Tues., 11/30/21 Devotion (2 Pet. 2:19b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 2:19b, where we read these words:

" . . . for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bond-age."

All of us are in "service" and "bondage" to someone. The way to know who this being is, is to ask oneself, "About whom do I most often think? About whom am I practically obsessed?" The answer to this query reveals our ulti-mate master.

When the master is another fallen human being (be he or she good or bad)—this is a miserable bondage. When the Master is the King of glory, the Lord Jesus Christ, this is a liberating "bondage." When the master is self or Satan—this is torturous labor. But when the Master is the Triune God, this is sweet service. Let all Christ's faithful churchmen gladly serve under the banner of Christ today!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Lord, let the magnet of Your Spirit draw my heart upward. Lord, dig the earth out of my heart; teach me how to possess the world, and not love it; how to hold it in my hand, and not let it get into my heart.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Ten Commandments"]

Mon., 11/29/21 Devotion (2 Pet. 1:2)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 1:2, where we find these wonderful words:

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord . . . "

To have grace and peace *multiplied* to one's soul is a very blessed thing. God does not only "add," or "drip" His good gifts onto His beloved churchmen (a little at a time)—but He multiplies them. And notice how He does this: in our knowledge of Him, and of His Son Jesus.

If we know God in the Lord Jesus Christ, we possess the Person of grace and peace. The more we love God (in Christ), the more we enjoy God’s blessings—though they often do come with trouble and difficulty.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Upon this reconciliation with God, you and God come to have common friends and common enemies.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Reconciliation"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/26-28/21 Devotion

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

"Faith in Christ is acceptable to God because it is a self-denying grace; it makes a person go out of him- or herself, renounce all self-righteousness, and wholly rely on Christ for justification. It is a very humble grace that con-fesses its own poverty, and lives wholly upon Christ. As the bee derives all its sweetness from the flower, so faith derives all its strength and comfort from Christ.

"Faith is a grace acceptable to God, because by faith we present a righteous-ness to Him which best pleases Him: we bring the righteousness of Christ in-to court, which is called 'the righteousness of God,' (2 Cor 5:21). . . . A believ-er may say, 'Lord, it is not the righteousness of Adam, or of the angels, but of Christ who is God/Man, that I bring before You.' The Lord cannot but smell a sweet savor in Christ's righteousness."

Thurs., 11/25/21 Devotion (Jonah 4:6)

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Today's encouragement comes from Jonah 4:6, where we read these words:

"And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant."

To his honor, Jonah was "grateful for the plant"; but it would soon be evident that Jonah's thankfulness was piecemeal. When God removed the plant, Jo-nah became very peevish and churlish. When God refused to give Jonah a divine fireworks display, by blowing up Nineveh, it displeased the prophet greatly.

True gratitude that glorifies God is universal and uniform. This does not mean that we Christians will always get it right; but it does mean that we are to set our hearts on being grateful to God for *all* things, be they "good" or "evil."

[Puritan quote of the day: "As the sun rises by degrees till it comes to shine in glory, so it was with the Sun of Righteousness [Christ]. He revealed Himself in the church little by little.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Wed., 11/24/21 Devotion (Lk. 8:1a, 39b)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 8:1a & 39b, where we read these words:

"Now it came to pass, afterward, that [Jesus] went through every city and vil-lage, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. . . . And [the formerly demon-possessed man] went his way and proclaimed through-out the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."

Here is a great pattern of how true Christianity works. Jesus' gospel is pro-claimed from the church's pulpits, the cities of the world are filled with Christ's doctrine (cf. Acts 5:28b), and the individually-redeemed saints bring this good news to everyone they can.

Today, just like then, what Christ preaches through His clergy, the parishion-ers proclaim in their worlds and spheres of influence. In this way "every city" and "whole cit[ies]" are reached with the gospel of God’s grace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What would become of us if there were not grace above sin, and mercy above misery, and power in Christ Jesus above all the power in Satan and death?” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 11/23/21 Devotion (Lk. 7:50b)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 7:50b, where we read these words of our Blessed Savior Jesus:

" . . . Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

These few words (above) provide the redeemed church everything we need. Our faith (which is personal, “your") "has" (past tense) "saved [us]." Because of this, we may, in full confidence in Christ, "Go in peace.” We believers do not need to debate whether or not our sins are forgiven; and whether or not God is at peace with us. Instead, we alone have the blessed privilege of knowing that God is fully satisfied with us—since Jesus bore our sins for us.

