So as to help prepare us for the Lord's Day's church worship service, here are some good words from the great Jonathan Edwards, as they are taken from his sermon entitled, "God Glorified in Man's Dependence":
"The grace of God in bestowing this gift [of grace] is most free. God was un-der no obligation to bestow it. He might have rejected fallen man as He did the fallen angels. We never did anything to merit it; it was given while we were yet enemies, and before we had so much as repented. It was from the love of God, who saw no excellency in us to attract it; and it was without ex-pectation of ever being requited for it. And it is from mere grace that the bene-fits of Christ are applied to such and such particular persons. Those who are called and sanctified are to attribute it to the good pleasure of God's good-ness alone, by which they are distinguished. God is sovereign, and has mercy on whom He will have mercy."
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Thurs., 7/30/20 Devotion (Acts 17:21)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:21, where we read these words:
"For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing."
Can you imagine having so much "free time," that you can stand around all day chatting about (and on) "new things"? Actually, this is the situation today, with most modern people—at least in the western world. People are so bored, that they have nothing better to do, than to waste their time, trying to fill them-selves up with some new technological device.
The truth is that there is really "nothing new under the sun." All "new" thrills, "new" sins, and "new" experiences are actually very old ones. They take on themselves the circumstances of the day—but they are not "new" at all. The best path for the child of God is to go back to the "old ways” (Jer. 6:16a); and to enjoy the tried and true pleasures of life in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: “Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing."
Can you imagine having so much "free time," that you can stand around all day chatting about (and on) "new things"? Actually, this is the situation today, with most modern people—at least in the western world. People are so bored, that they have nothing better to do, than to waste their time, trying to fill them-selves up with some new technological device.
The truth is that there is really "nothing new under the sun." All "new" thrills, "new" sins, and "new" experiences are actually very old ones. They take on themselves the circumstances of the day—but they are not "new" at all. The best path for the child of God is to go back to the "old ways” (Jer. 6:16a); and to enjoy the tried and true pleasures of life in Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: “Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Wed., 7/29/20 Devotion (Acts 16:25)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 16:25, where we read these words:
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
This well-known verse (above) has several intriguing elements to it. First off, Paul and Silas were up late (at midnight). Secondly, they were praying and singing "publicly," and out loud—not at all concerned that others would hear them. And lastly, the other prisoners were "listening" to them. The detained people were giving attention to what was being sung and said.
We can imagine that those two men (Paul and Silas) may have had gravelly singing voices; but it is also likely that what they sang and prayed was a great source of comfort and ministry to all who heard them. Let us remember that the Christian faith, the true religion, is not a "private" matter, as the godless would hope it to be; instead, the true church's doctrine is totally "public," and it should fill the world, even as "the waters cover the sea."
[Puritan quote of the day: "Is your sin as big as God, as big as Christ?” —Wil-liam Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
This well-known verse (above) has several intriguing elements to it. First off, Paul and Silas were up late (at midnight). Secondly, they were praying and singing "publicly," and out loud—not at all concerned that others would hear them. And lastly, the other prisoners were "listening" to them. The detained people were giving attention to what was being sung and said.
We can imagine that those two men (Paul and Silas) may have had gravelly singing voices; but it is also likely that what they sang and prayed was a great source of comfort and ministry to all who heard them. Let us remember that the Christian faith, the true religion, is not a "private" matter, as the godless would hope it to be; instead, the true church's doctrine is totally "public," and it should fill the world, even as "the waters cover the sea."
[Puritan quote of the day: "Is your sin as big as God, as big as Christ?” —Wil-liam Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Monday, July 27, 2020
Mon., 7/27/20 Devotion (Acts 13:7)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 13:7, where we read these words:
"The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man . . . called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God."
Sometimes I think we Christians are tempted to imagine that no one "out there" wants to hear the Word of the Lord. We may sometimes feel that we are all alone, as the only ones who have any interest in the truth, or the gos-pel. The Bible—the New Testament in particular—seriously challenges this notion. Here, in our text for today, a very intelligent and astute man *wants* to hear the Word of God. (Cf. also in this connection Acts 13:42 & 44, where people "beg" to hear the Word; and show up in big numbers [to do so].)
