Tues., 12/30/25 Devotion (Jn. 10:17b)

Today's encouragement comes from John 20:17b, where we find these words of our sweet Jesus:

“ . . . ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ " (ESV)

After our Lord Jesus’ resurrection, He especially affirms that *His* Father is *our* (the true church’s) Father; and that *His* God is *our* God. This is a re-markable statement, because our Messiah is placing us on the exact same plane with Himself (with regard to His human nature)—as He is, in relation to our God and Father.

If you are a child of God through regenerative faith in Jesus Christ, then you are related to the King (Jesus); and you share in all the benefits of His king-dom!

[Puritan quote of the day: "A man who is spiritually alive is ever in motion, ever stirring and working upon himself when he is alone, and upon others when he is in company, drawing them still to a good opinion of God's ordin-ances and of His grace.” —Robert Harris, in, "The Way To True Happiness"]

Mon., 12/29/25 Devotion (Jn. 18:6)

Today's encouragement comes from John 18:6, which says this:

“When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” (ESV)

When Christ called Himself “YHWH,” (“I am He”), those who came to “arrest” Him ended-up bowing and scraping before Him. When they got up off the ground, they continued their wicked pursuit of Him. The point is, that even Jesus’ enemies are forced to worship Him—even as they seek to kill Him.

Let all the true saints recognize that we, too, bow to Jesus even before we are converted to Him. All who behold God the Son must and will worship Him. Let us do so today with relish and joy.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The Word written is a repository in which God has laid up sovereign oils and balsams to heal sick souls; and the Word preached is the pouring out of these oils, and applying them to the sick patient.”

—Thomas Watson, in his sermon entitled, "The Soul's Malady and Cure"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/26-28/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is coming! As we prepare for the Lord's Day, here is some encouragement from Thomas Watson's "A Body of Divinity” book. . . .

"We glorify God, by praising him. Doxology, or praise, is a God-exalting work. Ps. 1:23: ‘Whoever offers praise glorifies Me.’ The Hebrew word 'Bara,' to create, and 'Barak,' to praise, are little different, because the end of creation is to praise God. David was called the sweet singer of Israel, and his praising God was called glorifying God. Ps. 86:12: ‘I will praise You, O Lord my God, and I will glorify Your name.’

"Though nothing can add to God’s essential glory, yet praise exalts Him in the eyes of others. When we praise God, we spread His fame and renown, we display the trophies of His excellency. In this manner the angels glorify Him; they are the choristers of heaven, and do trumpet forth His praise. Praising God is one of the highest and purest acts of religion. In prayer we act like men; in praise we act like angels. Believers are called ‘temples of God,’ (1 Cor. 3:16). When our tongues praise, then the organs in God’s spiritual tem-ple are sounding."

Tues., 12/23/25 Devotion (2 Chron. 28:22a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 28:22a, where we read these words:

"Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to the LORD.”

When regenerate churchmen become “distressed” they get afflicted—and this results in renewed repentance and faith. When God-despisers undergo “dis-tress,” they blame it on God, rather than themselves (the rightful culprits).

As true Christians, let us be good stewards of our “distress”; and, through it, become even *more* faithful to the Lord—all via His sovereign and loving grace to us in Jesus.

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a harder thing to believe than to keep the Ten Commandments.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For The Downcast”]

Mon., 12/22/25 Devotion (Jn. 12:10-11)

Today's encouragement comes from John 12:10 & 11, where we read these words:

“So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (ESV)

So here is a brilliant plan: let’s kill our perfect and sinless Messiah; and, while we are at it, let’s also murder the innocent man He (Jesus) raised from the dead. . . . If we are ever tempted to diminish the insane wickedness of Christ-less religion—texts like this one bring us back to our sober assessments.

Are *you* raised from the dead, in your regenerated new life in Christ? If so, there are plenty of works-mongers anxious to snuff you out, as well. Still, be not afraid—your Messiah is stronger than Satan and his horde.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When we preach Christ and free grace it is to bring you to Christ. Our preaching [against] works is not to keep you from doing them but from resting in them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remis-sion"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/19-21/25 Devotion

Thank God—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go to church, to worship God. In order to help us get ready, here is Thomas Watson, from his, "A Body of Di-vinity” book. . . .

"Why was Jesus Christ made flesh?

"The 'causa prima,' and impulsive cause, was free grace. It was love in God the Father to send Christ, and love in Christ that He came to be incarnate. Love was the intrinsic motive. Christ is God-Man, because He is a lover of man. Christ came out of pity and indulgence to us: 'non merita nostra, sed misera nostra,' Augustine. 'Not our deserts, but our misery,' made Christ take flesh. Christ's taking flesh was a plot of free grace, and a pure design of love. God Himself, though Almighty, was overcome with love. Christ Incarnate is nothing but love covered with flesh. As Christ's assuming our human nature was a masterpiece of wisdom, so it was a monument of free grace."

