Fri.-Sabbath, 6/30-7/2/23 Devotion

Praise God—the Lord’s Day is almost here again. We get to go back to church! Here are some great words from England’s finest theologian ever, John Owen. This comes from Banner of Truth’s edition of his, “The Glory of Christ.” . . .

“Only a sight of Christ’s glory, and nothing else, will truly satisfy God’s people. The hearts of believers are like a magnetized needle which cannot rest until it is pointing north. So also, a believer, magnetized by the love of Christ, will al-ways be restless until he or she comes to Christ and beholds His glory. . . .

“So it is only as we behold the glory of Christ by faith here in this world that our hearts will be drawn more and more to Christ and to the full enjoyment of the sight of His glory hereafter.

“It is by beholding the glory of Christ by faith that we are spiritually edified and built up in this world, for as we behold His glory, the life and power of faith grow stronger and stronger. It is by faith that we grow to love Christ. . . . "

Thurs., 6/29/23 Devotion (Matt. 10:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 10:28, where our Lord Jesus said this:

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Practically-speaking, fear is a major issue everyone must face everyday. Will we fear fallen humans; or will we fear God? If we fear fallen humans, then we will not fear God; and if we fear God, then we will not fear fallen humans. Do we have faith in Christ? Do we believe the soul is of infinite value? Do we be-lieve that this present body will someday die; and that it will be resurrected? If so, then why would we fear fallen humans?

. . . Failure to fear God will certainly, in the end, turn out to be much more frightening, than anything a fellow-sinner could do to us. Let us trust Christ, love Him, and properly fear God through our awe of Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "As the restraint of a sin is gladness to a godly man, so falling into a sin is a matter of trouble, sorrow, and tears to him.”

—Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Wed., 6/28/23 Devotion (Ps. 121:1-2)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 121:1 & 2, where these great words are found:

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

When the Old Covenant church members looked upon the hills around Jeru-salem, the one that especially caught their eye was Mt. Zion, on which was built the temple. Beholding this sight would raise the faithful saints' spiritual eyes even higher, to heaven itself, where God dwells in unapproachable light. We New Covenant-era believers do the same thing. Having beheld with the eyes of faith the glory of Christ—we simultaneously raise our hearts, prayers, and thoughts to the highest heaven, where our Messiah is interceding for us.

Do we need help today? Let us look to our Redeemer, by faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing within us that could justify, but something outside of us; not any righteousness inherent, but imputed. We may as well look for a star in the earth as for justification in our own right-eousness.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 6/27/23 Devotion (Matt. 7:29)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 7:29, where we read these words:

" . . . for He [Jesus] taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

All truly-called church ministers of the gospel are commanded to preach and teach "with all authority," as per this verse above, and Titus 2:15. Christ and His pastors (elders) are the ones on the earth uniquely vested with the legiti-mate authority to teach the world the truth about the most important things—particularly those things that relate to God, Christ, and the gospel of grace.

The scribes were weak, vacillating, and tentative. Jesus was strong, certain, and sure. Regenerate Christians actually long for authoritative preaching; false Christians cannot stand it. In truth, it is to the advantage of all people that the gospel of Jesus’ grace goes forth clearly and boldly.

[Puritan quote of the day: "But yet the greater instruments the Lord raises up for His glory, the greater service He calls them unto, the greater things may we hope He intends for His church.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excel-lency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Mon., 6/26/23 Devotion (Matt. 6:33)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 6:33, where we read these words:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

People would get everything they needed, if they would *first* seek that which they refuse to look for (in their fallen state): namely, Christ, in the context of His true church. All worry is a result of misplaced priorities. In Matt. 6, we are told not to worry about what we wear, or eat, etc. The Messiah promises us that, if we seek Him and His kingdom, all these things will all be added to us.

God is not cruel with us; He is kind to us. He knows the needs of His children; and He loves us so thoroughly as to remind us of our greater (and more pro-found need): to seek Him in Christ alone.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We should not look at our services to God only as duties enjoined, but as high privileges, as dignities put upon us that we should glory in His service.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 6/23-25/23 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday, the Lord's Day! Here are the words of the great Pastor Richard Sibbes. This snippet comes from a treatise of his, entit-led, "Denial of the Best for the Church's Benefit.” . . .

"A second thing that I observe hence is this, holy and gracious men, that are led by the Spirit of God, can deny themselves and their own best good for the church's benefit. They know that God has appointed them as instruments to convey good to others; and knowing this, they labor to come to Paul's spirit [seen in Philippians 1:21-26]. For it would be much better for a good man to be in heaven, out of misery, and out of this conflicting condition with the devil and devilish-minded men.

"The reason is, because a good man, as soon as he is a good man, has the spirit of love in him, and 'love seeks not its own,' (1 Cor. 13:6), but the good of another . . . "

Thurs., 6/22/23 Devotion (Isa. 54:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 54:17, where the prophet wrote these great words:

" 'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the ser-vants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the LORD."