. . . In light of all this, let us always be prepared to speak the gospel of Christ's grace to any and all who will hear us. We are likely to be surprised by those who are (and who are not) interested.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Our victory lies not in ourselves and our own habit-ual strength, but in Christ's fresh assistance.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man . . . called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God."
Sometimes I think we Christians are tempted to imagine that no one "out there" wants to hear the Word of the Lord. We may sometimes feel that we are all alone, as the only ones who have any interest in the truth, or the gos-pel. The Bible—the New Testament in particular—seriously challenges this notion. Here, in our text for today, a very intelligent and astute man *wants* to hear the Word of God. (Cf. also in this connection Acts 13:42 & 44, where people "beg" to hear the Word; and show up in big numbers [to do so].)
. . . In light of all this, let us always be prepared to speak the gospel of Christ's grace to any and all who will hear us. We are likely to be surprised by those who are (and who are not) interested.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Our victory lies not in ourselves and our own habit-ual strength, but in Christ's fresh assistance.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Friday, July 24, 2020
Fri.-Sabbath, 7/24-26/20 Devotion
Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Since church worship on the Lord's Day is our highest experience in this life, here is Thomas Watson, to help get us ready. This comes from his, "A Body of Divinity" book. . . .
"We know that there is a God by His works, and this is so evident a demon-stration of a Godhead, that the most atheistical spirits, when they have con-sidered these works, have been forced to acknowledge some wise and su-preme Maker of these things.
"We will begin with the creation of the glorious fabric of heaven and earth. Sure there must be some Architect or First Cause. The world could not make itself. Who could hang the earth on nothing but the great God? Who could provide such rich furniture for the heavens, the glorious constellations, the firmament bespangled with such glittering lights? We see God's glory blazing in the sun, twinkling in the stars. Who could give the earth its clothing, cover it with grass and corn, adorn it with flowers, enrich it with gold? God only, (Job 38:4). Who but God could make the sweet music in the heavens, cause the angels to join in concert, and sound forth the praises of their Maker? Job 38:7: 'The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.’
"If a man should go into a far country, and see stately edifices there, he would never imagine that these built themselves, but that some greater power had built them. To imagine that the work of the creation was not framed by God, is as if we should conceive a curious landscape to be drawn by a pencil without the hand of an artist. Acts 17:24: 'God . . . made the world, and all things therein.' To create is proper to the Deity."
"We know that there is a God by His works, and this is so evident a demon-stration of a Godhead, that the most atheistical spirits, when they have con-sidered these works, have been forced to acknowledge some wise and su-preme Maker of these things.
"We will begin with the creation of the glorious fabric of heaven and earth. Sure there must be some Architect or First Cause. The world could not make itself. Who could hang the earth on nothing but the great God? Who could provide such rich furniture for the heavens, the glorious constellations, the firmament bespangled with such glittering lights? We see God's glory blazing in the sun, twinkling in the stars. Who could give the earth its clothing, cover it with grass and corn, adorn it with flowers, enrich it with gold? God only, (Job 38:4). Who but God could make the sweet music in the heavens, cause the angels to join in concert, and sound forth the praises of their Maker? Job 38:7: 'The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.’
"If a man should go into a far country, and see stately edifices there, he would never imagine that these built themselves, but that some greater power had built them. To imagine that the work of the creation was not framed by God, is as if we should conceive a curious landscape to be drawn by a pencil without the hand of an artist. Acts 17:24: 'God . . . made the world, and all things therein.' To create is proper to the Deity."
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Thurs., 7/23/20 Devotion (Mk. 5:36c)
Today's encouragement comes from Mark 5:36c, where we read these words:
" . . . 'Do not be afraid; only believe.' "
This is sweet counsel of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all of us, His faithful church-men. There are plenty of times that we are tempted to fear—but the antidote is always faith. It is intriguing that our Savior does not say, "Do not be afraid, only be strong"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only try harder"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only get more religious."
