Wed., 1/31/24 Devotion (Gen. 32:1-2a)

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

"So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is God’s camp.' . . . "

Jacob felt alone and vulnerable. Soon, he would be meeting-up with his (pre-viously very angry) brother Esau. But God's angels "met" him. Jacob en-countered these angels while he was simply walking with the Lord. When Jacob saw the angels, he deduced that this must be a special place—so he called it "God's camp."

As we Christian churchmen walk with Christ today—even perhaps while we may be feeling a bit “isolated”—let us remember that there are more with us than against us, (cf. 2 Ki. 6:16). When God opens our eyes to this fact, we en-joy ourselves in Jesus, as we "set up camp” in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Is it not comfortable being in heaven? He that en-joys much of God in this life carries heaven about him.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Tues., 1/30/24 Devotion (Esth. 7:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Esther 7:10, where we read these words:

"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided."

Our Lord Jesus was hung on a cross, paying for the sins of all God's elect church. The cross (death and hell) was what *we* deserved for our sins. The perfect and pristine Son of God took our place on the cross (even as Haman died where he had designed the gallows for Mordecai). Through the Messi-ah's death, "The King's [God's] wrath subsided” totally against us, the regen-erate church.

The redemptive benefits of Jesus' sacrifice of His life on the cross only affect those who are atoned for by Him. In this sense, it is believers *especially* who put Jesus on the cross--because He died for *our* sins (and not for the reprobate). Let us marvel at God's grace and love to us, in Christ!

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is it to enjoy good health, a fine estate, and not to enjoy God?” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Mon., 1/29/24 Devotion (Gen. 30:2b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 30:2b, which says this:

" . . . And [Jacob] said, 'Am I in the place of God . . . ?' "

Whenever anyone fails to look to the Lord Jesus Christ for the fullest level of life and satisfaction, the inevitable consequence is the "deification of man." This is a very common form of idolatry. The simple fact, however, is that no human being (who is not divine) can fully satisfy us. This would be true, even if this (non-divine) person was without sin.

Jacob could not give Rachel what she wanted (in the Genesis context above). Only God could do that. Let us be careful not to ascribe to anybody what only belongs to Christ alone—namely, the ability to make us supremely happy, content, full, and free. All of this is the result of Jesus' blood atonement that washes away our sins.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us labor to cherish union and hate division.”

—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/26-28/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his fine book, entitled, "A Body of Divinity." . . .

"A people in covenant with God are a willing people; though they cannot serve God perfectly, they serve Him willingly. They do not grudge God a little time spent in His worship; they do not hesitate or murmur at sufferings; they will go through a sea and a wilderness, if God calls them to it. 'Your people shall be a willing people,' (Ps. 110:3). This spontaneity and willingness is from the attractive power of God’s Spirit: the Spirit does not force, but sweetly draws the will; and this willingness in religion makes all our services accept-ed.

"God's covenant people are a consecrated people; they have 'holiness to the Lord' written upon them. . . . God's covenant people are separated from the world, and sanctified by the Spirit. The priests under the law were not only to wash in the great basin, but were arrayed with glorious apparel, (Ex. 28:2). This was a type, to show that God’s people are not only washed from gross sins, but adorned with holiness of heart. They bear not only God’s name, but His image."

Thurs., 1/25/24 Devotion (Gen. 26:18)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 26:18, where we read these great words:

"And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them.”

In every generation God calls upon His church to once-again "re-dig" the wells of the waters of life, which our "fathers" had employed and enjoyed. The "Philistines" are always roaming around, seeking to "stop them up" with the "earth" of the world—but they are never fully-able to eradicate the existence of these good and heavenly blessings.

Jesus, as found in His gospel of grace, is the Personification of the Water of Life. May we, even today, be faithfully "digging again" into His Person, His love, and His mercy.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Where else can we now go but to Jesus, the ever-living Head of the whole church . . . who sends all gospel ministers, and on whom they universally depend?” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Sorrows of the Bereaved Spread Before Jesus"]

Wed., 1/24/24 Devotion (Acts 24:14)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 24:14, which says finds Paul saying this:

"But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets." (ESV)

This is a pretty bold statement made by a former super-strict pharisee, re-garding the comprehensive primacy of the New Covenant church's worship and life. Whatever Paul still performed—in reference to the old temple and the old forms—it was done, not out of the vitals of true worship, but as a civil nod to a passe, eclipsed system. He viewed NT church worship as the genu-ine fulfillment (in Jesus) of the law and the prophets.