The fallen world in which we live provides us plenty of opposition and warfare; but our sin's conflict with God no longer exists. For this peace, which is great-er than anything the world could ever know, let us always give our Lord thanks.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, what a comfort and privilege is this to you! Oh, you believing soul. Though you were never so wicked and abominable be-fore, yet I tell you from God this day, in whose presence you stand, that He will never remember your sin any more.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 11/22/21 Devotion (1 Chron. 17:2)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 17:2, which says this:

"Then Nathan said to David, 'Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.' "

I really like this verse. The Christian churchman who walks by faith in Jesus has great freedom. Here (above), the prophet Nathan gives King David the "green light" to do whatever he (David) wants to do, in his earnest desire to love and serve his God. It turns out later in the chapter that the Lord inter-venes, and tells David that his son (Solomon) would be the one who would build the temple, and not David (after all).

. . . But the principle is a sweet one. Do we love Christ? Are we worshipping Him aright? Are the essentials of our faith intact? If so, then we are free to do "whatever we want to," since our heart's deepest wishes are only to exalt God, and further Christ's church and gospel. This is a great threat to the world, and to pharisees; but it is a priceless promise to faithful churchmen.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's work, both in the church and in the hearts of Christians, often goes backward so that it may go forward better.” —Rich-ard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/19-21/21 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is the always-quotable Thomas Wat-son, from his great work, "The Art of Divine Contentment":

"What it is then to learn Christ?

"To learn Christ is to be made like Christ, to have the divine characters of His holiness engraven upon our hearts: 'We all with open face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image,' (2 Cor. 3:18).

"There is a metamorphosis made; a sinner, viewing Christ's image in the mir-ror of the gospel, is transformed into that image. Never did any man look up-on Christ with a spiritual eye, but he went away quite changed. A true saint is a divine landscape picture, where all the rare beauties of Christ are lively por-trayed and drawn forth. He has the same Spirit, the same judgment, the same will, with Jesus Christ."

Thurs., 11/18/21 Devotion (1 Chron. 11:6)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 11:6, which says this:

"Now David said, 'Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and cap-tain.' And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief."

David here employs God's way of developing leaders. The king did not need talkers, braggers, or theoreticians—he needed someone to risk his neck, and kick the Jebusites out (of what would become Jerusalem—the headquarters of the Old Covenant church). We see this same pattern in the New Testa-ment, (cf. Rom. 16:3-4).

What about us? Is The Lord calling us to do something bold for Christ, within the spheres of our influence and abilities? Spiritually-speaking, we are always "safer" when we are on the offensive, rather than when we are on the defens-ive. Let the true church “attack” the “Jebusites” today, for the glory of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is not the weakest and poorest creature in the world who is pardoned for sin but he understands more of the light of God's grace and covenant than the greatest doctors or rabbis in the world.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 11/17/21 Devotion (Heb. 12:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 12:3, where we read these words:

"For consider Him [Christ] who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."

Are we much-maligned by sinners? Do godless people slander us, and drag our names (and persons) through the mud (as it were)? If so, let us not be bothered by this. The same thing happened to the very Son of God Himself. The huge difference is, that our hearts (aside from grace) *are* vile and wretched; whereas the pristine Savior was/is holy, harmless, and undefiled, (cf. Heb. 7:26).

Let us wear it as a badge of honor, if we get the opportunity to experience what Jesus did. Just as He died on the cross (with all the true saints with Him)—so He rose from the dead (thus assuring us of His [and our] victory over all His/our enemies).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is excellent with regard to her origin, for she is of heavenly extraction and born of God Himself. All her true mem-bers are new creatures . . . “ —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse concerning Love"]

Tues., 11/16/21 Devotion (Heb. 11:6a)

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

"But without faith it is impossible to please [God] . . . "

These (above) are some of the most cogent words in all the Bible. It is faith that pleases God. It is by faith that we apprehend Christ, salvation, and all the benefits of the covenant of grace. Nothing else can replace faith: not love, not works, not mercy, not kindness, not prayer, and not religious activity and duty.

