Fri.-Sabbath, 1/31-2/2/25 Devotion

Bless the Lord—it is almost Sunday! As we prepare to worship God in church on the New Covenant Sabbath Day, let us enjoy these good words from Thomas Watson’s, "All Things for Good.” . . .

"Christ is in heaven . . . and He prays for all believers as well as He did for the apostles. ‘I do not pray for these alone, but for all of them that shall be-lieve in Me,’ (Jn. 17:20). When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and He prays for three things. First, that the saints may be kept from sin (Jn. 17:15): 'I pray that You would keep them from evil.' We live in the world as in a cesspool; Christ prays that His saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times. Second, for His people’s progress in holiness: 'Sanctify them,’ (Jn. 17:17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil. Third, for their glorification: 'Father, I will that those which You have given Me, be with Me where I am,’ (Jn. 17:24). Christ is not content till the saints are in His arms. This prayer, which He made on earth, is the copy and pattern of His prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for our good."

Thurs., 1/30/25 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 all 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 those of 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 brave estate, and not to enjoy God?” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]

Wed., 1/29/25 Devotion (Gen. 30:2b)

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

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

Whenever we fail to look to Christ for our fullest degree of life and satisfac-tion, the inevitable consequence is our "deification of man." This is a very common form of idolatry. The simple fact is that no human being (Who is not divine) can ever comprehensively gratify us. This would be the case, even if this (non-divine) person was without sin.

Jacob could not give Rachel what she wanted (in the Genesis 30 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.

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

—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 1/28/25 Devotion (Esth. 5:2a)

Today's encouragement comes from Esther 5:2a, which says this:

"And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand." (ESV)

When God sees His church, the bride of Christ, approach the throne of grace in confession, praise, and petition, we enjoy "His favor”; and He is pleased to hold out the "golden scepter" of His love, mercy, and grace. All of this is be-cause Jesus shed His precious blood for us, His redeemed church.

Undoubtedly, we need to approach the throne of God today. Let us be sure not come empty-handed. We are to bring, in the arms of our faith, the Savior of our souls, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," (Jn. 1:29). No other offering will be accepted.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A child of God keeps two books always by him: one to write his sins in, so that he may be humble; the other to write his mer-cies in, so that he may be thankful.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Godly Man's Picture"]

Mon., 1/27/25 Devotion (Gen. 28:12)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 28:12, where we read these words:

"Then he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it."

In Jacob's dream, notice where the ladder is "set up." It is not set up in heav-en, but on the earth. This is intriguing, because sometimes we mistakenly too widely separate heaven and earth, and imagine that they are radically “di-verse" from one another. The actual truth is that they are *united* in the "Lad-der," the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is this an encouragement for us who are alive "down here” on earth to-day? Because it reminds us that our lives here are as full and rich in Jesus as the lives of the saints above (in the triumphant church). They have Christ; we have Christ. Heaven’s glory is where Jesus is. The closer we are to Him in this world—as the church—the closer we are to heaven (in its essence).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Let me not deny myself comfort and God glory both at once.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/24-26/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here. In order to help us get ready for the church’s Worship Services, here are some really good words from the great 20th century theologian/exegete John Murray. In the quote below, John is ex-plicating Rom. 5:5. This all comes from his amazing, “The Epistle To the Ro-mans” Commentary. . . .

“ ‘The love of God’ is not our love to God but God’s love to us. If we should suppose the former, the foundation of the assurance and of the security which this verse [Rom. 5:5]  bespeaks would be destroyed. What is it that gives sol-idity to this hope and guarantees its validity? It is the love of God to believers; a love that allows no fluctuation or reverse. Hence the hope which it promises is as irreversible as the love itself. This love of God must, however, come within our apprehension and appropriation if it is to be the ground of assur-ance and evoke this confident glorying (Rom. 5:2). This is the significance of the shedding abroad in our hearts. The expression ‘shed abroad’ indicates the abundant diffusion of this love. The hearts of believers are regarded as being suffused with the love of God; it controls and captivates their hearts. And the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God and of Christ . . . is the Person who sheds abroad this love; and He is the seal of its efficacy and genuine-

ness. . . . "

Thurs., 1/23/25 Devotion (Gen. 24:3a)

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

"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 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"]

Wed., 1/22/25 Devotion (Matt. 22:29)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 22:29, which says this:

"Jesus answered and said to them, 'You are mistaken, not knowing the Scrip-tures nor the power of God.' "

The sure way to error is through ignorance. There are two particular areas of theology about which we cannot afford to be ignorant: first), the Scriptures, and secondly), the power of God. When we do not know the Bible, we are easy prey to the world's and the devil's false gospels. When we do not know the power of God, we foolishly and fatally think we have something to do with our salvation.

