Fri.-Sabbath, 2/26-28/21 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from his "The Ten Commandments" book:

"We keep the Sabbath Day holy, by 'consecrating and dedicating' this Day to the 'service of the High God.' It is good to rest on the Sabbath Day from the works of our calling; but if we rest from our labor and do no more, the ox and the donkey keep the Sabbath as well as we; for they rest from their labor.

"We must dedicate the Day to God. We must not only 'keep the Sabbath,' but 'sanctify' the Sabbath. Sabbath-sanctification consists in solemn preparation for it. . . .

"On the blessed Sabbath Day, God intends to have sweet communion with us. He seems to say to us, as Christ said to Zacchaeus, 'Make haste and come down, for this day I must abide at your house,' (Luke 19:5). Now, what preparation should we make for entertaining this King of glory? When Satur-day evening approaches, we should sound a retreat; we should call our minds off from the world, and summon our thoughts together, to think of the great work of the approaching Day. . . . Evening preparation will be like the tuning of an instrument, it will fit the heart better for the duties of the ensuing Sabbath."

Thurs., 2/25/21 Devotion (Job 25:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 25:4, where we read these words:

"How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman?"

Bildad the Shuhite asked these questions (above). They are actually very im-portant queries. The answer to the first one, is, "No one can be righteous be-fore God on one's own. What is necessary is an 'alien' righteousness." This "alien" righteousness is that of Jesus Christ Himself, as His perfect right-eousness is imputed to sinful souls by the Holy Spirit, and by the sheer grace of God.

Faith follows regeneration. Regeneration is God's sovereign act of bringing to life a dead and rebellious soul. Faith is part of the gift package of regener-ation. By faith, we fetch to our hearts the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our only righteousness. Therefore the answer to the question, "Can a [person] be righteous before God?,” is “Yes,” “absolutely,”—but only as he or she is cloth-ed in Christ's righteousness (alone).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A godly man loves God and therefore delights to be in His presence. He loves God and therefore takes comfort in nothing with-out Him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Tues., 2/23/21 Devotion (Ex. 6:9)

Today's encouragement comes from Exodus 6:9, which says this:

"Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, be-cause of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage."

There is a sense in which a broken spirit and very difficult life circumstances sometimes make listening to the ministers of God’s church quite hard to do. And yet, the very desired deliverance from these horrible troubles is depend-ent upon the *hearing* of the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the case of Moses, he persevered, and eventually God allowed him to win the ears and hearts of the people of Israel; but it did not come "automatically."

May we be patient with those who are especially-burdened with heavy cares and concerns today. Love calls on us to continue to speak Christ to them; compassion calls for our going the extra mile with them.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Suffer we must. Before we were born, God de-creed it; and it is easier to complain of His decree than to change it.” —Sam-uel Rutherford, in, "Letters of Sam-uel Rutherford"]

Mon., 2/22/21 Devotion (Lk. 8:25a)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 8:25a, where we read these words:

"But [Jesus] said to [His disciples], 'Where is your faith?' "

Our Lord Jesus does not ask the twelve disciples, "Why do you not have enough faith?" (above). Instead, He asks them, "*Where* is your faith?" Sometimes our faith may seem to "leave" us, or go away, or be absent (espe-cially when we most feelingly need it). Christ implies that had His followers summoned their faith in Him, they might not have needed to wake Him (the Messiah) from His nap (on the boat).

Today, we may hear of a lot of the bad news in the world, and we (even God's churchmen) may be tempted to fear, or to be rattled to such an extent that we may say—like the twelve—"We are perishing!" (v. 24). But instead of this, let us rally our faith in God, and call it to mind. As we do so, we are ushering to our very hearts, and our sides, our Lord Jesus Himself.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God must be revealed to us as lovely and desir-able . . . before we can ever love God. The saints, in this sense, do not love God for nothing.” —John Owen, in, "Communion with God"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/19-21/21 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Divinity” book:

“Let us go to Christ's blood for our peace. Some people try to gain their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ’s righteousness. These people seek their peace from their own [allegedly] holy life, and not from Christ's death. If their conscience is troubled, they try to quiet it with their [religious] duties.

