Tues., 10/31/23 Devotion (2 Ki. 13:23)

Happy Reformation Day—as today we celebrate the 506th anniversary of the start of that great work of God’s Spirit in His church and the world!

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 13:23, where we read these words:

"But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regard-ed them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence."

This is a wonderful verse (above). The reason the redeemed church is truly secure, and is not subject to the judgment we all deserve, is because of God's covenant with us in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father beholds the blood of His Son's atonement, and He is satisfied that His righteous wrath against our sin is fully and justly expended (on Christ).

Let us in the church never abuse or take for granted this most-blessed privi-lege. Instead, let us make sure that our hearts are full of love for God—blessing and thanking Him for His kindness and generosity to us (in Christ).

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

Mon., 10/30/23 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:1)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 2:1, where we read these words:

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

This is a lovely verse. In what are we to be "strong"? The "grace that is in Christ Jesus." What *is* this grace? It is Personal grace—that is more than sufficient to meet all of our specific, everyday and eternal needs. How are we to be "strong" in this grace? By faith in The Person of Christ Jesus. When we believe God, that He will answer our prayers which we offer through Jesus, and that He will help us in our needs—it greatly honors Him.

The thing for us to avoid, is the idea that we need to do something *before* we can be strong in Christ's grace. The truth is that this special strength comes to us as we appropriate to our hearts The Person of the Lord Jesus Himself by faith. Are we weak today? Let us put our faith in Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For from our neglect of prayer comes that dead-ness of spirit, that worldly-mindedness and unaptness to pray, to hear the Word, and to keep the Sabbath.” —John Preston, in his sermon entitled, "The Saint's Daily Exercise"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/27-29/23 Devotion

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

"What greater unthankfulness can there be than to despise any help that Christ in mercy has provided for us? In the days of His flesh the proud Phari-sees took offense at His familiar conversing with sinful men, though He only did so as a physician to heal their souls. What defenses was Paul driven to make for himself, for his plainness in unfolding the gospel? The more Christ, in Himself and in His servants, shall descend to exalt us, the more we should, with all humility and readiness, entertain that love and magnify the goodness of God, that has put the great work of our salvation, and laid the government, upon so gentle a Savior as will carry Himself so mildly in all things wherein He is to deal between God and us, and us and God. The lower Christ comes down to us, the higher let us lift Him up in our hearts. So will all those do that have ever found the experience of Christ's work in their hearts."

Thurs., 10/26/23 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 were (like them) starving to death.

So is it the case with the gospel. We churchmen who, by grace, feed on Christ and His goodness every Lord’s Day and even throughout the week, ought to have compassion and concern for those who do not. What do we have to offer them? The Person of Jesus Christ, His atonement, forgiveness, and salvation. We are all by nature spiritual lepers. Our only hope for health and cleansing is the blood of the Son of God.

[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"]

Wed., 10/25/23 Devotion (2 Ki. 6:33b)

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

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

The irony is that the first thing the king of Israel said (above) was essentially true. God does send “calamity” on sinners—but always for their ultimate good, to turn them to Christ. The second part of his speech is where the problem comes in. . . .

When we are pressed with troubles or calamities, even if they are “from the LORD”—our best attitude is one of patience, not impatience. Let us remem-ber that we are the problem, not God; and let us humble ourselves, and find all our relief in our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows,” (Isa. 53:4).

[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., 10/23/23 Devotion (Ps. 116:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 116:1, where we read these words:

"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications."

Among many other reasons, here is an eminent one for us to wholeheartedly *love* God: He hears the prayers of His true, suffering, “poor” church saints. The psalmist had been struggling mightily, but God delivered him from all his distress. 

This fallen world is a dangerous place, filled with a lot of spiritual traps, snares, false gospels, and false hopes. Even the true people of God are tempted to imbibe of them. When, by grace, we find ourselves desperate, and at the “ends” of our “ropes,” let us cry out to God through our faith in Jesus Christ, and receive His kind, miraculous, and liberating mercy.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Although to true religion there must indeed be something else besides affection, yet true religion consists so much in the af-fections that there can be no true religion without them.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in, "A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/20-22/23 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here! As we prepare for the Lord's Day, here is some encouragement from Thomas Watson’s, "A Body of Divinity” book.

"Though nothing can add to God’s essential glory, yet praise exalts Him in the eyes of others. When we praise God, we spread His fame and renown; we display the trophies of His excellency. In this manner the angels glorify Him; they are the choristers of heaven, and do trumpet forth His praise.

