Mon., 4/29/24 Devotion (Heb. 4:15-16)

Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 4:15 & 16, where we read these amazing words:

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weak-nesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us there-fore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Jesus Christ is the only Human Being who can fully sympathize with us, fully understand us, and fully meet all of our needs. Every other human being in the history of the world was/is tainted with original (and actual) sin. We might think that only a sinner could commiserate with us—but this is a mistaken no-tion. In truth, only a God-Man can perfectly do this.

Because of Jesus' unique and singular qualifications, let us, as the text says, "Come boldly to the throne of grace." If we go to anyone or anything else for our justification, it is the grossest slighting of Christ's work, for sinners; and we may be sure that God's righteous wrath will be kindled against it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Show your love to Christ in your vigorous resist-ance and opposition of Christ's enemies.” —Thomas Vincent, in, "The True Christian's Love To The Unseen Christ"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/26-28/24 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. God is sovereign, and has mercy on who He will have mercy."

Thurs., 4/25/24 Devotion (Ps. 36:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 36:8, where these great words are found:

"They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures."

God is absolutely committed to all our Christ-honoring pleasures, (which are the only real and true ones that exist). All of our Father’s delights emanate from His “house,” (His church). As Spirit-filled, forgiven, and totally-liberated Christians, we have all the reason in the world to be the happiest people on earth.

When we fully avail ourselves of Jesus, and of all His provisions which He metes-out in and through His gospel and His “house"—we know everything of which David speaks (above).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Get contentment into the sling of your heart, and with this sacred stone you may both defy the world and conquer it.” —Thom-as Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Wed., 4/24/24 Devotion (Num. 1:1a)

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

"Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month . . . “

Maybe we feel like we are in the "Wilderness of Sinai”—wandering around for years, with no apparent direction. If so, and assuming that we are faithful Christian churchmen who love Christ, let us not despair. Like Moses, we also have among us the "tabernacle of meeting." We are privileged to bring our sacrifices of praise to the Triune God every Lord's Day, the first day of the week.

Jesus, the anchor of our souls, will keep us tethered to Himself, no matter how difficult things may get here. God still speaks to His children today. Let us be sure to hear His voice.

[Puritan quote of the day: "But plain dealers will always be approved in the end; and the time is at hand when you will confess that they were your best friends.” —Richard Baxter, in the dedication of "The Reformed Pastor"]

Tues., 4/23/24 Devotion (Ps. 34:18)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 34:18, where we read these words:

"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

There is a time and place for everything; and it is always suitable to have a humbled soul. Even in the greatest joys and loftiest experiences of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ—it is lovely when the children of God have a real sense of grief (over sin). This is what our Savior meant when He said "blessed are those who mourn," (in Matt. 5:4a).

Why is it blessed to mourn? Because divine comfort follows it, (Matt. 5:4b). There is no sweeter feeling, than that based on the knowledge that one's sins are forgiven (in the blood atonement of Christ). The true church gets to enjoy this blessing everyday.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even in the worst time the prophets mingled sweet comfort for the hidden remnant of faithful people.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/19-21/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday. In order to help us prepare for the church’s Worship Services, here is the fine (18th-19th century) Scots pastor John Col-quhoun, from his, “The Law and The Gospel” book. . . .

“The gospel then, is glad tidings of good things. No tidings were ever as joyful as those that are announced in the gospel, and no benefits were ever as good as those that are exhibited in it. At the same time, no man will ever love or so much as understand rightly a single doctrine of the gospel unless he sees and feels that as a sinner he is utterly undone. It is to men as sinners that the word of this salvation is sent. No doctrine deserves to be called ‘gos-pel' but that which makes the adorable Redeemer ‘all in all,’ (Eph. 1:23), the ‘Alpha and Omega,’ (Rev. 22:13), in the redemption of a sinner. . . . "

Thurs., 4/18/24 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 2:8, where we read these words:

"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel."

Why would Paul have to remind Timothy that Jesus was raised from the dead? Because, every time he (or we) fall into fear and/or unbelief—we have, essentially, forgotten this most-important historical truth. And note that Christ is "of the seed of David." In other words, He is one of us. He understands our weaknesses; and He has gone ahead of us, in His death and resurrection.

May we, today, not forget that our Savior—unlike all the false "gods" of all the world's works-religions—*is* alive, even right now. Therefore, let us appeal to Him for help, in prayer.

[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"]

Wed., 4/17/24 Devotion (Ps. 27:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 27:1, where David wrote these great words:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Life in a fallen world contains many fearful moments, events, and even peo-ple. But the believing churchman need not be overly-concerned about any of these. And the way we overcome the fear of man, is through our greater fear of God. It was only because the Lord *was* David's "light and salvation," and "the strength of [his] life”—that he was able to conquer subordinate "fears."

Are we feeling unsettled today? Let us recognize that Christ is our love, and our fear. With this perspective, we cannot be intimidated.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When the times are troublesome, a good consci-ence makes it calm. If the conscience is clear, so what if the days are cloudy?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Tues., 4/16/24 Devotion (Ps. 25:10)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 25:10, where we read these words:

"All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies."

Are we faithful by grace alone to our Savior; and do we demonstrate this through church covenant (baptismal) steadfastness? If so, then God is also faithful to us—and He will lead us in paths of "mercy and truth." Our faithful-ness is not a result of our own goodness (especially since we have none); in-stead, it is the fruit of God's gift to us of regeneration and faith in the Redeem-er.