May we do the same as Paul; and have his attitude. To lose God's worship, is to lose our souls.

[Edwards quote of the day: "[God] calls upon us from time to time in HIs Word. He is calling us by His written Word and by His preached Word from Sabbath to Sabbath.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "It is Well for us that God is Not as we are"]

Tues., 1/23/24 Devotion (Gen. 24:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 24:3a, where we read these words spoken by Abraham:

"And I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth . . . "

I like this phrase: "The God of heaven and the God of the earth.” Let us focus on the "earth” part for a moment. Are we ever tempted to think that God runs heaven; but that the devil, or maybe sinners own the earth? If we are, our theology is not very good. The truth is that God is The Supreme Governor of everything: the earth, (as well as heaven).

The Lord put earth under man's feet; and we are His vice-regents, to rule and tend it. But, in the most supreme sense, the Lord Himself is "God of the earth." Let the church be thankful for this; and let us commit ourselves to serving our Christ very well while we are here.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Whoever is set up on earth, they are set up by our Lord. 'By Me,' says He, 'kings reign, and princes decree justice.’ “ —John Bunyan, in, "All Loves Excelling"]

Mon., 1/22/24 Devotion (Neh. 12:43)

Today's encouragement comes from Nehemiah 12:43, where we read these words:

"Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off."

God-honoring Sabbath (Sunday) church worship will inevitably lead to a great deal of joy. This heartfelt celebration will be so profound, that those outside the church will hear of it (and be impacted by it). Life is not all sweetness and light—but there *are* these special covenant days when God Himself

"[makes us] rejoice with great joy," (even as today's text avers).

Let us never give up on our potential for a very high degree of happiness (in this world). So long as we seek it exclusively in Jesus as His faithful church, there is every reason for us to believe that our joy will be made full in Him, (cf. Jn. 10:10).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ and all good things are stored in the gospel; that is the rich mine.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/19-21/24 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here! In order to better help us get ready for church, here are some good words from Thomas Watson, found in his, "A Body of Divinity” book. (I did a little bit of editing, for clarification’s sake.) . . .

"All regenerate believers in Christ are in the same way and measure justified. Justification does not apply to some more than to others. Though there are degrees in grace, yet this does not apply in justification. One true Christian is not more justified than another true Christian. The weakest believer is as per-fectly justified as the strongest one. Mary Magdalene was every bit as justifi-ed as was Mary the mother of Christ.

“May this be a source of comfort to all weak believers. Though they may have but a drop [small bit] of saving faith in the Redeemer, they are as truly justified as he who is of the highest stature in Christ."

Thurs., 1/18/24 Devotion (Acts 18:8b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 18:8b, where we read these words:

" . . . And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized."

What a beautiful phrase this is (above). Many people in Corinth were notori-ously immoral and corrupt, (much like our own culture today). And yet God saved "many" of them. Note the lovely progression: they "heard" the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ; they "believed" it; and then they were "baptiz-ed" into Christ and His church.

Is there hope for the nations of the world today—including our own? Of course there is. But this exact same pattern (as above) must be followed: preaching, hearing, faith, baptism, and church membership and faithfulness.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Joy, courage, and zeal, being smiled upon by faith, are made invincible and unconquerable.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]

Wed., 1/17/24 Devotion (Gen. 18:14a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 18:14a, where we read these words:

"Is anything too hard for the LORD? . . . "

This question (above) is to be answered in the negative. This does not mean that God *will* do anything we ask Him to do; but it *does* mean He *can* do anything He is pleased to do (that would be consistent with His nature, and that would be for the good of Christ's church). There *are* things that even God cannot do (that we can), like sin. But this does not detract from His greatness, but rather only enhances it.

