Fri.-Sabbath, 12/29-31/23 Devotion

Happy New Year, everyone!

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Ten Command-

ments.” . . .

"Faith in Christ is acceptable to God because it is a self-denying grace; it makes a man go out of himself, renounce all self-righteousness, and wholly rely on Christ for justification. It is very humble; it confesses its own indigence [poverty], and lives wholly upon Christ. . . .

"Faith is a grace acceptable to God, because by faith we present a righte-ousness to Him which best pleases Him: we bring the righteousness of Christ into court, which is called 'the righteousness of God,’ (2 Cor 5:21). To bring Christ's righteousness, is to bring Benjamin with us. A believer may say, 'Lord, it is not the righteousness of Adam, or of the angels, but of Christ who is God-Man, that I bring before You.' The Lord cannot but smell a sweet savor in Christ's righteousness."

Thurs., 12/28/23 Devotion (Rev. 19:6b)

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 19:6b, where we read these words:

"Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!"

Are we not glad that this statement above is true—today? It does not say, "The Lord *will* reign someday”; or, “Christ's reign means that everything goes according to our desires and without a hitch." The sovereign rule of our Messiah—between His resurrection and the great Judgment Day—is a do-minion from the midst of a redeemed church, which (in its militant state) finds itself in a fallen world.

Let us not be too moved by troubles, trials, tribulations, wars and rumors of wars; or by anything else, be it good or bad. Over all these things our triune Lord God Omnipotent reigns.

[Puritan quote of the day: "You have a good God, a good Christ, and a good gospel.” —Obadiah Sedgwick, in, "The Anatomy of Secret Sins"]

Wed., 12/27/23 Devotion (Zech. 14:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Zechariah 14:8 & 9, where we read these words:

"And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—'The LORD is one,' And His name one.”

This day *has* occurred, as Jesus inaugurated it in His first Advent, and cul-minated it in His resurrection, and the pouring out of His Spirit on His church at Pentecost. Now, the whole earth: east and west, north and south, are all fed by Christ from heaven, as He brokers His blessings through His church on earth.

The “oneness" of God was amplified in Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, of John, ch. 17, (cf. v. 11, for an example). The believing church is made covenantally "one" with the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. For these unspeakable blessings let us give thanks to the Lord.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There is nothing that we do or can do, nothing that angels do or can do for us, that can reconcile us to God; but we are reconcil-ed to God in Christ.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Reconciliation"]

Tues., 12/26/23 Devotion (2 Chron. 29:5b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 29:5b, where we read these words:

" . . . Sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place."

Chapter 29 of 2 Chronicles gives us in the faithful church a good model for the restoration of the world, following years of apostasy and sin. The doors of the church are to be repaired and opened first; then, the ministers are gather-ed and consecrated to the Lord; and finally, the people come, contribute, and worship (according to God's own design).

But one of the first necessities is the carrying out of the "rubbish from the holy place," (see above). We have the privilege and responsibility of thoroughly ridding the church and her worship of all the man-made clutter that has de-prived the God of heaven of His rightful due, and sinners of a clear view of Jesus. But before we can take the garbage out of the sanctuary, we must be cleansed in our own hearts, through faith in the purifying blood of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Tell me, saints, is it not a more sweet, comfortable, and delightful thing to look more upon one another's graces than upon one another's infirmities?” —Thomas Brooks, in, "United we Stand"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/22-24/23 Devotion

Merry Christmas. everyone!

Here is the devotion. . . .

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

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

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

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

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

Thurs., 12/21/23 Devotion (Jn. 11:26b)

Today's encouragement comes from the few words of John 11:26b, where we read this:

" . . . Do you believe this?"

Our Lord Jesus asked this question (above), of Martha, the sister of Lazarus. Christ is asking her if she believes a body of doctrine that He had just taught her—regarding Himself (Jesus), the veracity (power) of faith, and the resur-rection of the dead.

Such is the nature of all good doctrine, and of the churchman's belief in it: when rightly-construed it (good doctrine) always directs the believer to the Person of the God/Man Jesus Christ. The difference between a regenerated Christian and the devil himself, is not that we believe different things about historical facts—but that the true saint's faith resides ultimately in the Person and atoning sacrifice of the Redeemer (Jesus).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man by faith may come into the presence of God with open mouth and speak all his mind unto God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Wed., 12/20/23 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 text (above) pretty well sums-up the religious life of all professing Chris-tians. So long as we stay close to the Lord, and hence find ourselves 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, dirt, and dung.

What a contrast: on one hand, we have communion with the God who creat-ed all things, and has re-created His church saints into the image of Jesus; and on the other hand, we end up bowing down to things infinitely below us. Let all of us 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"]

Tues., 12/19/23 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 fallen earth, and has spread out over all the globe (through the ex-tension of His church—as she preaches the gospel of grace).

Basically, that exact same pattern is the one for all true churchmen to fol-low today (and in every age): to be grounded (by grace through faith) in Jesus; 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., 12/18/23 Devotion (2 Chron. 21:20a)

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

"He [King Jehoram] was thirty-two years old when he became king. He reign-ed in Jerusalem eight years and, to no one’s sorrow, departed [died]."

To me, this is one of the most tragically-comical texts in all the Bible. The vile Judean king Jehoram finally "kicks the bucket," after suffering grievously in his body, because of all his flagrant rebellion against the Lord, and his unre-pented-of sins—and nobody is sad about it. Instead, if anything, the people of Judah are relieved.

Some human beings leave nothing but shame and disgrace behind them, after they depart this life. On the contrary, the memory of the Chriist-loving Christian churchman always brings joy to the saints, and glory to God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Never think to be kings when you die, and slaves while you live. The crown of glory is for conquerors, not for captives.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/15-17/23 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "The Happiness of Drawing Near to God” book. . . .