Thurs., 12/18/25 Devotion (Jn. 8:42a)

Today's encouragement comes from John 8:42a, where we read these words:

"Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love Me . . . ‘ "

There is not a true God-devotee in the entire universe who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ. All other "god-talkers" serve a different ultimate spiritual father, (namely, Satan). Devotion and dedication to a “God-concept”—no mat-ter how ardently and fervently it is held—is worthless idolatry, if it does not center on love for Christ.

Every soul has a "father"; and, in the final analysis—even according to Christ Himself—it is either the Father in heaven, or the one consigned to hell (Sa-tan). Who is your Father? Look at the highest object of your love, and you will know.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Where Christ is, all happiness must follow.”

—Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]

Tues., 12/16/25 Devotion (Jn. 6:67)

Today's encouragement comes from the question of our blessed Messiah, as it is found in John 6:67:

"So Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?’ " (ESV)

Our Lord Jesus Christ was used to being rejected. He did not assume that (even His) twelve chosen apostles would stay with Him—especially after His strong gospel (Calvinistic) teaching had scared so many lesser souls away.

I think Jesus’ question was completely sincere. As a man, He may not have known with certitude what the twelve would do. Thankfully, Peter did very well (in vv. 68 & 69), and affirmed faith in the only Hope for any of us sinners. Let us be found to be faithful to the Christ. He will always be faithful to His own.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When the Word comes to any place, the kingdom of heaven is said to come. . . . and Christ rules in it by the preaching of the gospel.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]

Mon., 12/15/25 Devotion (Jn. 5:6)

Today's encouragement comes from John 5:6, where we read these words:

"When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, 'Do you want to be made well?’ "

At first glance, the Messiah’s question seems out of place, bizarre, and weird. But the Son of God understood that not all sinners desire to be “made well,” (even in their bodies). The Fall of man has so beaten our brains out, that we do not naturally want what is best for us.

. . . But those in whom the Spirit of God is doing a sovereign and saving work do long for healing and blessing; and they come to realize that it is found in Jesus Christ, and in no other source. Let us be completely “well” to-day, through regenerative faith in the Redeemer of God’s elect church.

[Edwards quote of the day: "Sometimes persons live in ways of sin and are not sensible of it because they are blinded by common custom and the exam-ples of others.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "The Necessity of Self-Examination"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/12-14/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here again! We get to go back to church. In order to help us prepare for Sabbath Worship, here are some great words from Jonathan Edwards, from his, “The History of the Work of Redemption” book. . . .

“As you have heard, this work of purchasing salvation was wholly finished during the time of Christ’s humiliation. When Christ rose from the dead, and was exalted from that abasement to which He submitted for our salvation, the purchase of eternal life was completely made, so that there was no need of anything more to be done in order to it. But now the servants were sent forth with the message which we have account of in Matt. 22:4, ‘Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.’

“Therefore, all things being ready, are your sins many and great? Here is enough done by Christ to procure their pardon. There is no need of any right-eousness of yours to obtain your pardon and justification. No, you may come freely, without money and without price. Since therefore there is such a free and gracious invitation given you, come. Come naked as you are; come as a poor condemned criminal; come and cast yourself down at Christ’s feet, as one justly condemned, and utterly helpless in yourself. Here is a complete salvation wrought out by Christ, and through Him offered to you. Come, there-fore, accept of it, and be saved."

Thurs., 12/11/25 Devotion (Jn. 1:1)

Today's encouragement comes from John 1:1, where we read these amazing words:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (ESV)

Observe how the Holy Spirit placed the “Word,” (Christ), at the very front end of this famous verse. The reason for this, is the primacy of the “Word’s” role in the creation of the world, and in the re-creation of the new-born souls that make up the church.

The Word was “with God”—but then the Word “became flesh,” (v. 14a). The Father did not reserve the precious Word in heaven for Himself alone, instead He incarnated His Son as one of us here on earth. What a glorious Savior and gospel!!

[Puritan quote of the day: "The happiness of man consists in communion with God and conformity to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Wed., 12/10/25 Devotion (Rev. 1:10a)

Today's encouragement comes from Revelation 1:10a, where we read these words:

“I [John] was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day . . . " (ESV)

It is always fitting for Christ’s church’s saints to be “in the Spirit”—particularly, on “the Lord’s day.” This is the new Sabbath Day; and it is a day of great re-joicing—as we celebrate the resurrection of the King of the new world.

The “old” is gone; it can no longer hold the new wine of the spiritual Kingdom of God. As we look forward to Sunday, and our worship of God, let us be filled with great joy and anticipation, all because of our love for Christ.

[Edwards quote of the day: “And so the day of the week on which Christ rose from the dead, that joyful day, is appointed to be the day of the church’s holy rejoicing to the end of the world, and the day of their stated public wor-ship.” —Jonathan Edwards, in “A History of The Work of Redemption"]

Tues., 12/9/25 Devotion (Jude 3b)

Today's encouragement comes from Jude (1):3b, where we read these words:

“ . . . I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.” (ESV)

This is a somewhat unique section of the NT. Everyone in the church—not only her officers—are called upon to earnestly strive and struggle for the de-fense of “the faith.” Jude had wanted to pursue lighter topics, but this became his Holy Spirit-inspired purpose for writing his short Epistle.