God has given His church the means of grace (preaching/prayer/sacra-ments). As we love Christ through them, let us learn, know, and live the gos-pel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Believing in Christ is the great thing that God presses upon sinners throughout the Scripture, as all know that know any-thing of Scripture.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Precious Remedies Against Sa-tan's Devices"]

Tues., 1/21/25 Devotion (Gen. 22:1a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 22:1a, where we read these words:

"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham . . . "

Are we believers in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then we are the spiritual and covenantal children of Abraham, Biblically-speaking. This also means that, even as Abraham's faith in Christ was tested, ours will be, as well. The "try-ing" of faith is to show forth the sincerity, the reality, and the value of it.

Are God's tests sometimes difficult? Undoubtedly, they are. God asked Abra-ham to sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son of the promise. Abraham was willing to do this, not because he wanted to, but because he trusted God and believ-ed that He (the Lord) knew what was best. May this be our attitude as well.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace shall never be idle where the love of God is strong.” —Obadiah Sedgwick, in, "Christ's Counsel To His Languishing Church"]

Mon., 1/20/25 Devotion (Acts 20:28b)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 20:28b, where we read these words:

" . . . shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

Paul is speaking (above) to the elders of the Ephesian church. The apostle urges those officers to "shepherd the church." He will later explain how wolves will seek to destroy the body of Christ. But let us note these words: "Which He [Christ] purchased with His own blood." The *reason* the elders are to guard and shepherd the flock is because the church has been redeem-ed with the very lifeblood of the Son of God.

Whatever is valuable to the Lord of glory is, of necessity, treasured by all those who truly love this wonderful God. Are we part of the church, purchased by Jesus' blood? If so, then not only are we precious in God's sight; but we are the ones to whom the Lord gives His greatest attention and care.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man may know much of Christ, and yet not learn Christ. The devils knew Christ. . . . “ —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/17-19/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is *almost* here! In order to help us get ready for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his book, entitled, "The Art of Divine Contentment.” . . .

"Let us beg the Spirit of God to teach us; we must be 'divinely taught.' The [Ethiopian] eunuch [in Acts 8] could read, but he could not understand, till Philip joined himself to his chariot, (Acts 8:29). God's Spirit must join Himself to our chariot; He must teach, or we cannot learn. 'All your children shall be taught of the Lord,' (Isa. 54:13).

"A man may read the figure on the sundial, but he cannot tell the time, unless the sun shines upon the dial. We may read the Bible over, but we cannot learn the purpose, till the Spirit of God shines into our hearts, (2 Cor. 4:6). O implore this blessed Spirit! It is God's royal prerogative to teach: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,' (Isa. 48:17)."

Thurs., 1/16/25 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."

God's enemies: hypocrites, unbelievers, law-mongers, and idolaters of every sort 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 comprehend 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 His 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-lievers in Jesus be thankful and joyful.

[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"]

Wed., 1/15/25 Devotion (Gen. 16:13a)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 16:13a, where we read these words:

"Then she [Hagar] called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-The-God-Who-Sees . . . "

Sometimes people try to convince themselves that God does *not* behold everything that happens. Whenever we sin, we are imagining that a Holy God somehow is not aware of it. But the fact is, that the Lord is cognizant—all at one time, and with total comprehension—of *everything* that occurs in the entire universe. This includes His full knowledge of every single thought we have in our hearts and minds.

This truth may cause us to tremble a bit. But then, we also remember that the Lord sees our sincere God-given faith in His Son; and, on the basis of Jesus' atonement, He forgives all the sins of His faithful church. Let us be ever-grateful for this!

[Puritan quote of the day: "You cannot gratify Satan more, nor injure your-selves more, than by living without assurance [of God's favor in Christ].”

—Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven On Earth"]

Tues., 1/14/25 Devotion (Matt. 14:13a)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 14:13a, where we read these words:

"When Jesus heard it [that John the Baptist had been killed], He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself."

This is the only place in the Gospel accounts that I am aware of, where our Lord Jesus navigated a boat by Himself. But the reason our Messiah desired to get away from everyone, and all the hubbub, is the focus of this text. The Savior had just heard of the ignominious death of His own relative (through Mary), and of His forerunner, John the Baptist.

