Fri.-Sabbath, 12/30/22-1/1/23 Devotion

Happy New Year, everyone!!

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to return to church, to worship God! In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Divinity" book:

"When was Christ incarnate?

"In the fullness of time. 'When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman,' (Gal 4:4). By the fullness of time we must un-derstand it to be the determinate time that God had set. More particularly, this fullness of time was when all the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah were accomplished; and all the legal shadows and figures, whereby He was typified, were abrogated. This may comfort us, in regard to the church of God, that though at present we do not see that peace and purity in the church which we could desire, yet in the fullness of time, when God's time is come and mercy is ripe, then shall deliverance spring up, and God will come riding upon the chariots of salvation.

"Why was Jesus Christ made flesh?

"The 'causa prima,' and impulsive cause, was free grace. It was love in God the Father to send Christ, and love in Christ that He came to be incarnate. Love was the intrinsic motive. Christ is God-Man, because He is a lover of man. Christ came out of pity and indulgence to us: 'non merita nostra, sed misera nostra,' Augustine. 'Not our deserts, but our misery,' made Christ take flesh. Christ's taking flesh was a plan of free grace, and a pure design of love. God Himself, though Almighty, was overcome with love. Christ Incarnate is nothing but love covered with flesh. As Christ's assuming our human nature was a masterpiece of wisdom, so it was a monument of free grace."

Wed., 12/28/22 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 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. Manasseh, 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 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 fall out with 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"]

Tues., 12/27/22 Devotion (2 Chron. 32:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 32:1a, where we read these words:

"After [King Hezekiah's] deeds of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah . . . "

Notice here that it appears that Hezekiah's many faithful acts were "reward-ed" with the world's strongest man (politically and militarily) coming to Jeru-salem, to destroy it. Sometimes it seems that the people made righteous in Jesus' blood, and who are walking by faith in Him, are the ones who get the worst trials in this life. That may well be; but it is no cause for alarm for us, and neither should we be discouraged by it.

Later in this very chapter, at v. 20, Hezekiah and the Prophet Isaiah prayed together; and the Lord delivered Judah from all Sennacherib's threats, (de-stroying his army). That is a splendid biblical example of how the state (Heze-kiah) and the church (Isaiah) are to minister together, in this world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "They have armies on their side, and strength and powers of the world on their side; but we have truth and God on our side!”

—Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Mon., 12/26/22 Devotion (2 Chron. 31:20-21)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 31:20 & 21, where we read these words:

"Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered."

Hezekiah's reforms, mentioned in this chapter, had been significant. He had the idol worship places torn down, the clergy restored and reorganized, and the worship of the true God re-instituted in Judah. Because of his good exa-mple, the house of God began to thrive again. Hezekiah was given by God a good heart—and the king's actions reflected this, in his zealous devotion.

The result was that Hezekiah "prospered." His troubles and enemies did not go away, as we will see in the very first verse of the next chapter—but the king was safe in God, and his life was abundantly blessed. Let us follow this same pattern, through our unfeigned and unbounded faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If the church is beautiful beyond all other of the children of men, how beautiful is Jesus Christ, from whom the church derives all its comeliness?” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/23-25/22 Devotion

Merry Christmas!

Here is the devotion. . . .

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augus-tus 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 manger. 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 marvel-ed 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, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.  (Luke 2:1-20)

Thurs., 12/22/22 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 people 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., 12/21/22 Devotion (Zach. 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.’ “

When we think about it, we realize that God is not zealous about all that many things. Our Lord Jesus Christ's ministry saw Him pass by many things with relative indifference. But He *was* extremely zealous for God's "house," (see Jn. 2:17). The church, the redeemed people of God, matter to Him.

The problem all of us have in the Fall, is that we do not value what God treasures. In Christ, let us readjust our priority schema, so as to love what God loves, enjoy what He enjoys, and live for what He lives for. We will never regret doing so.

[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"]

Tues., 12/20/22 Devotion (2 Chron. 24:18a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 24:18a, where we read these words:

"Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols . . . "

This verse (above) pretty well sums-up the religious life of all professing Christians. So long as we stay close to the Lord, and hence in His "house," we are fine, safe, and secure. But just as soon as we abandon the Lord, and leave His "house," we end up worshipping wood, rocks, sticks, and dirt.

What a contrast: on one hand, we have communion with the God who creat-ed all things, and has re-created His saints in the image of Jesus; and on the other hand, we end up bowing down to things infinitely lower than ourselves. Let us all recognize the key and critical importance of staying in God's "house," the holy church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As there was but one ark to save the world from drowning, so there is but one Jesus to save sinners from damning.” —Thom-as Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Mon., 12/19/22 Devotion (Zech. 6:12b)

Today's encouragement comes from Zechariah 6:12b, where we read these words:

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the LORD."

This OT Messianic prophecy is fulfilled perfectly and exclusively in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Son of God came from heaven, "planted" Himself in the “soil” of this fallen earth, and has spread out over all the globe (through the extension of His church—as we preach the gospel of God’s free grace in Jesus).

