Wed., 7/31/24 Devotion (Acts 18:4)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 18:4, where we read these words:

"And [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks."

The New Covenant Sabbath (which is Sunday), much like the Old Covenant Sabbath (which was Saturday), is still the first and foremost day on which everyone must be "persuaded" that Jesus is the Christ. The *place* where this happens is the church, (and, even more-specifically, the pulpit).

Once we have done our due diligence there, we are in a position to bring the gospel into the marketplace, the "Areopagus" (if you will). *Every* believer needs to be "re-convinced" of the truth of the Christian faith every Sunday. This is because we are weak, and given to doubt and unbelief. Once we are re-energized, we are ready to be effective in God's world.

[Puritan quote of the day: "David committed many sins, but especially those two of adultery and murder, and yet God pardoned Him. But Saul committed far less sins than those and yet God cast him off forever.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Tues., 7/30/24 Devotion (Acts 17:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:21, where we read these words:

"For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing."

Can you imagine having so much "free time," that you can stand around all day chatting about "new things"? Actually, this is the situation today, with most modern people. They have nothing better to do, than to waste their time, try-ing to fill themselves up with something "new."

The reality, however, is that there is "nothing new under the sun,” (Eccl. 1:9). All "new" thrills, "new" sins, and "new" experiences are actually very old, worn-out, and proven to be unsatisfying. These “new” things may take on themselves the circumstances of the day—but they are not "new" at all. The best path for the child of God is to go back to the "old ways"; and to enjoy the tried and true pleasures of church life in Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Mon., 7/29/24 Devotion (Judg. 11:24)

Today's encouragement comes from Judges 11:24, where we read these words:

"Will you not possess whatever Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whatever the LORD our God takes possession of before us, we will possess."

These words (above) are those of the OT judge Jephthah, as he communicat-ed to the king of Ammon. What he is basically saying is this: "Hey, if you want to worship your false god—go ahead and do so—and receive from it what-ever it can deliver to you. But let us play fair: on the same basis *we*, the church in covenant with the True God, will receive good things from Him, the Lord (YHWH).”

. . . Of course, on these grounds, the unbelieving and idolatrous world is not only at a huge disadvantage—it is also sure to be defeated (by The One God of the true religion). Even today, let all faithful Christians recognize that the "gates of Hades cannot prevail against" Christ's church, (Matt. 16:18).

[Puritan quote of the day: "One word of God can do more than ten thousand words of men to relieve a distressed soul.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/26-28/24 Devotion

Bless God—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Ten Commandments.” . . .

"True faith is grounded upon knowledge. Knowledge carries the torch before faith. There is a knowledge of Christ's orient [beautiful] excellencies, (Php. 3:8). He is made up of all love and beauty. True faith is a judicious intelligent grace, it knows Whom it believes, and why it believes. Faith is seated as well in the understanding as in the will. It has an eye to see Christ, as well as a wing to fly to Him. Such therefore as are veiled in ignorance, or have only an implicit faith to believe as the church believes, have no true and genuine faith.

"Faith lives in a broken heart. 'The father cried out with tears, "Lord, I be-lieve," ' (Mark 9:24). True faith is always in a heart bruised for sin. They, therefore, whose hearts were never touched for sin, have no faith. If a physi-cian should tell us there was a herb that would help us against all infections, but it always grows in a watery place; if we should see a herb like it in color, leaf, smell, blossom, but growing upon a rock, we should conclude that it was the wrong herb. So saving faith always grows in a heart humbled for sin, in a weeping eye and a tearful conscience. If, therefore, there be a show of faith, but it grows upon the rock of a hard impenitent heart, it is not the true faith."

Thurs., 7/25/24 Devotion (Mk. 7:15)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 7:15, where the Lord Jesus said this:

"There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man."

These words lay out a basic criterion between the true religion and all false religion. False religion is always concerned about externals, first and fore-most, and exclusively. The true religion is concerned about the wicked nature of the heart, and how this issue must be resolved before a Holy God.

False religion is very easy to practice: do a few things, and one can pretend to be in God's good favor. True religion requires a miraculous transformation which results in otherwise-humanly-impossible love for God in and through regenerative faith in Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a true rule in [theology] that the desire for any grace is the grace itself; for to desire to believe is faith, and true desire to re-pent is repentance, and true desire to mourn for sin is mourning for sin.”

—Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Wed., 7/24/24 Devotion (Mk. 6:56c)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 6:56c, where we read these words:

" . . . And as many as touched Him [Jesus] were made well.”

