Fri.-Sabbath, 10/30-11/1/20 Devotion

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

"It is God that speaks to us in His word; therefore the preaching of the word is called the 'breath of His lips,' (Isa, 11:4). Christ is said now to speak to us 'from heaven,' as a king speaks through his ambassador, (Heb. 12:25). Mini-sters are but pipes and organs, it is the Spirit of the living God that breathes in them. When we come to the word, we should think this within ourselves, 'God is speaking in this preacher.’

"The Thessalonians heard the word Paul preached, as if God Himself had spoken unto them. 'When you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God,' (1 Thess. 2:13). When Samuel knew it was the Lord that spoke to him, he listened attentively, (1 Sam. 3:10). If we do not regard God when He speaks to us, He will not regard us when we pray to him."

Thurs., 10/29/20 Devotion (2 Tim. 1:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy, chapter 1. There, in v. 7, the Apostle wrote this, to the sometimes-timid Timothy:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

People in the world, who are outside of Christ and His church, *ought* to be plagued with a constant spirit of fear. In their cases, they have plenty about which to be terrified. But the regenerate church member need not fear any-thing or anyone but God Himself. And our fear of God is a familial one, that is perfectly mingled with love. Our Heavenly Father has already expended all His righteous wrath against us and our sin on His Own dear Son Jesus. Be-cause of this, we Christian believers have nothing to fear.

But because we still bear in ourselves our old flesh nature, we still (regrettab-ly) experience unnecessary fear from time to time. Still, let us who love Christ totally own our birthrights, and live in full confidence—all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil, that is, in their judgment, will, mind, and affections.” —John Bunyan, in, "The Fear of God"]

Wed., 10/28/20 Devotion (1 Tim. 6:11-12a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy, chapter 6. There, in vv. 11 & 12a, we read this:

"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godli-ness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life . . . "

The everyday Christian life is all about fleeing, pursuing, and fighting. Only on Sundays are we saints given our provisional Sabbath rests, in anticipation of heaven. Christ-loving churchmen flee greed and discontentedness; pursue the virtues listed above; and fight for the prize, taking spiritual land for Jesus—inch-by-fought-for-inch. Unfaithful people also flee, pursue, and fight; but they are fleeing God's rest, pursuing their own sinful ends, and fighting against God's gospel and provision.

By grace, let us always be enlisted in Jesus' army of His church. Christ is a wonderful commander. He will not let us down.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man may go to hell as well for heresy as adul-tery. To be unsettled in religion, evidences a lack of judgment.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 10/27/20 Devotion (Ps. 119:49)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 119:49, where we read these words:

"Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope."

All of us operate on the principle(s) of one or two foundational statements, which we thoroughly believe; and, against which all other truth claims get measured. The Psalmist (above—who wrote Ps. 119) was famous for his love for God's word; and yet even he fiercely clung to some *one* promise of the Lord, which gave him "hope," and which helped him cope in a tough world.

What is it, at base, to which you and I are *really* committed? If it is the Gos-pel principle, which directs us to Jesus, and puts us in His church—then we are in good shape. If it is anything else, then we are putting our hope in things (and people) which cannot deliver.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Faith works the heart to a sweet, serene compo-sure. It is not having food and clothing, but having faith which will make us content.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Mon., 10/26/20 Devotion (1 Tim. 4:4a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 4:4a, where we read these words:

"For every creature of God is good . . . "

This text (above) reveals a refreshingly-delightful doctrine. Every single God-created being and thing is good, (even mosquitos--if you can believe that[!]). Of course, as fallen sinners we have managed to mess-up virtually every good thing God created. But this in no way detracts from the intrinsic good-ness of everything God ever made.

False religion leaves people feeling sick and uneasy. This is because it seeks to gain God's approval through denigration of the good things God created, viz. by requiring people to abstain from them. The True Religion is able to en-joy (in Christ alone) *everything* God made; and to do so to The Holy Trinity's honor and glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Lord gives double pay. He gives great rewards in His service here—and afterwards He refreshes us with the delights of para-dise which are without intermission and expiration.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Fight of Faith Crowned"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/23-25/20 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. We get to go to church again! In order to help get us ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God":

"Let us contemplate the excellencies of God. He is the ‘God of glory,’ (Ps. 29:3). He is full of unspeakable beauty—in comparison of Whom both angels and men are but as the ‘small dust of the balance.’ He is the ‘God of love,’ (2 Cor. 13:11). God triumphs in acts of mercy. All of this encourages us in our coming to The One Who delights to display the banner of free grace to sin-ners. . . . God is the most sovereign good, the wonder of love, ready to diffuse the silver streams of His bounty to poor creatures. This, if anything, will make us willing to draw near to Him and rest in Him as the center of our happiness.