Basically, that exact same pattern is the one for all true churchmen to follow today (and in every age): to be grounded (by grace through faith) in Christ; to be faithful members of His body; and from there to bear much fruit (which is the expansion of His kingdom [church]).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Can Christ forget Himself? We are His fullness, as He is ours.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 12/12/22 Devotion (2 Chron. 13:8a)

 Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 13:8a, where we read these words:

"And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David . . . "

Judah's king Abijah is here warning Israel's idolatrous king Jeroboam, that it is futile to fight against the Lord and His church. Jeroboam (the bad guy) had twice the number of soldiers as Abijah (the good guy) had; and yet God gave Abijah a great and resounding victory over Jeroboam, (see vv. 15 ff.).

The church on earth certainly seems to be way outnumbered by the world (which is not actually true)—but the church has Jesus, the Great "Son of David" on our side. Therefore, we should take courage, and fight the battles of our Lord—knowing that Christ is our risen and victorious Captain; and we can do nothing but triumph in and through Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Thurs., 12/8/22 Devotion (Lk. 22:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 22:43, where we read these words:

"Then an angel appeared to Him [Jesus] from heaven, strengthening Him."

All God's churchmen need strength. Even the very Captain of our souls, the Head of the church Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, did. A lot of times the children of God find themselves in trouble, or need. Naturally, we call out to God for deliverance and freedom (from what troubles us). But what often-times the Lord chooses to do, is *not* to immediately extricate us from our problem—but to use it as a great opportunity to make us stronger.

After all: this happened with our Savior Himself. He is in the Garden of Geth-semane, He is in agony and anguish; and His Father chooses to give Him strength to endure the looming cross, (rather than a way around it). He does the same with us, His beloved church.

[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"]

Wed., 12/7/22 Devotion (Lk. 18:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 18:1, where we read these words:

"Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart . . . “

What is it about prayer, that God so earnestly enjoins it on us? Mostly, prayer is designed to keep us in *contact* with God. If all was well with us all the time, we would grow remiss in prayer, and very independent of the Lord. It may well be that God delays answering some of our prayers solely because He wants us to still be coming back to Him.

If we weary in prayer, and give up on it—it is the same thing (practically-speaking) as giving up on one's belief in Christ. That is a serious matter. May we keep praying to God, all the while leaving our requests in His capable, sovereign, and holy hands.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Tues., 12/6/22 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—asked during his prayer of the dedication of the temple—was fully and finally answered when Jesus Christ came to earth in the In-carnation, (which we celebrate at Christmastime). 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 the faith-filled reflection of our souls on this blessed truth: that God is truly and really *with* His church, here and now, in Christ, our “Immanuel,” (“God with us”).

[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., 12/5/22 Devotion (Lk. 19:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 19:5, where we read these words: 

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him [Zacchaeus], and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' " 

This is the only place in the Gospels where I can recall that the Son of God actually "looked up" at any man. Zacchaeus, the once-proud, swindling tax collector, is now humbled, and honored (by having Christ's presence in his heart, and his house). 

Zacchaeus' conversion was thorough. He was a new man. From now on, the former-cheater would now always "look up" at the blessed Savior, and give Him all the glory and honor. May we do the same!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely, if the devil know how much benefit would accrue to the saints by his temptations, he would never tempt us.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/2-4/22 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 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 expectation of ever being 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. He is sovereign, and has mercy on whom He will have mercy."

Thurs., 12/1/22 Devotion (Mic. 6:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Micah 6:8, where we read these great words:

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require
of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your
God?"

Sometimes the Christian life can be made to seem so busy and
cluttered: "Be sure to pray; be sure to read your Bible; be sure to
evangelize; be sure to serve others, etc." And though all these things
are good (obviously); sometimes we just need to relax and ask, "Just
*what* is it that You want me to *be* and *do*, Lord?"

Today's Micah text (above) pretty much answers that question. God
wants us to live in Jesus, by faith. When we do this, we *will* do
"justly," "love mercy," and "walk humbly with our God." Let's
concentrate on Christ today. He will make us what He wants us (His
church) to be.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God is infinitely greater than kings. He
is the universal King of heaven and earth, the absolute Sovereign of
all things.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Warnings of
Scripture"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/28-30/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday (even “Reformation Sunday”)! We *get* to go back to church! In order to help us prepare for Sabbath worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Plea For the Godly" book. Here, he explains how much the Father loves the true and regenerated church. . . .

"See how dearly God loves the righteous and how near to His heart they lie. They are more excellent. The word 'excellent' carries affection in it. Things we prize we love. The righteous are God's treasure, (Psalm 135:4); and where His treasure is there is His heart. They are God's delicious garden where He plants the flower of His love. They are the dearly beloved of His soul. They are His darlings. He engraves them upon the palms of His hands that they may never be out of His eye. He rejoices over them with joy and rests in His love.

"It is no ordinary affection that God bears to the righteous. The sun shining upon a burning glass sets on fire only the object that is near the glass. The beams of God's love are more intensely enflamed towards them who are near Him by grace; these have the strength and spirits of His love distilled, He loves them as He loves Christ. Indeed, in one sense, God's love to Christ and believers is not alike, for Christ is loved purely for His own sake but believers are loved for Christ's sake. Yet, in another sense, God the Father loves be-lievers as He loves Christ. It is the same love for the quality, the same for the unchangeableness of it. God will no more cease to love believers than He will to love Christ."