"This is not the right way to get true peace. Duties must not by any means be neglected, and they are certainly not to be idolized. Let us look to the blood of Christ’s sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, must pacify our consciences. Christ's blood is taken in by us by faith; and it gives us perfect peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom 5:1). There is no medicine to cure a wounded conscience, other than that of the blood of Christ."

Thurs., 2/18/21 Devotion (Lk. 4:22c)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 4:22c, where we read these words:

" . . . And they said, 'Is this not Joseph’s son?' "

The people that made this statement (above) had just been marveling at how wonderful Christ was. Later in the same chapter, they are ready to try to throw the Messiah over the cliff of their town (Nazareth). The problem these people had was that they thought Jesus was "Joseph's son." They could not con-ceive of Christ as being the Son of God, (and not of a mere man: Joseph).

Such is the nature of almost all theological heresy: it starts with a mistaken foundation. If Christ was not the Son of God, He would not be sinless. He could also not atone for sinners, since He Himself would have to deal with His own sin nature. Let us recognize Jesus for who He is: the Son—not of Joseph—but of God Himself.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Defilers and profaners of ordinances [preaching and sacraments], by known and allowed wickedness, provoke God more than the heathen who have no ordinances.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "A Warning to Professors of Religion"]

Wed., 2/17/21 Devotion (Gen. 50:20)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 50:20, which finds Joseph say-ing this, to his brothers:

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (ESV)

What trials or afflictions has God brought our ways lately? Have we ever con-sidered that perhaps, without them, we would lose our happiness and our souls? None of this is meant to diminish the fact that actual evil is perpetrated on the godly people in the true church, by wicked human beings. But it puts it all into perspective, in light of the love and government of our Sovereign and Good God.

Does this mean that we are to necessarily "enjoy" our tribulations, any more than Joseph of old did all his time in prison, etc.? No. But it does mean that we are able to see—through our faith in Christ—that without these troubles we would end up in a very bad place; and we would never become like Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christians know that they are in their warfare, they are here in this world fighting and combating with the enemies of their souls and their eternal welfare, and they must be willing to endure hardship here.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment"]

Tues., 2/16/21 Devotion (1 Cor. 3:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 3:17a, where we read these words:

"If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. . . . "

These Holy Spirit-inspired words of the Apostle Paul (above) are very strong. The same Greek word is used here for "defiles" and "destroy." The "temple of God," in the New Covenant age, is comprehended under two related heads: the true church corporately, and the particular Christ-redeemed members therein individually.

The same point holds: if someone seeks to destroy (or ruin, or mar) the church, he will be destroyed by God; and if someone seeks to harm one of the lambs in the church fold, he will be destroyed by God. This is a very dire warning; but it is also a sweet comfort for all of the sincere children of God (since the Lord treasures us so much so as to protect us to the uttermost).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Peace rises out of quietness and order; and God, who is 'the God of peace,' is the 'God of order' first, (1 Cor. 14:33).” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Mon., 2/15/21 Devotion (1 Cor. 2:9)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 2:9, where we read these words:

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love

Him.' "

Paul (above) is quoting Isa. 64:4 and other OT texts. In the very next verse (1 Cor. 2:10), the apostle states that God *has* (past tense) revealed these great blessings to the church, "through the Spirit." This is wonderful, because we do not have to wait for heaven in order to enjoy all of God's *best* things in Jesus. In fact, if we do not taste heaven *now*, in Christ, we will never par-take of it later (in eternity).

What has God "prepared for [us],” Christian churchmen who actually "love Him," by grace? Answer: everything spectacular; and many things about which we could never have imagined. Let us take pleasure in the Lord today; and anticipate His continued blessings of us, all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us look upon our nature, as it is in Christ, in Whom it is pure, sweet, calm, meek, and in every way lovely.” —Richard Sib-bes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/12-14/21 Devotion

Sunday is coming, DV! Thank God! Here is Thomas Watson, from, "The Art of Divine Contentment”—in order to help prepare us for the church's worship of our Redeemer:

"God sees, in His infinite wisdom, that the same condition is not convenient for all. That which is good for one person, may be bad for another one. One season of weather will not serve everyone's circumstances; one needs sun-shine, another rain. One condition of life will not fit every person, no more than one suit of apparel will fit every body. Prosperity is not fit for all, nor yet adversity. If one person be brought low, perhaps he or she can bear it better; that person has a greater stock of grace, more faith and patience. He or she can 'gather grapes of thorns,' pick some comfort out of the cross.