Every time a human being touches Jesus Christ in faith, there is healing. The entire key to the Christian life is to stay in vital contact (communion) with the Savior. This is done by faith; and it is applied (practically) in church worship and prayer. True "wellness" requires "rubbing shoulders" with God—and this can only be done by making a miraculous connection with Jesus, the God-Man.

Let us boldly come to our God through Christ, in faith-filled prayer. He is al-ways ready to heal and forgive. He is the giver of all life. May our hearts yearn to be with (and near) Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We would never go to God unless God came to us, such is the stoutness of our hearts.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Re-conciliation"]

Tues., 7/23/24 Devotion (Mk. 5:36c)

Today's encouragement comes from Mark 5:36c, where we read these words:

" . . . Do not be afraid; only believe."

This is wonderful encouragement from our Lord Jesus Christ, to all of us who are living members of His church. There are plenty of times that we are tempted to fear—but the antidote is always faith. It is intriguing that the Savior does not say, "Do not be afraid, only be strong"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only try harder"; or, He does not say, "Do not be afraid; only get more religious."

The man in Mark 5 had plenty of "reason" for fear: his little daughter had just died. But even in those dire straits, the answer is faith. Let us believe the Lord—albeit weakly, if necessary—recognizing that it is faith (in any sincere meas-ure) that pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).

[Puritan quote of the day: " . . . Man's unrighteousness must usher in Christ's righteousness.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Mon., 7/22/24 Devotion (Acts 9:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 9:31, where we read these words:

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."

Sometimes we hear people say things like this: "What the church needs right now is some persecution.” Some misguided souls may be so bold as to actu-ally "pray" to God for trial and difficulty. But that approach not only makes no sense—it is also not the Lord's way. Our Father causes Christ's church to prosper in all kinds of spiritual "soil"; but He is *most* pleased when the gos-pel "settles" cultures, and gives the church favor in the sight of all.

Therefore, let us do as we are commanded (by the Lord) in 1 Tim. 2:1-4; and ask God to move and guide (even civil) leaders, so that they will make deci-sions that benefit the body of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "True grace is much engaged in the work of humili-ation . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/19-21/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! To help get us ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, on Justification, from his, "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"But does not the apostle James say that Abraham was justified by works?

"The answer is easy. Works declare us to be righteous before men; but they do not make us righteous before God. Works are evidences of our justifica-tion, not causes. The only name graven upon the golden plate of Christ our High Priest must be, 'THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’

“ . . . Adore the infinite wisdom and goodness of God that found out a way to justify us by 'rich grace and precious blood.' We were all involved in guilt; none of us could plead 'not guilty'; and being guilty, we lay under a sentence of death. Now that the Judge Himself should find out a way to justify us—and the creditor Himself contrive a way to have the debt paid, and not distress the debtor—should fill us with wonder and love. The angels admire the mystery of free grace in this new way of justifying and saving lost man, (1 Pet 1:12); and should not we, who are nearly concerned in it, and on whom the benefit is de-volved, cry out with the apostle, 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!’? "

Thurs., 7/18/24 Devotion (Acts 5:38-39)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 5:38 & 39, where we read these words:

"And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."

Gamaliel, a highly-respected first-century rabbi, made this astute observation (above). He was absolutely right. When it comes to religion and the spiritual life—anything man-made is bound to fail. There is little sense in even giving it much of our time or attention. But, what is of (or from) God *is* of absolute importance. What the Lord does, cannot fail.

Let us be found fighting "alongside" God, as Christ’s faithful churchmen. If we do not do this, we will be exposed as fighting *against* God—and who could ever hope to overthrow Him, or His work?

[Puritan quote of the day: "A godly man has many signal experiences of God's favor to him, and experience breeds hope.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Sacred Anchor"]

Wed., 7/17/24 Devotion (Josh. 24:15c)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 24:15c, where we read these words:

" . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

No matter what other people choose to do, God's true Christian churchmen must choose to serve Him wholeheartedly. The Fall of man into sin has left us with the deplorable disease of "man-pleasing"; and of mindlessly following whatever new "gods" or theological fads that happen to come along.

The sincere believer in Christ must be more thoughtful than that. When the world worships something, we ought to look askance at it, with a level of sus-picion. This is not because we are paranoid; instead, it is because we have come to learn that idolatry is subtle, and easily slipped into.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To the extent that we give way to our will in sin-ning, to that extent we set ourselves at a distance from comfort.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 7/16/24 Devotion (Josh. 23:14b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 23:14b & c, which says this:

"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed."