Thurs., 10/27/22 Devotion (Ps. 119:52)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 119:52, where we read these words:

"I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself."

The best way to get a good perspective on the present and the future, is to heartily believe in the God who has decreed all things in eternity past. It is al-so helpful to remember how gracious the Lord has been to His church in days gone by. All this has the effect of giving us confidence and peace in the cur-rent situations (be they "good" or "bad").

But only the faithful churched Christian can do any of this happy “remember-ing." For unbelievers, their musings on God are *not* comforting at all. After all, God's "judgments" are just that for them—unless they come by grace to faith in Christ. For us believers, on the other hand, God's judgment has al-ready been poured out on Jesus (on the cross) for us. We can and should re-joice in the forgiveness of our sins.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God intermixes mercy with affliction. He steeps His sword of justice in the oil of mercy. There was no night so dark but Israel had a pillar of fire in it.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Wed., 10/26/22 Devotion (2 Ki. 7:9a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 7:9a, which says this:

"Then they said to one another, 'We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. . . . ' "

These words were spoken by four lepers who found great booty in the Syrian army camp, that had been miraculously deserted. They could have kept the wonderful news to themselves, and simply glutted themselves with food and delights—or they could share it with others, who (like them) were starving to death.

So is it the case with the gospel. Those who, by grace, feed on Christ and His goodness every Lord’s Day and throughout the week, ought to have compas-sion and concern for those who do not. What do we have to offer them? The Christ of the good news of salvation. We are all spiritual lepers before we are converted to Jesus, the Bread of Life.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The people of God are begotten through the edu-cation, instruction, and endeavors of those who were God's people before. Therefore, the church is represented in Scripture as being the mother of its members, (Gal. 4:26).” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Tues., 10/25/22 Devotion (2 Ki. 6:33b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 6:33b, where we find these words:

" . . . And then the king [of Israel] said, 'Surely this calamity is from the LORD; why should I wait for the LORD any longer?' "

Many people fail in their religion because of impatience. Here, the king of Is-rael is right: God sent the trouble with which they were dealing. But he was wrong, in thinking that it was futile to "wait for the LORD any longer." Little did he know that in the very next chapter God would bring about a great and mir-aculous deliverance.

If we are almost at the ends of our ropes today, and we are tempted to give up on God—let us be sure not to do this. The Lord is always faithful to His church; and all alternatives to Christ only lead to much worse disasters (in this world, and in the one to come).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, do not let the devil be your master, nor the world your god. Do not let sin cheat and impose upon you with its false and counterfeit delights.” —Timothy Rogers, in, "Trouble of Mind and the Disease of Melancholy"]

Mon., 10/24/22 Devotion (Dan. 9:18b)

Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 9:18b, where Daniel prays these words:

" . . . For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righ-teous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."

If we had to approach God, and present our petitions to Him based on our righteous deeds, we would never come to the Lord, ever. Besides that, we would have no basis for our prayers, because we do not possess any righte-ous deeds that can save us, or even recommend us to God. Daniel, a true believer, understood this gospel truth, (see above).

We come to God on the basis of Christ's righteousness, which is imputed to us churched saints, by sovereign grace. This is the ground on which we pro-perly approach God. The Lord will hear the prayers of those who come to Him bearing Jesus in the arms of faith. But He disregards all other petitions.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hell did not know what it did when it crucified Christ; death, with all its armies, was put to death with Him.” —Richard Al-leine, in, "Heaven Opened"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/21-23/22 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here. Here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good," or, "A Divine Cordial.” . . .

"The word preached works for good. It is a savor of life, it is a soul-transform-ing word. It assimilates the heart into Christ’s likeness; it produces assurance. 'Our gospel came to you not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,' (1 Thess. 1:5). It is the chariot of salvation.

"Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affection; it blows up holy desires and ardors of soul. Prayer has power with God. It is a key that un-locks the treasury of God’s mercy. Prayer keeps the heart open to God, and shut to sin; it assuages the intemperate hearts and swellings of lust. It was Luther’s counsel to a friend, when he perceived a temptation begin to arise, to betake himself to prayer. Prayer is the Christian’s gun, which he discharges against his enemies. Prayer is the sovereign medicine of the soul. Prayer sanctifies every mercy (1 Tim. 4:5). It is the dispeller of sorrow: by venting the grief it eases the heart. When Hannah had prayed, 'She went away, and was no more sad,' (1 Sam. 1:18). And if it has these rare effects, then it works for good."

Thurs., 10/20/22 Devotion (Ps. 111:4b, 5b)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 111:4b & 5b, where we read these words:

"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. . . . He will ever be mindful of His covenant."

What a great God we believing churchmen serve! He is amazingly merciful; and He is totally committed to His covenant (i.e. keeping His promises to His church, in Christ's blood atonement). The world, our own flesh, and the devil are always seeking to make us think that the Lord is anything *but* "gracious and full of compassion”—but every redeemed soul knows this to be true.

Since we have such a wonderful God, let us serve Him with cheerfulness and vivacity today. While we live in this world, we have the honor and privilege of overcoming our weaknesses (by faith); and, as we do this, we can lift up the Name of the Lord Jesus before the watching world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Though heaven is God's glorious mansion, yet it will not serve His turn. God does not think that to be enough unless He has a dwelling also in a tender, broken, humble spirit.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Fear"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/7-9/22 Devotion

Let us thank God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here are words from Thomas Watson's, "The Lord's Prayer” book. . . .