"If we would draw near to God, let us consider our own needs. . . . The Prodi-gal Son never drew near to his father, until he began to be in dire straits, (Lk. 15:17). A proud sinner, who was never convinced of his needs, never desires to come near to God. That sinner thinks that he has enough of his own to live upon . . . "

Thurs., 10/22/20 Devotion (2 Thess. 3:5)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:5, where we read these words:

"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the pati-ence of Christ."

Biblical terms such as, "the love of God," or, "the patience of Christ," can be interpreted either objectively, viz. God's love for His church; or subjectively, viz. Christians' love for God; or both (of these options). This instance (above) is probably referring to both.

It is, after all, only possible for us to show God's love when we ourselves know that He loves us in Christ. The same is true with patience: we can only demonstrate it as we realize (personally) how much of it we have received from God. It is a good prayer Paul offers (in this verse); and we ought to ask the Lord to do this for us, too.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us pray that God will preserve pure ordinances and powerful preaching among us. Idolatry came in at first by the lack of good preaching.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Ten Commandments"]

Wed., 10/21/20 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:15)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where we read these words:

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."

Religious traditions are not inherently bad (or heretical). Paul passed some traditions along through his preaching and teaching; and others through his inspired epistles. All Christian denominations—from the “highest” church, to the “lowest” church—employ tradition(s). Even the most self-consciously dis-organized and “informal” congregations essentially do the very same things week after week (only changing the props, or whatever).

Tradition is only a problem if and when it conflicts with divine (scriptural) rev-elation. When this happens, tradition must be let go of, in favor of God's re-vealed will. Otherwise, however, we members of God's faithful church need not get too worked-up over the issue of tradition.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Zeal quickens the pursuit after glory. Zeal, encoun-tering difficulty, is emboldened by opposition and tramples upon danger.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Tues., 10/20/20 Devotion (2 Thess. 1:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:3a, where we read these words:

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly . . . "

Perhaps we do not always think of our faith as "growing." What does this mean? It refers to the fact that saving faith, which is a gift of God in regener-ation, begins to be applied to more and more situations and circumstances of life. Instead of solely touching on salvation—growing faith begins to impose itself on other (and vast) tracts of everyday experiences.

Therefore, what is it that we have to face today? Whatever that is, it is to be subject to our faith in Christ—the same miraculous faith God gave us when He joined us to Jesus in His church. Faith in our Redeemer is to swallow-up all of our problems. Let us remember this: true Christian faith very much pleases God, (cf. Heb. 11:6).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A believing soul dares venture his name, his es-tate, his life, yea, his eternal life on God. He dares to put them all into His hands.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 10/19/20 Devotion (1 Ki. 22:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 22:7, where we read these words:

"And Jehoshaphat said, 'Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?' "

There are many false "prophets” out there today, who will tell people whatever and exactly what they want to hear. But, there are still some true, faithful, and lawfully-called "prophets" (ministers) today, as well. In ancient Israel, during Ahab's reign, the ratio was something like 400 to one. (That is, one true pro-phet, to four-hundred fake ones.)

As we might expect, Ahab (the bad king), did not accept Micaiah's (the good prophet's) words—but he (Ahab) certainly respected him (Micaiah). Let all God's church be careful to give heed to God's ministers; and disregard Sa-tan's hirelings, who are "wolves in sheep's clothing."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Nothing in all the world can deliver from the fear of death but forgiveness of sin, and then this makes a man look on the Day of Judgment with comfort.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in a book of his sermons, en-titled, "Gospel Remission"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/16-18/20 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his "The Ten Commandments" book. (Here, he is dealing with the Fourth [or Sabbath] Commandment.) . . .