All of these aforementioned virtues, (love, kindness, etc.), will inevitably flow from a heart endued with true faith in Jesus. But they do not, and cannot con-nect us to the One who redeems us. Only faith does that. Therefore, today, it matters little how well or badly we are doing at almost anything. All that really matters is this: are we placing *all* our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, or not? If we are,  then we have nothing to worry about, and everything to celebrate.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The human nature of Christ is yet in being. He still continues, and will continue to all eternity, to be both God and man.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon, "True Saints are Present with the Lord"]

Mon., 11/15/21 Devotion (Ps. 149:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 149:6, where we read these words:

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand . . . "

Note how the faithful Christian churchman is at once a worshipper of God, and a soldier fighting under Christ's banner. There is no way to please God without praising Him; and there is nothing to praise Him for, unless we, His saints, see God's enemies fall under us. (These vanquished foes include sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, and Satan's agents—human and demonic.)

So, if we are in Christ as His church, then we go into our daily lives lifting up thanks and praise to God; and (in prayer) we wield the sword of the Spirit against all Christ’s enemies—until they are all utterly destroyed.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is a body to whom the whole world is beholden. It should be the joy of the earth, for it is the security of the whole earth.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse Concerning Love"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/12-14/21 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! So as to prepare us for church, here is the incomparable Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "A Divine Cordial":

"Love is valorous, it turns cowardice into courage. Love will make one venture upon the greatest difficulties and hazards. The fearful hen will fly upon a dog or serpent to defend her young ones. Love infuses a spirit of gallantry and for-titude into a Christian. He that loves God will stand up in His [God’s] cause, and be an advocate for Him. 'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard,' (Acts 4:20). He who is afraid to own Christ has but little love to Him.

"Nicodemus came sneaking to Christ by night (John 3:2). He was fearful of being seen with Him in the daytime. Love casts out fear. As the sun expels fogs and vapors, so divine love in a great measure expels carnal fear. Does he love God that can hear His blessed truths spoken against and be silent? He who loves his friend will stand up for him, and vindicate him when he is re-proached. Does Christ appear for us in heaven, and are we afraid to appear for Him on earth? Love animates a Christian, it fires his heart with zeal, and steels it with courage."

Thurs., 11/11/21 Devotion (Heb. 6:19-20a)

Today's encouragement comes from the words of Hebrews 6:19 & 20a, which say this:

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus . . . "

The hope of believing Christian churchmen is as tied to the Person of Jesus Christ, as was the rope that they used to tie to the high priest in the old cove-nant, when he entered the Holy of Holies (for fear that he would die in there, and they would not be able to get him out). When we, God's people, are af-flicted, and tossed and turned on the sea of a world of sin and rebellion—we are always tethered to the Rock, which cannot be moved.

If Christ is our "forerunner," then we will inevitably end up where He is. He is our only Hope. There is no hope to be found anywhere else.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Keep your ear open to God and shut out sin; deaf-en your ears to the lies of the slanderer and the heretic. Do not let him have your ear who comes to rob you of your heart.” —Thomas Watson, in his ser-mon, "The Spiritual Watch"]

Tues., 11/9/21 Devotion (2 Ki. 22:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 22:8, where we read these words:

"Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it."

This blessed incident (recorded above) led to the great reforms, revival, and reformation of the Old Covenant church—largely led by the good and faithful king of Judah, Josiah. The "book" that was "found" was probably a scroll of the Book of Deuteronomy.

When the church discovers (or re-discovers) the Bible—sometimes, very good things happen. And note God's order: the clergyman finds the Scripture; he then passes its message along to the magistrate (Shaphan), who himself ends up making sure that King Josiah hears it read aloud. Had God's Word not been received with faith and repentance by Josiah—none of his marvel-ous reforms would have taken place at all.

[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"]

Mon., 11/8/21 Devotion (Ps. 139:21-22)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 139:21 & 22, where we read these heady words:

"Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my ene-mies."

