Fri.-Sabbath, 12/31/21-1/2/22 Devotion

Happy New Year!

Praise God—Sunday is ALMOST here! In order to help prepare us for Sab-bath worship of the Triune God, here is the great Thomas Watson, from his wonderful book, "A Body of Divinity":

“Let us go to Christ's blood for peace. Some people seek their peace from their own righteousness, not Christ's. They go for peace to their holy life, not Christ's death. If their conscience is troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to attain peace. Duties must not be neglected, nor yet idolized.

“Let us look to the blood of sprinkling, (Heb. 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, must pacify our consciences. Christ's blood being taken in by faith, gives peace. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God,' (Rom. 5:1). There is no other balm to cure a wounded conscience, but the blood of Christ."

Thurs., 12/30/21 Devotion (Mal. 3:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Malachi 3:1, which says this:

“ 'Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Mes-senger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,' says the LORD of hosts."

We have been celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, in Mala-chi, is a great prophecy of our Savior's first advent. John the Baptist went be-fore the Redeemer; and the Messiah appeared (past tense) in the temple. All of this should strengthen the faith of the saints, as we behold the truthfulness of the written word of God.

Do we "delight" in the "Messenger of the covenant,” our Lord Jesus Christ? If we do, then let us rejoice in His presence: in our hearts, and in His church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The two great graces essential to a saint in this life are faith and repentance. These are the two wings by which he flies to heav-en.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 12/29/21 Devotion (2 Chron. 34:27)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 34:27, where we read these words:

" ' . . . because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,' says the LORD."

This verse (above) is in reference to the excellent king of Judah, Josiah. When Josiah heard the Scripture read to him, he immediately responded, with faith and repentance. When Josiah inquired of God, as to the judgments pronounced on the land, the king greatly humbled himself before the Lord.

This is a wonderful encouragement for the church today. Things in our nation, and in the world generally, are not good. But, so long as believers are thoroughly pierced by God's word, and are melted in heart by the Spirit of Grace, there is full hope even concerning the temporal issues of life. On top of that, through this process, the souls of churchmen are made more like Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Places and conditions are happy or miserable as God grants His gracious presence more or less.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict"]

Tues., 12/28/21 Devotion (2 Chron. 33:12-13)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 33:12 & 13, which says this:

"Now when [Manasseh] was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He [God] received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God."

This is the account of one of the most astounding conversions of all time. Ma-nasseh, the king of Judah, was one of the worst idolaters the Bible ever chronicled. He never met an idol he did not love. But God, in His amazing and infinite grace and mercy, brought (even) this man to his senses, and gave him the gift of faith and repentance.

May we all take comfort from examples such as this. As the angel said, in Lk. 1:37: "For with God nothing will be impossible."

[Puritan quote of the day: "That you may become capable of God's mercy, you must loathe your sins, for there's no talk of mercy till you first are cruel to your sins.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way To True Happiness"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/24-26/21 Devotion

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Here is the devotion for this joyous season. . . .

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Aug-ustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

"Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keep-ing watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.'

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'

"So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a man-ger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorify-ing and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."  (Luke 2:1-20)

Thurs., 12/23/21 Devotion (Jn. 13:1b)

Today's encouragement comes from John 13:1b, where we read these words:

" . . . Having loved His own who were in the world, He [Christ] loved them to the end."

This is a beautiful phrase (above). The Lord Jesus loves His churchmen who are yet "in the world," viz. down here, where it is tough, and where sin and the Fall still assault us. He loves His church because we are "His own.” Christ possesses us, by virtue of His redemption of our souls. And Christ loves us "to the end." He does not give up on us, just because we stumble around, and fail a lot of times.

Is this not a grand and glorious Savior?! Even as Jesus was anticipating His most grievous suffering (on the cross), He was thinking of us, and serving us. Let all God's church love Christ in sincerity; and may we find our peace only in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "And in the dispensing of the gospel, especially in the preaching and unfolding of the Word, the riches of God in Christ are un-folded . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Wed., 12/22/21 Devotion (2 Chron. 26:5)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 26:5, where we read these words:

"[King Uzziah] sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper."

Uzziah was a good king, but not a great king. As long as he had godly clergy instructing him, he did well. But once he thought he had it all together, and could assume the duties of the Levites, he fell down miserably, (cf. 2 Chron. 26:16).

We learn at least two things from the example of King Uzziah: 1) good church instruction keeps the saints in the narrow and happy way of Jesus; and 2) un-less pride is constantly checked, blessings can turn to burdens; and (former-ly) very good men can take some serious tumbles.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When we preach Christ and free grace it is to bring you to Christ. Our preaching down of works is not to keep you from doing them but from resting in them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remis-sion"]

Tues., 12/21/21 Devotion (Zech. 8:2)

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

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous for her.’ "

God is not zealous about very many things. Our Lord Jesus Christ's ministry saw Him pass by many scenes with relative indifference. But Christ *was* ex-tremely zealous for God's "house," (see Jn. 2:17). The church, the redeemed people of God, are of supreme concern to Him.

