Fri.-Sabbath, 10/31-11/2/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here! In order to help us prepare for the church’s Sabbath worship, here are some very good words from John Cal-vin’s Commentary on Paul’s letter of Colossians. Calvin is explicating Col. 1:12a here. . . .

“ ‘Giving thanks.’  Again [Paul] returns to thanksgiving, that he may take this opportunity of enumerating the blessings which had been conferred upon them [the Colossian church] through Christ, and thus he enters upon a full delineation of Christ. For this was the only remedy for fortifying the Colos-sians against all the snares, by which the false apostles endeavored to entrap them—to understand accurately what Christ was. For how is it that we are carried about  with so many strange doctrines, (Heb. 13:9), but because the excellence of Christ is not perceived by us? For Christ alone makes all other things suddenly vanish. Hence there is nothing that Satan so much en-deavors to accomplish as to bring on mists with the view of obscuring Christ, because he knows that by this means the way is opened up for every kind of falsehood. This, therefore, is the only means of retaining, as well as restoring pure doctrine—to place Christ before the view such as He is with all His blessings, that His excellence may be truly perceived."

Thurs., 10/30/25 Devotion (2 Tim. 2:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Paul's words to the young pastor Timo-thy, as they are found in 2 Timothy 2:1:

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

There is no grace to be found anywhere but “in Christ Jesus”; and no one can be “strong” before God, but by being united to Christ Jesus—and hence, enjoy His gracious might. No matter what others may choose to do with their lives, God addresses His true children; and says, “YOU,” “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

. . . This strength has a holy “contagion,” as we see in the next verse. It also equips us to, “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus,” (v. 3). May all God’s regenerate saints be strong in Christ and His grace today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Those whose hearts follow hard after the Lord have the right hand of God upholding them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gos-pel Worship"]

Wed., 10/29/25 Devotion (2 Tim. 1:7)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul wrote these words:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Interestingly, the only people in the world who have a “warrant” to be completely fearless; and to exhibit and practice “power,” “love,” and a “sound mind,” are those souls who love God in Christ Jesus alone. Everyone else should be (and actually is) petrified, powerless, love-lacking; and of an “unsound” mind.

The “spirit” that regenerate Christians possess is the consequence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and filling us. If you are a faithful churchman today, then live out your glorious inheritance in your magnificent Lord Jesus Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If God thought it fit that Adam in innocence should not be alone, but should have a helper, much more now in a state of defection since the fall do we need others' help as well as our own.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]

Wed., 10/22/25 Devotion (2 Thess. 3:2-3)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:2 & 3, where we find these words:

“ . . . and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (ESV)

True Christians are the objects of the most virulent hatred imaginable. Not only does Satan loathe and despise us—but so do all of his human agents (who all abominate the name of our Lord Jesus Christ). Paul is assuring the faithful church that though “not all have faith” in Christ, nonetheless our God “is faithful.”

. . . Because of this (latter) truth, the saints need not fear. We are “establish-ed” and “guarded” by our Heavenly Father—even against the ravenous vio-lence of “the evil one” and his human horde of Christ-haters.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot but come.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Tues., 10/21/25 Devotion (Dan. 6:3a)

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

"Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, be-cause an excellent spirit was in him . . . "

Essentially, there are only two “spirits” in the world: the Spirit of God (or of Jesus Christ); and the spirit of Satan, (or the world of deceit and godless-ness). Daniel was imbued with a full measure of the Spirit of God. Even the pagans could not help but notice this in him, and acknowledge it, (see Dan. 4:18c, as one of several examples).

All people that love Jesus Christ in truth have dwelling in them the Holy Spirit (of God). All people who do not love Jesus Christ are under the influence of the spirit of Satan and the fallen world under his shaky sway. Let all the true saints of the church be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, as per Eph. 5:18b.

[Puritan quote of the day: "A true saint thinks he can never speak too well of God or too ill of himself.” —Richard Steele, in, "The Character of an Upright Man"]

Mon., 10/20/25 Devotion (2 Thess. 1:12)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:12, where we read these words:

“ . . . so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (ESV)

Paul is praying for the Thessalonian church members here. He emphasizes the fact that Jesus Christ is absolutely prominent in everything; and that any-thing devoid of Him is essentially worthless—especially with regard to a Christian’s holy endeavor(s).

It will be the person and presence of the blessed Holy Spirit Who will make this experiential and “felt.” Jesus Christ is at the center of everything; and the regenerated believers know this. Our challenge is not to be distracted from this glorious vision (of God’s Messiah).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A believing soul dares venture his name, his es-tate, his life, yea, his eternal life on God. He dares to put them all into His hands.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/17-19/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here. We get to go back to church. In order to help us prepare for Sabbath worship, here are some good words from John Calvin. He is commenting on Galatians 2:16. . . .