All true lovers of God are also true haters of all demons and humans who hate God. One of the reasons the Lord is not well-loved by many professing Christians today is because they do not hate His enemies. Of course, hate is not our principal driving force. Regenerate Christians are first and foremost lovers: lovers of Christ, His church, His gospel, and the world God created (including unregenerate persons within it).

Therefore, we are to both love and hate at the same time—and sometimes, with regard to the same person. But to do so is simply to follow God’s lead: He loves the redeemed church; He hates the reprobate; and (in a certain sense) He both loves and hates those elect persons He *will* save, but has not *yet* done so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who does not know the evil of sin as fully as he ought cannot hate it as much as he should.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Dis-course concerning Love"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 11/5-7/21 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is just around the corner! In order to help get us ready for church, here is the really sweet Puritan 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 in his ambassador, (Heb 12:25). Ministers 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 within ourselves, 'God is speak-ing in this preacher.’

"The Thessalonians heard the word Paul preached, as if God Himself had spoken to them. 'When you received the word of God, which you heard of 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 lent his ear, (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., 11/4/21 Devotion (Titus 3:3-5)

Today's encouragement comes from Titus 3:3-5. There, the apostle wrote these words to his fellow minister:

"For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving vari-ous lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one an-other. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man ap-peared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

Observe where we are, outside of Christ: totally lost, and self-righteous. See what happens when God's love in Jesus appears on the scene of our hearts: we are regenerated, washed, and renewed. What role did our "works of righ-teousness" have in this process? None. What role did the God's mercy have in this process? Everything.

Do we see why our God disdains self-righteousness? May we treasure the Gift of Jesus; and loathe our own vile claims of "righteousness."

[Puritan quote of the day: "For want of hearts full of love for God, men have heads full of error.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Wed., 11/3/21 Devotion (Ps. 126:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 126:3, where we read these great words:

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad."

God is so good to us who love Jesus Christ. He makes us His own children. Our Father allows us to endure affliction, so as to make us better (in Christ). He also gives us glimpses of heaven, as we get clearer and clearer soul vi-sions of Jesus—and we are filled with exceeding levels of gladness and ec-stasy.

Let us often call this to mind: the Lord has only good in store for us, His be-loved churchmen; and He delights to show us His grace, mercy, and sweet-ness. Even if we are not "on the top of the world" today, let us thank God for all the lovely things He has already done for us, in HIs blessed Son.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is not repentance, patience, love, prayer, or obe-dience that justifies us, but faith in Christ.” —Obadiah Grew, in, "The Lord our Righteousness"]

Tues., 11/2/21 Devotion (Ps. 124:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 124:8, where David wrote these words:

"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

Regenerated churched Christians find all their help in Christ alone. Where it counts most, no one else can assist us. No matter where *others* may go for their sustenance—we sincere children of God know that our deepest and most profound needs must be met by our Triune God (alone).

. . . And this is a very wise and reasonable approach to life. After all: God "made heaven and earth." If the Lord has that much amazing power, then surely He can take care of the concerns of us, His people. Is our help "in the name of the Lord" today?

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is very sinful to give way to vain thoughts while hearing preaching; because, when we are hearing the word of God, we are in God's special presence.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Ten Commandments"]

Mon., 11/1/21 Devotion (2 Tim. 4:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 4:1 & 2a, where Paul wrote this, to the young minister:

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the

word! . . . "

God delights in His Gospel (Word) being preached. The Lord is more con-cerned that preaching takes place, than if anyone ever believes the message, or not. The preached word inhibits the spread and growth of heresy, (see vv. 3-4); it emboldens the minister and parishioners for the endurance of afflic-tions, (v. 5); and it builds up the saints in their most holy faith—all the while calling all people to Christ.

Pray that your ministers preach the Word, and that they do not substitute this precious ordinance with entertainment, religious nonsense, and cultural stu-pidity. Pray that they take on and defeat all the enemies of God; and that they bring everyone the Good News of peace, in Jesus' precious blood.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God bestows more goodness upon one godly man than upon all the ungodly in the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]