Our problem down here as sinners, is largely that we do not value what God esteems. Let us readjust our priority schema, so as to love Christ (first), and the people (church) He loves (next). When we do this, we may enjoy what He enjoys, and live for what He lives for. We will never regret doing this.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where there is love to God, there is grieving for our sins of unkindness against Him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/17-19/21 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:

"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 reverend at-tention to the Word? If we were to come into God's house thinking, 'Perhaps this will be the last time that God will ever counsel us about our souls'; and before another sermon death's alarm will sound in our ears—then, with what attention and devotion should we feel, and our affections would be all on fire in hearing!

"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."

Thurs., 12/16/21 Devotion (Jn. 6:66-68)

Today's encouragement comes from the wonderful interchange between Christ and His disciples, as it is found in John 6:66-68:

"From that time many of [Christ's] disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?' But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' "

This is a very poignant scene in the ministry of our Messiah. After intentional-ly paring-down the numbers of His "disciples" by teaching them that they would have to ingest Him into their beings, and that God alone could draw them to Himself, etc.—the Lord Jesus is left with just a few remaining hearty souls, (one of which was Judas, who, of course, would betray Him).

Peter's confession, representing the true church throughout all ages, is not only brilliantly insightful, but it was also eminently practical: there is nowhere to go, in this world, but to Jesus—unless one prefers hell.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When the Word comes to any place, the kingdom of heaven is said to come. . . . And Christ rules in it by the preaching of the gospel.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 12/15/21 Devotion (Jn. 5:6)

Today's encouragement comes from John 5:6, where we read these words:

"When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, 'Do you want to be made well?' "

At first glance Christ's question (above) to the lame man seems out of place. After all, does not everyone want to be "made well"? Actually, no; and this is why Jesus inquired of the infirm person. A lot of people are comfortable with their maladies—especially as it relates to a life of sin. They literally do *not* "want" to be made well.

It is actually a blessing to desire good things—and health and wellbeing are some of them. It is one thing to be unwell (in whatever way this may be); but it is quite another thing to be content to be in that state. God would have us de-sire Christ, and all wholeness and goodness in Him alone—as His beloved church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sometimes persons live in ways of sin and are not sensible of it because they are blinded by common custom and the examples of others.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Necessity of Self-Exam-ination"]

Tues., 12/14/21 Devotion (Jn. 4:22)

Today's encouragement comes from John 4:22, where we find our Lord Jesus saying these words:

"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews."

This is a very bold and highly politically-incorrect assertion the Messiah makes here. Christ is basically teaching that all who worship false gods (or concoctions of the true God—as was the case with the Samaritans to whom Jesus said these words)—were blind in their devotion, and did not know their deity. Then, Jesus has the audacity to affirm that "salvation is of the Jews.” God’s plan of redemption did not originate from any other ethnicity—because the Person of salvation (Jesus) came from the Jewish nation.

Do we have this kind of courage; or are we reduced to saying inane things like, "All roads lead to heaven"? Let us follow our Master's lead; and let us do it with love and grace, as His holy and redeemed church.

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

Mon., 12/13/21 Devotion (2 Chron. 15:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 15:7, where we read these words:

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

Judah's prophet Oded spoke these words (above) to the faithful, reforming King of Judah Asa. Sometimes, we need to be encouraged to be strong—es-pecially when we are engaged in difficult, unpopular, and counter-cultural la-bors. Asa would soon be dismantling even more idolatry in Judah, and he needed God's (and His prophet's) helpful words.

What are we doing for Christ today? Does it necessarily upset some people? Does this mean we should stop doing it? No. Let us perform our ministries faithfully; and fulfill them with as little offense as possible; but let us discharge them with a firm and unswerving commitment to Jesus our Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Job the Sufferer was more renowned than Alexan-der the Conqueror.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/10-12/21 Devotion

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

"Meditating on a Lord's Day morning on Christ's love, would kindle love in our hearts to Him. How can we look on His bleeding and dying for us and our hearts not be warmed with love to Him? Love is the soul of religion, the purest affection.

"It is not rivers of oil, but sparks of love that Christ values. And sure, as David said, 'While I was musing the fire burned,' (Psa. 39:3)—so, while we are mus-ing of Christ's love in redeeming us, the fire of our love will burn towards Him. And then the Christian is in a blessed Sabbath-frame, when, like a seraphim, he is burning in love to Christ."

Thurs., 12/9/21 Devotion (Lk. 23:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 23:12, where we read these words:

"That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previous-ly they had been at enmity with each other."

Have we ever considered how the devil holds his forces together? He does this by uniting them around their hatred for Jesus—no matter how much they might otherwise despise each other. Therefore, true Christians ought to be infinitely *more* united around Jesus, and His church's doctrine, than Satan and his followers are, around their disdain for Christ.