If we are in Christ (and therefore in covenant with God) let us take comfort from the fact that our Father will only direct us into what is ultimately good and best for us. Let us persevere to the end. We will not regret doing so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The best men are severe to themselves, but ten-der to others.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 4/15/24 Devotion (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 4:4 & 5, where we read these words:

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is re-ceived with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and pray-er."

For those faithful Christians in the church, nothing God created can be (in itself) evil. For those outside of Christ, the gospel, and the church, every-thing God created gets twisted to be made sinful. Our Father would have us, His children, enjoy *everything* He has crafted, so long as we do not make idols of His good things.

Hyper-religion, and human works-religion seek to "out-God" God, by de-manding things of people that the Lord Himself does not require. Let us be committed to living in gospel grace; and, in love, gladly obey God's real commandments—without being disturbed by the hypocrisy of false religion.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Love knows that the least evils are contrary to the greatest good.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

Tues., 4/9/24 Devotion (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, where we read these words:

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, com-fort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

In order for any of us to be effective Christians, we need to have a base of comfort (or security). Without this, we will never endeavor to act on our faith (through God-honoring deeds and words). This is why the Apostle Paul en-courages the church members to know that they are loved by God; and that they have received hope and grace in Christ.

If we are in Christ today, we are in a most blessed position—whether we feel like we are, or not. May the Sovereign Lord make His face shine on us today—all in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 4/8/24 Devotion (Ps. 13:1a, 6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 13:1a & 6, where we read these words:

"How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? . . . I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me."

How could David's perspective change so dramatically, in the span of only five verses? Because, in v. 5, he re-confirms himself in his faith in God. This act of faith dispelled his "sorrow," and his melancholy musings of heart.

Even churchmen who truly love God in Jesus Christ are prone to the sagging, drooping gravity of sadness and heaviness of soul. The answer to this syn-drome is always faith. Trusting in Jesus raises us up, even against the wind and force of opposition, into the heavenlies. Let us not give into despair to-day. Instead, let us refresh our faith in Christ, in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Despair is often the ground of hope.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/5-7/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here. In order to help get us ready for the church’s Sabbath Worship of The Triune God, here are some really great words from the eminent Jonathan Edwards, found in his, “Standing In Grace” book. . . .

“That principle which is in the soul of the saints, which is the grand Christian virtue, and which is the soul and essence and summary comprehension of all grace, is a principle of divine love. This is evident because we are abundantly taught in the Scripture that divine love is the sum of all duty; and that all that God requires of us is fulfilled in it. Love is the sum of all the duty of the heart, and its exercises and fruits the sum of all the duty of life. But if the duty of the heart, or all due dispositions of hearts, are all summed up in love, then un-doubtedly all grace may be summed up in love."

Thurs., 4/4/24 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:2b)

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

" . . . we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much con-flict.”

Sometimes we are able to do the greatest things, when we are under the most intense pressure. Here, Paul had been under enormous stress, but he was still able to preach the gospel to the Thessalonians—and to do it "boldly" "in [his] God." If we think we have to wait for everything in our lives to "calm down" before we think we can do anything of value for the ministry of the church—then we will never act at all.

Indeed, conflict or hardship (pressure) either totally stymies our effectiveness, or it motivates us on in more fruitfulness. Let all the faithful church today re-cognize that life in the fallen world is fraught with all kinds of difficulties—but let us not use this as an excuse to deprive our Savior, ourselves, our church, and our world of the Spirit-wrought blessings God will effect through us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "God cannot be pacified by any other means than by the infinite price of the death and blood of His own Son—one drop of which is more precious than all the creatures of heaven and earth.” —Jere-miah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Wed., 4/3/24 Devotion (Col. 4:2)

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

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving . . . "

Prayer is the practical, daily life of faith. Every regenerate soul prays. Prayer keeps us *consciously* "connected" to the Lord. Without it, we would grow complacent, self-sufficient, and dull. With it, we stay in vital relationship with our God—through our living union with our Lord Jesus Christ.

These things we know about prayer: it is always to be made to God only, through the Name and sacrifice of Christ, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit; it is to be an honest expression of our hearts; and it is to be a means of demon-strating gratitude to the Lord for all He has done for us. Let us not ever give up praying. To do so is to prove that we are lost in sin.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The heroic deeds of those great Biblical worthies do not comfort us so much as their falls and bruises do.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 4/2/24 Devotion (Ps. 3:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 3:6, where we read these words:

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around."

David wrote these words as he was fleeing from Absalom. A believer with this much confidence surely trusts in the Lord. There is no way anyone could ade-quately protect him- or herself from "ten thousands of people." Only God can set that kind of shield around the heart and soul of His beloved churchman.

. . . But the amazing truth is, that, for real (regenerated) Christians, we need fear *no* forces arrayed against us. Let hypocrites, Satan, criminals, vile cre-atures do their utmost to defeat us. In Jesus, we, His church, will “roll them up,” and overwhelm them. Still, let us do this in humility—always seeking the salvation of God’s elect (2 Tim. 2:10).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is better to go with difficulty to heaven than with ease to hell.” —Thomas Watson, in the preface to, "The Doctrine of Repent-ance"]