"Praising God is one of the highest and purest acts of religion. In prayer we act like men; in praise we act like angels. Believers are called ‘temples of God,’ (1 Cor. 3:16). When our tongues praise, then the organs in God’s spirit-ual temple are sounding."

Thurs., 10/19/23 Devotion (2 Thess. 1:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:3a, where we read these words:

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly . . . "

We do not usually think of faith as "growing." What does this mean? It refers to the fact that saving faith, which is a gift of God in regeneration, begins to be applied to more and more situations and circumstances of life. Instead of solely touching on salvation—growing faith begins to impress itself on other (and vast) tracts of everyday experiences.

Therefore, what is it that we have to face today? Whatever that is, it is to be subject to our faith in Jesus—the same miraculous faith God gave us when He joined us to our Savior in His church. Faith in Christ is to swallow-up all of our problems. Remember: faith alone pleases God, (cf. Heb. 11:6).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A believing soul dares venture his name, his es-tate, his life, yea, his eternal life on God. He dares to put them all into His hands.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 10/18/23 Devotion (1 Ki. 22:14)

Today’s encouragement comes from 1 Kings 22:14, where we read these words:

“But Micaiah said, 'As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.’ “ (ESV)

Faithful and truly-called church ministers of Christ’s gospel would literally rather die, than fail to deliver the message God lays on their hearts. Micaiah (above) was being encouraged to join the false prophets, and speak words that the wicked King Ahab wanted to hear. But Micaiah refused to do this. He was but one against 400 (false) prophets.

Even today, real pastors are urged to “fudge” on the truth, and to “tickle the ears” of sinners. Worse than that, they are pressured to “ease-up” on sin, and especially not to make it too “personal.” But God’s faithful servants do Christ, His church, and the world the most good (by far) when they are true to Jesus, and preach to people what they really need to hear.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Nothing in all the world can deliver from the fear of death but forgiveness of sin, and then this makes a man look on the Day of Judgment with comfort.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in a book of his sermons, en-titled, "Gospel Remission"]

Tues., 10/17/23 Devotion (Dan. 2:44)

Today's encouragement comes from Daniel 2:44, where we read these words:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."

Daniel is speaking to Nebuchadnezzar here, and is explaining the king's dream. The "kingdom" that Daniel is referring to here, is the establishment of, and the proliferation of the New Covenant church, by our Lord Jesus Christ. This kingdom is now in the process of "break[ing] in[to] pieces" all opposing "kingdoms.”

Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome all fell to King Jesus, who was in-carnated during Rome’s day in the sun. Now, there is one supreme kingdom, (the elect/redeemed church); and one absolute Sovereign, the God/Man Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Many, in a fit of terror, are willing to do or to suffer anything to keep out of hell and go to heaven; but when the fit is over, they will not deny themselves and take up the cross to follow Christ.” —Isaac Am-brose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Mon. 10/16/23 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:4)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:4, where we read these words:

"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts."

The ministers of the faithful church who are truly called by God are sent to speak to all people everywhere the gospel of Christ's grace. But they are to do so with their minds on God first. He is our principal “Audience.” What is it that *God* wants us to say? This is what must be preached. The faithful clergy do not poll the people, to determine what they want to hear. Instead, they "poll" the Lord, in order to know what He would have them proclaim.

This principle is then passed down to the entire church, wherein the people of God begin to think this way, too. They begin to ask, "What is it that Christ would have me do, and say?" This is the way to be effective for Jesus in the world. Then, when God "tests our hearts," we pass with flying colors—be-cause of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is in the ship of His church; do not fear sink-ing. The church's anchor is cast in heaven. Do we not think that God loves His church, and takes as much care of it as we can?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/13-15/23 Devotion

Praise 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 requited [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 who He will have mercy."

Thurs., 10/12/23 Devotion (Col. 2:9-10)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 2:9 & 10, which says this:

"For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."

Regenerated baptized churched Christians are *already* “complete" in Jesus. We do not need to wait for some future event, to be made whole, full, or satis-fied. Believers' “completion" is a *past* reality, sealed at the cross and resur-rection of Jesus; and applied to the hearts of the saints in time and space.