The troubled man in Mark 5 had plenty of "reason" for fear: his little daughter had just died. But even in those dire straits, the answer was (and is) faith in The Messiah. Let us believe our Triune Lord—albeit weakly, if necessary—recognizing that it is faith (in any sincere measure) that actually pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]
" . . . 'Do not be afraid; only believe.' "
This is sweet counsel of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all of us, His faithful church-men. There are plenty of times that we are tempted to fear—but the antidote is always faith. It is intriguing that our Savior does not say, "Do not be afraid, only be strong"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only try harder"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only get more religious."
The troubled man in Mark 5 had plenty of "reason" for fear: his little daughter had just died. But even in those dire straits, the answer was (and is) faith in The Messiah. Let us believe our Triune Lord—albeit weakly, if necessary—recognizing that it is faith (in any sincere measure) that actually pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Wed., 7/22/20 Devotion (Judg. 5:31a, b)
Today's encouragement comes from Judges 5:31a & b, where we read these words:
"Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength."
Deborah sang these words at the end of her victory song. With God, every-body falls (ultimately) into one of two polar-opposite categories: either that of utter destruction in sin, or that of prosperity and fullness in Jesus. And there is only one distinguishing characteristic: is the person in Christ (by faith), or not?
. . . If so, then he or she is abundantly blessed, despite all the troubles and hardships that must be faced by the church’s true saints. If not, then he or she is bound for perdition, no matter how much of this earth they think they enjoy or control. Let all of us faithful Christians today find our happiness and life in Jesus alone, by grace through faith alone.
[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"]
"Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength."
Deborah sang these words at the end of her victory song. With God, every-body falls (ultimately) into one of two polar-opposite categories: either that of utter destruction in sin, or that of prosperity and fullness in Jesus. And there is only one distinguishing characteristic: is the person in Christ (by faith), or not?
. . . If so, then he or she is abundantly blessed, despite all the troubles and hardships that must be faced by the church’s true saints. If not, then he or she is bound for perdition, no matter how much of this earth they think they enjoy or control. Let all of us faithful Christians today find our happiness and life in Jesus alone, by grace through faith alone.
[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"]
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Tues., 7/21/20 Devotion (Judg. 4:14a)
Today's encouragement comes from Judges 4:14a, where we read these words:
"Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?' "
When God goes before His churched saints, it is imperative that we come after Him, fighting in His strength, and collecting the spoils of victory. There can be no glory where there is no engagement in the battle. Here, the woman judge Deborah has to nudge the captain Barak to do what should have come naturally.
As Christ goes before His church today, as the Good Shepherd, let us be sure to follow Him. As we do so, we will reap enough encouragement to keep going, as long as He wants us to.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Maintain your hopes against all discouragements either of fear or temptation. Christians, do not let the devil dispute you out of your hopes.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Sacred Anchor"]
"Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?' "
When God goes before His churched saints, it is imperative that we come after Him, fighting in His strength, and collecting the spoils of victory. There can be no glory where there is no engagement in the battle. Here, the woman judge Deborah has to nudge the captain Barak to do what should have come naturally.
As Christ goes before His church today, as the Good Shepherd, let us be sure to follow Him. As we do so, we will reap enough encouragement to keep going, as long as He wants us to.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Maintain your hopes against all discouragements either of fear or temptation. Christians, do not let the devil dispute you out of your hopes.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Sacred Anchor"]
Monday, July 20, 2020
Mon., 7/20/20 Devotion (Jer. 16:19)
Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 16:19, where we read these words:
"O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth and say, 'Surely our fathers have inherited lies, worthlessness and unprofitable things.' "
Things were not going particularly well for Jeremiah, and certainly not for his countrymen. Still, the prophet found comfort and courage in his God. On top of this, he drew strength from the fact that though his generation might not be too stellar—there would indeed be a people arising in God's time who would cling to the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let all God's sincere churchmen—be they clergy or laity—trust in the Lord; and persevere, knowing that nothing done from genuine faith is insignificant or vain, (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58).
