Thurs.-Sabbath, 8/29-9/1/24 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is only a few days away. In order to help get us ready for the church’s worship of the Triune God, Here are some really great words from Jonathan Edwards, found in his, “Praise One of the Chief Employments of Heaven” sermon. . . .

“Let it be considered that the Church on earth is the same society with those saints who are praising God in heaven. There is not one church of Christ in heaven and another here upon earth. Though the one is sometimes called ‘the church triumphant,’ and the other ‘the church militant,’ yet they are not in-deed two churches. By ‘the church triumphant’ is meant the triumphant part of the Church, and by ‘the church militant’ the militant part of it; for there is but one universal or catholic Church. . . . Christ is not two mystical bodies. 1 Cor. 12:12: ‘The body is one, and has many members.’ The glorious assembly and the saints on earth make but one family. . . . Though some are in heaven and some on earth, in very different circumstances, yet they are all united; for there is ‘but one body and one spirit, and one Lord Jesus Christ. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.’ God has in Christ united the inhabitants of heaven and the holy inhabitants of this earth, and has made them one. . . . "

Wed., 8/28/24 Devotion (Ps. 36:8)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 36:8, where we read these words:

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

Jesus Christ is an endless source of pleasure, delight, satisfaction, safety, and plenty. He (with the Father) gives His church the blessed Holy Spirit, Who is the indwelling Eternal Spring of life, joy, vitality, and hope. God’s “house,” His church, is a place of abundance and overflow.

. . . If all of this is true, (and it clearly is), then why do any of us continue to find ourselves in want (or need)? Because we forget the gospel of God’s free grace to us in Jesus. Trouble we will have in this world; want (need) is nev-er necessary.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let us assure ourselves that God's grace, even in this imperfect state, is stronger than man's free will in the state of original per-fection.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 8/27/24 Devotion (1 Cor. 1:18)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Corinthians 1:18, which says this:

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Why do some people fail to respond to the amazing truth that a perfect God-Man died on a cross for wicked sinners? Partly, because they think the mes-sage is foolish, (see the verse above). And why do they think this? Because they cannot conceive of themselves as that bad; and they want salvation mix-ed with their own works (or alleged righteousness).

Why, on the other hand, do other sinners receive the grace of the cross, and experience redemption? Because God regenerates them, and they recognize the truth: that their sins put the Beloved One on the cruel tree (cross); and that true atonement is powerful—strong enough to effect the forgiveness of their sins.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where the aim and bent of the soul is towards God, there is grace, though opposed.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 8/26/24 Devotion (Rom. 15:13)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 15:13, where we read these words:

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

This sweet verse (above) ought to encourage all of us true Christians, today. Note that it is "in believing" that we receive the blessings of joy and peace from the "God of hope." It is not in doing, trying, or striving that we benefit from these heavenly things—but rather in "believing."

Let all of us who have put our faith in Jesus, and who are joined to Him in His church "abound in hope." We are the only ones who have a reason to have hope at all; and we are to flourish in it. Hope in Christ will never disappoint. Let us fully trust in Him this day.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you would regain a comfortable assurance of God's love, keep a holy and conscientious care to live in grace throughout the course of your lives.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/23-25/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday again. We get to go back to church! In order to help us prepare for Worship, here is Jonathan Edwards, from his sermon, entitled, “Safety, Fulness, and Sweet Refreshment in Christ.” . . .

“ . . . We are naturally like the Prodigal Son, for we once were rich, but we de-parted from our Father’s house, and have squandered away our wealth, and have become poor, hungry, famishing wretches.

“Men in a natural condition may find something to gratify their senses, but there is nothing to feed the soul; that more noble and more essential part per-ishes for lack of food. They may fare sumptuously every day, they may pam-per their bodies, but the soul cannot be fed from a sumptuous table; they may drink wine from bowls, yet the spiritual part is not refreshed. The superior fac-ulties want to be supplied as well as the inferior. True poverty and true misery consist in the want of those things of which our spiritual part stands in

need. . . .

“There is in Christ Jesus provision for the full satisfaction and contentment of such as these. . . . "

Thurs., 8/22/24 Devotion (Ps. 31:14-15a)

Today's encouragement comes from David's Holy Spirit-inspired words of Psalm 31:14 & 15a:

"But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand . . . "

Are we confused today about how to pray, or how to live? If so, here is a good and simple place to start. God is pleased with faith, no matter what the rest of our lives lack. He also delights to be "owned" by His Christ-loving churchmen—so we ought to pray, "You are *my* God." If we are concerned about our fu-ture, or that of those we care for, it is helpful to recognize that our times are in God's hands.