In the Lord Jesus Christ every faithful churchman knows that what is written (above) is true. In the Redeemer, God has delivered *all* His goods. The Lord has nothing more to give; and He has nothing more to say. Those who seek for *anything* from God, beyond Jesus Christ, will receive nothing (positive) from Him.

Let us be thankful that we who are in Christ and His true church today *al-ready* possess everything. *All* of God's promises have come to pass for us. They are all "Yes," and "Amen," in Jesus, (cf. 2 Cor. 1:20). Let us trust our faithful King; and let His church worship Him for all His goodness to us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[Prayer] is God conversing with man, and man with God.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Mon., 7/15/24 Devotion (Acts 2:47b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 2:47b, where we read these words:

" . . . And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being sav-ed."

This blessed phrase (above) describes what is still happening today, and everyday. God is "adding to the church daily those who are being saved." The Holy Spirit never takes a break from His labors; and the sovereign decree of God is never interrupted by any of the events in a fallen world; and the church can never be destroyed.

Therefore, the operations of God, whereby He continually brings in His lost sheep continues unabated. And the Lord has deigned to allow us to share in this sweet privilege. Are we already faithful churchmen? Then let us be about sharing Jesus with those who are not.

[Puritan quote of the day: "How [Jesus] defends His disciples from malici-ous imputations of the Pharisees!” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 7/12-14/24 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! In order to get us ready for church, here is Jonathan Edwards, in his “The Religious Affections” book. . . .

“The inheritance that Christ has purchased for the elect is the Spirit of God; not in any extraordinary gifts, but in His vital indwelling in the heart, exerting and communicating Himself there in His own proper, holy, or divine nature; and this is the sum total of the inheritance that Christ purchased for the elect. . . . It is through the vital communications and indwelling of the Spirit that the saints have all their light, life, holiness, beauty, and joy in heaven; and it is through the vital communications and indwelling of the same Spirit that the saints have all light, life, holiness, beauty and comfort on earth . . . "

Thurs., 7/11/24 Devotion (Ps. 147:3)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 147:3, where we read these words:

"He [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

The "brokenhearted" are those who are oppressed by the law's righteous and absolute demands, but who (for comfort) run to Jesus, as their perfect fulfill-ment of the law. The “brokenhearted" recognize that they do not have the re-sources to meet God’s standards; and therefore they go to Christ for *all* their righteousness.

Jesus came to save the "brokenhearted," (cf. Lk. 4:18). The Messiah did not come to earth to save self-righteous, supposedly-"law-abiding" people who think they do not need Him. Let us bless God for this glorious gospel truth; and let us be included in the blessed churched company of the brokenhearted (and believing).

[Puritan quote of the day: "When they die [the redeemed] shall go to God, and while they live everything in the world shall do them good.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

Wed., 7/10/24 Devotion (Jer. 6:16a, b)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 6:16a & b, where we read these words:

"Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your

souls. . . . ‘ “

Fallen sinners think they like "new" paths, because by walking in them they vainly imagine that they are “hip," and avant garde. But in reality the old paths are much better. Old truths may (legitimately) be re-framed into updated lan-guage, etc.—but the *essence* of the truth itself can never be changed. This is because Jesus Himself *Is* The Perfect Personalization of The Truth.

I hope that some people are growing weary of all the failed promises of the "new" ways. They might start finding them boring, mind-numbing, and unsat-isfying. Perhaps many will begin to re-investigate the "tried and true” paths of the gospel. But even if they never do, those of us who are blessed in Jesus will thrill at His “old,” but “best,” ways.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Weaknesses do not break covenant with God . . . [and they] do not debar us from mercy.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 7/9/24 Devotion (Ps. 144:15b)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 144:15b, where we read these words:

" . . . Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"

Why is the church of Christ always in a happy and comfortable condition (cov-enantally)? Because of our Risen Head Jesus—Who has conquered our sin, atoned for us, and given us immediate, full, and free access to the throne of grace. Are God's people *always* "circumstantially" happy? No; the presence of sin in us, others, and the fallen world prevents this.

But, are the redeemed churched children of the Lord *inherently* happy? Yes; because everything of ultimate importance has been taken care of for us by our Savior. Cheerfulness should characterize those of us who are loved by God—even though there are legitimate times and reasons for grief. Let us be God's happy people, in Jesus and His grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "We are only poor for this reason, that we do not know our riches in Christ.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 7/8/24 Devotion (Matt. 17:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 17:8, where we read these words:

"When they [the three disciples] had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only."