[Puritan quote of the day: "But now Christ does that which we could not do, that is, fulfill the law for us. And He also does that which the law could not do, which was justify us.” —Obadiah Grew, in, "The Lord our Righteousness"]
"O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth and say, 'Surely our fathers have inherited lies, worthlessness and unprofitable things.' "
Things were not going particularly well for Jeremiah, and certainly not for his countrymen. Still, the prophet found comfort and courage in his God. On top of this, he drew strength from the fact that though his generation might not be too stellar—there would indeed be a people arising in God's time who would cling to the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let all God's sincere churchmen—be they clergy or laity—trust in the Lord; and persevere, knowing that nothing done from genuine faith is insignificant or vain, (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58).
[Puritan quote of the day: "But now Christ does that which we could not do, that is, fulfill the law for us. And He also does that which the law could not do, which was justify us.” —Obadiah Grew, in, "The Lord our Righteousness"]
Friday, July 17, 2020
Fri.-Sabbath, 7/17-19/20 Devotion
Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from, "All Things for Good.” . . .
"Here is a sovereign medicine of unspeakable comfort to those who are the called of God. Their salvation rests upon God's purpose. 'The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and, let everyone that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity,' (2 Tim. 2:19).
"Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation stands sure. They who are built upon this Rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away—neither the power of man, nor the violence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them."
"Here is a sovereign medicine of unspeakable comfort to those who are the called of God. Their salvation rests upon God's purpose. 'The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and, let everyone that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity,' (2 Tim. 2:19).
"Our graces are imperfect, our comforts ebb and flow, but God's foundation stands sure. They who are built upon this Rock of God's eternal purpose, need not fear falling away—neither the power of man, nor the violence of temptation, shall ever be able to overturn them."
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Thurs., 7/16/20 Devotion (Josh. 23:14b, c)
Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 23:14b & c, which says this:
"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed."
In the Lord Jesus every faithful Christian churchman knows that what is writ-ten (above) is true. In Christ the Redeemer, God has already delivered *all* His goods. The Lord has nothing more to give us; and He has nothing more to say to us. Jesus is His last Word, (Heb. 1:1-2). Those who seek for *any-thing* from God, beyond Jesus Christ, will receive nothing (positive) from Him.
Let us be thankful that we *already* possess everything in Christ, (Col. 2:9-10). *All* of God's promises have come to pass for us in Jesus. They are all "Yes," and "Amen," in Christ, (2 Cor. 1:20). Let us trust our faithful King; and let His church worship Him for all His goodness to us.
[Puritan quote of the day: "[Prayer] is God conversing with man, and man with God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed."
In the Lord Jesus every faithful Christian churchman knows that what is writ-ten (above) is true. In Christ the Redeemer, God has already delivered *all* His goods. The Lord has nothing more to give us; and He has nothing more to say to us. Jesus is His last Word, (Heb. 1:1-2). Those who seek for *any-thing* from God, beyond Jesus Christ, will receive nothing (positive) from Him.
Let us be thankful that we *already* possess everything in Christ, (Col. 2:9-10). *All* of God's promises have come to pass for us in Jesus. They are all "Yes," and "Amen," in Christ, (2 Cor. 1:20). Let us trust our faithful King; and let His church worship Him for all His goodness to us.
[Puritan quote of the day: "[Prayer] is God conversing with man, and man with God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Wed., 7/15/20 Devotion (Acts 2:47b)
Today's encouragement comes from Acts 2:47b, where we read these words:
" . . . And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
This blessed phrase (above) describes what is still happening today, and everyday. God is "adding to the church daily those who are being saved." The Holy Spirit never takes a break from His labors; and the sovereign decree of God is never interrupted by any of the events in a fallen world; and the church can never be destroyed.
Therefore, the operations of God, whereby He continually brings in His lost sheep continues unabated. And the Lord has deigned to allow us to share in this sweet privilege. Are we already faithful Christian churchmen? Then let us be about sharing Jesus with those who are not.
[Puritan quote of the day: "How [Jesus] defends His disciples from malicious imputations of the Pharisees!” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
" . . . And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
This blessed phrase (above) describes what is still happening today, and everyday. God is "adding to the church daily those who are being saved." The Holy Spirit never takes a break from His labors; and the sovereign decree of God is never interrupted by any of the events in a fallen world; and the church can never be destroyed.