“ . . . Everyone cannot do this. Another soul is seated in an eminent place of dignity; he or she is more fit for it; perhaps it is a place that requires better judgment, which everyone is not capable of. Perhaps he or she can use his or her estate better; he or she has a public heart as well as a public position. The wise God sees that condition to be bad for one, which is good for anoth-er; hence it is that He places people in different spheres and places; some higher, some lower."

Thurs., 2/11/21 Devotion (Mk. 14:39)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 14:39, where we read these words:

"Again He [Jesus] went away and prayed, and spoke the same words."

It is encouraging to behold that our Savior Himself—in a time of great need and anguish—prayed, and "spoke the same words.” Very often, in our lives, we do not know how to pray as we ought, (as per Rom. 8:26)—and we tend to say the same things over and over. What matters is that we desire to pour out our hearts to God our Father in prayer. Our Lord knows how to "interpret” our random efforts through the atonement Jesus has provided for us, His churchmen.

Therefore, let us not be discouraged if our prayer life is not all that we would want it to be. Instead, let us groan out some heartfelt utterings—and know that God will be pleased with them (in Christ alone).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love was the chain that fastened [Jesus] to the cross.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Wed., 2/10/21 Devotion (Job 9:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Job 9:1 & 2, which says this:

"Then Job answered and said: 'Truly I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God?' "

Job's question here (above) is very important. After all, just *how* can a hu-man being, conceived in original sin, actually "be righteous before God"? This is a big problem, since God Himself is totally righteous and holy; and nothing short of absolute sinless perfection will, can, or should satisfy Him.

Nothing we could ever *do* would give us this righteousness before God. No amount of religion, prayers, or effort will or could suffice. A sinful person gets righteous before God when he or she realizes that Jesus alone is his or her righteousness. Christ is apprehended by faith. Therefore, a person is "right-eous before God" through faith in the Redeemer, and in no other way. (There is your answer, Job!)

[Puritan quote of the day: "A Christian may come to lead a comfortable life, even a heaven upon earth, be the times what they will—by Christian content-ment.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Tues., 2/9/21 Devotion (Mk. 12:34a)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 12:34a, where we read these words:

"Now when Jesus saw that he [the scribe] answered wisely, He said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' "

I wonder how many people with whom we will have commerce today are "not far from the kingdom of God”? The Holy Spirit sometimes starts a work in souls, often before they are actually regenerated. Let all of us redeemed Christian churchmen recognize this fact, and act in accord with it. In other words, some people with whom we are doing evangelism—though they are (obviously) not "in" the kingdom of God yet—may not be far from it.

Clearly, proximity to the kingdom (church) has something to do with doctrinal understanding. But it must also have something to do with human love and patience. Let us be those who encourage others who are "not far” away from Jesus; and not in anyway be those who discourage them.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is necessary for a Christian; others things are but inconveniences.” —Christopher Love, in his sermon, "Uses of In-struction and Trial"]

Mon., 2/8/21 Devotion (Gen. 41:42)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 41:42, where we read these words:

"Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck."

Jacob, Joseph's father, had put a beautiful robe of many colors on his favored son (Joseph). Potiphar's wife, seeking to set Joseph up, had kept his garment as alleged evidence of wrongdoing. In prison, Joseph wore clothing unworthy of the pharaoh's audience. But now, the king of Egypt puts royal attire on Jo-seph.

So it is for all of God's redeemed churchmen, in this life. The Lord's good in-tention to crown us is *always* there. But we have to learn the hard lessons of sin, faith, repentance, and perseverance, before we experience the resur-rected life in Christ, as God’s regal children. (In other words, the cross pre-cedes the resurrection.)