If we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we experience daily a supernatural refreshment from Jesus, the never-ending well-spring of eternal life.

[Edwards quote of the day: “Christ gives to those who come to Him such comfort and pleasures as are enough to make them forget all their former la-bor and travail” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, “Safety, Fulness, and Sweet Refreshment in Christ"]

Wed., 8/21/24 Devotion (Rom. 11:33)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 11:33, where Paul wrote these words:

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!"

Everything, without exception, that God has done, does, or will ever do, is good. Everything that has ever occurred, in the entire history of creation, is designed to further His glory and the welfare of Christ's church. Do we be-lieve these Biblical doctrines? If so, it is because we are willing (by grace) to accept the wonder and amazement of Rom. 11:33—and we share in Paul's astonishment at how good and gracious God is.

Let us believe way beyond the little purview of the tiny terrain we see with the eyes of our flesh. God is better than we could ever imagine Him to be. He has demonstrated all of this to us, in Christ.

[Edwards quote of the day: "As He is God, all things are His own, and He has a right to dispose of them according to His own pleasure.” —Jonathan Ed-wards, in his sermon, "The Sovereignty of God"]

Tues., 8/20/24 Devotion (Jer. 49:38a)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 49:38a, where we read these words:

"I [the Lord] will set My throne in Elam . . . "

What a strange place for God to "set [His] throne”—Elam, an ancient pagan power east of Babylon. This is a good reminder of the fact that nothing is out-side of our God's sovereignty: Christ is king everywhere—in heaven, and on earth. No devil, no sinners, no evil can overthrow Him; and God remains on His throne at all times, in every situation.

. . . Having said that, it is true that there is a "positive" reign of Christ (in His redeemed church), and a "negative" reign of Christ (in His judgment of wick-edness). The same Sovereign is in control—it is just that in one case God grants forgiveness and imputed righteousness (from Christ); and in the other case He exercises His prerogative as a Just Judge (in condemnation).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Praise God for every smile [from Him], and rejoice in the least.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Mon., 8/19/24 Devotion (Rom. 9:20)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 9:20, where we read these words:

"But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?' "

Though God would have His own sincere children be very gut-wrenching-ly candid with Him, and share with Him everything that is in our hearts, and lay everything bare before Him—the Lord does *not* entertain com-plaints about *why* He has made people in one way or another.

Even when it comes to His sovereign election unto grace and glory in Jesus, (which is the immediate context of Rom. 9:20), we are not allowed to "reply against God." Of course, no one really cares whether they please God, or not, until they are regenerated (born again). Therefore, it is especially ill-suited for God's redeemed people to quarrel with the Lord, as to why He elects some sinners, and not others.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Without Christ's Spirit the soul is in confusion, without beauty and form . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/16-18/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, discussing peace, in his typically very pastoral style. This comes from his book, entitled, "A Body of Divinity." . . .

"But why do not all believers have the full enjoyment and possession of peace? Why is it, that this flower of peace is not fully ripe and blooming?

"Some of the godly may not have so full a degree of peace. . . . 1) Through the fury of temptation. Though the devil cannot destroy us, he will disturb us. He disputes against our adoption; he would make us question the work of grace in our hearts, and so disturb the waters of our peace. He is like a subtle cheater, who, if he cannot make a man's title to his land void, yet will put him to many troublesome suits in the law court. If Satan cannot make us ungodly, he will make us unquiet. Violent winds make the sea rough and stormy; so the winds of temptation blowing, disturb peace of spirit, and put the soul into a commotion.

"2) The godly may not enjoy peace, through mistake and misapprehension about sin. They find so much corruption [within them], that they think surely, if there were grace [within], there would not be such strong working of corrup-tion. [Actually,] this should be so far from discouraging Christians, and hinder-ing their peace—[instead] it is an argument for them. Let me ask, ‘From where is it that you feel sin?' No man can feel sin, but by grace. A wicked man is insensible. Lay a hundred pounds upon a dead man, he does not complain; but being sensible of corruption, argues a gracious principle, (Rom. 7:21). Again, From where is it that there is a combat with sin, but from the life of grace? (Gal. 5:17). Dead things cannot combat. From where is it that the saints weep for sin? What are these tears but seeds of faith? [These things not being understood] hinders a Christian's peace."

Thurs., 8/15/24 Devotion (1 Sam. 5:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 5:3a, where we read these words:

"And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Da-gon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the LORD."