"True faith is wrought by the ministry of the word. 'Faith comes by hearing,' (Rom. 10:17). Peter let down the net of his ministry, and at one time caught three thousand souls. Let us examine how our faith was wrought. Did God in the ministry of the word humble us? Did He break up the fallow ground of our heart, and then cast in the seed of faith? A good sign; but, if you know not how you came by your faith, suspect yourselves; as we suspect men to have stolen goods, when they know not how they came by them.

"True faith is at first small, like a grain of mustard seed; it is full of doubts and fears; it is smoking flax: it smokes with desire, but does not flame with com-fort. It is so small that a Christian can hardly discern whether he has faith or not.

"True faith is joined with sanctity. . . . Though faith does but touch Christ, it fetches a healing virtue from Him. Justifying faith does that in a spiritual sense which miraculous faith does: it removes the mountains of sin, and casts them into the sea of Christ's blood."

Thurs., 10/6/22 Devotion (Ps. 90:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 90:17, where Moses wrote these words:

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands."

The beauty of the Lord is what will make our church lives irresistibly appeal-ing to all who behold us. When God anoints our souls with His grace in Christ, then our ministries, borne out of sincere love for God, matter. What we do will outlast us. This is why Moses, in this psalm, asks the Lord to "establish the work of our hands."

Most people want their names to be perpetuated; but they neglect the only thing that will cause that to actually happen (in the most honorable way)—namely, having Christ's beauty shine through them. By faith, let us walk with Jesus today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God has a greater delight in the sincere worship and love of one poor, obscure Christian than in all that is done throughout the globe by irreligious kings and princes.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Wed., 10/5/22 Devotion (Eph. 5:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 5:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love . . . "

Paul is telling the Ephesian Christians—even as he still speaks to the church today—that we are to "imitate" God. The first and clearest way we do this, is by "walking in love." The key to both of these otherwise preposterous com-mands, is to be found in what sandwiches in between them: "as dear chil-dren."

As the children of God, faithful Christian churchmen will imitate their Heavenly Father, even as natural children imitate their human father. But *how* do we do something that does not come naturally to us (because of our sin)? Through faith in Jesus. The Son of God is the One who connects us, the chil-dren of God, to our Heavenly Father. Can we walk in divine imitative love to-day? Yes; in and through Christ our Lord.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Inward grace is wrought by outward means; the preaching of the Word is the engine that God uses to work grace. It is called 'the rod of HIs strength,' (Ps. 110:2).” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Tues., 10/4/22 Devotion (Ezek. 37:4-5)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 37:4 & 5, where these words are found:

"Again He [God] said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.' " ' "

Behold the amazing power of the preached word of the gospel of Christ's grace. God brings life to the valley of dry bones through the agency of His proclaimed (prophesied) word. What an odd way to get the job done. We would have expected almost anything other than this.

Today, as it has always been, there are many false and futile substitutes for preaching—all claiming to be able to make dry bones live. Let us not fall for any of them. May the true and faithful church (rather) listen to the word of God, as it is proclaimed from faithful pulpits.

[Puritan quote of the day: "He who thinks that anything less than God will suf-fice for satisfaction in life does not understand the soul; and he who wants anything more than God does not understand God.” —Richard Alleine, in, "Heaven Opened"]

Mon., 10/3/22 Devotion (Eph. 3:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 3:21, where we read these words:

" . . . to Him [God] be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

God will get His greatest levels of glory in and through His church—more than anywhere else. The reason for this, is that the redeemed (who make it up) are the recipients of the most amazing and marvelous grace. They are given the very best of heaven, even while they are here on the earth. And this most wonderful gift is that of the Son of God Himself.

Let us build our lives around Christ. If we will do this, we will find ourselves building our lives around His church. Let us do all this by grace, through faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If God brings any beginnings of grace to truth, the victory is already gotten.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/30-10/2/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday again. We *get* to go back to church! In or-der to help get us ready for Divine Worship, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed" classic. . . .

"This also shows that those are misled that make Christ to be only our righte-ousness but not our sanctification. . . . It is a great part of our happiness to be under such a Lord, who was not only born for us, and given to us; but has the government likewise upon His shoulder (Isa. 9:6, 7). He is our Sanctifier as well as our Savior. . . .

“ . . . The first and chief ground of our comfort is that Christ as a priest offered Himself as a sacrifice to His Father for us. The guilty soul flies first to Christ crucified, made a curse for us. Thence it is that Christ has the right to govern us; thence it is that He gives us His Spirit as our guide to lead us home."

Thurs., 9/29/22 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 5:1, where we read these great words of the Apostle Paul:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

Every day when we wake up we are faced with an array of forces that are dead-set on robbing us of our freedom and joy in Christ. First among them is our own flesh, which continues to desire to have a right standing with God in-dependently of Jesus' blood atonement. On top of this, there is the world of works-religion, which preaches law to us, and insists that we be enslaved by rules (just like they are).