"Rejoice at the approach of the day [Sunday], as a day wherein we have a prize for our souls, and may enjoy much of God's presence. Jn. 8:56: 'Abra-ham rejoiced to see My day.' So, when we see the light of a Sabbath shine, we should rejoice, and ‘Call the Sabbath a delight.' This is the queen of days, which God has crowned with a blessing, (Isa. 58:13). As there was one day in the week on which God rained manna twice as much as upon any other day, so He rains down the manna of heavenly blessings twice as much on the Sabbath as on any other.

"This is the day wherein Christ carries the soul into the house of wine, and displays the banner of love over it. Now the dew of the Spirit falls on the soul, whereby it is revived and comforted. How many may write the Lord's day, the day of their new birth! This day of rest is a pledge and earnest of the eternal rest in heaven. Shall we not then rejoice at its approach? The day on which the Sun of Righteousness shines should be a day of gladness."

Thurs., 10/15/20 Devotion (1 Ki. 18:21a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 18:21a, where we read these words:

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. . . . ' "

I appreciate this perspective, put forth by Elijah. Even today this principle still applies. All people everywhere worship some deity (alleged, or true). "Let the best [God] win,” is the approach we true Christian churchmen should have. Is the Muslim god the true one? Then all people should worship him (or it). Is the atheists' god the true one? Then we should all bow down to it. Is the sec-ularists' god true? Then let all people honor it (or her, or whatever). Is the God of the True Christian Religion the only Real Deity? Then, let all human beings worship The Holy Trinity.

It turns out that the God of the Old and New Testament scriptures *is* the one and only God. We know this—among other reasons—primarily by the resur-rection of the Son of God, who lives and reigns today. Christ can withstand all pretenders to His throne. Let us joyfully worship Him, and not fear any fake gods.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There are the greatest reasons in the world to be a Christian . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Wed., 10/14/20 Devotion (Ezek. 47:12b)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 47:12b, where we read these amazing words:

"They [the trees] will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine."

The first part of Ezekiel, ch. 47, is remarkable—one of my favorite parts of the Bible. The expanse of the New Covenant church, and the spread of the gos-pel of Jesus' grace are all in view here. Christ dwells in the "sanctuary," (the church). The church, through the Holy Spirit, feeds, nourishes, and heals the whole world. And, in God’s good time, the "knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, as the waters cover the sea,” (cf. Isa. 11:9).

Let us be thankful that the God of earth and heaven has *not* abandoned this planet, or the people thereon. He has left His colony, the church, here. As the “house of prayer for all the nations,” (cf. Mk. 11:17)—let us be "feeders" and "healers" of the entire earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace continues and increases.” —Richard Sib-bes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 10/13/20 Devotion (1 Ki. 16:22b)

Today's encouragement comes from the words which make-up 1 Kings 16:22b, which say this:

" . . . So Tibni died and Omri reigned."

These few Holy Spirit-inspired words (above) are almost comical. But this was how it was in the ancient (and even the modern) world: when claimants to the throne battled it out, one won, and the other died. But it dawns on me that there is a much more profound (and legitimate) application of this prin-ciple; and it is this . . .

. . . When Christian churchmen are regenerated, the "old man" of the flesh dies, and the "new man" of the Spirit of Christ reigns. The *experience* of this truth is the struggle all converted souls on earth have to traverse, (and we call this, "sanctification"). Let all us true believers reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, and alive to Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The more a true saint loves God with a gracious love, the more he desires to love Him, and the more uneasy is he at his lack of love to Him.” —Jonathan Edwards, in, "Religious Affections"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/2-4/20 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! So as to help prepare us for the Lord's Day's church worship services, 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 under 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 [paid back] for it. And it is from mere grace that the benefits 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 goodness alone, by which they are distinguished. God is sovereign, and has mercy on who He will have mercy."

Thurs., 10/1/20 Devotion (Eph. 1:7)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 1:7, where we read these words:

"In Him [Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace . . . "

When it is all said and done, the only thing that really matters in life (and in re-ligion) is the soul's cleansing before a Holy God. Christ's blood *alone* wash-es away sins; and our confidence before the Triune Deity is based solely in and on our God-given faith in Christ—which flows from the Holy Spirit's pre-vious regeneration of our dead hearts.

So much religious talk and discourse is nothing other than the bluster of peo-ple who wish to find some substitute (for the blood atonement of Jesus). Let us not be ensnared by this; and may God's true churchmen rejoice in their right standing with the Lord, by grace through faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a Christian's duty to triumph, not only over the world, but over Satan . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Down-cast"]