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"]