It takes courage, determination, and intentionality *not* to be swept away with the rest of the world, which is in bondage to its own "righteousness." Let all faith-redeemed Christian churchmen trust, not in themselves, but in Jesus on-ly. Let us reaffirm our liberty in Christ today, by faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The devil is the most sullen spirit there is, and yet the most proud.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 9/28/22 Devotion (2 Sam. 24:14)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Samuel 24:14, where we read these words:

"And David said to Gad [the prophet], 'I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall in-to the hand of man.' "

When faced with the options of dealing directly with God, or with man, David chose God. Why? Because he knew the Lord to be gracious and merciful. Al-so, he knew that man can be cruel and brutal. What an enlightened perspec-tive! Today, most sinners imagine themselves to be good, fair, and even-handed; while they think God is mean and unreasonable.

. . . Actually, the exact opposite is the case. The Lord is good; He is slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindnesses. Sinners, on the other hand, are vicious and unjust. Let us today—just like David—cast ourselves on *God's* mercy, trusting in Jesus, and not in man.

[Puritan quote of the day: "That sin is worse than affliction is evident because the greatest judgment God lays upon a man in this life is to let him sin without control.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Tues., 9/27/22 Devotion (Gal. 3:7)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 3:7, where the Apostle Paul wrote these words: 

"Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham." 

Do we understand the Biblical teaching that neither the unbelieving Jews, nor the Muslims (nor any any other unbelievers, for that matter), are the true chil-dren of Abraham? Having said that, many of both Jewish and Arab descent *are* children of Abraham—but this has nothing to do with their race, lineage, or ethnicity. Instead, it has everything to do with their faith in Christ. 

Do we have sincere faith in the Messiah? If so, then we also are sons and daughters of Abraham; and we make up the new and true Israel, the New Covenant church of Christ. Let us trust God in and through our Lord Jesus, just like our father Abraham did. 

[Puritan quote of the day: "Hypocrites are not practitioners; they are all head and no feet; they do not walk in Christ (Col. 2:6). Their knowledge is inform-ing, but not transforming . . . “ —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "Christ's Loveliness"]

Mon., 9/26/22 Devotion (Gal. 2:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 2:21, where we read these great words:

"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

The Apostle Paul was adamant about not giving in on the gospel of grace. Like us, he felt the pressure to compromise the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ—but he refused to do so. There is always a tendency in all of us to resort back to works, or law, as the means of our seeking a right standing with God. But this is to lose Jesus altogether; and to commit the most heinous spiritual crime against God—the One who saves His church by Christ's blood atonement alone, received by faith alone.

The church in Galatia temporarily caved in to the Judaizers of their day. Many in our time are doing the same thing. Let regenerate Christians continue to cling to Jesus, by faith—and hence, be His faithful church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Surely it is best for you which Providence has ap-pointed, and one day you yourselves will judge it so to be.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/23-25/22 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday again!! We *get* to go back to church! Here is Richard Sibbes, from his amazing "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .

"Preachers should be careful not to hide their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as concealment, and de-sires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all. When truth is most unadorned, it is most lovely and powerful. Our blessed Savior, as He took our nature upon Himself, also took upon Himself our familiar manner of speech, which was part of His voluntary condescension. Paul was a profound man, yet he became as a nurse to the weaker sort (1 Thess. 2:7). . . .

"Christ chose those to preach mercy who had felt most mercy, as Peter and Paul, that they might be examples of what they taught. Paul became all things to all men (1 Cor. 9:22), stooping unto them for their good. Christ came down from heaven and emptied Himself of majesty in tender love to souls. Shall we not come down from our high conceits to do any poor soul good? Shall man be proud after God has been humble? . . . "

Wed., 9/21/22 Devotion (2 Cor. 10:4-6)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, where Paul wrote these astonishing words:

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

Behold the armament of the church and her ministry. Paul's opponents had corrupted the Corinthian congregation; and now the apostle brings out the “heavy artillery,” as he annihilates the work of the devil, and re-establishes and furthers the cause of Christ.

Let all true believers remember this: discipleship begins in the church; but it does not end there. By grace, the Corinthian Christians would eventually join with Paul and expunge the evil from their midst; and then, carry the battle into the world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Moderate sorrow differs from immoderate sorrow in this: true sorrow stirs up holy endeavors to act in your place and calling for the deliverance of the church.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Tues., 9/20/22 Devotion (2 Cor. 9:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 9:8, where Paul wrote these words:

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always hav-ing all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

This promise is made to the cheerful, generous churched Christian giver. Note how grace encompasses even the issues of money, and things. And see as well that God is not stingy, nor miserly with His church children. Instead, He is lavish and bountiful with us—so that we might be in a good position to continually bless others in need.

The divine "pipeline" is full. The only thing that "clogs" it is our sin. Let us live in the fullness of Christ today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is the heavenly treasure the worse for being brought in an earthen vessel or the better when handed to us by an angel?” —Ralph Venning, in his sermon, "The New Commandment Renewed"

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/16-18/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church! In order to help get us ready for Divine Worship, here is the Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs, from his, "Gospel Remission" book. . . .

"When God comes to pardon sin, it is such a mercy as comes from the foun-tain of God's everlasting love. Other mercies do not. Where this is not pre-sent, you cannot have evidence of God's eternal love. If God gives you health of body, good voyages at sea, and good success in respect of the world, you cannot draw arguments from this that God bears eternal love to your soul. But when He comes to pardon your sins, it is a certain evidence that God has set His love on you from all eternity.