Are we facing some impossible situation today? Let us lay it before God. He is able to deliver us in Christ. If we are covenant-keeping churched Chris-tians, the promises in the written Word of God are ours to enjoy; they are all “yes” and “amen,” in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Before we can know this love of Christ . . . we must necessarily know the nature of sin.” —John Bunyan, in, "All Loves Ex-celling"]

Tues., 1/16/24 Devotion (Neh. 6:15-16)

Today's encouragement comes from Nehemiah 6:15 & 16, which says this:

"So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.”

All of God's enemies get very sad when they see the work of God in His church progressing in the world. And the reason for this, ironically, is because they see that the "work was done by . . . God." Their hope is that God does not exist; or that, if He does, He is not doing anything in the world.

Let us be thankful that the "wall" of Christ's salvation has been completed, around the church. It was not man's work—it was God's work. And, instead of being "disheartened" in this world, as the godless must be—let all faithful be-lieving churchmen be celebratory and joyful in Jesus our Savior.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sin is an absurd thing. What greater indiscretion is there than to gratify an enemy? Sin gratifies Satan.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Mon., 1/15/24 Devotion (Matt. 15:28a)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 15:28a, which says this:

"Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' . . . "

This Canaanite woman goes from being temporarily rebuffed by the Lord Jesus (v. 23a), to being given everything she wants. And what made the dif-ference? Her faith. The Lord will allow us, at times, to "reason" with Him. Christ had told this woman that He was sent only to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," (v. 24)—but her persistent faith paid off, and she got what she wanted.

This is not the "name it/and claim it" heresy; instead, it is a lesson in the goodness, generosity, and benevolence of the church's God. The Lord simply cannot find it within Himself to deny His children, who come to Him through faith in Jesus (so long as our requests are not sinful, or would not compro-mise our greater happiness).

[Edwards quote of the day: "But however much the wisdom and justice of God in many things may be out of sight to us, we may be sure that since God does all things as He pleases, they are ordered in the wisest and best man-ner.” —Jonathan Edwards, in one of his sermons]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/12-14/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is fast approaching. In order to help prepare us for the church's worship of the True God, here is Thomas Watson, from his "Heaven Taken by Storm” book. . . .

"When this blessed [Sabbath] day approaches, we must lift up our heart in thankfulness to God, that He has put another opportunity into our hands for gaining heavenly wisdom. Sundays are our spiritual harvest-days. [On this Day] the wind of God's Spirit blows upon the sails of our affections [loves], and we may be much further on in our heavenly voyage. Christian, lift up your heart to God in thankfulness, that He has given you another golden season; and be sure you improve it. It may be the last. Seasons of grace are not like the tide; if a man misses one tide, he may have another. . . .

"This day approaching, we must in the morning dress and fit our souls for the receiving of the Word. The people of Israel had to wash their garments before the law was delivered to them. Our hearts must be washed by prayer and re-pentance, since the oracles of God are about to be delivered to us."

Thurs., 1/11/24 Devotion (Acts 11:18)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 11:18, where we read these words:

"When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, 'Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.' "

The giving of the gospel and the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles was such a dra-matic event in redemptive history that some of the people who were brought up in the Old Covenant way found it almost impossible to believe it could hap-pen. But, once the ultimate Jew (Peter) told his fellow-Jewish Christians what God had done among the Gentiles, the believing Jews also rejoiced.

Let us never slight the Lord's power to redeem sinners. We may look at someone, or some group of people, and think, "God would never [or even could never] save them." The fact that many Gentiles entered the church in the first century is a great encouragement to us with regard to what the Lord can do among people today (in the twenty-first century).

[Puritan quote of the day: "All the heathen have had some religion, because they had some conscience to trouble them.” —Thomas Shepard, in, "The Sin-cere Convert"]

Wed., 1/10/24 Devotion (Gen. 11:5)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 11:5, which says this:

"But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built."

The tower of Babel, and the city surrounding it, were man's efforts to establish a society without God. It was a perverse imitation of the Lord's ideal, that of a community, centered—not around a man-honoring structure—but a God-centered worship.