“(v. 16): ‘But by the faith of [in] Jesus Christ.' [Paul] does not merely state that ceremonies or works of any kind, are insufficient without the assistance of faith, but meets their denial by a statement admitting of no exception, as if he had said, ‘Not by works, but by the faith of [in] Christ alone.’ In any other point of view, the sentiment would have been trivial and foreign to the purpose; for the false apostles did not reject Christ nor faith, but demanded that cere-monies should be joined with them. If Paul had admitted this claim, they would have been perfectly at one, and he would have been under no neces-sity to agitate the church by this unpleasant debate. Let it therefore remain settled, that the proposition is so framed as to admit of no exception, ‘that we are justified in no other way than by faith,’ or, ‘that a we are not justified but by faith,’ or, which amounts to the same thing, ‘that we are justified by faith alone.’ "

Thurs., 10/16/25 Devotion (1 Thess. 2:8)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:8, where we read these words:

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (ESV)

The Christian ministry, done in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit, en-genders great and supernatural love in the church, the body of Christ. There is a heart-bond made between the minister and the parishioners that is beau-tiful and pure.

Paul knew that those who loved Jesus Christ were precious to God; and, be-cause of this, they were priceless to him (Paul) also. May all the church’s saints enjoy the sweet fellowship of one another in the blessed Lord Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is in the ship of His church; do not fear sink-ing. The church's anchor is cast in heaven. Do we not think that God loves His church, and takes as much care of it as we can?” —Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Wed., 10/15/25 Devotion (1 Ki. 18:21a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Kings 18:21a, where we read these words:

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. . . . ‘ “

There is no sphere of life where honesty is more necessary and fitting, than in religion; and yet there is more lying done regarding religion, than in any other sphere. It is more honorable to acknowledge one’s God (or god[s]), than to pretend that one believes in a God (god) that one does not really believe in.

Elijah put the competing deities to the ultimate test on Mt. Carmel. The Triune YHWH God won; and the fake Baal god lost. The same is true today: those who savingly believe in Jesus are spiritually alive; and those who do not be-lieve in Him are spiritually dead.

[Puritan quote of the day: "There are the greatest reasons in the world to be a Christian . . . “ —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Tues., 10/14/25 Devotion (Col. 4:3a, 4)

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

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open for us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ . . . that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (ESV)

Even the Apostle Paul needed and requested prayer, so that he would boldly and courageously speak and preach the gospel of the mystery of Christ. An “open door” is necessary; but a profoundly clear and faithful delivery of the message is *absolutely* necessary.

Whereas allowance may (and should) be made for errors and/or omissions in ordinary speech—there is *no* room for it in the proclamation and defense of the gospel of Christ’s free and precious grace in His blood and resurrection.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace continues and increases.” —Richard Sib-bes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 10/13/25 Devotion (1 Ki. 16:22b)

Today's encouragement comes from the few words which make-up 1 Kings 16:22b, which say this:

" . . . So Tibni died and Omri reigned.”

I usually get a kick out of these words found in God’s inspired and inerrant written word. Two men vie for the kingship of Israel. One wins/the other dies. There is no real “in between” or compromise. Omri turned out to be a wretch-ed soul, but nonetheless he became “king.”

In the most profound sense, when sinners are regenerated in Jesus by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit and made new creatures, their old selves “die”; and Christ, who is the life of our new self, is crowned King. Let all of us be found in the Redeemer by saving faith, today.

[Edwards quote of the day: "The more a true saint loves God with a gracious love, the more he desires to love Him, and the more uneasy is he at his lack of love to Him.” —Jonathan Edwards, in, "Religious Affections"]

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

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again! In order to help us prepare for the church’s Sabbath worship services, here are some good words from Jona-than Edwards’ book, entitled, “A History of The Work of Redemption.” . . .

“The decline of the glory of this legal [time period] made way for the introduc-tion of the more glorious [time period] of the gospel. The evangelical [gospel] [time period] was so much more glorious that the legal [time period] had no glory in comparison with it. The glory of the ancient [time period], such as it was in Solomon’s time, consisting, so much in external glory, was but a child-ish glory compared with the spiritual glory of the [time period]  introduced by Christ. The church, under the Old Testament, was a child under tutors and governors, and God dealt with it as a child. Those pompous externals are called by the apostle, ‘weak and beggarly elements.’

“It was fit that those things should be diminished as Christ approached, just as John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, speaking of Christ, says, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease,’ (Jn. 3:30). It is fit that the twinkling stars should gradually withdraw their glory when the sun is approaching towards its rising. The glory of the Jewish [time period] must be gradually diminished to prepare the way for the more joyful reception of the spiritual glory of the gos-pel. . . . "  [Note; I use “time period” instead of “dispensation,” to avoid un-necessary confusion.]