"If there were a chain let down from heaven and you could take hold but of one link that would certainly bring you there, both ends would come together. In Romans 8:30, there is a chain of many links let down; and if you can catch hold of the link of justification, you may certainly catch hold of predestination, for all hang together. If you are justified, then know for certain that you are a predestined man or woman upon whom God has set His heart from all eter-nity to do good. And this is a great happiness for a poor creature while he lives in this world, to know that God has set His heart upon him from all eter-nity to do him good. And, indeed, we can never be at rest until we come to this."

Thurs., 9/15/22 Devotion (Ps. 63:2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 63:2, where David wrote these words:

"So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory."

David penned these words while he was confined in the wilderness of Judah—separated from the Lord's tabernacle in Jerusalem. Even from the dry des-ert of desolation and isolation, David craved to be in his God's blessed pres-ence.

When we are cut off from the Lord's ordinary means of grace which we would typically enjoy in the church (house/tabernacle) of God, let us still resort to His presence in the "sanctuary of our hearts"; and let us long for and look for-ward to those glorious days of sweet communion with the saints, as we gath-er for Sunday's church worship services.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God's ways are secret, but always just. God is most in His way when we think He is out of His way.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

Wed., 9/14/22 Devotion (2 Cor. 3:5-6a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6a, where Paul wrote these words:

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant . . . "

What has God given us to do, in this life? Are we content with this assign-ment? Is it a bit "less glamorous" than we would have desired? The sufficient Lord supplies His church saints with all the resources we need, in order to fulfill our God-given roles on earth. Especially the church's ministry itself, which cannot be done in the flesh without great shame—is eminently-depen-dent upon the grace of Christ.

Let us not be discouraged, if we are faithful (by grace) in our ministries. Let us thank God that He has equipped us, and honored us with His seal of love—all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Son is the fullness of God, and the church is the fullness of the Son of God.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Glory of God"]

Tues., 9/13/22 Devotion (2 Sam. 8:6b, 14b)

Today's encouragement comes from a collation of 2 Samuel 8, vv. 6b & 14b, where we read this refrain:

"The LORD preserved David wherever he went. . . . And the LORD preserved David wherever he went."

The Holy Spirit is certainly making a point here. David—the man subject to lots of dangers in his military exploits, and in his being the target of many scheming enemies—is preserved by the God who loved him so perfectly well. So it is with every faithful Christian churchman today: no matter how incred-ibly dangerous our life-path may be, our Heavenly Father protects us—as He is so good, tender, loving, gentle, and kind.

Let us never lose heart, if we belong to Christ. Our victory in Him is sure; and our safety is sealed by God Himself.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Our victory will be further realized as the new man immediately springs to action, and cheerfully fights against lust the moment it appears.” —John Owen, in, "The Mortification of Sin"]

Mon., 9/12/22 Devotion (Ps. 56:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 56:3, where David wrote these words:

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."

David was honest enough to admit that at some times he was "afraid." His re-solve here, by grace, was to turn his fear into an opportunity to exercise his faith in Christ. This is a very wise thing to do. Is there anything we can do, to prevent fearful events from coming into our lives? No. But we can make the best of them, by trusting God, through them.

After all, it is relatively "easy" to get on with life, when everything is going smoothly. The challenge is when things do not accord with what we conceive of as our "comfort zone." *That* is the time for us to demonstrate genuine faith in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What Satan did in tempting man to fall is made an occasion of the contrary to what he intended in that it gave occasion for God to glorify Himself all the more, and gives occasion for the elect being brought to higher happiness.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Wisdom of God"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/9-11/22 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is *almost* here! We get to go to church again! In order to help get us ready for Divine Worship, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"Adore the infinite wisdom and goodness of God that found out a way to just-ify us by 'rich grace and precious blood.' We were all involved in guilt; none of us could plead,'not guilty'; and being guilty, we lay under a sentence of death. Now that the Judge Himself should find out a way to justify us, and the credit-or Himself contrive a way to have the debt paid, and not distress the debtor, it should fill us with wonder and love.

"The angels admire the mystery of free grace in this new way of justifying and saving lost man, (1 Pet. 1:12); and should not we, who are nearly concerned in it, and on whom the benefit is devolved, cry out with the apostle, 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!'?"

Thurs., 9/8/22 Devotion (1 Cor. 13:13)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13, which says this:

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

Love is greater than faith and hope, because love, like Christ, salvation, and the church, lasts forever. As great as faith is—and it is *very* great because it is the grace by which we apprehend Christ and His righteousness—nonethe-less, in glory (heaven) it will not be necessary. The same can be said about hope, (which is also a marvelous mercy of God to us).

But love is special, because it will be perfected (and continued forever) in heaven; and it is to be our creed here on earth. True faith and true hope al-ways lead to inevitable (and invincible) love. Let us live in Christ's love today, and in so doing, bring God a lot of glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a sinful modesty in Christians that they are not more free with their ministers and other spiritual friends in unburdening them-selves and opening the sores and troubles of their souls to them.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Wed., 9/7/22 Devotion (Ps. 49:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 49:5, where we read these words:

"Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?"