Therefore, the operations of God, whereby He continually brings in His lost sheep continues unabated. And the Lord has deigned to allow us to share in this sweet privilege. Are we already faithful Christian churchmen? Then let us be about sharing Jesus with those who are not.
[Puritan quote of the day: "How [Jesus] defends His disciples from malicious imputations of the Pharisees!” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Friday, July 3, 2020
Fri.-Sabbath, 7/3-5/20 Devotion
Praise the Lord—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Ten Commandments" book:
"Each Sabbath may be the last we shall ever keep. We may go from the place of hearing to the place of judging—and shall not we give careful atten-tion to the Word? . . .
"You must give an account for every sermon you hear. 'Give an account of your stewardship,' (Lk. 16:2). So will God say, 'Give an account of your hear-ing. Have you been affected with the Word? Have you profited by it?' How can we give a good account, if we have been distracted in hearing, and have not taken notice of what has been said to us? The Judge to whom we must give an account is God. Were we to give account to man, we might falsify ac-counts; but we must give an account to God. . . . "
"Each Sabbath may be the last we shall ever keep. We may go from the place of hearing to the place of judging—and shall not we give careful atten-tion to the Word? . . .
"You must give an account for every sermon you hear. 'Give an account of your stewardship,' (Lk. 16:2). So will God say, 'Give an account of your hear-ing. Have you been affected with the Word? Have you profited by it?' How can we give a good account, if we have been distracted in hearing, and have not taken notice of what has been said to us? The Judge to whom we must give an account is God. Were we to give account to man, we might falsify ac-counts; but we must give an account to God. . . . "
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Thurs., 7/2/20 Devotion (Ps. 130:3-4)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 130:3 & 4, where we read these words:
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."
Everyone's problems, at base, all have to do with forgiveness. Human beings’ most critical crisis is sin against God. To know that our sins are actually for-given in the blood atonement of Christ, apprehended by grace through faith in Him alone, is the greatest remedial blessing we may enjoy—in this world, and the next.
That knowledge opens up for us the very face of God. We know that we are loved by Him, even though we are still sinners (down here). It is hard to be-lieve that such a perfect God could actually love His church—even after our sins are forgiven—but it is our blessed responsibility to believe this precious truth.
[Puritan quote of the day: "In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon, and Samson ranked with Abra-ham, the father of the faithful (Heb. 11:31-32).” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."
Everyone's problems, at base, all have to do with forgiveness. Human beings’ most critical crisis is sin against God. To know that our sins are actually for-given in the blood atonement of Christ, apprehended by grace through faith in Him alone, is the greatest remedial blessing we may enjoy—in this world, and the next.
That knowledge opens up for us the very face of God. We know that we are loved by Him, even though we are still sinners (down here). It is hard to be-lieve that such a perfect God could actually love His church—even after our sins are forgiven—but it is our blessed responsibility to believe this precious truth.
[Puritan quote of the day: "In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon, and Samson ranked with Abra-ham, the father of the faithful (Heb. 11:31-32).” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Wed., 7/1/20 Devotion (Ps. 126:5-6)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 126:5 & 6, where we read these words:
"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
This is a wonderful promise. Sometimes the burdens of this life seem almost overwhelming. There is *always* hope, however, for the faithful Christian churchman. Those who love God are not immune to trouble. In fact, it is sure to find us. But what we have, that others do not, is a blessed assurance that our trials will be (and are) redeemed, in Christ.
Are we "sowing in tears" today? Let us not get too discouraged, or disappoint-ed. If we belong to Christ, and trust Him alone for our salvation, we will soon be "coming again with rejoicing."
[Puritan quote of the day: "God can pick sense out of a confused prayer.”
—Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
This is a wonderful promise. Sometimes the burdens of this life seem almost overwhelming. There is *always* hope, however, for the faithful Christian churchman. Those who love God are not immune to trouble. In fact, it is sure to find us. But what we have, that others do not, is a blessed assurance that our trials will be (and are) redeemed, in Christ.
Are we "sowing in tears" today? Let us not get too discouraged, or disappoint-ed. If we belong to Christ, and trust Him alone for our salvation, we will soon be "coming again with rejoicing."
[Puritan quote of the day: "God can pick sense out of a confused prayer.”
—Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
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