirit is always seeking to give God thanks. O what height of grace this is! A contented heart is a *temple* where the praises of God are sung forth—not a *sepulcher* wherein they are buried."