The psalmist asks a very good question here (above). Is fear the proper re-sponse to "days of evil"? Is cowering before sinners what God requires of HIs churchmen, when "iniquity" "surrounds" us? Indeed, no. Instead, faith and re-sulting faithfulness is to be employed. Faith in Christ says, " 'The days of evil' will not intimidate me, or overwhelm me."

We do not need to deny that these are, “days of evil," in many ways; and yet we still have no cause for fear. It does not matter whether things in culture look promising, or foreboding—in any case the faithful church will glory in Jesus; and trust in our Sovereign God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The true God perfectly knows the circumstances of everyone who prays to Him throughout the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God"]

Tues., 9/6/22 Devotion (Ps. 48:9)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 48:9, where we read these words:

"We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, in the midst of Your temple."

Thinking on God's lovingkindness is a great thing to do. It is particularly good to do this in His "temple," (church). When we consider that we could well have been left out in the cold of sin and death—it is a wonder that any of us are brought into the embraces and kindnesses of God's love and forgiveness, in and through Jesus Christ alone.

Let us take time today to bless God for His goodness to us, in Christ. Sinners who are not grateful to God show, by their lack of thankfulness, that they are not true beneficiaries of His saving grace, and that they are still trapped in their iniquities.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man full of grace has Christ in his heart, and the world under his feet; grace humbles, yet elevates.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Mon., 9/5/22 Devotion (Ps. 46:1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 46:1 & 2a, where we read these words:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . . "

Christian fearlessness is never a result of the world’s notions of perceived safety or security. Instead, it is the result of God being "present" with us. The Lord "refuges" His true churchmen by cleansing our souls from sin by the blood of Christ. This, then, becomes the source of our strength.

Let all God's children be strong in the Lord Jesus. There is no sense in imag-ining that there will be a "trouble-free" existence down here—but with our God in our midst we have nothing to fear.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Ministers should work to promote God's glory. God has entrusted them with two of the most precious things: His truth, and the souls of His people.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 9/2-4/22 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his work entitled, "The Lord's Prayer." (He is dealing with the second petition, "Thy Kingdom Come,” here.) . . .

"God is a glorious King. 'Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory,' (Psa. 24:10). He has internal glory: 'The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty,' (Psa. 93:1). Other kings have royal and sumptuous ap-parel to make them appear glorious to beholders, but all their magnificence is borrowed. God is clothed with His own majesty; His own glorious essence is instead of royal robes, and 'He has girded Himself with strength.' Kings have their guard about them to defend their person, because they are not able to defend themselves; but God needs no guard or assistance from others. 'He has girded Himself with strength.' His own power is His lifeguard. 'Who in the heaven can be compared to the Lord?'

"Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?,' (Psa. 89:6). He has a preeminence above all other kings for majesty. 'He has on His vesture a name written, "Rex Regum," "KING OF KINGS," ' (Rev. 19:16). He has the highest throne, the richest crown, the largest dominions, and the longest possession. 'The Lord sits as King forever,' (Psa. 29:10). Though He has many heirs, yet no successors. He sets up His throne where no other king does; He rules the will and affections; His power binds the conscience. Angels serve Him; all the kings of the earth hold their crowns and diadems by immediate tenure from this great King. 'By Me kings reign,' (Prov. 8:15). To this Lord Jehovah all kings must give account, and from His tribunal there is no appeal."

Thurs., 9/1/22 Devotion (Ps. 40:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 40, v. 17a, which says this:

"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. . . . "

David wrote these words (above). He was "poor and needy" in that he knew he was bankrupt before God—having no righteousness of his own. All of Da-vid's favor with God came through his union (by faith) with Christ. But what I find most intriguing in this verse is the expression, "The LORD thinks upon me."

Can we picture the God who created the entire universe "thinking" on us, His individual churchmen? He does. We may not think of ourselves as particularly interesting—but the church, and the individual members therein are of pas-sionate interest to God. He "thinks" on us; and all His thoughts are for our good, our welfare, our betterment, and our prosperity. Let us think on Christ today, and thank God for His goodness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Do not say thus, 'I shall never be helped; I am in a sad condition and shall never be better.' . . . This you cannot say, for who knows what God will do?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]

Wed., 8/31/22 Devotion (Ps. 39:7)

Today's encouragement comes from the words of Psalm 39:7, which say this:

"And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You."

In vv. 4-6, David had surveyed his life, and determined that there was not really much to it, especially timeframe-wise. Now, it is as if he says to God, "In light of the brevity of my existence, what does it all amount to? What am I here for?" And the answer, by grace, is, "I am here for You, Lord. You are the only One I hope in."

What do we "wait for"? If it is for anything less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself we are wasting our lives, and our days. Let us put our hope in Him. Let us "wait" for Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "True gospel mourning begins in the love of God, and ends in the hatred of sin.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Tues., 8/30/22 Devotion (1 Sam. 23:14)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 23:14, where we read these words:

"And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand."

The devil, his demons, and God's human enemies pursue Christ's true churchmen "every day"; but thankfully, our loving Heavenly Father does not allow us to be delivered into their hands. There are times when it is appro-priate for us to hide in God's "strongholds"; and there are other times when we have to go on the offensive, and put our adversaries to flight (cf. Jas. 4:7).