“Contending for the faith” means getting into the fight, engaging the enemy, and putting forth all one’s efforts. Jesus, His gospel, His glory, His faith, His word, and His church are all worth it(!!)

[Edwards quote of the day: "The work and business of ministers of the gospel is, as it were, that of servants: to wash and cleanse the souls of men; for this is done by the preaching of the Word, which is their main business.” —Jona-than Edwards, in his sermon entitled, "Christ The Example of Ministers"]

Mon., 12/8/25 Devotion (3 Jn. 1-2a)

Today's encouragement comes from 3 John (1):1 & 2a, where we read these words:

“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved . . . ” (ESV)

Do we see why John, the “Apostle of love,” is called, “The Apostle of love”? Three times in the first 12 words (in English) of this Epistle, “love” or its cog-nate is employed. Love is of supreme importance in Christ’s true church, and it should never be restrained.

True love is always holy and pure (in Jesus alone). Once “love” becomes im-pure or unholy, it is no longer love. It has devolved down to lust or some other base emotion. Let us always love each other freely in the church, in Jesus; and as we do so it will be both real and God-pleasing.

[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]

Fri.-Sabbath, 12/5-7/25 Devotion

Praise God—Sunday is almost here. To help us prepare for church, here is Thomas Watson, from his "All Things for Good," or, "A Divine Cordial" book:

"The word preached works for good. It is a savor of life, it is a soul-transform-ing word. It assimilates the heart into Christ’s likeness; it produces assurance. 'Our gospel came to you not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,' (1 Thess. 1:5). It is the chariot of salvation.

"Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affections; it blows up holy desires and ardors of soul. Prayer has power with God. It is a key that unlocks the treasury of God’s mercy. Prayer keeps the heart open to God, and shut to sin. . . . Prayer is the Christian’s gun, which he discharges against his enemies. Prayer is the sovereign medicine of the soul. Prayer sanctifies every mercy (1 Tim. 4:5). It is the dispeller of sorrow: by venting the grief it eases the heart. When Hannah had prayed, 'She went away, and was no more sad,' (1 Sam. 1:18). And if it has these rare effects, then it works for good."

Thurs., 12/4/25 Devotion (Lk. 18:14a)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 18:14a, where we read these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ:

“I tell you, this man [the tax collector] went down to his house justified, rather than the other [the pharisee]. . . . "

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is one of the all-time greatest stories ever told. How wonderful is it, that a wretched sinner, who only acknowledges himself to be such, is “justified”—while the self-righteous, law-mongering, works-oriented Pharisee goes home condemned?!

. . . Only a God of infinite grace could accomplish such a thing. Let all of us sinners rejoice that we have a Savior; and let all smug religionists grovel in their polluted delusions (until or unless they come to the Truth [Jesus]).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is not how much we do, but how much we love.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]

Wed., 12/3/25 Devotion (1 Jn. 2:2)

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

“[Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (ESV)

Not only does Jesus Christ’s blood atonement satisfy for the regenerate people (currently) in His church—He (Christ) is the only hope for the entire rest of the world (also). *All* the sins of the elect are (or will be) expunged in Christ’s perfect sacrifice before the Father; and the gospel is available for all sinners everywhere.

No one is saved (redeemed) outside of Jesus, but everyone is a candidate for this blessed condition, which is received by faith in the Christ of the gospel of grace.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Keep conscience clear and clean from secret sins. . . . Will you be so bold as to come before the God of heaven when He knows you maintain some secret sin in your hearts?” —Samuel Lee, in, "Secret Prayer Successfully Managed"]

Tues., 12/2/25 Devotion (Lk. 16:13b)

 Today's encouragement comes from Luke 16:13b, where we read these words, spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ:

“ . . . You cannot serve God and money.” (ESV)

It is intriguing to consider what our Lord Jesus does not say. He does not aver, “You cannot serve God and sin,” or, “ . . . God and self,”

or, “ . . . God and Satan,” or, “ . . . God and the world.” Money is the absolute antitype and gauge of the heart, vis.-a-vis. God.

There is nothing inherently wrong with money; there is everything inherently wrong with our hearts. Only regeneration in Christ frees us from the intractable idolatry of worshipping money. May all the church’s liberated saints bless their Father for this joyous emancipation!

[Puritan quote of the day: "Now Christ and the church are all one. They make but one mystical body. The church is the queen, and Christ is the King.”

—Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]

Mon., 12/1/25 Devotion (Lk. 15:21)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 15:21, where we read these won-derful words:

“And the [prodigal] son said to [his father], ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ "

This speech by the Prodigal Son is probably the greatest one ever recorded in the Holy Scriptures, with respect to it coming from a fallen sinner. Whose heart would not be melted by such words? The running father, who already loved his returning son, would have been completely overwhelmed by such sincere contrition and humility.

. . . And so it is with God our Heavenly Father. He is simply incapable of doing anything but embracing, kissing, and loving every repentant sinner who comes to Him in and through faith in the merits and atonement of Jesus Christ, His own natural Son.

[Puritan quote of the day: "For the greatest and most glorious work that you can perform is not nearly worth so much as one drop of the blood of Christ.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]