This account (above) is part of the story of when the Philistines put the ark of the Lord in the temple of their false god Dagon. While the two objects were set there next to each other, Dagon fell down from his pedestal, and had to give homage to the Lord (through the ark's presence). The poor idol could do nothing, except collapse, and break off its head and hands (see v. 4).

So it is with all idols (or false gods)—be they the primitive type of the Philis-tines; or the "sophisticated" style of false believers—they all end up having to fall down and give honor to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God. Let us be thankful for this fact; and let us be sure to abhor all our own idols.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is, I say, natural to think, but it is not natural to think of God; this is proper to a saint.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Great Gain of Godliness"]

Wed., 8/14/24 Devotion (Rom. 4:2-3)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 4:2 & 3, where we read these amazing words:

"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' "

Religious people often like to boast (at least within themselves) about how good they are. But Abraham knew better. He understood that his faithful deeds—like being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22)—were not the *cause* of his right standing with God, but were, rather, the *results* of his being justified by faith in Christ.

There is nothing more uncomely in the world, or in the eyes of God, than a self-, or works-righteousness person. These people despise and reject the work of the Messiah; and they believe themselves good enough to satisfy an absolutely holy God on their own. On the great Judgment Day, *only* those clothed with Jesus' righteousness, apprehended by faith alone, will stand.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Every man is as his God is. If you would know whether a man is a godly man or not, you must inquire what his god is like.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "A Truly Godly Man Prefers God Before All Others"]

Tues., 8/13/24 Devotion (1 Sam. 3:18b)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Samuel 3:18b, where we read these words:

"And he [Eli] said, 'It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him.’ “

The Old Covenant priest Eli had received some really bad news from Samuel, regarding how the Lord was going to punish his (Eli’s) rebellious house—and yet Eli's response is one of compliant submission. It is always in our best in-terest, that God does "what seems good to Him”—even if it means chastise-ment for us.

What are we going through today? Can we also say, "It is the Lord Let Him do what seems good to Him"? If we can, we are blessed people—who will, in time, recognize the benefit of *all* God’s dealings with us (in Christ alone).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The devil is the most sullen spirit there is, and yet the most proud.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Mon., 8/12/24 Devotion (1 Sam. 2:1b)

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

" . . . I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation."

This little phrase (above), originally spoken by Hannah the mother of the pro-phet Samuel, inspires us today. When the Holy Scriptures speak of God, or His churched children, "smiling" at their foes, what it means is that they [God and His saints] are relishing their victory over them [God’s enemies]—all in Christ.

The poor devil and his human minions are very miserable creatures. They envy the freedom of the true children of God; and though they trouble us as best they can, in the end everything they seek to do against us (the church) eventually results in forwarding our happiness. The same can be said for the flesh, and the world. In light of this marvel, let us "smile at [all our] enemies."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Take heed, that you do not lay the stress and weight of all your comfort upon duty . . . " —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/9-11/24 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday!  Here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .

"Truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is unlawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not. God has put an eternal difference between light and darkness, good and ill, which no creature's conceit can alter; and therefore no man's judgment is the measure of things further than it agrees to truth stamp-ed upon things themselves by God. For this reason, because a wise man's judgment agrees to the truth of things, a wise man may in some sense be said to be the measure of things, and the judgment of one holy wise man to be preferred before a thousand others. Such men usually are immovable as the sun in its course, because they think, and speak and live by rule. A Josh-ua and his house will serve God (Josh. 24:15), whatsoever others do, and will run a course contrary to the world, because their judgments lead them a con-trary way. . . .

"Satan, 'the prince of this world', is judged by the gospel, and the Spirit ac-companying it. His impostures are discovered, his enterprises laid open. Therefore when the gospel was spread the oracles ceased; Satan fell from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18). Men were translated out of his kingdom into Christ's. Where prevailing is by lies, discovery is victory: 'they shall pro-ceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,' (2 Tim. 3:9). So that manifestation of error gives a stop to it, for none will willingly be deceiv-ed. Let truth have full scope without check or restraint, and let Satan and his instruments do their worst, they shall not prevail, as Jerome says of the Pela-gians in his time: 'The discovery of your opinions is the vanquishing of them, your blasphemies appear at the first blush.' "

Thurs., 8/8/24 Devotion (Ruth 1:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Ruth 1:16, where we read these words:

"But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.' "

Ruth's statement to Naomi (above) is an ideal pattern for all regenerate Chris-tians. Because of sovereign grace given to us, we ask God to permanently accept us (in Jesus); to allow us to follow Him all the way to heaven; to go through whatever circumstances He would choose for us (good or bad); to abide with Him; to make His church our own family; and to be bound perpetu-ally to Him (in faith).