It seems to me that our Lord was saddened by this news; and it may well have caused Him to reflect on the fact that He (Jesus) Himself would soon die on the cruel cross, giving His life for all the sins of His church. Christ's "get-away" was characteristically short-lived; but I think we can derive some prin-ciples here: it is proper for us to grieve; and we always need private time alone with our God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "See that all be well within, and then all troubles from without cannot much annoy us.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Con-flict With Itself"]

Mon., 1/13/25 Devotion (Gen. 14:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 14:21, which says this:

"Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the persons [lit., souls], and take the goods for yourself.' "

The Puritans were fond of using this verse as an illustration of how the devil—knowing the value of human souls—operates. Satan is glad to have his hu-man servants "prosper" in the things of this world, so long as he (the devil) gets what is of greatest worth: the soul.

Of course, God knows better than anyone the value of one human being—and that is why He gave His Son’s life for His elect church. One soul is of more worth than the entire non-human (or angelic) creation put together. Do we value our own souls, and that of other people; or do we despise their worth?

[Puritan quote of the day: "The hypocrite is a saint in jest. He makes a magni-ficent show, like an ape clothed in ermine or purple.” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 1/10-12/25 Devotion

Thank 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 un-der 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 ex-pectation of ever being requited for it. And it is from mere grace that the bene-fits 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 good-ness alone, by which they are distinguished. He is sovereign, and has mercy on who He will have mercy."

Thurs., 1/9/25 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-righteous people. Our ordinary way of thinking—driv-en by our fallen flesh—is to imagine that God is interested in “good,” “respect-able,” 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 gospel teaches us that Jesus came to save those who have and present *no* resources, as "pay-ment" 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 Blessed 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"]

Wed., 1/8/25 Devotion (Acts 8:8)

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

"And there was great joy in that city."

The only time any city, town, state, or nation ever possesses real and solid joy, is when the church brings the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to it—and The Holy Spirit cause it to be received with revival fires. Here, Phil-ip had brought the good news to Samaria, a largely-despised place; and it [Samaria] gets transformed mightily (by the grace of God).

The genuineness of revival will always be manifested in the culture. It starts in the regenerated church, but it is not possible for it to be contained there. Let us pray for the Lord to raise up His pastors and churches, that will proclaim the Gospel life of Jesus to this fallen planet.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Wherever there is truth there will be victory.”

—Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Tues., 1/7/25 Devotion (Gen. 7:16b)

Today's encouragement comes from Genesis 7:16b, where we read these few words:

" . . . and the LORD shut him [Noah] in."

This account (above) is in reference to God's shutting the door of the ark, af-ter Noah, his family, and all the animals had entered it. Noah did not shut the door, neither did those outside, who would be drowned. Instead, the Lord Himself sealed His covenant community safely in the ark.

God always "shuts" His people "in." The Lord secures His redeemed people in Jesus, and His church, through sovereign regeneration in response to the gospel. No one can enter the doors He has finally closed; and no one can leave, once they are ushered in. So it is in the church today: all those who are born again by the Holy Spirit are "shut in," and they are glad to be so.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Touch a true godly man in his religion, and you touch his life and his best freedom; he lives more in his God than in him-

self . . . " —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Mon., 1/6/25 Devotion (Matt. 6:27)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 6:27, where we find our Savior saying these words:

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"

Worry is the practical opposite of faith. Worry says, "I cannot really trust God to take care of my concerns; therefore I need to take matters into my own hands." Worry is highly God-dishonoring. People that are given to worry "worry" that, if they quit worrying, they are no longer caring for or about the objects of their worry. But this is a misguided approach. Care does not neces-sitate worry. In fact, the greatest expressions of care do not worry at all—in-stead, they trust God with the trouble.

Let us face it: worry is a malady and affliction that befalls all of us sinners. But we need not live in it. If we want *real* solutions to the heart-issues that are so important to us, then we are wise if we trust God to take care of them. Are we sincere Christian believers today, trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation? If so, then worry simply has no place in our lives. (If we are not trusting in Christ, then we really do have plenty to worry about.)

[Puritan quote of the day: "Ground your comfort upon a lasting and un-changeable covenant, on such a covenant that accepts will for works, desires for deeds, and endeavors for performances.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Thurs., 1/2/25 Devotion (Gen. 1:1)

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 glad that God made us, and that He created the whole world through The Word (Christ). 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 power of the Holy Spirit, is a greater marvel than the crafting of all the far-flung galaxies.

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"]