Perhaps today some of us are *feeling* less than complete. If we are in Christ, we *are* complete—even though we may not currently sense it. Our "completion" can be in no one *other* than Jesus. If we are trying to find it in another person, a saint, an angel, or any other practice, being, or doctrine—then we are certain to be disappointed. But not so with Christ: He has secur-ed His church's fullness *already* in Himself—and for all times to come.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Some set their bags of money always before them, others set the fear of men always before them, but a wise Christian will set God, judgment, and eternity always before him.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart"]

Wed., 10/11/23 Devotion (Col. 1:16a)

Today's encouragement comes from Colossians 1:16a, where we read these words of Paul:

"For by Him [Christ] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible . . . “

The Triune God created everything that is—everything that has real essence; and this was accomplished through The Second Person of The Holy Trinity, Christ, The Word of God. Everything that possesses actual (positive) exist-ence was made through The Logos (Word/Christ) of God. Sin and evil, having no real essence, have no actual “being”—they are only privations of truly good things (created by God).

In the beauty of this season of Fall, let us thank God for His power and glory in His creation. But let us do this with an eye to something even greater: the re-creation of dead souls, who now make up the regenerated members of the body (church) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The hypocrite takes more care to make a covenant than to keep it, and is more studious to enter into religion than that religion should enter into him.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart"]

Tues., 10/10/23 Devotion (Php. 4:6-7)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's great words, as they are found in Philippians 4:6 & 7:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Because the Lord is "at hand," (v. 5), the church is urged to "be anxious for nothing," but rather to pray. We believers in Christ often find it hardest to pray, at the very moment we most need to. Let this not discourage us. God is graci-ous; He hears the groans of the hearts of His children. In Jesus, our Father gives us a calm in the midst of ours storms; and solace in times of greatest need.

Let us not hesitate to bring any of our burdens to our good and gracious God today, in prayer—all through Jesus Christ our perfect Mediator.

[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"]

Mon., 10/9/23 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 92:13 & 14, where we read these great words:

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "

Where are we "planted” on the earth today? Are we *mostly* invested in our business, academic, or civic concerns; and/or our family and home responsi-bilities? If so, then we will be eventually be uprooted by the storms of life on a fallen planet. Only those who are firmly ingrafted into Christ and His church (“house of the Lord” above) are able to withstand the forces set against us. On top of this, we are also able to remain "fruitful" all the way to our last breath.

Let us love Who and what God Himself loves: Christ and His church. As we do this, we are invincible. Nothing that the world, the flesh, or the devil shoots at us can bring us down.

[Puritan quote of the day: "No matter what storms I meet with, I know where to put in for harbor. He who has God to be his God is so well contented with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Thurs., 10/5/23 Devotion (Eph. 5:1-2)

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

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

What an honor is is for the church to be exhorted to "be imitators of God.” But how do we copy the perfect, holy, righteous, powerful, and good Lord of heav-en and earth? There is only one way this may be accomplished: by being His offspring, His children. This is what we regenerated churchmen *are*: the spiritual "descendants" of the one, only, and true Triune God. We are adopted into the church family of God through faith in Jesus (the Father's "natural" Son). . . .

And our God is a perfectly good Father. He has provided atonement for the souls of all His children; and He loves His own supremely, and wonderfully—all in Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those who converse much with God have shining hearts and shining lives.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in "Hope"]

Wed., 10/4/23 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.' " ' "

Let us 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. Let us (rather) listen to the word of God, as it is proclaimed in the church from faithful pulpits.

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

Tues., 10/3/23 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 genera-tions, forever and ever. Amen."

God gets His greatest levels of glory in His Son Jesus through His elect and redeemed church—more than anywhere else. The reason for this, is because the forgiven souls (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 totally focus our spiritual eyes on Christ. As we do this, we will be the praise- and Spirit-filled church. Let us do all this by grace, through faith in Jesus alone.

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

Mon., 10/2/23 Devotion (Eph. 2:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:8 & 9, where we find these remarkable words:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

We sinners are not saved by anything we do. We did not even conjure up our faith in Christ. These truths can be extremely hard for us to accept, because we are so geared in our natural flesh to believing the exact opposite. After the Fall of man in the Garden, all works commensurate with justification went out the window, (but our memory of them never left us).

To seek to be redeemed by works, or to supposedly sustain a relationship with God through works is a great affront to Christ and the gospel. If we could be saved by what we do, why would God the Father send His precious Son to die on a cruel cross for us helpless sinners? Let us be grateful that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. This pleases God; and it brings us the best of everything—all in our Redeemer.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition." —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]