What made Herod and Pilate like each other? It was not their common affinity for a Jerusalem restaurant. Instead, they stood arm-in-arm in opposition to the stated Kingship of Jesus. This is why even today we find Christian hypo-crites in perfect harmony with Muslims, atheists, and all other unbelievers. They are united in their resistance to our unconquerable Sovereign, Christ the Lord.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The work and business of ministers of the gospel is, as it were, that of servants: to wash and cleanse the souls of men; for this is done by the preaching of the Word, which is their main business.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "Christ the Example of Ministers"]

Wed., 12/8/21 Devotion (3 Jn. 14)

Today's encouragement comes from 3 John, v. 14, where we read these words:

“I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face."

In today’s world, these words of the Apostle John (found above) have be-come especially pertinent. We have been encouraged not meet together, to keep a certain distance between ourselves and others; and to believe that electronic communication is as good as actual face-to-face communication.

. . . But, the reality is, that there is no substitute for human beings actually be-ing in the presence of, and in close proximity to each other. And nowhere is this more true (and important) than it is in the church. Jesus Christ came near to us in His incarnation (Jn. 1:14); and we are to greatly value being in close contact with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Heb. 10:25).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him." —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 12/7/21 Devotion (2 Jn. 10)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 John, v. 10, where we read these words:

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him."

These are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Are not sweet Christian people to listen to anyone? Are we not to open our hearts to everyone's opinion of God? Actually, no. Authentic love says, “If you come to my house with a false gospel of works, please know that I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. Because of this, I will not tolerate listening to your dishonor of Him."

Does this mean we do not try to reach (even) these people? No, it does not mean that. Here is a safe rule to go by: let us inform all works-righteousness evangelists that they are welcome to hear Christ's gospel of love and grace from us; but that we are not open to their false teaching.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A great part of the pleasure and delight of the Christian life is made out of the observations of Providence.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Mon., 12/6/21 Devotion (2 Chron. 6:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 6:18a, where we read these words:

"But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? . . . "

Solomon's question (above), asked during his prayer of the dedication of the temple, was fully and finally answered when Jesus Christ came to earth in the incarnation, (which we celebrate at Christmas). Indeed, God *does* dwell with people on earth, even today—in and through the glorious Son of God who is the Head of His church.

Whatever struggles or difficulties we may be facing today may be much-eas-ed by our humble reflection on this blessed truth: that God is *with* us, here and now—in His redeemed church—through “Immanuel," His Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

[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"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/3-5/21 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is *almost* here! We GET to go to church! Here is an amazing quote from Martin Luther, in his remarkable book, entitled, "Com-mentary on Galatians," (an all-time favorite book of mine)! . . .

"To be brief, all the enemies which did before torment and oppress me, Christ Jesus has brought to nothing: He has spoiled them, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by His cross (Col. 2:15), in such sort that they can now rule and reign no more over me, but are constrained to obey me.

"By this we may plainly see that there is nothing here for us to do, only it be-longs to us, to hear that these things have been wrought and done in this sort, and by faith to apprehend the same. Now when I have thus apprehend-ed Christ by faith, and through Him am dead to the law, then I do good works: I love God, I give thanks to Him, I exercise charity towards my neighbors. But this charity or works following, do neither form nor adorn my faith, but my faith forms and adorns charity.

"This is our divinity [doctrine], which seems strange and marvelous, or rather, foolish to carnal reason: namely, that I am not only blind and deaf to the law, yea, delivered and freed from the law, but also wholly dead unto the same."

Thurs., 12/2/21 Devotion (Micah 7:18a, 19b)

Today's encouragement comes from Micah 7:18a & 19b, which relates these fabulous words:

"Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? . . . You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea."

One of the greatest blessings we can possibly possess is the forgiveness of our sins. This is a magnificent deed God performs in us. If we are forgiven of our sins, it took the very blood of God's own dear Son to bring this about. God had to overcome our hearts, the fallen world, and the devil, in order to pro-cure the pardon of our iniquities—in Jesus Christ alone.

. . . But if we are forgiven our sins, nothing else really much matters. If we are fully and perfectly justified in Jesus, and hence have a clear and clean consci-ence before Almighty God—is it of any great consequence that we have to go through trials and tribulations? We have already obtained God’s supernal Gift (Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "They dishonor the pardoning grace of God . . . by seeking and expecting it any other way than through the mediation of the Son of God.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 12/1/21 Devotion (1 Chron. 29:3)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 29:3, where we read these words of David, inspired by the Holy Spirit:

"Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver."

Whatever we value and love, we adorn. David eminently-esteemed the house of his God, having affection for it. Jesus loves His church, and bedecks it with all His gracious jewels, (cf. Rev. 21:10 ff.). Upon whoever or whatever we love, we are careful to bestow our highest honor.

The wise and happy person loves who and what God loves; and invests his or her life in beautifying what will last forever. Let us set our affection on the Son of God, and the house (church) of God—even as David did.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For the greatest and most glorious work that you can perform is not nearly worth so much as one drop of the blood of Christ.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]