The Lord's confusing of the languages, accomplished in Gen., ch. 11, was actually an act of mercy and grace. Had fallen and sinful man "stuck togeth-er," we would have all descended, as a congealed ball of humanity, into hell. Only in the New Covenant do the languages of the world get sorted out, and "un-confused" in the universal church, (cf. Acts 2).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Unity in faith and discipline is a mercy we cannot prize enough. This is that which God has promised (Jer. 32:39); and which we should pursue (Zech. 8:18-23).” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]

Tues., 1/9/24 Devotion (Matt. 9:13b)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 9:13b, where we read these words from the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ:

"For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

It is intriguing that the Messiah came to earth to call and save sinners, and not “righteous,” i.e. self-sufficient people. Our ordinary way of thinking—driv-en by our fallen flesh—is to imagine that God is interested in “good,” “re-spectable,” folk who can do the “religious" thing on their own. Based on this error, we are then tempted to think that, if we could just get "good enough," God might possibly cast a merciful eye upon us.

But none of this is the Christian gospel, at all. The true gospel of grace teach-es us that Jesus came to save those who have and present *no* resources, as "payment" for their sin. Christ *only* helps those who know they cannot help themselves. Let us believe this blessed truth; and enjoy the benefits of our magnificent Savior's redemption of us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "What is the glory of the times we live in, but God's face revealed in Christ?” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/5-7/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday, God's holy day. Let us be sure to keep the commandment, and worship the Lord. In order to encourage us in this, here are some good words (slightly updated by me) from Jonathan Edwards, taken from his sermon entitled, "Christians a Chosen Generation.” . . .

"Christians are of such a different nature and temper from the rest of the world. The truly godly are very different in their disposition from others. They hate those things that the rest of the world loves, and love those things for which the rest of the world has no interest.

"So much is this so, that others are ready to wonder at the fact that the godly should place any happiness in a strict observance of the self-denying duties of religion. They wonder what delight true Christians can take in spending so much time in meditation and prayer; and that they do not place happiness in those things which they themselves do. 1 Peter 4:4: 'Wherein they think it strange that you do not run with them to the same excess of riot, [as they] speak evil of you.' But the reason is that they are of a different race, and so live by different dispositions."

Thurs., 1/4/24 Devotion (Matt. 4:21c, 22)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 4:21c & 22, where we read these words:

"He [Jesus] called them, and immediately they [James and John] left the boat and their father, and followed Him."

When God calls people to Himself, through the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit, they leave everything, and follow their New Master (Jesus). Such was the case (above) of James and John, two of the Savior's first disciples. All that was necessary for them to follow the Redeemer was His "call," (nothing else).

Note the amazing power of this divine Messianic call: these men were willing to leave their livelihood, their families, and all that they knew, to follow The Christ around Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and anywhere else He went. This very same call still goes out today; and upon everyone who is elect unto glory, the blessedness of union with Christ is sealed, and they become His faithful churched disciples (followers).

[Puritan quote of the day: "That choice part of mankind, the firstfruits and ex-cellency of the rest, . . . we call the church.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]

Wed., 1/3/24 Devotion (Gen. 3:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 3:1a, which says this:

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made."

It is good for us to remember this (above). Satan, the old snake, is very clever, cunning, sly, and devious. In ourselves, we are absolutely no match for him. The devil has had thousands of years of practice. We are novices, compared to him. But the true saints of the faithful church have many advan-tages over the devil—and the greatest is that we are in the Son of God, who crushed the serpent's head, (cf. Gen. 3:15).

Still, even possessing the very mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16b), we believers need to be careful and watchful. Our enemy does not rest, in seeking oppor-tunities to trouble our souls. We must not rest, in keeping them—in Jesus alone.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Sin feeds the sinner with delightful objects and then makes him mortgage his soul.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Tues., 1/2/24 Devotion (Gen. 1:1)

Happy New Year!

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

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Being is to be preferred over non-existence. We ought to be thankful and glad that God made us, and that He created the whole world. The creative genius and wonder of God is good news for all of us. But the Lord's *re*-creative work, when He regenerates even one dead heart through the Holy Spirit’s ap-plication of the atonement of Christ, is a greater marvel than the crafting of all the far-flung universe.

The very nature of reality profoundly changed forever, when God created the universe. The Triune God now "shares" existence with all that is; and He has a special eye toward His church, His most amazing creation.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Morality shoots short of heaven. It is only nature refined. A moral man is but old Adam dressed in fine clothes.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]