In any case, there is never a permanent reprieve from this spiritual dynamic while we are down here as the church militant. At all times, we are to be watchful and diligent. In Christ, however, we always possess the victory, (cf. Rom. 8:37).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The fragrance of the graces of God's Spirit in His people, which is delightful to God and His saints, puts wicked men into a rage.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Mon., 8/29/22 Devotion (Ps. 37:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 37:1, where we read these words:

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; do not be envious of wrongdoers!” (ESV)

If any of us need a complete (and liberating) “re-setting” of our minds, as we live in a perversely corrupted fallen world—then I would strongly recommend a slow, prayerful reading of David’s great Psalm 37.

. . . As we ingest these words, and they form the continual nourishment of Christ in our souls—our perspectives get wondrously clarified, our fears total-ly vanish, our hope in Jesus flourishes; and our anticipation of the true church’s sure and steady advance and triumph is confirmed. Bless God for texts such as these!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us assure ourselves that God's grace, even in this imperfect state, is stronger than man's free will in the state of original per-fection.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/26-28/22 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here. We get to go back to church. In order to help get us ready for Worship, here is the great (and gentle) church under-shepherd John Calvin. These words come from his “Institutes of the Christian Religion.” . . .

“Our Lord generously offers Himself to us in His Son Jesus Christ, promising us through Him all happiness in place of our misery, all fullness in place of our poverty, and opening up to us in Him [Christ] all His heavenly treasures and riches, so that our faith may look wholly to His precious Son, our expectation be wholly directed to Him, and our hope rest entirely in Him. Here is a secret, hidden and unsuspected philosophy which cannot be grasped by means of syllogisms; but those understand it whose eyes our Lord has opened, so that in His light they plainly see."

Thurs., 8/25/22 Devotion (1 Sam. 17:26b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 17:26b, where we find David saying this:

" . . . For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

We have got to love David's heroic spirit here (above). He had a simple and sincere faith in God, so he could not understand why anyone would be afraid of a giant (Goliath). "Compared to The Lord, who is this Philistine?," would be David's way of thinking.

And so it is today. The church needs an army of "Davids," who will not cower before the blubbering, blustering, bloated "giants" of lies, idolatry, heresy, blasphemy, sodomy, and atheism—all of which are full of hot air and possess no substance. Let us, like David, take our stand on The Christ of the gospel of grace, and fight as the “army of the living God."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Such is the goodness of our sweet Savior that He delights still to show His strength in our weakness.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 8/24/22 Devotion (Ps. 32:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 32:1, where we read these words:

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

If sins are covered—and only the shed blood of God’s priceless Son can ac-complish this—then a person is truly blessed (or genuinely happy). If sins are not covered, then that person who bears them can in no way be truly happy, or at peace.

Forgiven people are not sinless; but the guilt of their trespasses is forever re-moved, and their iniquity is not "imputed" to them, (see v. 2). Instead, Christ's perfect righteousness *is* imputed to them. Who are these most-magnificent-ly blessed human beings? Regenerated Christian churchmen—who do not trust in themselves, but in Jesus alone.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We then, who are Christians, having made a vow to Christ in baptism, and so often renewed it in the blessed sacrament [of the Lord's Supper], should, with much contentment, choose rather to suffer than violate our sacred oath.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Content-ment"]

Tues., 8/23/22 Devotion (Rom. 13:14)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 13:14, where we read these words:

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to ful-fill its lusts."

How do we "put on the Lord Jesus Christ"? It is an intentional act of a regen-erated will, that, by faith, covers one's soul with Jesus and His righteousness—much like a person would put on an outer garment. When we "put on Jesus," we are, of necessity, also "taking off" everything that is in opposition to Him, viz. all known sin.

The "flesh" will always be with us in this world. The way to “crucify" it, is not by trying to take it on in our own strength. We are no match for it. Instead, we “suffocate” the flesh via our spiritual “overcoat,” Who is the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The flesh has no power against the Son of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Therefore, now go to Jesus, the Supreme Head of the church and Bishop of souls. . . . He ever lives to provide for His church, and to guide and feed HIs flock.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Sorrows of the Bereaved Spread before Jesus"]

Mon., 8/22/22 Devotion (1 Sam. 14:45b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 14:45b, where we read these interesting words:

"As the LORD lives, not one hair of his [Jonathan's] head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day."

The people of Israel (here, above) are saving Jonathan, Saul's son, from Saul's ridiculous plan to kill him. The words they use in their defense of Jona-than are interesting ones: "he [Jonathan] has worked with God this day." There is a legitimate sense in which Christians "work with God”—not only in the world, preaching the gospel and conquering His foes; but even in the sanctification process, whereby our new man in Christ "cooperates" with The Spirit's work which conforms us into our Savior’s image. Nonetheless, we ab-solutely NEVER work “with God” for our justification. We are entirely passive in it, as it comes to us as a priceless gift of God’s grace.

In the proper sense of the term, may all of us believers be found to be "work-ing with God" today, as we fully trust in Jesus our blessed Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We cannot of ourselves think a good thought (2 Cor. 3:5), but the Spirit elevates and fixes our hearts on God.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]