Fri.-Sabbath, 4/18-20/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here. We get to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, again! In order to help us get ready for the church’s Sabbath worship, here are sweet words from Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, entitled, “The Grace of God.” . . .

“God has given even fallen man such a gift that He has left nothing for man to do that he may be happy but to receive what is given to him. Though he has sinned, God requires no amends to be made by him. He requires of him no restoration; if they will receive His Son from Him, He requires neither money nor price. Man is to do no penance in order to be forgiven. What God offers, He offers freely. God offers man eternal happiness upon far more gracious terms since he is fallen than before. Before, he had to do something himself for his happiness: he was to obey the law. But since he is fallen, God offers to save him for nothing, only if he will receive salvation as it is offered, that is, freely through Christ and by faith in Him."

Wed., 4/16/25 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.”

This verse (above) conveys a beautiful doctrine. Toward all the church’s saints, those who love Christ sincerely through regeneration, God has nothing but “mercy” and “truth” to show them, and demonstrate to them. The “keep-ers” of God’s “covenant” and “testimonies” are the authentic, still-struggling churchmen who take their baptismal and covenant vows with utmost and heartfelt seriousness.

. . . Therefore, if we are in Christ and His church today, believing the gospel of grace through sheer sovereign mercy, let us fully-recognize that our Father al-ways (and without any failure) exercises mercy and truth toward us—all in His beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

Tues., 4/15/25 Devotion (Ps. 23:1)

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

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

These familiar words of David (above) wed together the ownership God has of His people with the fact that their needs and legitimate desires will be taken care of. David seems to be saying, "Since I have the Lord, everything is cov-ered.”

On the other hand, those who do not possess Jesus Christ by faith "want," or are in need of *everything.* They have nothing of value; and their lives are devoid of positive purpose and meaning. Let all the regenerate church rejoice in the fact that we are in our Redeemer's "sheepfold"; and let us be compas-sionate toward those who are not, as we seek to bring the gospel to them.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Faith is to be prized, and other things undervalued, at least not to be trusted in as the chief [good].” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict With Itself"]

Mon., 4/14/25 Devotion (1 Tim. 3:15b, c)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Timothy 3:15b & c, where we read these words:

" . . . I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is writing to the pas-tor Timothy—so that he (Timothy) would then model grace and humility to and with the members of the congregation. The entire church, then, would consti-tute and broadcast the gospel truth of the living God.

Until (or unless) we learn the principles of church life—we will be of little ac-count anywhere else in the world: be it in our homes, our workplaces, our schools, our neighborhoods, or our culture(s). Regenerative faith in Jesus re-sults in covenant faithfulness in church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "In your daily practice do not trust too much in any outward performance or task, making idols of outward things.” —Richard Sib-bes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 4/11-13/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is *just about* here! In order to get us ready for the church's Sabbath worship of God, here is Thomas Watson, from, "A Divine Cordial," (or, "All things For Good"). . . .

"We love a saint, though he has many personal failings. There is no perfec-tion here. In some, rash anger prevails; in some, inconstancy; in some, too much love of the world. A saint in this life is like gold in the ore, much dross of infirmity cleaves to him, yet we love him for the grace that is in him. A saint is like a fair face with a scar: we love the beautiful face of holiness, though there be a scar in it. The best emerald has its blemishes, the brightest stars their twinklings, and the best of the saints have their failings. You that cannot love another because of his infirmities, how would you have God love you?"

Thurs., 4/10/25 Devotion (Prov. 28:26a)

Today's encouragement comes from Proverbs 28:26a, where we read these few words:

"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool . . . "

Trust in self is a great snare. True Christians trust God, through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But we cannot Trust (capital “T”) God without also trusting (small “t”) His church's gospel ministers. Without the divine revelation of the good news being preached to us, we *cannot* know God, nor what is even best for us. Every person needs to be informed and instructed in what to believe; and be directed to The One in Whom (Christ) they *must* believe.

Today, when we are tempted to trust in ourselves—or in some other sinner (especially one who does not love Jesus)—let us consider the past (sad) re-sults of doing so. Instead of this, let us trust in Christ, and be His holy and be-loved church.

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

Wed., 4/9/25 Devotion (Ps. 16:6)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 16:6, where we read these words:

"The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inherit-ance."

Why are regenerate Christian churchmen *so* blessed, in *this* world, let alone in the one to come? For a lot of reasons—not the least of which is that his or her sins are forgiven, and this leads to a quieted conscience. The re-deemed soul is the only one that can, with integrity, get a good night's sleep.

Being given Jesus is quite enough—since He is infinitely greater than all cre-ated things put together. But, when we get Christ, we are also given His gos-pel, His church kingdom, His ordinances, and His means of grace. What more could we want? If we are in Christ today, let us offer a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God—even if we are facing very difficult times right now.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Insofar as we are now praising God and glorifying Him for His mercy and love in Christ, we are in heaven before our time.”

—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 4/8/25 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-asserts his faith in YHWH, the Triune God of loving redemption in Christ. This renewed faith dispelled his "sorrow," and his melancholy musings of heart.

Even the church’s regenerated saints are prone to the sagging, drooping gravity of sadness and heaviness of soul. The answer to this syndrome is faith. Trusting in Jesus raises us up, even against the wind and force of oppo-sition, into the heavenlies. Let us not give in to despair today. Instead, we should relish and enjoy our faith in Christ.

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