"How we are capable of drawing near to God. . . . By nature we are in opposi-tion to God, (Col. 1:21)—as alienated and enemies. How then can we ap-proach near to God? Answer: It is through a Mediator. Jesus Christ is the screen between us and divine justice. Christ as our High Priest assumes our flesh. Christ's flesh is called a 'veil,' (Heb. 10:20).

"As Moses when his face shone so exceedingly bright put a veil upon it, and then Israel was able to approach near to him and look upon him—so Christ having veiled Himself with our human nature, makes it possible for us to now draw near to God and behold Him."

Thurs., 12/14/23 Devotion (Jn. 4:22)

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

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

This is a very bold and highly politically-incorrect assertion that our blessed Messiah makes here. He is essentially teaching that all who worship false gods (or even misguided concoctions of the true God—[as was the case with the Samaritan woman to whom Jesus spoke these words]) were blind in their devotion, and did not know their deity. Then, Christ has the audacity to affirm that "salvation is of the Jews.” The Redeemer would not come from any other ethnicity—He would be the fulfillment of all God’s promises to His church.

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

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

Tues., 12/12/23 Devotion (Jn. 1:14a)

Today's encouragement comes from John 1:14a, where we read these amaz-ing words:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . “

This word "Flesh" is quite strong. It connotes a sense of the Son of God fully entering into our fallenness and its resulting misery, etc.—yet, of course, with no sin of His own (either original or actual). The glorious fact of the Incarna-tion has *perpetual* power. The still flesh-bound Messiah’s body is in heaven today, but this reality does not mean that He is not *just as* active in His church now (as He was in the days of His bodily earthly sojourn).

Therefore, in this joyous Advent season, let all God’s humble and faithful churchmen remember that The One who "became flesh" for us is *still* with us, (“Immanuel”). He has made His church "bone of His bone," etc., (cf. Eph. 5:30).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The happiness of man consists in communion with God and conformity to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 12/11/23 Devotion (2 Chron. 12:12)

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

"When he [King Rehoboam] humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, so as not to destroy him completely; and things also went well in Judah."

It is amazing, what a little (but genuine) humility will do for any one of us. God was about ready to "clean Rehoboam's clock" for his idolatry—but when the prophet came and rebuked him, he (the king) repented. God seems to be practically unable to look on a contrite soul with anything but grace, mercy, and divine pity.

This is the glory of the believing and faithful churched Christian: he or she comes to the Holy God in Christ alone—which is the ultimate expression of sincere humility. No works are trusted in, nor any alleged self-righteousness—but only the righteousness of The Pristine Savior (plus nothing).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Are your sins high as heaven? The mercies of God are above the heavens.” —Isaac Ambrose, in, "The Christian Warrior"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/8-10/23 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help us get 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). God 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 in the place 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 oth-ers. '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). God 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). God 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 He has no successors. God sets up His throne where no other king does; He rules the will and the affections; His power binds the con-science. Angels serve Him; all the kings of the earth hold their crowns and diadems by immediate permission from this great King. 'By Me kings reign,' (Prov. 8:15). To this Lord Yahweh all kings must give account, and from His tribunal there is no appeal."

Thurs., 12/7/23 Devotion (2 Jn. 10)

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

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

These (above) are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Are not sweet and kind Christian people supposed to listen to anyone? Are we not to be open to everyone's opinion on God and “truth"? Ac-tually, the answer, is, “no." Authentic love rejects error—and it does this, not just for the benefit of the true believer, but also for the sake of the proponent of heresy.

Does our spurning of heretics and heresies mean we do not try to reach these poor lost sinners bound-up in lethal error? No, it does not mean that. Here is the rule we should seek to live by: let us gently inform the proclaimers of works-righteousness that it will be *us*, and not them, that will do the evan-gelizing. If they are willing to hear us, may God graciously work in their hearts!

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

Wed., 12/6/23 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 long prayer of the dedication of the temple, was fully and finally answered when Jesus Christ came to earth in His Incarnation, (which we celebrate in this Advent Season). 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 (His dwelling place on earth).

Whatever struggles or difficulties we may be facing today may be much-eas-ed by the faithful reflection of our souls on this blessed truth: that Immanuel is with us, here and now, in Jesus.

[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"]

Tues., 12/5/23 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 Gospel accounts where I can recall that the Son of God actually "looked up” at/to any man. Zacchaeus, the once-proud, swin-dling tax collector, is now humbled, and honored (by Jesus' presence in his heart, and his house).

Zacchaeus' conversion was thorough, beautiful, and remarkable. He was a comprehensively new man. From now on, the former-cheater would always "look up" to 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 knew how much benefit would accrue to the saints through his temptations, he would quit tempting.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Mon., 12/4/23 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, through Jesus Christ. 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 our Heavenly Father de-lays answering some of our prayers solely because He wants us still com-ing back to Him.

If we weary in prayer, and give up on it—it is the same thing (practically-speaking) as giving up on our belief in Christ. That is a serious matter. May we keep praying to God, all the while leaving our requests in His ca-pable, 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 Wat-son, in his sermon entitled, "The Beauty of Grace"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/1-3/23 Devotion

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

"We glorify God, by praising Him. Doxology, or praise, is a God-exalting work. Ps. 50:23: ‘Whoever offers praise glorifies Me.’ The Hebrew word 'Bara,' to create, and 'Barak,' to praise, are [only a] little different, because the end of creation is to praise God. David was called the sweet singer of Israel, and his praising God was called glorifying God. Ps. 86:12: ‘I will praise You, O Lord my God, and I will glorify Your name.’

"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 spiritual tem-ple are sounding."