The account above is in reference to Christ's transfiguration on the mountain—when Moses and Elijah showed up to join the Savior and the three apostles (Peter, James, and John). After the encounter with the heroes of the Old Cov-enant church (Moses and Elijah), the three disciples saw "no one but Jesus only.”

. . . Why? Because everything Moses and Elijah did and wrote pointed direct-ly and only to Jesus. And, in comparison with the Messiah, Moses and Elijah were "small potatoes." Let all faithful believers look to Christ alone for their souls' help and salvation. No one else can do what He alone is capable of do-ing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "In a word, as Christ's Person excels your person, so His obedience infinitely exceeds your disobedience.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

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

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here are some great words from Jonathan Edwards, as they are found in his, “The Religious Affections” book. . . .

“But on the other hand, they who are thoroughly convinced of the certain truth of those [gospel] things must needs be governed by them in their practice; for the things revealed in the Word of God are so great, and so infinitely more im-portant than all other things, that it is inconsistent with human nature, that a man should fully believe the truth of them, and not be influenced by them above all things in his practice.

“ . . . As long as corrupt nature is not mortified, but the principle left whole in a man, it is a vain thing to expect that it should not govern. But if the old nature be indeed mortified, and a new and heavenly nature infused, then may it well be expected that men will walk in newness of life, and continue to do so to the end of their days."

Thurs., 7/4/24 Devotion (Matt. 16:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 16:12, where our Redeemer uttered these words:

"Then [the disciples] understood that [Jesus] did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

The doctrine of both modern-day Pharisees *and* Sadducees is to be thor-oughly rejected by the true church of Christ. Far “right" Pharisees, being driv-en by fear, exalt self, family, the Bible as a dead letter, and tradition over Christ, the church, and the gospel. The far “left” Sadducees, motivated by position, exalt self, the state, prestige, and money over the same truths and graces of God. The basic commonality that both Pharisees and Sadducees share is their utter (and usually secret) hatred of Jesus, and His redeemed church.

Let us not be tricked by religion of any sort. All hypocrites (of whatever stripe) have an agenda of heresy. Let us love and cling to Christ alone; and “beware" of the "doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

[Puritan quote of the day: "The more love a Christian receives from God, the more he sees himself a debtor to free grace, and the sense of his debt keeps his heart humble . . . “ —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 7/3/24 Devotion (Josh. 5:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Joshua 5:12, where we read these words:

"Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year."

When we enter the promised land of life in Christ, His gospel, His church, and His means of grace—we no longer need, look for, or desire the "extraordin-ary" measures that God (necessarily) employed in the past. The Lord is now pleased with His "ordinary” means of grace that feed us Jesus (our Manna) on the Lord’s Days: like preaching, the sacraments, and prayer.

Many religionists today—as has always been the case—are all consumed with things that are now abrogated in Christ. Let all God’s sincere churchmen enjoy Him in Jesus, through the gospel means by which He is most pleased to reveal Himself.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Feeling and freeness of spirit are often reserved until duty is discharged.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 7/2/24 Devotion (Ps. 130:3-4)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 130:3 & 4, where we read these words:

"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."

That God forgives sin at all is an astounding fact. If the Lord kept track of our sins, and harbored them against us, we would have no hope of "standing" on the great Judgment Day. But, because Jesus Christ bore all the sins of all His elect churchmen, who would, in time and space, be brought to believe in Him alone for their atonement, by grace—many sinners go free, and will never have to bear the condemnation of God.

If we are in this blessed condition today, then we have *no* real troubles to speak of. We may have numerous hassles that harangue us—but we have no real problems. People who are not forgiven their sins have serious issues; but we do not. For our most-blessed standing before God, let us be ever-thankful; and let us share the good news of Jesus with the world around us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is not glorious if we add the least thing of our own to it.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 7/1/24 Devotion (Matt. 11:28)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 11:28, where we read these blessed words which fell from the Savior's lips:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Augustine's maxim is so true: "Our souls are restless until we find our rest in You [God]." Are our souls unsettled today? Are they restless, ill at ease, and in an uncomfortable state? If so, then let us come to Jesus. Sin and life’s trou-bles cause our hearts to "move around," like planets in the night sky. Faith in Christ’s blood atonement causes them to rest, like stars in the firmament.

A soul at rest can pray to God, and can concentrate on what is truly impor-tant. A person that is constantly restless can only do a lot of work, hoping to assuage guilt and worry. God only accepts hearts that come to Christ, and rest in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "This may be a great comfort to you: God does not expect you to root out all presence of sin, but only to keep down the reigning of sin in you.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]