God's servants may take great comfort from this divine promise. Satan and evil (religious) people form unholy alliances against God's ministers and churches. And though they rage, and create a fuss, they are never success-ful. The reason for all this is because of the latter part of this verse: the saints' righteousness is from God (through Jesus Christ alone). If righteousness had anything to do with us sinners, then the devil and his horde would overwhelm us. But, since our righteousness is from Christ alone, and is His gift of grace to us—all those of us who are in Jesus and His true church are safe.

Let us joyfully trust in Jesus and His gospel of grace today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christi-anity. An error about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 6/21/23 Devotion (Debt. 26:11)

Today's encouragement comes from Deuteronomy 26:11, where we read this:

"So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.”

Do we realize that it is sinful not to be thankful for our temporal blessings? Do we know that it is horrible ingratitude to despise God's good gifts? Some peo-ple, imaging themselves to be too "spiritual" to appreciate anything temporal, look down their noses at the Lord's provisions to them.

God is not honored by thanklessness for "normal" gifts to us, (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-5). Those who love Jesus, His gospel, and His church, will also rejoice in every other sweet thing coming to us from heaven. Let us give God praise and thanks for *all* His good provision.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God rewards His subjects in this life. He gives them inward peace and joy; a bunch of grapes by the way; and oft-times rich-es and honor.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 6/20/23 Devotion (Isa. 52:7)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 52:7, where we find these great words:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' "

When messengers from battlefields brought news of their nation's victory, they were a welcome sight, indeed. When God's pastors bring to His people tidings of Jesus' victory over sin, Satan, the world, and our old flesh—it is cause for great celebration. The cross and resurrection of our Savior Jesus is the sure sign that our God "reigns."

Let the church both enjoy the benefits of, and proclaim the truth of the Gospel of grace. As we do so, our lives, and even our "feet," will be very comely vis-ages.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you do not have a spirit to love God above your dearest earthly friends, and your most pleasant earthly enjoyments, the Scrip-tures are very plain and full that you are not true Christians.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in his sermon entitled, "Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer"]

Mon., 6/19/23 Devotion (Isa. 50:2b)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 50:2b, where we read these words:

" . . . Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? . . . “

Sometimes we are tempted to think that our worst struggles *really are* be-yond the reach, even of God Himself. But, in truth, are any our trials too hard for the Lord? They are not. We might be asking, "If this is the case, then why has He not answered my prayers, and relieved me of my particular burden?”

. . . This is a legitimate question. Only God knows the answer (absolutely). But, it is certain that the Lord allows us to continue with certain difficulties for our good. Perhaps these things "ballast" our souls, and keep us humble. Without doubt, they are designed by God to cause us to always have to rely on Christ and His grace. Surely, this is the best way for us to look at it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To suppose a man is justified by his own virtue or obedience derogates [takes away from] the honor of the Mediator

[Christ] . . . “ —Jonathan Edwards, in "Justification By Faith Alone"]

Mon., 6/12/23 Devotion (Isa. 43:10b)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 43:10b, where we read these words:

"Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me."

Sometimes children ask, "Who made God?" No one made God, because God is in a unique category of existence—"necessary” existence. This is some-thing that no other reality shares with Him (The Triune Deity). But the Scrip-ture's teaching about God's aseity and eternality is not given to us so that we may have interesting philosophical knowledge and discussions—instead, it is bequeathed to us to spur us on to trust Him in the Lord Jesus, the very One who became one of us.

Let us humbly accept the obvious fact that a God exists; and then let us go much further than that, and believe His gospel of grace in our precious Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A repenting person fears and sins not; a graceless person sins and fears not.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 6/9-11/23 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again. We get to go back to church, to corporately worship our Triune God. In order to help us get ready, here are some wonderful words from the eminent English (17th century) theologian John Owen. It comes from his amazing “Christologia” book. (It is a long, but glorious, sentence. Try to stay with it[!]) . . .

“The glory, life, and power of Christian religion—as Christian religion, and as seated in the souls of men—with all the acts and duties which properly belong thereunto, and are, therefore, peculiarly Christian; and all the benefits and privileges we receive by it, or by virtue of it—with the whole of the honor and glory that arise unto God thereby—have all of them their formal nature and reason from their respect and relation unto the Person of Christ; nor is he a Christian who is otherwise minded.” [Italics mine]

Thurs., 6/8/23 Devotion (Isa. 41:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 41:10, where we read these great words:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will streng-then you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

These (above) are very encouraging words. Are we harried today? Do we feel like things are spinning a bit "out of control"? If so, then let us stop, and re-af-firm our humble but real faith in Christ. The Lord will not forsake us. Instead, He will sustain us—especially in our toughest times.

This promise is not for everyone—(although it is held out to everyone). In-stead, it is the exclusive privilege of the true church of Christ. Therefore, let us look to our Savior, the faith we have in Him (which is His gift to us), our baptisms, and our assurance of God’s perfect love for us in Jesus. Let us not look to our circumstances, but to our beloved Messiah.

[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Get your self-love mortified, even religious self-love.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]