Thurs., 10/9/25 Devotion (Php. 3:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Philippians 3:17, where we read these words:

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk ac-cording to the example you have in us.” (ESV)

Imitation is an important part of Christian living. A true disciple can do nothing—especially of a religious nature—that cannot be imitated by every other be-liever. Paul imitated Jesus; and he (Paul) commanded the church to imitate him. True ministers of the church imitate Paul; and the parishioners imitate (the minister).

Poor examples abound in religion, (see vv. 18-19); but good examples, though comparatively rare, lead to the glorious life in the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ, (see vv. 20-21).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a vain thing to think that true religion can be maintained, and have the liberty of it, without some difference of opinion among us.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Hope"]

Wed., 10/8/25 Devotion (Ps. 92:13-14)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 92:13 & 14, where we read these great words:

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flour-ishing . . . "

It is nice, to know that there is no age discrimination in the kingdom (church) of God. But, it is more important to know that anyone—young or old—who is rooted in Jesus and therefore inhabits God’s “house,” “flourish.” Those who do not love Jesus are spiritually dead; those that by grace love Him are vi-brantly alive.

Let the saints know who and what they are: they are the living members of Christ’s body; and they are the objects of all of God’s vivifying love.

[Puritan quote of the day: "No matter what storms I meet with, I know where to put in for harbor. He who has God to be his God is so well contented with his condition that he does not much care whether he has anything else.”

—Thomas Watson, in, "The Art of Divine Contentment"]

Tues., 10/7/25 Devotion (Ps. 91:9-10)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 91:9 & 10, where we read these words:

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . . “

How is it possible, that these two verses (above) can be true, given the fact that sincere lovers of God in Christ are always in the cross-hairs of Satan and evil human beings? Answer: both are true. We *are* in danger every moment; *and*, we are protected by our all-powerful God.

Since this is so, how do we explain the evils that sometimes do befall God’s true children? The secret and sovereign love of God is the explanation. Both security and tribulation are designed to conform the regenerate church into the image of Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "All the wicked, still, are under the covenant of works . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]

Mon., 10/6/25 Devotion (Ps. 90:17)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 90:17, where Moses wrote these words:

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.”

As the “beauty” of the Lord is “upon” us, God *will* “establish the work of our hands,” i.e. bless all His ministry done in us for the glory of Jesus Christ and the gospel of free grace. God only blesses what is beautiful/nothing else. All true beauty is from God; and all of it is centered on and in Christ.

No true saint wants to waste his or her life. This is why we join Moses, in im-ploring our Heavenly Father to, “establish the work of our hands.” This “work” is the result of the work of Jesus, who imputes His perfect life and His atoning death to our hearts and their accounts.

[Edwards quote of the day: "God has a greater delight in the sincere worship and love of one poor, obscure Christian than in all that is done throughout the globe by irreligious kings and princes.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 10/3-5/25 Devotion

Thank God—Sunday is almost here again! In order to help us get ready for church, here are some good words from John Owen’s sermon, entitled, “The Beauty and Strength of Zion.” . . .

“In that the enemies of Christ’s church are certainly mistaken presently in their attacks on the church, because, as they imagine, it has no defenses (though they will find out at last that there is a defense, which they had not seen or known of), why should we be afraid? There is nothing more encour-aging than when one knows that one’s enemies are mistaken about one’s situation. This is enough to make the greatest coward in the world courag-eous. Let us be sure to be found within this defended garrison, and sure that we are involved in Zion’s concerns; then we shall see all the mountains round about us full of chariots and horses of fire. We shall see Christ reigning, the promise of Christ engaged, and the watchful eye of God upon the church continually. Our fears come from failing to consider these things at all times, and forming carnal views on the basis of things that are seen."

Thurs., 10/2/25 Devotion (Eph. 2:8-9)

Today's encouragement comes from Ephesians 2:8 & 9, where we find these remarkable words:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Faith in Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us. We receive this gift in our regenera-tions—when we are born again to our living hope. Justification has nothing to do with works. “Justification-works” are an abomination to God. They are the devil’s works (and religion).

We are saved through the sheer grace of God. We cannot “boast” before God for anything—since we had nothing at all to do with our righteous standing before God. Jesus did it all; He gets all the glory; we get none of it.

[Puritan quote of the day: "To be rich in goods and rich in goodness is a hap-py condition." —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit"]

Wed., 10/1/25 Devotion (Ezek. 34:23)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 34:23, where we read these words:

“And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” (ESV)

This remarkable Messianic prophecy was perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, the church’s ultimate David. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd both feeds His flock; and He protects and defends His own.

Christ “feeds” us His own self: His body and His blood; and He defeats all our enemies, be they sin, Satan, the flesh, the world, hell, condemnation, and every other foe. Our Great Shepherd laid down His precious life for us. There is nothing He will not do for His redeemed church.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a Christian's duty to triumph, not only over the world, but over Satan . . . “ —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]