And to think that Ruth was initially an unclean outsider (under the Old Cove-nant), just like we were, in our sin and rebellion(!) God received her into His grace, just as He has done for us, in Jesus, today. Let us be thankful that we serve such a wonderful God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Wed., 8/7/24 Devotion (Ps. 7:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 7:1a, where we read these words:

"O LORD my God, in You I put my trust . . . "

This is a succinct creed; and one worthy of our notice, attention, and imita-tion. David put his trust in the Lord, and not in anyone or anything else (in-cluding himself). Because of this sovereignly-given grace of faith, God deliv-ered David from his fierce foes (mentioned throughout this Psalm 7).

Let us, God’s church, put our trust in Christ today. If we do, we will not be dis-appointed. We may well be assailed and mistreated by those who hate Jesus—but we will *not* be put to shame. The Lord will not permit those who trust in His Son to be left to their enemies' devices.

[Puritan quote of the day: "After conversion, the saints have a principle [within them that is] contrary to sin.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Tues., 8/6/24 Devotion (Acts 24:16)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words, found in Acts 24:16:

"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men."

God's people ought to do everything in their power to faithfully please the Lord; and, in so doing, to not unduly offend men, either. Sometimes this is vir-tually impossible. Doing what God commands *will*, in some cases, offend people. In those instances, it is always best to honor God, and let sinners be upset about it.

The rule for the church to go by is this: faithfulness to Christ is *always* in *every* human beings' best interest, (even though the unregenerate do not realize this, nor accept this). Let us seek to keep our consciences clean, by walking by faith in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Truth is truth, and error, error; and that which is un-lawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]

Mon., 8/5/24 Devotion (Acts 23:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 23:1, where we read these words:

"Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, 'Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.’ "

This is a fairly remarkable statement by Paul (above)—but he undoubtedly meant it. The old Saul of Tarsus "lived in all good conscience," even when he was persecuting Christ's church. The new Apostle Paul "lived in all good con-science" as he was now proclaiming Jesus, and planting churches throughout the Gentile world.

A “good conscience" is good; but it is not good enough. It needs to be led by the truth of the gospel, which comes to souls as a sovereign act of God's grace. *Regenerated* "good consciences" are especially good, because they have the Light (Jesus) guiding them. May our consciences be guided by Christ today, as we live by faith in Him.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ's blood only can merit pardon. We please God by repentance but we do not satisfy Him by it.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 8/2-4/24 Devotion

Praise God—it is almost Sunday! Here is Thomas Watson, on God's Mercy, from his, "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"Mercy coming to us in a covenant is sweetest. It was mercy that God would give Israel rain, and bread to the full, and peace, and victory over their ene-mies, (Lev 26:4-6)—but it was a greater mercy that God would be their God, (v. 12). To have health is a mercy, but to have Christ and salvation is a great-er mercy. It is like the diamond in the ring, which casts a more sparkling lustre. . . .

"All the mercy in the creature is derived from God, and is but a drop of this ocean. The mercy and pity a mother has to her child is from God. God is call-ed, 'The Father of mercies,' because He begets all the mercies in the world, (2 Cor 1:3). If God has put any kindness into the creature, how much kind-ness is in Him who is the Father of mercy!

"As God's mercy makes the saints happy, so it should make them humble. Mercy is not the fruit of our goodness, but the fruit of God's goodness. Mercy is an alms [gift to the poor] that God bestows. They have no cause to be proud that live upon the alms of God's mercy. 'If I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head,' (Job 10:15): 'All my righteousness is the effect of God's mer-cy, therefore I will be humble and will not lift up my head.' "

Thurs., 8/1/24 Devotion (Acts 19:32)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 19:32, where we read these words:

"Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together."

Wherever the true gospel of Christ’s free grace is preached, one of three re-sults accrue: 1) regenerative faith in Jesus, leading to a healthy church life; 2) hypocritical "belief," leading to eventual apostasy; or 3) (as here/above), plain old confusion.

. . . Today, many professing Christians are thoroughly befuddled. Some have replaced baptism, with a "christian" tee shirt, (or "christian perfume"). This is a sad state of affairs; but it is not one that can unsettle the faithful church. Though there will always be a cacophony of noises in this fallen world, the clarion call of the gospel of grace will always go forth from Christ-appointed ministers of His church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a preposterous course, instead of obeying the gospel, and studying to be found in Christ, to be inquisitive whether we were elected from eternity or not.” —William Lyford, in "The Instructed Christian"]