[Puritan quote of the day: "Men void of grace are dead; they have breath, yet lack life. They are walking ghosts, (Eph. 2:1).” —Thomas Watson, in his ser-mon, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 2/5-7/21 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! So as to help prepare us for the Lord's Day's church worship, 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 in Christ] 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 His grace; it was given while we were yet His enemies, and before we had so much as repent-ed.

"It was from the love of God, who saw no excellency in us to attract it [His grace]; and it was without expectation 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 distinguish-ed. God is sovereign, and He has mercy on whom He will have mercy."

Thurs., 2/4/21 Devotion (Gen. 37:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 37:31, where we read these words:

"So they [Joseph's brothers] took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood."

Joseph's "coat of many colors" was impressive in itself; but once it had been "defiled" by blood, it became an emblem of something much greater: the atonement of sinners, wrought by the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Joseph's brothers, in our fallen states, we hate the One (Christ) who is uniquely endowed with God's favor; and we willingly put Him (Jesus) on the cross.

But the very blood we shed there became for us, the church, the only means of our justification, or right standing with God. Now, the "Lamb of God,” Christ our Lord, is our highest love, and the Object of our worship and praise. Only Almighty God could effect such a remarkable transformation!

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a sin to dwell on sin and turmoil our thoughts about it, when we are called to thankfulness.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Wed., 2/3/21 Devotion (Mk. 6:34)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 6:34, where we read these words:

"And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things."

This text (above) is very instructive, because in it we see what compassionate ecclesiastical "shepherds" do. Instead of psychoanalyzing people, truly-called church shepherds follow the lead of the church's Chief Shepherd (Jesus), and they *teach* people. Why is preaching/teaching the key to shepherding? Be-cause heavenly instruction, in the context of the church, leads to gracious gospel order in the lives of God’s children.

When these people (above) left the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ that day, they went home with a perspective and an understanding that they had lacked, before they found Him. Now, their lives would never be the same, since they had been perfectly "shepherded" by the Lamb of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He that is at peace in himself, will be peaceable to others, peaceable in his family, peaceable in the church, peaceable in the state.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Tues., 2/2/21 Devotion (Rom. 5:2)

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

" . . . through whom [Jesus Christ] also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Verse 2 of Romans, ch. 5 often gets overshadowed by the astounding v. 1. But here (above) we learn that faithful Christian churchmen have *continu-ous* access (by faith) to the very same grace that delivered us from sin (in the first place). In other words, through Jesus Christ, and through faith in Him, believers get to *experience* afresh and anew what is already (and always) true of us: namely, that we are justified by faith, that we have peace with God (all from v. 1); and that we stand, and rejoice in our sure hope of glory (both here, and hereafter).

What more could anyone want? Nothing that the world offers us can even come close to comparing with this. Only our ignorance, our flesh, and our sin can "clog" this remarkable "pipeline" of unspeakable happiness in Christ. May all the true church enjoy her Savior and all His blessings today—all by faith!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Therefore what we are afraid to do before men, we should be afraid to think before God.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Con-flict with Itself"]

Mon., 2/1/21 Devotion (Rom. 4:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 4:5, where we read these words:

"But to him who does not work but believes on Him [Christ] who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness . . . "

Romans, ch. 4, is undoubtedly one of the clearest accounts of the gospel of grace.  Paul is saying here (above) that those who continue to insist on work-ing for (or earning) their salvation will never receive it at all, no matter how much effort they put into their project.  But those who, instead of working, *be-lieve* in Christ, *do* receive justification, as Jesus' righteousness gets imput-ed to their account, and into their souls.

This message is impossible for unregenerate people to accept. It grates against their desire to get some "credit" for their (alleged) right standing with God.  But the Lord rejects works-righteousness, and hates it.  Wouldn't you, if you had sent your one and only Son to the earth, and sinners thought they could add something to His work?

[Puritan quote of the day: "He that is little in his own eyes will not be troubled to be little in the eyes of others."   --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]